Advice Link News Issue 12 December 08

CONFERENCE REPORT

This year’s Blackpool Advisers’ Conference took place on Tuesday 18th Novem-ber at the Solaris,South Promenade.There was a mix of speakers and work-shops and thechance to networkand chat to otherservice providers inthe area.

Inside this Issue:

Conference report Page 1Carers Rights Day event Pages 2—3Big Lottery Fund news

Page 4Do you know about? Pages 8—12 Useful numbers & dates for diariesPage 13—14What’s new and what’s on Pages 6-7

Ad v i c e L i n k N e w s Ad v i c e L i n k N e w s Ad v i c e L i n k N e w s Ad v i c e L i n k N e w s

M a k i n g a D i f f e r e n c e T o g e t h e r

I s s u e 1 2 I s s u e 1 2 I s s u e 1 2 I s s u e 1 2 - -- - D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 8

w w w.advicelink.org.uk

The event was a great success and was well at-tended by over 60 delegates. During themorning there were speakers from Job CentrePlus, Trading Standards, Housing Enforcement,Gateshead Community Legal Advice Centreand Advice Link giving information regardingfuture changes and developments. After refreshments, lunchtime was spentnetworking and viewing displays.Workshops held in the afternoon included Dis-ability Living Allowance, the Financial Service Authority, Employment Support Allowance,“Save Xmas” debt development and CLACs andCLANs for those who hold LSC contracts or aredirectly involved in the delivery of Legal Advice. There were relaxed exchanges of viewsand information in the speaker slots and the workshops. The feedback from delegates was very positive and this was one of the mostsuccessful conferences in the 6 years since theybegan.A big thank you to the speakers for theircontribution.Comments included: “very useful andenjoyable day” “all parts very informative”“excellent contents and organisation” “veryuseful for gaining knowledge and networking”“overall positive experience” “worthwhileevent”.

conference

C o n f e r e n c e R e p o r t

Advice Link NewsPage 2

Carers Rights Day Event 2008Carers Rights Day Event 2008Carers Rights Day Event 2008Carers Rights Day Event 2008

A carer is someone who supports a spouse, partner, relative or friend who cannot manageon his or her own. You do not have to live with the person, nor do you have to be the only person who does the caring.

T

he 9

th

Annual Carers Rights Day was held at Springfield Methodist Church on Friday 5

th

December2008.

Present were advisers’ from many local services for carers. These included Blackpool CarersCentre, Age Concern, The Lever Centre, Health Trainers, Blackpool Older Adult Community MentalHealth Team, CAB, Care and Repair, Parkwood Helpline, Help the Aged, Adult Basic Skills fromBlackpool and the Fylde College and Project Counter Attack,There were also advisers from the Council’s Benefits Team, Disability Information and Support, ThePension Service, JobCentre Plus, Service Development, HOAS, Direct Payments, Voluntary Service andthe Benefits Bus made an appearance!The event was attended and supported by MPs Joan Humble and Gordon Marsden who discussedcurrent issues with the advisers and spoke to residents and carers.The main objective of the day was to make a difference to local carers’in the Blackpool area e.g. To increase the take up of benefits Make sure carers know their rights Guide carers towards practical support Raise awareness of the needs of carersTea, coffee and mince pies were served in a very relaxed atmosphere.The day was well attended with information and advice given to approximately 40 residents.Comments included — “keep up with the events” “very helpful and useful” “good idea tohave all the organisations together” “have these events more often to inform people of their entitlements especially for older people” “more help with filling in forms would be beneficial”“have these events in other districts” “very friendly”.

Page 3Issue 12 December 2008

Carers Rights Day 2008 Carers Rights Day 2008 Carers Rights Day 2008 Carers Rights Day 2008

Services Blackpool Carers Centre provides for carers:Carers Support Groups -

these groups are led by carersand facilitated by a member of the Blackpool CarersCentre Team. We meet on a monthly basis at varioustimes (e.g. day and evening groups). Carers sharecommon experiences, make new friends and receiveuseful advice and information.

Leisure and Learning Courses -

free or subsidisedcourses are arranged throughout the year in suchthings as Basic I.T, First Aid, Yoga and crafts. We alsoorganise talks and workshops for information, personaldevelopment and a break for carers.

Breaks & Holidays -

can be organised for groups andindividuals to provide respite to those in need of abreak from their caring role.

One to one Emotional Support -

provided to carers whoare finding the role of being a carer emotionallychallenging and need the opportunity to talk abouttheir situation on a one to one basis.

Advice and information -

We can offer confidentialadvice and information to carers and signpost torelevant services that can provide further help.

Carers Mailing list -

a free quarterly newsletter containing information about events held by the centreand information on what’s happening in thecommunity to help carers.

Carers Forum -

an opportunity to help shape the futureof carers services in Blackpool.

For more information about services and how to access them please contact:

Blackpool Carers Centre, Norman House, Robson Way, Blackpool, FY3 7PPTel: 01253 393 748 Email: angela.ross@blackpoolcarerscentre.co.uk Web: www.carers.org/blackpoolBlackpool Carers Centre is a Registered CharityNumber: 1114558Part of the Princess Royal Trust Network for Carers

MPs Joan Humble and GordonMarsden with Angela Ross, SueEdwards and Pam Cochrrane