summer2008 improving carers’ lives in...

Carers, Staff & Trustees from Manchester Carers Centre were invited by the Lord Mayor to observe thelast full council meeting, before the local elections.They also had the opportunity to have lunch with theLord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Glyn Evans, his daughter Lady Mayoress Hayley Evans and other

council members. We were all invited to visit the Lord Mayor’s apartments and given a tour of the TownHall by the Lord Mayor himself. Our Carers felt very special and thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

For more information contactThe Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Manchester Carers Centre, Beswick House, Beswick Row, Manchester M4 4PR

Carersline: 0161 835 4090 Open: Monday to Friday, from: 9.30am to 4.30pmAnswerphone at other times. Office: 0161 835 2995

Email: [email protected]

Manchester Carers Centre is part of the network of Centres established by the Princess RoyalTrust for Carers.Registered in England as a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3530606. Registered Charity No. 1075020

Summer 2008

I M P R O V I N G C A R E R S ’ L I V E S I N M A N C H E S T E R

Lord Mayor of Manchester Recognises& Values Carers in Manchester

Lord Mayor of Manchester Recognises& Values Carers in Manchester

For information, advice and support pleasecall our Carersline 0161 835 40902

CONTENTSIntroduction ............................................................p2Manchester Carers Centre ................................p3Carers Week ..........................................................p4Do You Need a Pal in Health..............................p5Carers in the City Collection ........................p6/7Lodge Break ............................................................p8Pamper Session ......................................................p9Carers’ Post Bag ..................................................p10Carers Checklist..................................................p11Carers Allowance ................................................p12MCF Carers’ Health Checks ............................p13Group Break to Liverpool ................................p14Feedback and Kylie Tickets Prize Draw ........p15Interest/application Form ..................................p16

IntroductionIntroduction

Welcome to the spring edition of ournewsletter. 2007 was a fantastic year forManchester Carers Centre - wecelebrated our tenth anniversary yearwith fabulous events and helped 10times more new Carers access ourservices. We began the new year re-energised and ready to make 2008equally exciting.

Our Newsletter Theme – ‘Carers’health & well-being’Carers Week begins on the 9th of Juneand this year the focus will be an issue,

which will ring true for lots of you -'Carers can't afford to be ill'. Carersspend so much of their time caring forothers, they often forget to look afterthemselves. So this edition of thenewsletter looks at ways to focus onyour own health (both emotionally andphysically).

To help you look after yourselves, we’vebeen encouraging you to think aboutrelaxing and treating yourself, ourmental health support group haverecently returned from a trip to a local

spa and throughout April and JuneManchester Carers Centre has provideda venue for complimentary pampersessions everyWednesday.

An important part of looking afteryourself is making sure you take a breakand relax, with the help of ITV’s ‘ThisMorning’ & ‘Caravanning and CampingClub’ we have been sending Carers onmuch needed breaks to a luxury lodge inthe Cotswolds – read on to find outwhat carers got up to and how theymade the most of their time away.

By Derith Jones – Chair of Board of Trustees & Shirley Devine – ChiefExecutive of Manchester Carers Centre

Councillor Basil Curley, Derith Jones - Chair ofTrustees,Warren Smith -Patron & Shirley Devine

Carers in the CityAlso in this edition you can readabout how Carers have been gettingin touch with their creative side byjoining us for a series of writingworkshops and contributing to acreative collection which we will belaunching during Carers Week. Readon to find out how you can join us atthe launch on Tuesday 10th June, orget hold of a copy.

Group BreaksWe've already got some fabulousgroup breaks planned - register yourinterest for a fantastic LiverpoolExperience Trip in August.

Manchester Carers Centre isyour Centre and we hope that you’llhelp us make 2008 another fantasticyear, so that we can continue torecognise and support Carerstogether.

9th June - 15th June CarersWeek

10th June Carers in the City Book Launch

12th June Town Hall Carers Event

23rd June Deadline to send back group break expression of interest form

6th August Liverpool Experience Group Break

Dates

Diaryforyour

Dates

Diaryforyour


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Manchester Carers CentreManchester Carers CentreHow we can help...CARERSLINE 0161 835 4090• A Carers Helpline for information, advice, advocacy support and signposting service

CARERS BREAKS SERVICE• Regular group breaks to popular locations to give Carers a chance to rechargetheir batteries and meet other Carers. Group breaks are advertised through theCarers Centre Groups & Newsletters

• Time for me grant fund for Parent/Carers of children only

SUPPORT GROUPS• A weekly drop in for all Carers• Safe group, for Parent/Carers of children with behavioural conditions• Mental Health group, for Carers of people who experience mental illness

For more information on dates/times of all our support groups please ring the Carersline

CARERS EMERGENCY CARD• Peace of Mind for Carers who want to make sure that the person they care for islooked after in an emergency

• Applications available through the Carersline

NEWSLETTERA free newsletter keeping Carers in touch with information, services and events at theCentre and in their local community

Membership 2008/09: Becoming a Member of your CentreMembership of the Centre lets us know that we have your support and for voting members also means that you takean active role in development of the centre through the chance to vote at our Annual and Extraordinary GeneralMeetings.At these meetings you decide who will hold the all important governance roles at the centre and vote onany major decisions regarding how Manchester Carers Centre is governed.

If you are a Carer then a membership card for the centre can also provide useful evidence of your caring role wherediscounts are available to Carers.

If you are already a member of Manchester Carers Centre and would like to renew,then look out for your membership renewal pack in the post.

Membership is FREE for Carers who live or care in Manchester.

For associate members we ask for a £5 membership fee to cover a year’sadministrative costs

The cost for organizations is £10.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Centre contact GemmaKnightley for a membership pack on 0161 835 2995

If you are interested in becoming aTrustee for the Centre and would like further information -please contact Gemma on the above number.


Sally came to one of the Centre’s coffee mornings last year & spoke to carersabout their situations. She says “From personal experience, I know caring candemand a lot of your time and attention, which in some cases can putpressure on other areas in your life, such as financial responsibilities andrelationships. These problems can prove to be exhausting and mentallygruelling and can really take its toll on your health and wellbeing. I hope, thatCarersWeek can again help to achieve change, and make a real difference tothe lives of carers in this country.”

Paul O’Grady“Carers deserve as much support and recognition as they can get - and more. Iknow from personal experience that carers do all they can to care for a loved one,sometimes sacrificing their own wellbeing in the process. Wanting to look after ourloved ones is human nature, but when health problems and financial worriesbecome an issue it makes caring that much harder to cope with.Many carers simplydon’t have help from anyone else and taking time out to visit the doctor or takingsick leave is just not an option.I would love to see carers better informed and madeaware of the resources that are available to them.“

Carers can't afford to be illCarers can't afford to be illIn 2008 the fourteenth annual Carers Week will highlight the impactcaring can have on Carers' health and wellbeing.

Carers Week is organised by ten leading charities who support the UK’s six million Carers(approx figure supplied by Carers UK) Carers UK’s key aims are for Carers Week to:

• Highlight and celebrate the contribution made by Carers• Campaign for better support and services for Carers• Promote policies and best practice that can improve Carers’ quality of life• Reach out to ‘hidden’ Carers, ensuring they know where to find help and support

The countdown to this year's Carers Week 2008 event is well and truly underway.

Manchester City Council’s Carers Strategy Team, in the biggestpartnership event of the year are planning a Special event for Thursday12th June in Manchester Town Hall from 10am - 2.30pm to showcaseCarers’services.For one day only,Carers & Professionals alike can find outall they need to know about all things Carer under one roof!

Sally Lindsay

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PALS can:

• listen to your concerns and suggestions• provide on-the-spot information on local NHS services• advise and support patients, their families and carers• help sort out problems quickly on your behalf• help you contact other organisations to get the help you need• record any feedback and comments that you wish to makeand learn from your experience

PALS will treat all your information confidentiallyWe are always happy to help.

• you may need help registering with a local GP• you may want information on local NHS dentists• how to get medical help out of hours• how to access your medical records• how to make a complaint if you are unhappy with localhealth services

Do you need a Pal in health?Do you need a Pal in health?As a Carer you may have questions about local health services and may need someoneto turn to for on-the-spot help and advice.This is where the Patient Advice & Liaison

Service (PALS) can help.

F O R MOR E I N FO RMAT I ON CA L L TH E PA L S T E AM ON 0 1 6 1 2 1 9 9 4 5 1

Planning Ahead in Case of an EmergencyPlanning Ahead in Case of an EmergencyEmergency Telephone NumbersEmergency Telephone Numbers

A&E

A&E

A&E

A&E

A&E

A&E

A&E

NAME SERVICE TELEPHONEContact Centre Referrals and enquiries for all 24 hour Emergency Servicefor Children & Families, departments 0161 255 8250Adult Social Care(Manchester City Council)

Police,Ambulance, Fire Emergency Service 999

NHS Direct NHS Direct is a 24 hour telephone service, 0845 46 47staffed by nurses, giving medical adviceand information. The website providesinformation about health services,conditions and treatments choices.

Booth Hall Childrens Hospital, 0161 795 7000Charlestown Road,Manchester, M9 7AA

Manchester Royal Infirmary 0161 276 1234Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL

North Manchester GeneralHospital 0161 795 4567Delaunays Road, Crumpsall,Manchester, M8 5RB

Salford Royal 0161 789 7373Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD

Trafford General Hospital 0161 748 4022Moorside Road, Urmston,Manchester, M41 5SL

University Dental Hospital 0161 275 6666Higher Cambridge Street,Manchester, M15 6FH

Wythenshawe Hospital 0161 9987070Southmoor Road,Wythenshawe,Manchester, M23 9LT


Manchester Carers Centre ‘Carers in the City’ project was launched by HRHThePrincess Royal last year. It aims to get Carers talking about their lives. So far, Carershave contributed to an audio documentary, told their stories to the papers, ontelevision, even to Princess Anne – and they haven’t stopped there…

Ged Neary is a local writer who specializes in running creative writing workshops.Hehas led groups in Germany, the Middle East, East Africa, San Francisco, China and,most recently,Manchester Carers Centre!

Throughout January and February, Carers were able to share stories and experiencesin a creative and supportive environment.The material was so impressive that acreative collection of their work is due to be published and launched in CarersWeekas part of our Carers in the City Project…We asked Ged to tell us a little bit aboutthe group and the collection…

Tell us a little about your experienceof running creative workshops forCarers….I was astonished by the variety andquality that came out of it all. Nearlyeveryone was a first time writer whostill had to get over the problem of whatthey’d been told at school.They may havebeen criticized over small things like theirspelling or their punctuation whichperhaps made them think that theycouldn’t write. But because they’ve hadsuch interesting lives and because thestories are so full of emotion, they arevery interesting stories.They very quicklyrealized that they had something to sayand they could either say it to eachother, to me, or they could put it downon paper.

Do you think it was helpful to run awriting group specifically for Carers?I think that was critical actually becausethey all had something in common whichyou might not get in a random creativewriting group somewhere else.There wasno pressure on anybody to say anythingor to write anything – but they did.And itwas quite amazing what came out of it all.I was astonished and really pleased thatthey were able to say so many things, Idon’t think it would have been the samein a group who didn’t have something incommon - being in a caring role.Everybody had two sides to theirexperiences, the darker side and thelighter side; overall I think the collectionthat we’ve got is a very good reflection ofthat. Because people were in a group andbecause they all trusted each other,whether it was just telling the stories orreading from what they’d written,according, to what they said later, it was akind of therapy for them, One person inthe group said she felt ‘unburdened’ now.I think that she felt she’d dealt with thingsto some extent, put them to rest bywriting about them. She’s not alone inthat, I think there were several people inthe group who felt the same way.

What advice would you give tosomeone who wants to write, butdoesn’t know where to begin?I would say just do it! I’d ask them tothink about what they’re interested intalking about – is it their own story, orsomebody else’s? Before writing, I thinka first step is actually just telling thatstory to somebody who is interested in

listening.Then maybe write it down,without worrying whether it’s got abeginning, middle or an end - I think thefirst stage is just getting something done,whether it’s spoken or written, it’s astarting point.

The culmination of the workshops willbe a published collection of theirstories.What do you think people willget from reading their work?I hope that after reading this collection,if you know or meet a Carer, you willhave a greater understanding of whatthat person might have to deal with.At some time in their lives, most peoplehave been a Carer at some level, if they’renot caring at the moment, then perhapsthey will be in the future. I think thestories in this collection all containsomething everybody would be ableto closely identify with.

Carers in the CitCarers in the Cit

Ged’s most recent novel ‘RiceTicket’available to buy at www.amazon.co.uk


7

My brothers tried all ways to get rid of me,bribing and even offering me free to all theirfriends whenever mam’s back was turned, butdespite their best efforts I survived, just about.Two years on one of them, Richard, got a greatdeal when he swapped me for a pair of rollerskates. He was well chuffed: he thought it was agreat idea, as the Owen boys down the road hadno sister and he didn't want his, so the dealwas done.

(from I Can DoThat! by a Carer from creative writing group)

Extracts from the Carers

in the City collection

'Carers in the City' is proud to announce thelaunch of a 'Creative Collection' of Carers'personal thoughts and stories as part ofCarers week events.

The Launch will be hosted by our patronThe Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchesterand will be held at Manchester’s mostprestigious literary venue - Central Libraryin St Peter’s Square.

If you would like to join us for the launch,onTuesday 10th June, at 1.00pm,then ring0161 835 2995 to request a place.You can also buy your copy of the book by contacting the centre on this number

Be Part of theBook Launch!Be Part of theBook Launch!

As she walked from his bedroom through the

living room she felt her sadness lift. She looked

at the many family photos that filled the house.

Her eyes fell on a photo of her and Jim taken not

long after they were married. He had his head on

her shoulder and his arm was round her waist.

They were so much in love. They belonged

together. She looked at the photo again and she

smiled to herself. She realised that she might

find it hard to talk about “her situation” without

crying, but she also realised that she had been

incredibly blessed. She loved and was loved. She

might have problems. She might not be living the

life she had imagined. But she was where she

belonged.

(from In Sickness andIn Health, by a

Carer from creative writinggroup)

y Gets Creative!y Gets Creative!


Helping Carers PutHelping Carers Put

What Carers Said...What Carers Said...

Taking time out in the Cotswolds April - June 08

In our busy 10th Anniversary yearThis Morning filmed Carers at our Centre.They were so impressed with the hard, selfless work that Carers do that theynegotiated the use of a holiday home for a 3 month period - no charge, care of‘The Caravanning & Camping Club’ so Carers could recharge their batteries inorder to continue in the valuable caring role.The Lodge us enabled us to offer2016 hours of respite to Carers and the feedback so far has been great!.

Taking time out in the Cotswolds April - June 08

In our busy 10th Anniversary yearThis Morning filmed Carers at our Centre.They were so impressed with the hard, selfless work that Carers do that theynegotiated the use of a holiday home for a 3 month period - no charge, care of‘The Caravanning & Camping Club’ so Carers could recharge their batteries inorder to continue in the valuable caring role.The Lodge enabled us to offer 2016

hours of respite to Carers and the feedback so far has been great!.

“The staff here at theWinchcombe Sitehave been humbled to meet the wonderfulCarers from this Group, and trust thatthey have enjoyed their stay with us, asmuch as we have enjoyed meeting themand helping to make their break withus memorable.”Heather & Mike Ellis, Camp-site Managers

“We had a great time!

We went to the Circus

for my brother’s

Birthday, it was fab!”

“Thank you so muchfor this opportunity wehaven’t had a chance toget away together asa family for such along time...”

“We had such a great

time and feel so lucky

that we were able to go.

The break did us somuch good!”

Shirley and Claire meet camp-site Managers Mike & Heather (andTilly the dog!)

For information, advice and support pleasecall our Carersline 0161 835 4090 9

t Their Health Firstt Their Health FirstRelaxing Pamper Sessions April - June 08

Manchester Carers Centre provided the venue for Sarah Connolly, a qualifiedComplimentaryTherapist ( currently training as an Advanced Practitoner atSalford University) to offer free pamper sessions to Carers. Sarah, kindly

volunteered her time as she recognised that Carers need someone to look afterthem and give them some time out for themselves.

“On the 22nd April Ma

nchester Carers

Centre’s Mental Healt

h Support Group

took sometime to chil

l out at a local

health spa…..”

What Carers Said...

“Thank you!It was nice to have

someone look after me

for a change”“I really enjoyed having mytreatments because it was thefirst time I had spent all dayjust for myself.”

“It made me feelrelaxed and happy, thatI was able to talk tosomeone and have qualitytime to myself”


CarersPost BagCarersPost BagPlease write toVicky at: Manchester Carers Centre,Beswick House, Beswick Row, Manchester M4 4PRor email:[email protected]

Dear Carer,I am not sure if you receive any help from statutory providers such ashealth or social services, if not, is it that you are not aware of servicesthat may be able to help you care, or is it that you, or your wife, donot wish to access them, even if eligible. If you do wish to check outwhat services you are entitled to, you will need a Carers Assessment& your wife will need a Community Care Assessment. All Carerscircumstances are unique & individual to them and what is right forone person is not always appropriate for another.

Many Carers become so focused on the person they are caring for,that they lose their own sense of identity and feel like they becomean extension of the person they care for, neglecting their own health& wellbeing in the process. Carers I have spoken to, report theyare better at caring for others, than they are at caring forthemselves and certainly from my own experience being aParent/Carer, for my two sons, I know this to be true. But, if youdon’t look after yourself, how can you continue looking aftersomeone else, without it seriously affecting your own health? It istherefore very important, when you are a Carer, that you take

some time out from your caring responsibilities and have a properbreak in order to recharge your batteries.

Are you able to talk openly & honestly to your family about your wife’s problems and the amount of care you are providing, to help them understand howyou feel and ensure they are fully aware of the situation and your need for support?

Is it possible to draw up a rota of days /times they are going to visit, instead of just dropping in unexpectedly, which may cause you more stress than help,where your family can take turns to sit with your wife, so you can have a break, or can they help with shopping, do some of the housework, or go to thepost office/bank to pay bills for you? Is it possible to arrange for the bills to be paid by direct debit, if you have a bank account? Are you claimingeverything you are entitled to, which may alleviate some of your money worries?

Do you have a good relationship with your GP to talk about your health problems, can you discuss your concerns about the deterioration in your wife’scondition with her GP/Consultant and the impact this is having on your own health?

For more suggestions on how to get the help you need, please see the article Checklist for Carers. Hope this helps, please let us know how you get on, aswe always welcome feedback from Carers about any of the services we provide, including if Carers find the topics covered in our newsletters to beinteresting, useful & informative.

Dear Vicky,

I have been a Carer for my wife for a number of

years. She has physical & mental health problems and

is becoming more forgetful, confused and dependent

on my care. Our adult children visit and help out when

they can, but as her condition has deteriorated, I am

finding it increasingly more difficult to cope. I don’t

even like leaving her alone in a room, while I get a

shave or a shower, never mind going out to do the

shopping! I am feeling really stressed out and tired all

the time. I am not eating or sleeping properly,

worrying about bills, the housework, the future! Can

you help?

A Carer.

Vicky has been a Carer for 32 years looking after her adult son Paul who has Cerebral Palsy, with related physical & learning disabilities; he is alsovisually impaired due to a rare medical condition. Her other son Daniel is 24 (25 in June) and was diagnosed at 13 with Attention DeficitHyperactive Disorder.

Is there something you would like to share with other Carers? If so, then why not write in to our Carers’ Post Bag. Do you want information,advice, advocacy or emotional support, or would like to share useful tips, favourite recipes or websites then please write toVicky at:The PrincessRoyal Trust Manchester Carers Centre, Beswick House, Beswick Row, Manchester M4 4PR or email: [email protected] or ring ourCarersline on 0161-835 4090 available Monday to Friday 9 30am-12 30pm & from 1pm–4 30pm.

Our postbag this time focuses on a Carer looking after his wife & how this is affecting his health, which ties in with the theme of CarersWeek 9th-15th June “Carers can’t afford to be ill”. If you are a Carer and need support please do not hesitate to contact us, as we have a dedicated team ofCarers Information & SupportWorkers, here at Manchester Carers Centre, to help you.


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Claim Carer’s Allowance

• Carer’s Allowance is the main state benefit for Carers.

• Eligibility – the cared for must be on the middle/higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or receivingAttendance Allowance, other conditions also apply.

Claim Disability Benefits for the Person You Care For

• Manchester Advice & the Citizens Advice Bureau can help you complete Disability Living Allowance or AttendanceAllowance forms. Call the Carersline for details.

Ask for a Carer’s Assessment(CA)

• Are you caring, or are you going to start caring soon? A Carer’s Assessment will enable you to say what practicalhelp/support you provide & what help/support you need to care.

Look After Yourself

• Make this a priority ensure that your GP knows you are a Carer and has noted it on your file and the file of the personyou care for.

• Take advantage of health checks offered and remember you can ask for a flu jab.

• Mental health is also vital, if you can’t cope or feel depressed talk to your GP. Call our Carersline, as we provide alistening ear & support with your problems.

Get Emotional Support

• Not everyone chooses to be a Carer. Emotional support can help you to cope with the demands of caring. Support cancome from friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues, faith organisations or voluntary organisations. You are not alone!

Take a Break

• Take regular breaks from caring, it will benefit your own health and well being.

• Pamper sessions & group breaks are available at Manchester Carers Centre or Manchester Carers Forum. Identify groupsthe Cared for can attend

• Organise respite care with Friends/family or through a Carers Assessment

Get the Equipment You Need

• Equipment can make Caring easier for you or can enable the cared for to do more for themselves.There is somefree equipment available plus other more specialist equipment you can buy

Pay Less Council Tax

• Some people can be discounted for council tax purposes. This includes those with severe mental impairment, i.e.Alzheimer’s as well as Carers who look after someone in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowancewho is not their partner or a child under 18.

• You may also be able to pay less if someone in your household is substantially and permanently disabled. If you are on alow income/ receive certain benefits you can claim Council Tax Beneft.

Get Help with Transport

• Ask your GP if the cared for qualifies for an ambulance & can you accompany them.

• If not ask for details of the hospital’s own transport help policy from the Cashier Section/General Office. – Out Patients.If you receive a qualifying benefit or low income you may be able to apply for reimbursement of your and the Caredfors bus fares.

Be Prepared for an Emergency – What would happen if you were taken ill or involvedin an accident ?

• Speak to your SocialWorker/Care Manager about emergency care planning

• Ask a relative, friend or neighbour if they are able to be named as an emergency contact to help make necessaryarrangements for the person you care for to be looked after.

• Apply for a Carers Emergency Card to give you some peace of mind - contact our Carersline for more details

Checklist for CarersChecklist for CarersThis checklist provides a brief summary of the key things Carers in Manchester should know& helps you plan ahead in case of emergencies.A more detailed information sheet with keycontact numbers is available from Manchester Carers Centres Carersline on 0161 835 4090


What is Carers Allowance?• CA is a weekly benefit for Carers.

Who can claim?• You may get CA if you spend 35 hours a week caring for

a disabled adult or child who gets Attendance Allowanceor the middle or highest care rate of Disability LivingAllowance.

Who can not claim?• You may not be eligible if you earn £95 a week, net.• If you have a restricted immigration status you might not

qualify.• If you study 21 hours or more a week.

How much do I get?• The weekly rate has increased to £50.55.• This is reduced by the amount of certain other benefits,

including State Pension that you receive.• If you receive certain other benefits at £50.55 or more a

week, Carer's Allowance cannot be paid to you as well.

How does it affect other benefits?The rules are complicated! So it is best to seek advice!• It may be that you are on a State retirement pension of

£50.55 a week or more. alternatively, you may be caringfor a close relative and get incapacity benefit of £50.55 aweek or more.

• Although you may not be entitled to CA, you may qualifyfor the Carers Premium in:

• Income support• Housing benefit• Council Tax

Other circumstances where you are best to seekadvice as you may qualify for some increase inbenefits include:• Aged 60+ you may be entitled to Carer’s Premium.• Already getting income support or pension credit.• Not on income support or pension credit because

income is too high.• Getting housing benefit, but not on income support or

pension credit.• Getting council tax, but not on income support or

pension credit.• Not on housing benefit or council tax benefit because

your income is too high.

CA and the Severe DisabilityPremium• Check if the person you care for gets the severe disability

premium with their income support, housing benefitor council tax benefit. They could lose money if youclaim CA.

How to make a claim?You can claim CA in a number of ways:• Online at www.directgov.gov.uk/carers• Phoning job Centre Plus on freephone 0800 055 6688

or textphone 0800 023 4888• Ring Carers Allowance on 01253 856 123

Backdating• If you were entitled to Carers Allowance before you

claim, you can ask for the benefit to paid for an earlierperiod of up to 3 months.

What happens if the person Icare for dies?• Carers Allowance and the Carer’s Premium or Addition

in income support, housing benefit, council tax benefitor pension credit carries on for up to 8 weeks afterthe death.

BenefitsDon’t Miss Out!BenefitsDon’t Miss Out!

Carers Allowance (CA) & The Carers PremiumTerry Patterson from Manchester Advice, goes back to basics about benefits for Carers

Where to get help?MANCHESTER ADVICE

Phone or textphone 0161 234 5678

Book an appointmentat MANCHESTER CARERS CENTRE

by calling the Carerslineon 0161 835 4090


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Health Checks For Carers At WithingtonWalk In Centre!

The Carers Health Checks take place on the 1st Thursday of every month, 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm in one-hour appointmentslots. If there is a high demand for these appointments then they will be split into half hour slots. The next dates for this service

are 05/06/08 & 03/07/08

The health checks include a blood pressure check and health advice. At the health check you will have the chance to see ahealth care professional who will talk to you about your physical health. Members of Manchester Carers Forum will also be

on hand to talk to you about other help, support available and carer’s assessments. If you would like to make an appointmentplease call us on our new office telephone number

MCF has moved offices!From the 9th May 2008 please phone our new number (0161) 819 2226

Stroke Support CourseA group for Stroke Survivors and their Carers is run by the Stroke Association with the assistance of Manchester Carers

Forum and the funding of POPPS.This group provides a variety of beneficial opportunities.

For details of the next 8 week course, please contact Helen Gilbertson at the Stroke Associationon: 0161 877 8129 or email: [email protected]

If you would like more information on MCF, news on local groups, courses,day trips and weekend breaks in addition to current information around

carers issues, please contact the team on 0161 819 2226 or [email protected]

If you would like to have a look at what MCF do then you can visit theM.C.F website www.manchestercarersforum.org.uk or pick up a copy of

our monthly newsletter from your local library, doctors surgery orManchester Carers Centre

UpdateUpdatewww.manchestercarersforum.org.uk

MCF has moved offices! Their new number is: 0161 819 2226

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Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture2008.To celebrate, we have organised a daytrip to Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock. Joinother Carers and experience what Liverpoolhas to offer.Take in the culture of theTate,enjoy a bite to eat in the many restaurants orjust meander around the shops. Carers will begiven the opportunity to visit a couple of thesights/exhibitions at the Dock.

The Beatles Story exhibition will be our first port of call, taking youthrough the lives of the world’s greatest band with recordedcommentary.You will then be able to enjoy a less structured couple ofhours in which you can have a wander around the docks, have a bite toeat or do some shopping. During this time you can visit the maritimemuseum free of charge, the Museum of Liverpool Life or take in theCulture at the Tate, Gustav Klimt’s exhibition will be showing painting,design & modern life in Vienna.

The culmination of the day will be a fun ride for all on the unique YellowDuck Marine – an authentic World War II landing vehicle.The ride ofyour life starts off at Albert Dock by road taking in Liverpool’s majorsites including the Pier head, the Three Graces & St Georges Hall,returning to the Albert Dock with a Splash to continue the remainderof the tour on the water through the south docks.

The coach departs Manchester Carers centre at 9.15 am returningat 5pm.

If you would like to meet up with other Carers and have some fun, donot forget to complete the Expression of Interest Form on the backpage of this newsletter.

GROUPBREAKS - EXPRESSIONOF INTEREST FORMTHE LIVERPOOL EXPERIENCE -WEDNESDAY 6THAUGUST 2008 - 9.15AM UNTIL 5PMWe are delighted that you want to meet up with other Carers and experience some quality time away from caring. Please note that Carers who are new to the Carers Centreand those who have not been on a group trip in the past will be given priority. Places after this will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. So get filling in your form!!

CARERS DETAILS

Name

Address

Tel Date Of Birth

Can we contact you by telephone Yes No Can we leave messages on your ansaphone? Yes NoPlease detail any requirements e.g. dietary, accessibility

How many places are you requesting (for others who also caring for the person you care for) maximum 2?

1) Name Date of Birth

2) Name Date of Birth

Places are limited so if we cannot allocate places to your nominated friends/family do you still want to attend the trip Yes NoHave you been on any events organized by MCC or any local organisations e.g. MCF,Talbot House in the past year? Yes No If yes, what events

CARED FOR DETAILSFirst Name Surname

Address

Tel: Date of Birth

Cared Fors Relationship to you (mother, friend etc)

Illness/disability of the Cared For (please give medical diagnosis, if known)

FUNDINGThe breaks are funded by Manchester City Council from the Carers grant, who require that we supply details of Carers who benefit from this service and the people theyCare for.Therefore, by signing this form you give your authority for this information to be passed onto the City Council. If you do not wish your details to be passed on youmust contact the Carers Centre otherwise we can not consider your application for Group Breaks.

Carers Signature Date

YOU MAYALSOANSWERTHE 3 QUESTIONS BELOW IFYOUWISH, BUTTHIS IS OPTIONAL:I have had a Carers assessment in the last 6 months Yes NoI would like Children, Families & Social Care to contact me to arrange a Carers Assessment Yes NoPlease tell us your ethnic background :

ONLY COMPLETETHE SECTION BELOW IFYOU HAVE NEVERAPPLIED FORA “TIME FOR ME” GRANT BEFOREA professional who is familiar with your caring situation & is willing to confirm you are a Carer must provide their details below.A verifier could be Social Care Staff, Medicalstaff (e.g. Health Visitor, Nurse, G.P.) or a worker from a Voluntary Organisation. Please note that if this section is left blank or is not signed by the verifier & you have notpreviously applied to the “Time for Me” Fund we will not be able to consider your request.Verifiers will be contacted.

I can confirm that is a Carer for the named person on this form.

Job title & Organisation:

Address

Tel

Verifier’s Signature Date

IMPORTANT NOTICEIf you would like to be considered for the Liverpool Experience please complete & return your form by MONDAY 23rd JUNE 2008. Please note, if you have not heard anythingfrom us two weeks before the event takes place you have not been allocated a place.All Carers who have been allocated places on trips will be notified in writing, we will try togive you as much notice as possible so that you can organise your alternative care. All completed forms should be returned to Manchester Carers Centre, Beswick House, BeswickRow, Manchester, M4 4PR. Finally, make sure that you read your next copy of Manchester Carers Centres newsletter as we will be keeping you updated on more events happeningthroughout the year


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If yes, PLEASE ring our Carersline to let us know OR complete the following form andreturn to: Manchester Carers Centre, Beswick House, Beswick Row, Manchester M4 4PR

YOUR DETAILS

Title First Name Surname

Address

Postcode

Telephone

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FEEDBACK ON NEWSLETTERWe welcome your feedback on our newsletter. If you have any comments on previous editions and/or

suggestions for future topics and themes you would like covered, please write them in

the box below. Our next theme is Hidden Carers –such as caring for a person with drug

or alcohol dependency.

For your chance to win, please fill in this form orring the Carersline to be entered into the PrizeDraw! Please return by 23rd June.

PRIZE DRAW

KYLIETICKETS

Monday 14th July,

MENArena

Be aware seats are

in the upper tier

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