Caring

Matters
April 2016

Charity No: 1069278

Company No: 3534933

Your local charity

supporting carers

The Great Carers

Bake Off!
Sponsored by Vennels Caf
See page 4

Contact us:
Head Office: 1 Hutton Close,
South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland,
County Durham, DL14 6XG.

Telephone: 0300 005 1213 Text: 07624 818 403

Email: admin@dccarers.org Web: www.dccarers.org
www.facebook.co.uk/durhamcountycarerssupport
@dccarers

Telephone

0191 338 5155

to see how you can join our
caring workforce and be part
of a team that makes a real
difference to real lives in
your area
Rates of pay up to 7.30 an hour.
Full training provided.

Strength | Freedom | Reliability

Buy with confidence, buy direct from the manufacturer
High quality Stairlifts manufactured in the north east now
supplying direct to the public throughout the region.
Come along to our factory showroom and find out
how a MediTek stairlift can improve your lifestyle.

35 Northfield Way, Aycliffe Business Park,

Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham, DL5 6UF
Tel: 01325 311442 | Fax: 01325 312342
Web: www.meditek.co.uk | Email: sales@meditek.net
2

Meet the Staff...

Junes Story

My name is Ann Young and I

started working as a Carers Support
Coordinator around about 6 years ago.
I started in the Chester-le-Street office
and then took up employment at the
Sedgefield office before the merger
of all the carers centres took place. I
now work from the Bishop Auckland
office and cover the Spennymoor,
Ferryhill, Croxdale and Bowburn areas.
My Role is a generic role which means
I support carers from different caring
roles. The types of caring roles I cover are parent carers, people
who care for the elderly and frail, carers of people with mental
health problems, learning disabilities, physical problems or chronic
illnesses.
I visit carers in their own homes or if for some reason this isnt
possible they may come to the office or we may meet up in a place
of their choice such as a caf. I also encourage carers to ring if they
are struggling and need to off load because I know that many carers
bottle their problems up because they dont want to share with other
family or friends. I enjoy being able to empower carers and help
them to make the right choices for them. I also think it is important
to help them to get a break and think about their own health.

My name is June and I care for my cousin,

George who will be 90 years old in October this
year. He has various health problems as well as
Dementia (short term memory loss). When I
began to care for George in 2013, my GP asked
me to register with Durham County Carers. It was
just a case of completing a form and handing it

A day in the life of Sam Stimpson Welfare Benefit Development Worker

I am the Welfare Benefit Development
Worker and my day usually starts
with a 28 mile journey into work as I
live out of County. Once in the office
I check my e-mails which can range
from enquiries from carers to updates
from some of our network partners.
Today included information about
fuel poverty and how badly it affects
people, following last nights Panorama
programme Too poor to stay warm.
There are a large number of e-mails
about Benefit Reform and the latest updates following Wednesdays
budget. I share some of this information on my DCCS Facebook
page, find it by searching for DCCS Sam Stimpson.
I have a few voicemail messages to attend to, some articles to
prepare for this newsletter and 2 days out of the office to get ready
for. A colleague and I are hosting an information stand for a large
employer in the area to give access to advice and support for their
staff who may also have a caring role. Recognising working carers is
very important and happily more in the spotlight than ever before.
The next day I will be attending the next level of Universal Credit
training delivered by Welfare Rights and hosted by the advice and
support partnership, Advice in County Durham.
As the day goes on I share important information about the local
Foodbanks and the NHS Help with Travel Costs Scheme with staff as
well as answering a few queries from our Carer Support Coordinators
in both of our offices. I am always busy at work and I enjoy the
variety of what I do, though not the difficult situations that Carers
and their cared for face often face around their income.
The office closes at 5pm and its time to begin the journey home,
ready to do it all over again tomorrow!
3

in to the Receptionist at my local GP Surgery. He

said my health was just as important as Georges
and this would enable me to have annual health
checks and support from Durham County Carers.
I had my health check a few months after starting
to care for George, only to find out that I was
suffering from depression. I was able to manage
this without taking medication, although I did
need some time to talk to someone which helped
tremendously. At that time I didnt think I needed
help from the Durham County Carers but since
then I have been in touch with them and they too
have helped me.
My first occasion was last year when I asked
about using the short breaks which were on offer.
I had heard that rather than go away for a short
break, I could request some money to carry out
a hobby of mine which helped me to relax and
de-stress. I do enjoy cross-stitch but this is quite
expensive. I approached Durham County Carers
and received funding for this. I am overjoyed
to be able to spend time on my hobby and am
presently making a picture for my granddaughter.
The second occasion was when I needed to
discuss another relations finances with someone
as I was worried about a financial issue. Deborah
agreed to meet me at their home and after going
through the paper work, she kindly phoned the
Department of Works and Pensions for me. This
was very positive and I was very relieved to find
that he was entitled to the Pension Credit. This
had been worrying me for some time and would
have continued to do so if Deborah had not
agreed to help me. I am very grateful to her and
Durham County Carers.
These are just two ways in which they have
helped myself and George. I thought I didnt need
them but I was so wrong!

The theme for Carers Week 2016 is

Building Carer Friendly Communities
Carers Week is an annual campaign
to raise awareness of caring, highlight
the challenges that carers face and
recognise the contribution they
make to families and communities throughout the UK.
The campaign is brought to life by the individuals and
organisations who come together to organise activities

and events throughout the UK, drawing attention to

just how important caring is. This year Durham County
Carers support are raising awareness locally by holding
information events for professionals and the public as well
as working in partnership with other Carers organisations.
We have also been working throughout the year with some
large employers to ensure they are more aware of the
pressures on Carers who work for them and able to offer
them support when they need it.

Join the Great Carers Bake Off!

Do you enjoy baking cakes? Then enter our Carers Bake Off Competition. The first round will be held during May at the
venues below, which are mostly our local support groups. Bring your stunning creations to your nearest venue and they
will be judged on the day. Entry costs 1 with winners and runners up invited to attend a Grand Final on June 8th 2016 at
Finchale College, Durham. Vennels Caf in Durham City are delighted to be sponsoring the final and are donating prizes
including Vennels Aprons, gift vouchers and a speciality cake. Any questions please call Andrea Emerson on 0191 500 6010.
Vennels offer freshly
baked, deep filled
quiches, pies, delicious
sandwiches and cakes,
all homemade on the
premises!
Why not call into
Saddlers Yard,
Saddlers Street, Durham DH1 3NP. Visit our website:
www.vennels.com or facebook Vennels Caf or follow
on Twitter @VennelsDurham

Great Carers Bake Off Venues

Great Carers Bake Off Competition

I enclose my cheque payable to Durham County Carers

Support for 1 for entry into the competition.

(BLOCK CAPITALS)...........................................................

ADDRESS.................................................................................
..................................................................................................

POSTCODE..............................................................................
TELEPHONE NUMBER....................................................

Stanley Indoor Bowls Centre

Bullion Hall Resource Centre
St Claires Church, Newton Aycliffe
Consett Masonic Hall
Bishop Auckland Office
Durham office
Stanhope Community Centre
Horden Youth & Community Centre
SOS Caf Barnard Castle

Signed............................................................................
Dated..............................................................................
Venue.............................................................................

Teesside River Cruise

NAME

Tues 3 May 10.30-11.30

Tues 3 May 2.30-3.30
Frid 6 May
11.00-12.00
Tues 10 May 11.00-12.00
Tues 10 May 1.30-2.30
Thurs 12 May 11.00-12.00
Thurs 12 May 1.30-2.30
Frid 13 May 11.00-12.00
Tues 17 May 11.0012.00

(free tickets available to Carers only)

The trip includes a River Cruise with Traditional Roast Lunch.

Transport to Teesside is included.

Thursday 9th June, 2016

Boarding Boat at 11.30am and return at 3.30pm
Transport is available from the following locations:
(Please select your pick up point)

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL RELEVANT SECTIONS,

PULL OUT AND RETURN USING FREEPOST:
RTSU-LJRT-HZBE
DURHAM COUNTY CARERS SUPPORT, UNIT 1, HUTTON CLOSE,
SOUTH CHURCH ENTERPRISE PARK,
BISHOP AUCKLAND DL14 6XG.

Bus 1 (Pick up time to be confirmed)

Stanley

Consett

Chester-Le-Street

Durham

Bus 2 (Pick up time to be confirmed)

Stanhope

Crook

Bishop Auckland

Newton Aycliffe

Name..................................................................

Bus 3 (Pick up time to be confirmed)

Address...............................................................

Seaham

..........................................................................

Peterlee

Sedgefield

Postcode.............................................................

Bus 4 (Pick up time to be confirmed)

Middleton-in-Teesdale

Barnard Castle

Staindrop

Telephone Number...............................................
4

Fun Lucky 13
Casino Night
Durham County Carers Support are holding a
Lucky 13 Casino Night taking place on
Friday 13th May 2016 at 7pm
at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham
The cost of tickets is 35 - this includes a drinks
reception and also a 3 course meal. There will
be entertainment from a live band, a disco, a
magician, a fun casino and there will also be
a silent auction with some fabulous prizes to
be won. Discounts are available on tickets and
also room bookings at the Radisson Blu - which
includes the full use of their facilities.

NAME (BLOCK CAPITALS)

The whole purpose of this is of course to have a

bit of fun but importantly to raise funds so that
we can continue to support carers across County
Durham - all welcome - Carers, friends families
and colleagues We hope that you can come
along and join us!

.......................................................................
ADDRESS.........................................................
.......................................................................

Tickets can be purchased on our website

www.dccarers.org

.......................................................................
POSTCODE.......................................................
SIGNED............................................................
TEL: NUMBER...................................................
DATE................................................................
NUMBER OF TICKETS AT 35 EACH....................
NUMBER OF TABLES AT 320 EACH....................

I enclose my cheque payable to

Durham County Carers Support 35
for the Lucky 13 Casino Night
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL RELEVANT SECTIONS,
PULL OUT AND RETURN USING FREEPOST:
RTSU-LJRT-HZBE
DURHAM COUNTY CARERS SUPPORT, UNIT 1, HUTTON CLOSE,
SOUTH CHURCH ENTERPRISE PARK,
BISHOP AUCKLAND DL14 6XG.

Direct Payments
Cards
Do you have Direct Payments?
You may have heard from the Direct Payments team about
a new way of managing Direct Payments using a Direct
Payments Card, which is a fast and flexible way to manage
Direct Payments.
Direct Payments Cards can
be used in the same way
as any debit card, regular
payments can be set up
and payments can be
made in person, over the
phone or via the internet.
There are some restrictions on the use of the card including
drawing out cash but there is much less paperwork and
record keeping, and the audit process is simpler.
Like other councils, Durham have decided to make the Direct
Payments Card their preferred option for Direct Payments,
although they will be flexible in their approach, and provide
full support and advice during the transfer.
If you want to proceed with this option, the Direct Payments
team makes all of the arrangements and will open an
account on your behalf. You will receive a payment card
and access to your new account, and agreed funds will be
available in your designated account every four weeks.
If you are interested in managing your Direct Payments with
a card and would like a home visit to discuss transferring in
more detail, call the Direct Payments team on 03000 268
200 to arrange an appointment.

Durham County
Carers Support
and East Durham
Trust

Home visit to
check your
benefit payment
You may get a visit from a Department for Work and
Pensions (DWP) officer to check that your benefit
payment is correct. The reason for the visit is to
collect national statistics on the benefits system.
A Performance Measurement review officer may visit
you if youre claiming:

Employment and Support Allowance

Housing Benefit
Pension Credit
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Universal Credit

Your name is selected at random to be checked.

Youll get a letter in advance telling you about the
visit.
Check their identity
You can check the identity of the Performance
Measurement review officer by:

asking to see their photo identity card

calling the Business Support Team and giving the
review officers name

Business Support Team

Telephone: 0191 216 8050
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Are you a woman who is ready to build her confidence

and self-esteem and take control of her own future?
We are offering a FREE course which will start you on the
right track!

Money Saving Session for Carers Bring your

bills and we will help you to save money!
Free online digital support to help you to save money
on gas and electricity bills, shopping, Home and Car
Insurance.
If you have a laptop, tablet or other device that you
dont know how to use bring it along and we can help.
Tuesday July 5th 2016, 10.30am-1.30pm
Community House, Yoden Road,
Peterlee SR8 5DP
Limited to 20 places - please book early
Please contact Karen Wilson on 0191 5006011
If no answer please leave a voicemail or email
karen.wilson@dccarers.org
Booking closes Monday June 27th

Interested? Then call Alison on 0191 3891504.

Every Tuesday, 12.30 2.30pm
26th April to 21st June 2016
You can join anytime!
Held at:
North Road Methodist Church
North Road, Durham City DH1 4SG

All women welcome!

Stress Less & Relax

Do you feel stressed? Need to relax? Cant find the time?
These exclusive events from Feel Good Factory will help you to Stress
Less & Relax
Thursday 19th May @ East Durham Trust, Peterlee
Thursday 26th May @ Four Clocks, Bishop Auckland
The events will involve a lively talk from Gillian Fortune who will teach
some simple techniques to help you handle everyday stress. In smaller groups, shell also teach
you how to chill out in under a minute and take back a bit of control in your life. It will be a fun
event with more than a few laughs included!
Come along for 9.15am to get signed in and grab a cuppa ready for a 9.45am start
The event will run until 12.45 followed by lunch
Youll learn the science behind stress and how you can train your brain to chill.
Ever heard of 1 minute mindfulness? Well, youll be a pro at it after this event!
Did you know that how you stand affects how you feel? Well teach you how to stand like the happiest, most confident
person on the planet!
These short events are a condensed version of a popular and very successful course that Feel Good Factory has recently
delivered to groups of carers so were sure youll like it. Everyone who comes along to the event will be given a
relaxation pack full of useful bits and pieces to help you stress less and relax at home.
These simple techniques changed my life and made me see things in a different wayit was fun too
Chances to attend a down to earth and relaxed event like this dont come along very often. Especially events that are fun,
interesting and potentially life changing! What have you got to lose?
Limited places can be booked by contacting Karen Wilson on 0191 500 6011 for Peterlee events or Carole Gibson on
01325 524603 for Bishop Auckland event.

First Company Patron

Announced
We have been working for some time to encourage local
Companies to support our charity. We are very pleased to
announce that Working IT Solutions have decided to be our first
Patron. They recognise the work we do and want to join us in
making a difference to Carers lives across County Durham. Their
donation will support the Carers Transport Bursary which will make
a huge difference to Carers experiencing hardship due to transport
issues caused by their caring role.
Working IT Solutions was formed in 2004 by like-minded individuals
with the prerequisite of creating an IT services organisation that
can deliver a quality and cost effective service to our customers.
Their engineers have over 75 year of experience within the IT
industry and have completed all of the qualifications required to be
at the forefront of the IT sector.
Tony Hardy the Technical Director said We have been supplying
IT support to DCCS since the merger and have seen the charity
blossom so when the opportunity came up to make a difference we
jumped at the chance.
Jenni Wood, CEO said We are thrilled that Working IT have
decided to support our Charity and help Carers in County Durham

Working I.T. Solutions Ltd

Its what we provide

Regional
Family Carers
Network
Carers from across the region met in February
to talk about what is important to them as
Carers supporting someone with a Learning
Disability or Autism. The discussion focused on
the following:
The importance of good consistent support.
Continuity of staff and recruitment processes
which are values based.
The value of working in partnership with other
groups and professionals to push for change.
Learning from good practice.
Some of the issues concerning Carers are:
Specialisms within health and social care appear
to be going. Budget cuts are having an impact
on day services and friendships.
Things stop developing when there is so much
change going on.
The next meeting is held Wednesday 27th
April from 10:30am to 3:30pm at our
Durham office. Lunch is provided.
If you would like more information on how to
get involved please contact Sue Garrett 0191
5006030.

Why not join our Facebook group for Carers of Adults with Learning disabilities?
Follow this link and join https://www.facebook.com/groups/420979081411958/?fref=ts
7

Staff rise to the 20 NHS Travel costs

Challenge
Scheme
In January the staff at Durham County Carers Support were
given an apprentice style challenge to support the charity.
They were split into teams and asked to take a 20 stake and
try to raise as much as they could in one month.
Immediately you could feel a buzz going around the
organisation as staff tried to come up with ways that would
out-do the competition.
There began a series
of secret dinner time
meetings and whispers
in corners and behind
closed doors, each
team desperately trying
to keep their ideas to
themselves, and yet,
in equally good spirit
everyone was trying
to help each other
regardless of which
team they were on.
This is the first time
we have attempted
a challenge like this,
no other fundraising
activity has achieved
such competitiveness or
so much fun.
A range of simple ideas
were experimented
with, proving that it
doesnt have to take
up too much time or
effort and without
any expensive initial
outlay. Some staff were
baking, each time you entered the office a poster appeared
for scones, shortbread biscuits, cakes, bacon sandwiches and
even dog biscuits! One team of staff served delicious mugs of
hot chocolate, fully loaded with marshmallows, sprinkles and
cream, just what everyone needed in the cold windy winter.
Hampers were created bursting with food or pampering
products and one team used their stake to offer a cash prize,
whilst another offered car washes during their dinner hour.
Two teams sold nearly new items at a car boot sale and table
top sale.
The purpose of the challenge was to act as an introduction
to the Mission Possible-50 Challenge that the charity is
launching with businesses in County Durham. Organisations
have been invited to take part in a similar challenge that will
happen later in the year.
After 4 weeks we were delighted that a grand total of
965 was raised. The winning team was the Carer Support
Coordinators from the South of the County who raised a
fantastic 333. A huge thankyou to everyone who took part
and planning has already started to beat the total next year.
8

If you are referred to hospital or other NHS premises

for NHS specialist treatment or diagnostic tests by your
doctor, dentist or other health professional, you may be
able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under
the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). Assistance
is also available for children, other dependants, carers
and escorts. The HTCS also allows advance payments
to help you attend your healthcare appointments for
example, if you do not have the money to get to your
hospital appointment and you are on a low income or
benefits.
TIP *If you have questions about help with health costs,
join the Help with health costs team on Facebook, where the
NHS Business Services Authority will respond to your queries
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Who can claim help with travel costs?

To qualify for help with travel costs under the HTCS,
you must meet three conditions:
Condition one: At the time of your appointment, you
or your partner (including civil partners) must receive
one of the qualifying benefits or allowances listed
below, or meet the eligibility criteria of the NHS Low
Income Scheme.
Condition two: You must have a referral from a
healthcare professional for a specialist or to a hospital
for further NHS treatment or tests (often referred to as
secondary care).
Condition three: Your appointment must be on a
separate visit to when the referral was made. This
applies whether your treatment is provided at a
different location (hospital or clinic) or on the same
premises as where your GP or other health professional
issued the referral.
Qualifying Benefits

Income Support.
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance.
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
You are named on, or entitled to, an NHS tax
credit exemption certificate. If you do not have a
certificate, you can show your award notice. You
qualify if you get child tax credits, working tax credits
with a disability element (or both) and have income
for tax credit purposes of 15,276 or less.
You have a low income and are named on certificate
HC2 (full help) or HC3 (limited help). To apply for
this certificate, you should complete form HC1, which
is available from your local hospital or Jobcentre Plus
offices.
For more information call 0300 330 1343 to see
which best meets your needs or visit http://
www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/
Travelcosts.aspx for full details of the scheme.

Theatre Trips Theatre Trips

Wednesday 21st September

Sunderland Empire at 2.30pm

Thursday 13th October

Sunderland Empire at 7.30pm

Tickets are offered on a first come first served

basis and are free to registered Carers.
1 additional ticket can be purchased per Carer at
a cost of 25 without transport or 30 including
transport.
Booking slip for CATS

Tickets are offered on a first come first served

basis and are free to registered Carers.
1 additional ticket can be purchased per Carer at a
cost of 27.50 without transport or
32.50 including transport.
Booking slip for Footloose

Name..............................................................

Name..............................................................

Address...........................................................

Address...........................................................

......................................................................

......................................................................

Postcode.........................................................

Postcode.........................................................

Telephone number...........................................

Telephone number...........................................

If you require transport pick up locations are as

follows and must be confirmed on booking

If you require transport pick up locations are as

follows and must be confirmed on booking

Bus 1 - Peterlee

Bus 1 - Peterlee

Seaham

Bus 2 - Barnard Castle

Bus 2 - Barnard Castle

Newton Aycliffe

Bus 3 - Consett

Bishop Auckland

Stanley

Durham

I would like to purchase 1 additional ticket

and enclose payment for the correct amount.

Bishop Auckland

Newton Aycliffe

Bus 3 - Consett

Chester Le Street

Stanley

Durham

Chester Le Street
I would like to purchase 1 additional ticket
and enclose payment for the correct amount.

Your form must be

returned by 30th
June 2016 and you
will be notified
if you have been
successful.

Seaham

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL RELEVANT SECTIONS, PULL OUT AND RETURN USING FREEPOST: RTSU-LJRT-HZBE
DURHAM COUNTY CARERS SUPPORT, UNIT 1, HUTTON CLOSE, SOUTH CHURCH ENTERPRISE PARK, BISHOP AUCKLAND DL14 6XG.

Fundraising

I would like to
sponsor Sara & Liz Charity Sky Dive

Its not too late to sponsor Liz & Sara or Barbara &
Ann, every penny raised will go towards helping Carers
living in County Durham.
Liz & Sara are bravely carrying out a Sky Dive during
Carers Week on the 12th June 2016 and Barbara &
Ann are taking on the Kielder 25.3 mile challenge on
Saturday 3rd September 2016.
Please show your support and donate now by either
visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com or simply fill in
the slip below enclosing a cheque made payable to
Durham County Carers Support and return to:
1 Hutton Close, South Church Enterprise Park,
Bishop Auckland, DL14 6XG

I would like to
sponsor
Barbara & Ann Kielder Challenge

Your details
First Name:................................................................
Last Name:................................................................
Email:.......................................................................
Address:....................................................................
................................................................................
Postcode:........................

Set up a regular monthly donation with Durham County

Carers Support today and you can help transform lives
around County Durham.

My Bank Details

A regular donation means you can give small amounts

every month that make a huge difference to the work
we do.

Account Number:..............................................................

Monthly gifts by direct debit give us a predictable

income so we can commit to helping more people.

Signed:.........................................................

Please help us reach and support more

Carers living in County Durham.

Sort Code:........................................................................

Date:..............................................

Please return this form to:

Durham County Carers Support, 1 Hutton Close,
South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland DL14 6XG

Bankers Order
Please pay to: Unity Trust Bank,

Nine Brindleyplace,

Birmingham B1 2HB

Name of the account holder:..............................................

Durham County Carers Support

Account Number: 20132424
Sort Code: 60-83-01

Gift Aid
Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of
money made today and in the future.
I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of UK Income
Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each year that is at least
equal to the amount of tax that I donate for that tax year.

Your donation per month:

I understand that other taxes as VAT and Council Tax do not

qualify. I understand the Charity will reclaim 25p of tax on
every 1 that I have given directly from the Government.

Please tick this box to join the Gift Aid Scheme

I would like to set up a monthly donation of:

10

10

Making a Regular Donation

Fulfilling Lives 5 and

Learning Disability
Engagement Forum
New College Durham Tuesday 31st May 10am to 4pm
The fifth market stall event and Engagement Forum will take
place for people with Learning Disabilities and their Carers.
In the morning, there will be over forty information displays at
the event which will include specialist zones covering, health,
leisure, guidance and advice, activities in the community,
friendship and support.
Information stands will include the BBC, Specsavers, Welfare
Rights, Culture Durham, Beamish Museum and Direct Payments.
One stall will provide support for people with learning disabilities
to move onto higher education.
In the afternoon, the fourth County Durham Adults Learning
Disabilities Engagement Forum will take place, chaired by
Head of Adult Services Lesley Jeavons. The forum will provide
an opportunity for people with learning disabilities, friends,
carers and organisations to keep up to date with the latest
developments around services for people who have learning
disabilities. The forum is also an opportunity for people to
feedback their views. This forum will focus on transport and the
barriers that exist.
Some of the previous topics at the forum have looked at the
Care Bill, friendship and support and how to stay connected
within the right networks.
The event is free and open to anyone who may wish to attend.

Carers Group
for Carers
Supporting Adults
with Autism
In our last newsletter we told you about a new
group for Carers supporting adults with autism.
The group met with Marion Franklin, Policy and
Planning Officer Durham County Council and
shared their views and concerns. Carers expressed
their concerns to Marion which included the lack
of support available to help someone with autism
find employment. Marion informed the group that
the Autism Alliance are in the process of working
with the DWP to implement a pilot project to
develop a communication passport. NEAS have
already provided training to 28 DWP staff. The
next planned meeting, where carers can meet with
Marion is Thursday 16th June 1pm at Alington
House, Durham.
In the meantime, Carers expressed a wish to
meet again before June. Therefore the group are
meeting at our Durham Office on Thursday 21st
April between 1pm and 3pm. If you would like
further details please contact Sue Garrett 0191
5006030

PIP Standard Mobility and

Vehicle Tax Reduction (Car Tax.)
Full Vehicle Tax Exemption Eligibility

Please be aware that there is a 50% discount for Vehicle

Tax available when an award of PIP standard rate mobility
is made. No such discount applies to DLA low rate. For
more information see https://www.gov.uk/financial-helpdisabled/vehicles-and-transport.

You can apply for total exemption from paying vehicle tax if
you get the:
Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living
Allowance (DLA)
Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal
Independence Payment (PIP)
War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
The vehicle must be registered in the disabled persons
name or their nominated drivers name. It must only be
used for the disabled persons personal needs. It cant be
used by the nominated driver for their own personal use.
You can only have one vehicle tax exemption at any one
time.
Contact the DVLA by phone on 0300 790 6802 or
textphone on 0300 123 1279 to see which documents
you need to apply. You may also be able to get further
information from your local Post Office

How to claim
Send all of the following to DVLA Swansea:
Your statement of entitlement
(its at the end of your PIP award letter)
The vehicle registration certificate (V5C)
A V10 form
An original MOT or GVT certificate
(if your vehicle needs one)
A cheque or payable order
(made out to DVLA, Swansea) for 50% of
the full rate of car tax for the vehicle

DVLA, Swansea SA99 1DZ

Why not join our Facebook group for Carers of Adults with Learning disabilities?
Follow this link and join https://www.facebook.com/groups/420979081411958/?fref=ts
11

County Durham & Darlington Carers

Emergency Support Service
Please would you check on my behalf that I
am still registered with the
Emergency Support Service

Are you registered with the County Durham and Darlington

Carers Emergency Support Service?
In 2014 the Human Support Group took over as the
provider of the Carers Emergency Support Scheme and in
the change over some Carers information did not transfer.
We would like to urge Carers to check that they are still
registered with the scheme by filling in the form below and
letting us check for you.
For those Carers already registered with the scheme we
would also like to suggest that you to let your GP know you
are registered with the service in case you become unwell
and they need to arrange cover for the person you care for.
With your permission, Durham County Carers Support can
do this on your behalf by filling in the form below.
The Carers Emergency Service is a free of charge service
that makes sure that the adult you care for is safe, and
their needs are met should you experience an emergency
situation. The service can provide peace of mind if you
were for example to have an accident, be admitted to
hospital, need to deal with a family crisis or need to sit an
exam or attend an interview at short notice.
If you are not registered with the service and you would
like to know more about it, please complete the form
below and return to the address provided.

I would like you to advice my GP that I am

registered with the Emergency Support Service
I have not registered with the service but
I would like to know more about it
Name:...........................................................................
Address:........................................................................
....................................................................................
.................................. Postcode.....................................
Name of your GP............Surgery.....................................
Signature.......................................................................
Date.........................................

ISO 9001 Registered

ISO 14001 Registered

Quality
Assured

IMS Certification

Blue Bridge Centre, St Cuthberts Way

Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham DL5 6DS
Tel:

Newton Aycliffe,
Durham DL5 6DS
01325
300Co.212
Blue Bridge Centre, St Cuthberts Way

www.newtonpress.net
Tel: 01325 300

212
12

ISO 9001 Registered

Quality
Assured

IMS Certification

Quality
Assured

IMS Certification

ISO 14001 Registered

Quality
Assured

IMS Certification

OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF

FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL APPROVED,
A FULL RANGE
OF & BOARD
PART & OFFERING
FULLY RECYCLED
PAPER
FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL APPROVED,
PART & FULLY RECYCLED PAPER & BOARD

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL RELEVANT SECTIONS,

PULL OUT AND RETURN USING FREEPOST:
RTSU-LJRT-HZBE
DURHAM COUNTY CARERS SUPPORT, UNIT 1, HUTTON CLOSE,
SOUTH CHURCH ENTERPRISE PARK, BISHOP AUCKLAND DL14 6XG.

Durham County
Carers Support
500 CLUB
J

Durham County Carers Support

500 Club membership application:
I would like to purchase...........................................
number/s for Durham County Carers Support
500 Club.

oining the 500 Club gives you the opportunity to

support the charity and a very good chance of
winning a monthly prize with 50% of the income
paid out as prize money.

NAME (BLOCK CAPITALS)........................................

ADDRESS...............................................................
.............................................................................

Club members pay 12 per year to be entered into

12 monthly draws for prize money of 1st 100, 2nd
70 and 3rd 35. The value of the prize money will
depend on the number of Club members and could
be higher or lower than the stated amounts. The
draw will take place on the first Thursday of each
month and the winners will be contacted by letter
along with their winnings. Names of the winners will
appear in our quarterly newsletter.

.............................................................................
POSTCODE.............................................................
TELEPHONE NUMBER..............................................
EMAIL....................................................................
I enclose my cheque payable to Durham
County Carers Support for 12 for one years
membership.

We do appreciate that you must receive many

requests for charitable donations, but our 500 Club
gives you the chance to win your money back and
more every month!

Signed....................................................................

We currently have 441 members

Previous Winners:
February 2016
1st 113 R Briggs
2nd 75 L Keeble
3rd 38 D Smit

Dated.....................................................................
Date Received

Number Allocated

March 2016
1st 105 M Westwater
2nd 70 M Hunter
3rd 35 D Warry
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL RELEVANT SECTIONS,
PULL OUT AND RETURN USING FREEPOST:
RTSU-LJRT-HZBE
DURHAM COUNTY CARERS SUPPORT, UNIT 1, HUTTON CLOSE,
SOUTH CHURCH ENTERPRISE PARK, BISHOP AUCKLAND DL14 6XG.

Working I.T. Solutions Ltd

Its what we provide
Working IT Solutions North West, Unit 27, Leslie Hough Way, Salford, M6 6AJ
Tel: 0161 736 9600 Email: info@workingitsolutions.co.uk
Working IT Solutions North East, 70-74 Brunswick Street, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS18 1DW
Tel: 01642 927 727 Email: info@workingitsolutions.co.uk
13

We provide
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expertise with
customer service
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We provide
Working IT
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Autism
Workshop

County Durham
Learning
Disabilities
Parliament

In partnership with Kerrie Highcock from North East

Autism Society we are running an Autism Workshop for
parent carers who have a child under the age of 18 with
a diagnosis of Autism.
The Course is based on 6 areas which will be covered
What is Autism
Living with Autism
Communication Differences in Autism
Sensory Differences in Autism
Emotional wellbeing in Autism
Navigating the System.

County Durham Learning Disabilities Parliament is a

group of people who have Learning Disabilities who
meet every fortnight for 2 hours to discuss the issues
that are important to them. Some of the work they do
involves training professionals on learning disabilities
awareness to help improve skills for people. The group
also provides training on looking after your eyes, and
has a number of speakers who visit the meetings to
talk about their services. The group also visits other
organisations to work in partnership to improve things
for people who have learning disabilities.
The group is open to anyone who has a learning
disability who lives in County Durham, and is free.
Participants have to arrange their own transport
to get to the meeting. The meetings take place at
Framwellgate Moor Community Centre in Durham. The
group meets next on:
Wednesday 27th April at 10am-12pm,
Wednesday 11th May 10am-12pm.
The next full Parliament meeting is:
Wednesday 25th May 10am-3pm
If you support someone who is over 18 years old and
would like further details about how to get involved
please contact Benjamin Newton on
03000 265520

The course will be held each Tuesday from

7th June-12th July 10.00am-12noon.
The Course will take place at Feelgood Factory,
Spennymoor.
There is limited availability, only 16 places available.
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
If you wold like to attend please contact Sara Carlton
on 01325 524606 or by email sara.carlton@dccarers.org
We are also looking to run future courses in other areas
across the county please like our facebook page and
we will post details about this as and when they are
arranged www.facebook.com/DCCSparentcarers

Check out our new website at:

www.dccarers.org

Do you have a child with a disability

or additional needs?
If you want up to date information and the opportunity to meet with other Parent Carers we currently have
monthly support groups in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland and Pelton near Chester le Street. We also have
information on other organisations delivering a range of specialist support groups across the County. The best
way to find out what is available is to join our Facebook group for Parent Carers. Follow this link to sign up
www.facebook.com/DCCSparentcarers and for the latest information on the groups we run see our web site at
www.dccarers.org or call Sara Carlton 01325524606 or Alison Donaghue 01915006012 for more information.

Why not join our Facebook group for

Parent Carers? Follow this link and join
www.facebook.com/DCCSparentcarers
All material published in Caring Matters, including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in
good faith. Durham County Carers Support accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorse
any companies, products or services that appear in this publication. This publication is available in alternative
formats and large print. To let us know your requirements, please contact 0300 005 1213.
14

MEMORY
CAF
For people with dementia
and their carers

Citizens House
Station Road, Consett DH8 5RL

3rd Friday of
every month
2.00pm-4.00pm
For more information contact:
Durham County Carers Support
Tel: 0300 005 1213
Email: admin@dccarers.org

M.V. MOBILITY

Scooters from 295 inc. warranty and after sales service

Powered Riser/Recliner Chairs from 495
Also available: Wheelchairs, Adjustable Beds, Bath Lifts and Stairlifts
No obligation Free home demonstration Distance no object Part exchange welcome
MOBILE SHOWROOM

Call Michael 01325 931032 or 0191 484 6172

TRADE

DUN - N - DUSTED
Proud Printers of this Magazine
The Blue Bridge Centre,
Newton Aycliffe
Co. Durham DL5 6DS

Advertise your business for only 10

T: 01325 300212

E: sales@newtonpress.net
W: www.newtonpress.net

For more information please contact Paul at

Newton Press on 01325 300212 or email
paul@newtonpress.net

North East
Rubbish Removals

Domestic
Commercial
Asbestos Removals
Green Waste
House & Office
Clearance

Wheelie Bin
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Hazardous Waste
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info@dunndusted.org

15

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