Caring Touch

Spring 2011 Suffolk Family Carers

Helping Family Carers to live fuller lives

Café First Anniversary

On 18 January the Family Carers ‘View Café’ celebrated its first

anniversary. The café is a welcoming environment for anyone to visit,
providing excellent internal and external catering at extremely
competitive prices. Supplies are locally sourced, organic and eco
friendly, and all the food is prepared on site by our two chefs. The
café and reception area are run solely by our volunteers without
whom we would not be able to function. The café has proved to be a
great source of respite for our volunteers as many of them are
themselves Family Carers.
The café accommodates 18 inside with a further 16 outside on the
patio in the summer, looking out to a lovely view. There is also a large
meeting room for hire which seats 20 people boardroom style or up to
30 lecture style.
With the support of our regular customers, planned events such as an
Easter Fayre, Summer Craft Fayre, BBQ days and our outside catering
we hope to make the café profitable and self supporting for the future.
Contact Us
Helpline: 0844 225 3099
Monday-Friday 9.00am-4.00pm
Reception: 01473 835400
Website: www.suffolkfamilycarers.org

Emergency Numbers
Customer First: 0808 800 4005
Police: In an emergency dial 999
For non-urgent calls to Suffolk Constabulary: 01473
613500
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
NHS direct: 0845 4647

Caring Touch Editor: Fiona Baker

Articles/Information featured in this newsletter are not to be
reproduced without permission. Every effort is made to ensure that
the information in this newsletter is correct, however Suffolk Family
Carers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions and cannot
recommend products or services. The Editor has the right to reject
articles or advertisements submitted.
fiona.baker@suffolkfamilycarers.org

Suffolk Family Carers, Units 6 & 8, Hill View Business Park, Old
Ipswich Road, Claydon IP6 0AJ
Suffolk Carers Ltd. Registered Charity No. 1069937. A company limited by
guarantee and registered in England No. 3507600. Registered Office Unit 8,
Hill View Business Park, Claydon IP6 0AJ

2
Chief Executive’s Reflections
I would like to take this opportunity to
say a very big thank you to those of you
who returned the survey which I sent out
with the last newsletter. We received 425
responses from Family Carers which was
an encouraging response.
I appreciate it sometimes feels like you
are always being asked and often nothing changes, however it is even
more vital today that you continue to tell us about your experiences,
so we can influence how services change and develop in a very
different way in the future.
From your responses, 43% of you say you are worried about what is
going to happen in the future and many of you have shown concern
about your own health and the impact that caring has on you. Many
of you have also suggested other ways in which you would like help
and support. I will be making a full report on the findings of this
survey and have already used elements of your responses in
discussions with County Councillors, Health and Social Care colleagues
and other influential leaders of services.
If you would like to see a copy of the full report, or a summary, when
it is finalised, please let me know by leaving a message on 01473
328400 or email fiona.baker@suffolkfamilycarers.org. You will also be
able to view it on our website www.suffolkfamilycarers.org.
A piece of good news coming out of the recent Welfare Reform Bill is
that Carer’s Allowance will remain separate from the proposed
Universal Credit that other benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and
Income Support will be merged into. Not only does the benefit provide
many Family Carers who are forced to give up work to care with a small
independent income, it also recognises their essential role in society.
You will start to see a change in our services over the next few
months as we have to adjust to the resources we have, but please
remember if you have any concerns do ring our Helpline on 0844 225
3099.
Thank you once again for returning all those questionnaires and also
for buying raffle tickets and sending in so many donations. You do
know we will use the money in the best interest of Family Carers of all
ages.
Best wishes
Jacqui

3
Befriending award
Talk and Support shortlisted for a Befriending Project Award!
Talk and Support is a telephone
support service run by Suffolk
Family Carers. It is for family
carers who are isolated with a
minimal support system; caring
for people with little or no
conversation; or whose caring role
is extremely difficult.
Volunteer ‘Telephone Supporters’
phone a Family Carer once a
week, to offer a listening ear,
support and encouragement.
Telephone Supporters can also
point the Family Carer in the
direction of other services where project delivering services that
they can get further help. help to change lives for the
better’. Although we did not get
In November 2010 Talk and
an actual award, we still received
Support was shortlisted for a
a very nice framed certificate!
Befriending Project Award! The
award is part of the Supporting Anna Sadler, Talk and Support
Life’s Journeys Campaign, Project Lead says: ‘Well done to
organised by the Mentoring and all of the volunteer Telephone
Befriending Foundation. There Supporters for all of the time and
were 300 nominations in total (5 energy that you put into
categories) and we were one of supporting Family Carers. This
the five shortlisted befriending award recognises the real
projects in the Midlands area. This difference that this makes to the
recognises ‘the outstanding lives of Family Carers’.
contribution of a befriending

Thank you everyone who returned the slip in our last two mailings
indicating whether you wished to continue receiving the newsletter
and What’s On by mail or would be happy for us to email them to
you. We now have 146 Family Carers who will be reading this
electronically – which is saving £109.50 a year in postage. If you
have internet access and an email address and would like to receive
your mailings electronically in future, please visit our website page
www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/register

4
 Are you caring for someone at home? Would
you like a regular break?
Would the person you care for enjoy the
company of others?
Homeshare offers people with care needs in
the Brandon and Weeting area of West
Suffolk a regular opportunity to meet with
others in the homely, safe and friendly
environment of a Homesharer.
Our Homesharers provide company,
activities and refreshments throughout the day, between 10.00am
and 3.00pm - all the comforts of home. All Homesharers are paid
professional carers working with volunteers, all of whom have been
CRB checked.
Homeshare is available to all people with care needs. They should be
people who are sociable and enjoy the company of others. We prefer
that they are mobile and fairly independent.
The Family Carer is responsible for getting the cared for person to the
Homesharer’s home.
Transport is not
provided.
Phone our friendly
Crossroads Care office
team on 01284 748811
to find out more about
this service.

The Woolverstone Project provides sailing opportunities and tuition for

those with disabilities. Their aim is to give people the fun and freedom
of sailing with the help and tuition of fully qualified instructors, in a
safe environment. If you would like more information, or to come
along (to sail or to help), please call the Project Co-ordinator, Ian
Hammond, on 07507 906719 or e-mail
info@woolverstoneproject.org.uk

5
Optua Leisure’s big trips
Our Leisure service has organised several
exciting day trips over the next few months.
These are for people of all ages and abilities
and also anyone who would like to be a
volunteer helper.
Saturday 16 April - A day out to see WWE Wrestlemania Revenge at
the Birmingham LG Arena. The price including transport is £79 or 760
Leisure Plus points (£76)
Monday 30 May (Bank Holiday Monday) - Kings of Leon in Concert at
the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The price including transport is £86 or
830 Leisure Plus points (£83).
Saturday 4 June - England V Switzerland, Euro 2012 qualifier at
Wembley Stadium - Kick off is 3pm. The price of the transport is £23
or 200 Leisure Plus points (£20). The price of a match ticket depends
on your age so please contact us about this.
Transport will be by accessible bus or minibus which can pick people
up from Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds. Please call 01473
836770, email leisure@optua.org.uk or go to http://
www.optua.org.uk/Leisure-FutureTrips.asp for more information about
these trips.

Outreach
Feeling like the Only Family Carer in the Village…..?
Being a Family Carer can leave you feeling isolated- especially if you
live in the rural areas of Suffolk. We understand that our Centre in
Claydon can be too far to travel to join in with groups and meet others
who truly understand what it is like to be a Family Carer. This is why
Suffolk Family Carers holds monthly Outreach Groups across Suffolk
for all Family Carers, so whether you care for an elderly parent,
partner with mental health issues or a child with a disability come
along and make new friends in a supportive and relaxed environment
local to YOU.
If you would like to meet fellow Family Carers in your local area, take
part in taster sessions, or find out information in person, then come
along to one of our eight Outreaches. To find out what activities we
are bringing to you in your area please look in the What’s On guide,
visit our Website or call the Outreach Team directly on 01473 835408/
01473 835427.

6
Singing news
Suffolk Foundation's funding for
our regular singing groups finishes
at the end of March. They have
however been very encouraging
about us putting in another bid to
further develop the project which
we are doing. We are calling the
new project HeartSong as we are
hoping to celebrate the way that
singing can play an important role
in increasing our sense of well-
being. Sadly though, this
necessary time of development
does mean that during the April to
July period, there will be no
regular singing workshops.
However, we do need your
support and hope that the singers
amongst you will help us to
Digital switchover
Watch this space – information about the digital
switchover will be coming to our website, Outreaches and
the Carers Centre soon…..
Papworth Trust supports people with
disabilities offering a range of services
in Ipswich including day care and work
-based activities. Please contact either
Angela Brett at Museum Street on
01473 232146 or Mandy Schlarb at
Foundation Street on 01473 211671 to
arrange to have a look round or take
advantage of a free taster day.
7
promote HeartSong during these
months. Do join us to welcome
new people as we run taster
sessions in libraries and at
support groups such as Parkinsons
and East Suffolk Heartbeat.
Fingers crossed, with your help,
we will be able to reach out to
even more people in the future
and expand our already vibrant
singing communities.
Please leave a message for Tracy
Sharp on 01473 835458 if you are
interested in joining these free
taster workshops, or in talking on
the radio or writing about what
singing with us has offered you.
Your support is really appreciated.
Jennie, Fran, Tracy and Donna
Advocacy enquiries
Anglia Care Trust has taken
over the Advocacy Enquiries
telephone line 01473
213140 from Suffolk County
Council (as a pilot initially).
This line provides
information about advocacy
providers/support available
in Suffolk.
An Hour In the life of the Suffolk Family Carers
Helpline
It’s a Thursday today and so it’s
me on helpline, Teresa Drake. I
Job Share with Laura Chapman
covering the helpline Monday to
Friday 9am till 4pm.
The first call is from someone who family? Jean says she feels
has their elderly mother living
with her.
Jean would like to register with us
as she has heard from a friend
about our support groups. Jean
tells me that she finds it really
difficult to get out as her mum
falls occasionally. I start by giving
Jean an overview of Suffolk Family
Carers, what we provide and how
we might be able to help. Jean
tells me that she wishes she had
heard about us sooner, that she
cannot believe all that we do and
that it is just for HER! Jean
confirms that she would like to
register. I have to ask some
general questions. This helps all
the projects that I may refer Jean
onto and means that once the
questions have been asked, they
won’t be repeated. Name,
address, DOB, etc. I also ask
some equal opportunity questions.
At Suffolk Family Carers we want
to make sure that we are reaching
everybody who needs support and
this is how we do it.
Jean expressed an interest in
having breaks from her caring
role. Jean also intends to come
along to a welcome meeting to
meet with other Family Carers. I
then ask Jean how she is.
Does she have support around
her? Good neighbours? Close
supported and even more so since
calling us.
I end my call to Jean by reminding
her that we are here and she can
call us if she requires further
information or support.
As soon as the phone goes down I
continue to focus on Jean by
updating her SCIL (Suffolk Carers’
Information Log) and inputting all
that Jean has told me. We feel, on
helpline, that it is best to write
notes on paper whilst we are on
the phone as the constant tapping
on the keyboard can be off
putting. I ask the various Suffolk
Family Carer projects to make
contact with Jean and Reception
are then requested to send an
information pack to Jean and to
contact her about the next
welcome meeting in her area.
Whilst I have been on the phone
there have been three calls on the
helpline. I will deal with these as
soon as possible.
Apart from the time on the
telephone, Laura and I keep
ourselves busy by locating new or
changing services so that we can
8
better respond to Family Carers carers. We will usually complete
when they have enquiries. between 5 and 10 new
registrations a day.
If we don’t know we usually know
a person who does. In these very uncertain times it is
important that Family Carers
So that’s the first hour. Through continue to receive the support
the course of the day I am likely and information to enable them to
to encounter much more complex continue caring for their loved
caring situations requiring more ones so please….. encourage
support from our community other Family Carers to call 0844
support team, mental health 225 3099 and register with us!
team, transitions and young

2011 Mega Charity Fundraising Events

14th Annual Ladies Driving Challenge
16th Ipswich Hospital Charity Abseil
These events are for you to raise money for the charity of your
choice. Why not raise money for Suffolk Family Carers.
Details from Reception:01473 835400

Suffolk Trusted Traders

Suffolk Trusted Traders is a directory of
local tradesmen who have been checked
by Suffolk County Council Trading
Standards and make a commitment to
treat their customers fairly. Suffolk
Trusted Trader works with Referenceline
Ltd to make the directory available to
everyone at http://
www.referenceline.com/
tradingstandards/suffolk/ The site
includes feedback from consumers to
help you choose the right tradesman for
your needs. Please bear in mind that in exchange for this free service
you will be asked to give Suffolk Trusted Traders feedback for others
to read. Your feedback could help them avoid rogue traders who may
try to take advantage of them. If you are unable to access the online
directory, you can call Suffolk Trading Standards directly on 01473
264859 to receive details of a Suffolk Trusted Trader.

9
Fundraising News

Ruthie Henshall
(left) at the Suffolk
Food Hall and
Bourne Garden
Centre Charity
Festive Evening with
BBC Radio Suffolk
presenter &
supporter, Rob
Dunger and Suffolk
Family Carers Chief
Executive, Jacqui
Martin.
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone by the East Anglian Daily Times
who supported three local events and the final event was a fabulous
at the end of last year that raised Festive Evening at the Suffolk
almost £20,000 for us. We got off Food Hall and Bourne Garden
to an amazing start with a Charity Centre. Our thanks to Claire
Concert at Ipswich Regent starring Muckleston at the garden centre,
Ruthie Henshall, our Patron. and to Ollie and Robert Paul and
Ruthie gave spectacular Jane Eaton at the Food Hall.
performances of popular songs Our raffle tickets were also a huge
from the West End musicals and success this year as we
was joined by some outstanding distributed them with the winter
talent from all over the country.Caring Touch for the first time.
Ruthie has promised to host Thank you to all of you who
another concert this year and we bought tickets and sold them on
are extremely grateful to her. our behalf to family and friends.
The fundraising continued with a These are difficult times and your
Christmas service at St generosity is very much
Edmundsbury Cathedral organised appreciated.

Carers Week Cream Tea Three Mile Walk

Come and join us for a fundraising walk on Monday 13 June at
1.00pm leaving from the carers cafe in Claydon. Jenny Knight, one of
our volunteers, will lead us on a three mile circular walk (thank you
Jenny!) and we will come back to the cafe for well deserved, delicious
homemade scones & clotted cream. Entry fee £5. Sponsorship Forms
available. To register phone Reception 01473 835400.

10
Thank-yous  The Port of Felixstowe
which presented Suffolk
A Big ‘thank you’ to the many
Family Carers with a
individuals, organisations, Trusts
cheque for £2,537.75 in
and Parish Councils who have made
February. The money was
donations to us in the last 4 months
raised at their Staff Port
totalling over £8500. Your
Charity Day in December
generosity has been amazing.
2010 and the Port matched
Thank you also to... the funds raised by its
 Photographer, Peter Payn who staff.
has been taking photographs
for us to use in our publicity
materials and the Annual
Review. Peter’s website is
www.peterpayn.com
 Newmarket Races who are
giving us the opportunity to
have a collection for Young
Carers at one of their race
nights
 Wolsey Rotary Club who are
hosting a Strawberries and
Bubbles night for us with an
auction in June
 New supporters Cooper BMW
Ipswich who are supporting
Young Carers for the next 12
months (see photo on page 3)
 Steve Fraser-Lim, husband of
Young Carers’ Support Worker
Claire, who is running the
London marathon on Saturday
April 17 for the Young Carers’
project! Steve will be raising
funds for a summer activity
for a group of Young Carers
from across the county. If you
would like to donate please Do you know any
visit www.justgiving.com and organisations that can
look up Steve Fraser-Lim support us?

11
Can you host a Coffee Morning and win an Aromatherapy
Massage?
Our 2011 fundraising will centre on National Carers Week (13th-19th
June). The theme this year is ‘The True Face of Carers’ and the week
will focus on the reality of caring in the UK in 2011. What is life like
for a Family Carer? What are the biggest surprises that we encounter
when we become Family Carers and is caring a perpetual struggle
with no thanks and no recognition or a richly-rewarding experience
that brings out the best in the human spirit?
We are asking all our supporters if they will hold a Coffee Morning
around this time to raise awareness and to raise those vital few
pennies and pounds that will help us to continue to be there to
support Family Carers. Our supporters SK Clinic and Spa in Bury St
Edmunds (www.skclinic.co.uk) are offering a 60 minute Aromatherapy
Massage as a prize to the person who raises the most money from the
coffee mornings.

We asked our Patron Ruthie Henshall what is her favourite cake

She told us it was coffee and walnut served with double
cream...lovely.... so Paul our café manager has given us his own
recipe to try out. Why not give it a go and ask a few friends round?
Coffee & Walnut Cake
9oz margarine, 9oz caster sugar. Mix together. Add 3 large eggs
- mix. Add 9oz self raising flour. Beat well until smooth. Add half
a cup of finely chopped walnuts and quarter cup of double
espresso coffee or preferably use camp coffee mixture. Mix in
until a consistent coffee colour.
Put this mix into two lightly greased and floured 8’’ cake tins.
Bake at 170 degrees Celsius/ for approx 20-30 mins (until a
knife will enter and withdraw without any cake mix on it)
For the icing, place approx 5oz margarine, 2 cups of icing sugar
and mix well. Add same quantity of coffee mix as before and mix
again until consistent. (Best to use an electric mixer for this bit,
as it thickens the icing.)
Cool cakes on a rack, add coffee icing mix to middle and top.
Garnish with chopped or halves of walnuts.

Don’t forget that we have our new collection boxes that

we can send you too! 01473 835400.

12
Our new fundraising pack
We are currently writing to Parish Councils and
other organisations that can support us through
donations or fundraising activities. We are very
keen to share our new fundraising pack which is
packed with great ideas and good reasons to
support us.
Did you know that:
£5 provides tea and coffee for Family Carers at a local drop in or
support
£10 pays for one hour of respite care, giving a Family Carer a well
earned rest or break
£20 pays for a Family Carer to receive an hour of one to one
support in their own home
£50 pays for a Family Carer to have a day out with other Family
Carers
If you know of any organisations or individuals that can help us please
let us know and we will send them our pack. You can email
karen.bergdahl@suffolkfamilycarers.org or telephone Karen on 07875
407628 or telephone Reception on 01473 835400. Thank you!
Other ways to help us
 Become a Friend: You will receive regular mailings. Donations are
appreciated but not essential.
 Become a Member: Membership is £20 per person p.a. You will
receive regular mailings and information and be invited to take part in
the AGM. Contact Barbara on 01473 835460 for details of both our
Friends and Members schemes.
 Leave a Legacy: Even if you can’t support us now you can help us
by including us in your will by leaving a sum of money or a gift or by
encouraging your friends or family to do this. Please visit our website
to find out how you can offer long term support.
 Join our 250 Club: You can still purchase a number which will be
entered into the draw the following month, provided your application
is received by the last day of the preceding month until October 2011.
For further information and an application form contact Fiona on
01473 835450, or Reception on 01473 835400 or download the form
from the website.

13
Make a donation

Please accept my gift of £

Enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to SUFFOLK CARERS LTD
or donate direct to Suffolk Family Carers’ Justgiving page by clicking
on the ‘donate online’ button on our website home page at
www.suffolkfamilycarers.org

Name

Address

Telephone number

Email

Data Protection: We promise not to disclose your details to anyone

else. We would like to send you information from time to time about
our work and fundraising activities. If you would prefer not to receive
mailings from us please tick this box.

Gift aid it
Please Gift Aid your donation. As a UK taxpayer you can use Gift Aid
to make your donations go further. It won’t cost you a penny but it
will allow us to collect extra money from the Government—all you
need to do is sign and date below.
Please treat all my donations to Suffolk Family Carers as Gift Aid
donations until I notify you otherwise.

Date Signature
You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax each
year at least equal to the tax that the charity will claim from HM
Revenue and Customs on your Gift Aid donation/s.
As ever, thank you to all our supporters
Karen Bergdahl & The Fundraising Team

14
Handy bus service
The Handy Bus for pensioners, disabled or Family
Club is a pilot Carers. Other members are asked
minibus service for to make a voluntary contribution
Sibton, Peasenhall, per journey. You can join on the
Walpole, bus or at Peasenhall Village Stores
Halesworth and and Halesworth Public Library.
communities in- On every Handy Bus is a volunteer
between that has ‘Bus Buddy’ who is like a bus
been established by conductor. Passengers can call
the Time For You them with timetable enquiries or
Project to be managed by the schedule a pick-up if unable to
communities served. reach the regular stops. The Bus
The bus schedule is set by the Buddy also provides information
users and coordinated with leisure about local events accessible by
activities, social clubs and health the bus.
services to enable people to go This pilot has been funded by the
out for recreation or do shopping Department of Health and a
or visit the doctor where public continuing service will depend on
transport isn’t practical. For the extent that local communities
instance, the shops in Halesworth, become involved.
the social club for older people
held at Halesworth Public Library To find out more, call the
on Wednesday mornings and the volunteer ‘Bus Buddy’ on 07739
Cutlers Hill Surgery and Patrick 324630 or call Nat Bocking,
Stead Hospital are now accessible Suffolk ACRE Community
without a car. Development Researcher at 01473
345300 Mon-Fri 9 AM – 4 PM.
The Handy Bus Club is also able to E-mail
assist people by fulfilling simple nat.bocking@suffolkacre.org.uk
errands such as returning a library
book, collecting a prescription,
taking donated items to
a charity shop or similar
tasks, if this enables
them to remain
independent or provide
care for someone.
Club membership is open
to all and travel is free

15
Protecting Vulnerable Adults in Suffolk
Suffolk’s Adult Safeguarding There are several types of abuse:
service is responsible for Physical abuse can include hitting,
protecting vulnerable adults from kicking, pinching or shaking or
abuse in all its forms by being given too much or too little
encouraging people to report medication.
cases of abuse, no matter how
Emotional abuse can include name
insignificant they may seem.
calling, being treated like a child,
There were over 2,000 reported
being ignored, shouted at or
cases of abuse in Suffolk last
threatened
year, and it is estimated that only
one case in every six is reported. Financial abuse can include theft,
being forced to pay for other
Suffolk Family Carers and Adult
people’s things or not having a
Safeguarding have worked well
say in how your money is spent
together for a long period of time
to support vulnerable adults in Sexual abuse can include being
Suffolk. The knowledge and touched, or forced to touch
experience of Suffolk Family someone else. Being made to
Carers has contributed to the have sex with someone, or do
policies and services that have sexual things when you don’t want
been developed to make people to.
safer. Adult Safeguarding is keen Discriminatory abuse can include
to listen to vulnerable adults and when you are treated unfairly
their carer’s views, either as because of your race, age,
individuals or in small groups. gender, disability, sexuality or
Abuse can have a devastating background.
impact, and can be carried out by Neglect can be when you do not
anyone, anytime and anywhere. get enough care or support to
Very often the victim will know meet your needs, for example,
their abuser. you may be hungry, cold, not
People can be vulnerable for many have clean clothes to wear or be
reasons, they may be older, have denied access to things that you
a learning, sensory or physical need.
disability or they could have a Abuse thrives on secrecy – what
mental health difficulty. Sadly you can do
vulnerable people can become a Please don’t suffer in silence. The
target for abuse. They are singled first step to stopping abuse is to
out because they are sometimes speak up. It may not be easy but
less able to defend themselves or please try and tell someone what
speak up. is happening to you.

16
If you or someone you know is
being abused in any way, then we
can help. We know it may be
difficult to speak up but we will
listen and take every report
seriously.
All information received is treated
with utmost confidentiality and
sensitivity. Both the referrer and
the person who is being abused
will be included in the decision
making process.
If you are worried that you or
someone you know may be a
victim of abuse, visit our website
www.suffolkas.org or call Suffolk
County Council on freephone*
0808 800 4005. In an emergency
call 999.
* Calls are free from all landlines
and most mobile telephone
networks. Please check with your
service provider.

Time for Carers Launches on Social Media

Time for Carers is now available to follow on Twitter
and we also have a page to ‘like’ on Facebook. Keep
up-to-date with all our latest news stories,
information and events relating to Family Carers. If
you are socially networked up, please support us.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Time-for
-Carers/154552457924568 Twitter: http://
twitter.com/TimeforCarers

Dementia
Tips for hospital admission
If someone with dementia is admitted to hospital either as part of a
planned procedure, such as a cataract operation, or following an
accident, such as a fall, it can be disorientating and confusing for both
the person with dementia and their Family Carer. However, there is
much that can be done to help them adapt to the new environment.
The Alzheimer’s Society produces a useful factsheet designed for
friends, family or caring professionals which covers some of the issues
that should be considered and explains the standards of care that
people with dementia and Family Carers should expect.
If you have access to the Internet you can find the factsheet at
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?
documentID=118
If you need information in a different format or need any additional
support from Suffolk Family Carers please contact our Helpline.

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Books on Caring

Suffolk Libraries stock a range of books for Family Carers.

The books have been selected by Family Carers themselves and

professionals working with them, in partnership with staff from Suffolk
Libraries and Suffolk Family Carers.

We would really value your help in reviewing the books on the list.

The books can be reserved direct from the Suffolk County Library
website at http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/LeisureAndCulture/Libraries/
HealthInformation/BooksAboutCaring.htm or through your local
library. If you do not have access to the internet and would like us to
send you the list before visiting your library please contact Reception
on 01473 835400.

You will see below a book review from one of our Family Carers.

If you have read a book, either from the library or elsewhere, which
you have found particularly helpful and which you think may help
other Family Carers, do please let me know. If you feel able to write a
few words, this would be even better as we would like to feature more
reviews in future editions of Caring Touch.

Many thanks

Fiona Baker

Editor Caring Touch

Carers Rave Reviews – books which have helped

Contented Dementia by Oliver James A number of Family
Carers have recommended this book. Janet Betts says:
‘I would recommend this book for any Family Carer caring for
someone at home who has dementia. It gives you insight into ‘where
you need to start’. It is broken down into sections and how to deal
with particular situations e.g. hospital waiting rooms – how to deal
with busy environments. I wish I had read it earlier on in my caring
role’
Another carer has commented that the book helped her understand
the transformation, promotes ways of coping with stress and made
useful suggestions which she has followed.

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Learning Disability project update
With the prospect of changes within Learning Disability services
generally we thought this would be a good time to update you about
the projects within Suffolk Family Carers:
 Involvement –With the County Council under financial pressure
the way in which Family Carer involvement in service planning is
delivered is itself under scrutiny. Changes are inevitable but the
duty to involve remains so we hope to continue as the focus for
Family Carer opinion on services. We still welcome your
thoughts on issues affecting your caring role and your real life
stories help our Family Carer representatives to influence the
debate on service planning. Visit the Suffolk Learning Disability
Partnership Board website: http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/
SuffolkLearningDisabilityPartnershipBoard for an overview and
please contact the project if you have a view on Learning
Disability services or if you want information on services.
 Moving On – where people live and the support they get
continues to be the number one issue for families. We can offer
advocacy to Family Carers affected by proposed moves for the
person they care for and we are also aiming to take on work
with families where a move is likely within a few years. Though
most of our work is with people who have a planned move, we
have a good knowledge and working relationship with services
connected to housing so we are still able to give general
information to anyone thinking about this issue.
 The Family Carers Emergency Plan – we understand that this
might not be a priority for a lot of Family Carers at this present
time, but we also feel it would not be good for any Family Carer
to experience an emergency, only to realise what a benefit it
would have been to have had a plan in place.
We are here to explain the service and assist you through the process
of getting a Plan that suits your individual needs, written & recorded
ready for activation should an emergency occur.
Please remember those of you who already have an Emergency Plan
in place will need to keep your details up to date. Please let us know
of any changes if you would like our assistance with this.
We do hope you will never need this service, but understand the
positive reassurance that it can provide to Family Carers to know they
have a plan, just in case.

For more information please contact Patricia Nice on 01473 835441

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The Carer Premium
The Carer Premium is not a automatically. If you get Pension
benefit but an extra amount of Credit and you receive a letter
money included in the calculation saying you have ‘underlying
of Income Support, income-based entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance
Job seekers' Allowance, Housing then phone the Pension Service to
Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. get the Carer’s Premium added to
An equivalent amount is used in your Pension Credit calculation.
the calculation of Pension Credit. Perhaps you may become eligible
for Pension Credit, where you
You will need to apply for the weren’t getting it before.
Carer's Allowance to receive the
Carer Premium. To see whether If you get the Carer Premium and
you are eligible for Carers already receive Housing Benefit
Allowance you can phone the and/or Council Tax Benefit, tell
Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 the office dealing with your
882200 or visit the DirectGov benefit(s) that you have been
website, www.direct.gov.uk awarded Carer's Allowance or
Remember even if you do not get have an underlying entitlement to
the Carers Allowance paid to you it. They will recalculate the benefit
(because it overlaps with State to take this into account.
Retirement Pension) it can still
‘passport’ you to the Carers It’s always worth asking for a full
Premium. benefits check. Sometimes this
can be done as a home visit.
If you apply successfully for Phone the Financial Inclusion and
Carer's Allowance, and you are on Advice Service on 01473 581802
Income Support or income-based (if you are aged 60 or over) or
Job Seekers' Allowance, you visit your local Citizen’s Advice
should receive the Carer Premium Bureau.

Social Care Emergency Duty Call Centre

The Social Care Emergency Duty Call Centre transferred from
Riverside, Ipswich to new call centre premises on Ransomes Europark
in January.
The Emergency Duty Service operates between 5.20pm and 8.45am
on weekdays and at weekends from 4.25pm on Friday through to
8.45am Monday. The service only handles social care related
emergencies which cannot wait until the next working day. The
Emergency Duty Service telephone number is 0808 800 4005
(NB this is a freephone telephone number, and is the same number as
Customer First)

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It’s all about What’s On
At Suffolk Family Carers we organisations that may be able to
recognise how looking after a support them in their caring role
loved one or friend can absorb and in the past we have offered
your life. Willingly and selflessly information sessions on benefits
you give up your time and energy and rights, lasting power of
to help and support another. attorney, wills, diet and nutrition,
We also recognise how important Stroke Association and personal
it is that Family Carers look after safety.
their own well-being and one way Whilst most of our events and
to do this is to have some time to activities run during the week day
yourself to socialise, or to enjoy a we also provide a monthly
hobby or to simply relax and opportunity for Family Carers to
unwind for a short while in a come together in the evening. On
friendly environment. Light- the first Tuesday of each month
hearted events and activities give we hold a relaxed, friendly
Family Carers some respite from evening group. A fun time is had
their caring role and provide them by all and each evening is themed
with a little bit of ‘me’ time. to add variety. Past activities have
Part of the role of the Carer’s included: playing board games,
Centre in Claydon is to be a venue singing with Tracy, a trip to
to hold events and activities that Felixstowe for the penny arcades,
offer Family Carers respite and even dressing up for Halloween,
enjoyment. On a limited budget, making Christmas decorations and
we aim to provide something that going for a pub meal.
might interest each and every one However, the What’s On is about
of the adult Family Carers more than just what is going on at
registered with us. A sample of the Carers’ Centre in Claydon. We
some of the activities we have also publicise the events and
offered includes: crafts, digital activities organised by projects
photography workshops, gentle such as Outreach, Community
exercise, games and quizzes, and Support Team and Mental Health
even using the Centre as the team. So if you want to know
starting point for a coach day trip. what’s on it’s all in one handy
In addition, we offer Family Carers little booklet….so do take a look!
opportunities to discover other

Now that the snow has hopefully disappeared your thoughts may be
turning to holidays. If you go on a break—either on your own or with
the person you care for—which you would be happy to recommend to
others please let the Editor know as we would like to feature holiday
ideas in future editions of the newsletter.

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Care farms
Care Farms originated in the There are a few care farms in the
Netherlands and have started to local area: Browns Place in
take off here in the UK. The idea Stowmarket, Potsford Farm in
is to encompass the care of Wickham Market, Clinks Care
animals, land and people. Care Farm just over the border in
Farms help a variety of clients Norfolk near Beccles, Downham
improve their health and wellbeing Cottage near Bury.
in a therapeutic working
environment. Care farms across Care farms are funded in a variety
the country serve the needs of a of ways for example block
variety of people for example funding, self funding and direct
people with learning disabilities, payments.
mental health problems and
To find out more about care farms
people recovering from addiction
in your area you can visit the
as well as respite for Family
national care farming initiative
Carers.
website www.ncfi.org.uk or
The benefits to the clients include contact
meaningful work, gaining new Potsford on 07584 220462
skills and in some cases potsfordfarm@hotmail.com or
qualifications, a structure to the Clinks on 01502 679134 or
week, better sleeping patterns Browns Place on 01449 673331 or
and increase in appetite as well as Downham Cottage on 01728
helping one’s mood and meeting 685712
new people. www.downhamcottage.org.uk

Benefits Update
Clarification regarding the Unfortunately the definition of
amendment to Disability Living ‘severe visual impairment’ within
Allowance (DLA) regulations the DLA rules is not the same as
coming into force in April (see the level of sight loss required to
Winter Caring Touch page 15). become registered as severely
sight impaired (blind). The
To qualify for higher rate mobility Department of Work and Pensions
component on the basis of your are calling everyone currently
sight loss you must be certified by receiving DLA lower rate mobility
an ophthalmologist as severely component whose main disabling
sight impaired (blind) and aged condition is recorded as sight loss
under 65 on 11 April 2011. It is to assess the level of their sight
not available to people on loss and eligibility for the higher
Attendance Allowance. rate.

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 Work Focused
Support for Carers is
a voluntary scheme
designed to help
people who wish to
combine paid work
with their role caring
for someone. Support is available to
Family Carers who are:
Orwell Panthers offer
 aged 18 or over
athletics for physically
 out of work or working less than 16 disabled persons, those
hours per week, and not able to get with visual or aural
help from any of the other Jobcentre impairment and those with
Plus employment support programmes a learning disability. They
such as New Deal or Pathways to Work. operate in Ipswich and the
surrounding districts of
If you are eligible you will receive:
Suffolk and north Essex.
 tailored help and support from a The club has a stellar
Jobcentre Plus personal adviser reputation and won
 help preparing for work, for England Athletics 2008
example by finding suitable prize for Services to
training and then support in Disability Athletics. For
looking for and applying for a job more information visit
 funding for replacement care for www.orwellpanthers.co.uk
participation in approved activities
 access to appropriate employment Amazing!
programmes.
This year we will have 4
If you are in receipt of benefits they will unusual dates:
not be affected by taking part in the
scheme. If you find a job you are 1/1/11,
interested in, your personal adviser will 11/1/11,
be able to tell you how your benefits 1/11/11, and
will be affected if you start work and
help you apply for any in work benefits 11/11/11
or tax credits if appropriate. Your Now, take the last 2
adviser can also help with advice on numbers of the year of
training, finding a job, local childcare your birth and the age you
and local replacement care. will be this year
For further Information please contact The total should be 111.
your local Jobcentre Plus Office.

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The Volunteering Page!

Volunteer Christmas Social, 13 December 2010

Many of our volunteers enjoyed an afternoon together in December.
We had lunch (with amazing cake supplied by the café!), a quiz and
time to get to know each other and have some fun.

Clockwise - Joan is a Telephone Supporter with Talk and Support, Richard helps at
photography and book clubs for Family Carers, Mary works for Talk and Support, Judy
volunteers in the café, Jacky edits the newsletter and helps with a variety of admin
tasks, June helps in the café, Sheila is a Telephone Supporter with Talk and Support
and helps in the café

We now have 84 volunteers!! They help by phoning a Family Carer

once a week with Talk and Support, with admin and reception, in the
café, and help at support groups and events. Recently volunteers
have helped at Willis and flu clinics raising family carer awareness.
Thanks to all of the volunteers - it makes such a difference to Family
Carers and the work of the organisation!
In November 2010 Talk and Support was shortlisted for a Befriending
Project Award! – read more on page 4.
Suffolk Family Carers continues to look out for new volunteers, so if
you have a little time to spare do get in touch to find out more by
calling Frances on 01473 835409 or Fiona on 01473 835450, or email
volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org.

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