West Sussex Noticeboard

Read current local news items below ...

Diabetes DVD for people with learning difficulties (added 14.7.08)
Free DVD from Speakup about Type 2 Diabetes for people with learning difficulties. The DVD is friendly, accessible and gives people information about diabetes and how to live healthier lives. It is also available to watch online. For more details, or to order a copy, visit www.speakup.org.uk

Helpcard for people with dementia (added 8.7.08)
The Alzheimer’s Society has created a pocket-sized helpcard for people with dementia to use and carry with them, to maintain their independence. The card explains their diagnosis when they are out on their own and includes contact details of a carer, friend or relative. The card is available from the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, or by phoning the national branch on 020 7306 0785; www.alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society support network (added 8.7.08)
The Alzheimer's Society has launched a support network for people who believe that they have wrongly been denied access to Continuing Care funding, to help them challenge those decisions. The network can be contacted by email campaigns@alzheimers.org.uk or by phoning their Helpline on 0845 300 0336.

Alzheimer’s Society Comment on the National Dementia Strategy (added 23.6.08)
The Department of Health has launched a consultation on a Draft National Dementia Strategy for England. The strategy lists a set of 15 recommendations organised under the key themes of: Improving public and professional awareness; early diagnosis and intervention; and improving quality of care. To read the Alzheimer’s Society’s comment on the strategy visit www.medicalnewstoday.com. To see a full copy of the dementia strategy consultation proposals and consultation events go to www.dh.gov.uk/dementia

The Big Q - Age Concern campaign (added 23.6.08)
New campaign calling for older people to be provided with high quality care that meets their individual needs. Age Concern believes that the current care system is not working, and the Big Question they are asking is: "Are you concerned about the quality of care - have you or someone you know had a bad experience of care?" If so, Age Concern would like your thoughts and views on the system. Phone Age Concern' Campaigns Team on 020 8765 7656, email: care@ace.org.uk or visit www.ageconcern.org/care

Looking After Someone 2007/8: a guide to carers rights and benefits (added 17.6.08)
Every year £740 million of carers' benefits remains unclaimed. This free guide from Carers UK sets out what rights carers have and how they can get financial and practical help. A copy is available by phoning 0808 808 7777 or visit www.carersuk.org

Support for people with Parkinson's added 17.6.08
The Parkinson's Disease Society’s (PDS) Information and Support Worker (ISW), Jonathan Smith, can visit people in their own homes, in residential or nursing homes, or in hospital, and by answering general telephone enquiries. The ISW service provides up-to-date information on Parkinson's, emotional support to people with Parkinson's, their families and carers, information about welfare benefits and how to access them, information about and access to local statutory and voluntary services, advocacy with issues such as pursuing complaints and support during assessments and reviews, and access to other PDS services. Jonathan states that people do not have to have a specific enquiry to contact him; they may just want to talk about their future, how Parkinson's is affecting them, or carers might want to talk about the pressures they are under. To talk to Jonathan phone 01273 452278.

Caring for people with dementia - Age Concern, Haywards Heath added 17.6.08
Age Concern is hosting Saturday Clubs in Haywards Heath for carers of people with dementia where they can have some respite from caring whilst their cared for person is cared for in a safe and friendly environment all day. For more details phone 07840 652054

Two things your mobile phone can do in an emergency (clarified with various mobile phone providers) (added 16.6.08)
Emergency The emergency number worldwide for a mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you; this number can be dialled even if the keypad is locked.
How to disable a stolen mobile phone - to check your mobile's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15 digit code will appear on the screen which is unique to your handset and should be kept somewhere safe. If your phone gets stolen, phone your service provider and give them the code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes your SIM card, your phone will be totally useless.

Take part in Carers Week's campaign for Carers Champions in Primary Care Trusts

Bookable respite in Worthing (added 10.6.08) - Melrose Care Home in Worthing are trialling a new scheme where a room can be booked for respite care for a minimum of one week.

Launch of Carers Support Service Advisory and Review Group, Worthing district (formerly Carers Liaison Service Steering Group) (added 10.6.08)
New members are sought to help shape services locally for carers. Bi-monthly meetings with lunch included, although it may be possible to give your views on a particular piece of planned work by phone, email or in writing. This role is suitable for either carers or those who work for a voluntary or statutory service. To find out more telephone Jane Rosenberg on 01903 528600.

MS Carers - the man's guide to caring for someone with multiple sclerosis (added 9.6.08)

Emergency Respite Care Scheme (added 3.6.08)
This is a new West Sussex scheme that provides emergency care for a person if their carer becomes ill or is involved in an accident. Care can be provided for up to 48 hours (72 hours over a weekend or bank holiday) to enable the person to stay safely in their home until the emergency is over or until other care arrangements can be made. To apply for an Emergency Plan contact Crossroads on 01403 243924 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk

Overdose training by St John's Ambulance (added 3.6.08)

Networking for Carers (added 2.6.08)
New group set up in the Crawley area for carers to discuss issues affecting them and to try a range of activities. The group will meet on four consecutive Tuesdays from 17th June to 16th July and one follow-up on 2nd September at Maidenbower Day Centre, Harvest Road, Crawley, from 10.30am -12 noon. Maidenbower Occasional Respite Service can look after the person you care for whilst you attend the group. To find out more contact Cecilia Bissessur on 01293 885156 or Ann Turner on 01293 883835.

Course for carers of people with Early Stage Dementia, Horsham (added 20.5.08)

Shared Care website (added 16.5.08)
Shared Care is a resource for carers which gives information about accessible places to stay, places to eat, complementary therapies, practitioners, support groups and services. View at the site at www.shared-care.com

Home visiting benefits advice from Littlehampton Citizens Advice Bureau added 6.5.08

Choosing the Right Care Service booklet - free booklet from the Commission for Social Care Inspection. (added 22.4.08)

www.clearthoughts.info - Project on mental health for people with a learning disability website-based project from the Association for Real Change for people with learning difficulties, their families, carers and social care staff. (added 22.4.08)

Sussex Cancer Network (added 7.4.08)
A group of cancer patients and carers working with professionals in the NHS to improve cancer care for all. The network wants to hear from people who have recent experience of cancer care locally, particularly people who are housebound, live in rural communities, and people from different backgrounds or cultures, focusing on issues that are important to people affected by cancer so that they can help influence things from the patient and carer perspective. Contact Caroline Huff on 01273 545447 who will put you in touch with Network members who focus on specific cancers. Members are happy to visit support groups to talk about the work they do, and they welcome new members.

Scams - What can you do as a carer to stop the person you care for from being scammed? (added 1.4.08)
A scam is a scheme to con someone out of their cash, by bogus and fraudulent offers sent by post, telephone or email. The Office of Fair Trading has produced a guide for carers and care professionals which details how to look for warning signs, offers advice, getting help and what the common scams are. Copies are available from the Selsey Carers Support Group, Tel: 01243 603602.

Carers Information Pack (added 7.3.08)
A free, updated version, of this pack specifically for carers, to include Adur, East Arun, Worthing and Chanctonbury, will be available after 1st April. For a copy phone Lynn Harber on 01903 528600.

the Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card - Do you like going to the cinema? (added 7.3.08)

Carers Allowance - simpler claim form (added 5.2.08)

Carers Support Service Steering Group (added 4.2.08)

Carers Equal Opportunities Act (added 1.2.08)

EDF Energy offer of FREE home insulation (added 29.1.08)
EDF Energy are offering free cavity wall and loft insulation (including hot water cylinder insulation) to any home owner or private tenant over 70, regardless of income. You may also be eligible to receive a grant for up to the full amount if you are on income-related or disability benefits. You do not have sign up with EDF and you are not committed to them in any way. The scheme is funded entirely by EDF. All you have to do is phone the EDF Advice Line on 0800 096 7337.

List of workshops and social events now available from the Carers Support Service, Worthing and District - this service covers Southwick to Littlehampton along the coast and north to Steyning, Storrington, Pulborough and Henfield. Tel: 01903 536378

Parent Carers Planning Group (PCPG) (Added 18.1.08) - click this link to get involved

Keep an Eye Open for Bogus Callers (Added 21.1.08)
Comprehensive online guide from The Home Office. This booklet has important information to help people, particularly older or vulnerable people, avoid falling into the bogus caller’s or rogue trader’s (known as distraction burglary) trap. Although the guide is intended for care professionals and carers, it has simple and useful tips to reduce the risk of distraction burglary which will apply to anyone living independently or if you care for older people living independently. For a copy visit www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk

Care advice for the over 50s (Added 11.1.08)

Community Partnership Team to support older people in Adur and Worthing (Added 7.1.08)

Looking after someone: a guide to carers' rights and benefits (Added 7.1.08)



If you would like to add an item to our noticeboard, please email us at projects@icis-info4life.org.uk