In Pembrokeshire This year we are organising an event during Carers Week at the Rugby Club in Haverfordwest on Tuesday the 19th June. With the national theme “In Sickness and in Health” we will focus on carer’s health with presentations about Stress and Anger management, 1st access for Mental Health, “Looking After Me” about carer’s own health and the Carers (Wales) Measure strategy update. A range of organisations will be showcasing services for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, on the Autistic Spectrum etc from the age of 18 years old and also organisations providing services for older people and their carers have agreed to attend, including; Pembrokeshire People First, Social Activities Centres, Clynfyw Care Farm, COAST, Plas Dwbl Ruskin Mill College, the Rowan Organisation, Mencap Cymru, Age Concern Pembrokeshire, the Alzheimer’s Society, Crossroads Care, British Red Cross, Communities 2.0, Paul Sartori with their new carer project, and other organisations, who will be there with their displays, presentations and for you to meet with them. In the afternoon carers can join a workshop by LPD Consulting about Stress and Anger Management, the Leisure Centre will be providing health checks, the Looking After Me course with a taster session or the Circuit Riders to learn more about going ‘on-line’. For more details see separate flyer or go to www. pavs.org.uk/carers

If you would like to receive regular news via e-mail please let me know by 27 July 2012 sending a message to nicole.vanschie@pavs.org.uk or telephone 01437 771196. Newsletters are also available electronically at : www.pavs.org.uk/carers

Carers’ Gazette

News for carers in Pembrokeshire Issue 39 - May 2012

Contents Page: 2 Age Concern 4 A day in the life of... 5 North Support 7 Organisation News 9 Training 11 Poet’s corner 12 If you ask me...

In Sickness and in Health Carers Week 2012 will take place from 18 – 24 June. The theme this year is “In sickness and in health”. Carers

Week has been asking carers; ‘How much does your caring role impact on your health and wellbeing?’, ‘Are you worried that the cuts to services from statutary organisations and government will make you shoulder more of the burden?’ and, ‘Are you already feeling the effects of cuts to local services?’. Also does your GP know about your caring role and have you been offered health checks? If you work: is your employer sympathetic? Does your workplace recognise Carers Week? If you like to find out more about Carers Week visit www.carersweek.org. The results of the survey will be published on 18 June 2012 to launch Carers Week.

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What is your current role? I take calls through our Contact Centre and then visit older people or contact them via the telephone to further assess their needs and the needs of their carers. I promote and raise awareness of what support is available through Age Concern Pembrokeshire and seek to identify those older people and their carers who would most benefit from our support. Also as part of my outreach role I gather information of the services that are available in the community across all sectors and maintain a database that ensures up to date information is available. Can you describe a typical working day? The nice thing about this job is that no two days are the same due to the wide ranging needs of older people and the way in which we work to support them. Age Concern Pembrokeshire aims to help older people regain and maintain their independence and this is particularly true of my role as I work with the more complicated situations bringing together a range of help and support not just from the services available through our own organisation such as Home Support, Carers Support, Hospital Homecoming, Nail Cutting, Information and low level advocacy, but also referring and signposting to other groups and organisations. My role is especially important to older people who are very isolated, have no support to access relevant services and who need to negotiate the necessary procedures to access the help they need. What is the best part of your job? The satisfaction of making a real difference to the quality of life of many older people, including carers, by helping them sort through and access relevant information and support is definitely the best part of my job, in particular older people who have no one to help them or families who live away and are concerned about their parent’s welfare. The feedback that we receive is that we provide a vital lifeline for their peace of mind. I also speak Welsh and that is a great help in putting people at their ease especially in North Pembs. How much of your time is spent working with carers issues? I can’t quantify that, but probably a third of my time. We are involved with families of people who are older. I give them lots of information of what is out there and put them in touch with services, explain about the carer’s assessment, Direct Payment and welfare benefits.

A day in the life of Pamela Lewis at Age Concern Pembrokeshire Job Title: Community Development and Outreach Officer

What is your background? Pamela was born in Llanddewi Velfrey where she still lives. She attended the village school and later Whitland Grammar School, before she went away to College in Cardiff to study for a degree in History. Pamela also did a teaching qualification but then decided to take a year out and go to Northern Spain where she stayed for seven years, teaching English to University students. In 1980 Pamela came home to care for her parents which she did for 20 years. At the same time she joined social services and worked as part of the Learning Disabilities team. Pamela set up services for people with a learning disability and worked with their carers. After 13 years she moved over to supporting people with a visual impairment and again, supporting carers was a large part of the role and then with the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre working specifically with young carers in Pembrokeshire. Following the death of her parents, Pamela took time out travelling around Europe whilst also volunteering locally for a number of organisations including Woman’s Aid, Age Concern Pembrokeshire, Citizens Advice Bureau, Red Cross etc. In the autumn of 2007 she started work with Age Concern Pembrokeshire.

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We support many older people who are carers through our Carers Support Service and always provide a proactive service that gives a lot of thought to matching volunteers with the interests of the person being cared for, sharing interests and experiences so that the support provided is stimulating and enjoyable for the cared for person as well as providing much needed respite for the carer. We also keep in touch with people through our Telephone Care Call system that ensures a proactive approach, maintains contact and identifies issues before they become problems and provides a valuable psychological safety net for some of our most vulnerable residents too. This service is currently provided to over 500 older people by a small team of very dedicated volunteers. What is the biggest problem you encounter? The biggest problem we meet is the client’s loneliness, isolation and despair. The situation in Pembrokeshire is quite unique as it is a popular holiday destination, which attracts people to retire here and leave their family and community support networks for the future behind. All is well at first, but then ill health and maybe the death of their partner changes their situation drastically. We work in a holistic way looking at the whole picture and how we can help a person restore confidence and self esteem, developing support networks such as through ‘Silver Circles’ where people are encouraged and supported to join groups within their community. Volunteers facilitate the ‘Silver Circles’, helping to build up a small group within a person’s house or community venue where they can share interests, mix with people and become part of the society again with a restored quality of life. If there were no carers, what impact would this have on your organisation? It would be considerable as even the smallest change affects demand for our support. We help over 300 carers, but know that there are considerably more out there we don’t know about and who don’t know about us. (1000 carers are known to PAVS – editor’s note). What changes would you like to see to benefit carers and how are you able to make that happen? I would like to see a more flexible system with regards to support for carers. I think it is difficult to get night time support so that carers can have a good night sleep. Services can be too prescriptive and inflexible and don’t always meet the needs of the carer. The carer’s needs should be as important as those of the person being cared for and a flexible solution sought. Often carers find it intrusive to have different care workers coming in, they want to be able to do the personal care themselves, but have support with other tasks. One carer’s wife had come home from hospital and within three weeks 23 care workers had come into the home! Assessments should take this into account and enable carers to purchase domestic support and allow them to carry on with the personal caring role. We have responded to this within our Home Support Service, which aims to provide consistent workers and is also for a minimum of one hour per visit in order for a rapport to be developed as many carers, particularly family living away, want to know that their loved one is being supported and knows and trusts the person concerned.

Who do you care for? I care for my fiancée Mary. She moved here seven years ago, after we had been together for a year. Mary was fit and healthy at the time, and worked at nights at a care home. One day she came home complaining of pain in her heels. This was the start of what proved to be a serious illness. Mary has become physically disabled due to osteoarthritis, a heart condition and her mobility problems. She also suffers from severe headaches, weight problems and depression. She has had to give up work and now she is wheelchair bound when any distance has to be walked. What is your usual daily routine? I get up at 4.45 am and make Mary and myself a cup of tea. I help her to get dressed, then I go off to work (I am a self-employed Herdsman), I return home at about 10.00 am for breakfast and make sure Mary is all right. Some days she is able to make breakfast herself, but there are times when she is unable to do so. I then return to work for a couple of hours at one of the farms who employ me, after which I come home for lunch. Often I have to take Mary for a hospital or doctor’s appointment during the afternoon, but have to be back at work by about 4.00 pm for milking. I am also on call 24 / 7 for calving etc, at the different farms where I work. I have been called away from work by Mary when she isn’t coping with the pain or any other problems that arise, which then cause problems for me and my employers. What support do you have? Four or five years ago, after a GP referral, we received a visit from an Occupational Therapist. This resulted in a lift and shower being installed for Mary. Several times I have asked Social Services for a carer’s assessment, but so far this has not happened. When Mary broke her wrist two years ago Social Services came to see us. They did an assessment of her needs and we now have Direct Payment for a lady to take Mary out for the weekly shopping. This is a great help for both of us. It relieves me of that chore and allows Mary out for shopping, which she enjoys, and the chance for a chat. However we could do with more support, because I feel perpetually exhausted, although Mary is happy with the present level of help she receives. What has been your worst experience? Mary’s depression is the worst thing to deal with. It is very difficult to live with someone with this illness; her mood can change in a second. She now has a dog, which she takes for walks when she can, usually when I am at work. This gives her

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Background I am originally from Gloucestershire where my parents were biology teachers. They also were responsible for the school farm, so from an early age I had a farming background. Also, my grandfather farmed near Cardiff, but he sold before I was born. While I wanted to become a ranger, on leaving school I completed a course in agriculture, so never achieved my main ambition. In 1992 I travelled around Europe for 18 months on a bicycle and in 1998/99 I travelled in India and Nepal. On my return I did an HNC course in Agricultural Management which I finished in 2001. Then I found a suitable farming job in Pembrokeshire, where I still am. My parents also moved to Pembrokeshire on their retirement, and live about 14 miles away from my home.

A day in the life of Paul Mahiques

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limited exercise and some fresh air. The dog has made a big difference, because Roxxy provides Mary with company when I am out, and when walking the dog Mary is able to meet and chat with people in the village. What has been most helpful? Having someone to take Mary for the weekly shopping is most helpful. I find it a tedious and boring job! It takes an awful long time with getting the wheelchair in the car and out at the other end, then wheeling Mary round the supermarket or around the town, etc. People can be ignorant about the needs of wheelchair users or people hobbling on crutches - they talk to me but not to Mary, who may actually be the customer. Access with a wheelchair is a nightmare; you always seem to be going uphill and you have to avoid running into people. Rails in clothes shops get in the way. It is can be difficult to find low level kerbs to cross the road. Carer’s events are helpful, you always learn something new and they provide a good network of people in similar circumstances as yourself, who appreciate and understand the difficulties carers face. What would you like to see changed to make it easier for carers? Obviously more money for carers would be helpful, and a better entitlement to Carer’s Allowance. Everybody who does a caring job should get a minimum £200 per week, as it is a full time job. More time off from caring would help me, perhaps by getting a replacement carer or respite. We have a few good neighbours who would help if there is a problem. I am permanently tired, even if we are on holiday when in fact I am still caring, pushing the wheelchair, helping with getting up, dressing, feeding etc. Mary has two daughters from her previous marriage and 3 grandchildren. But they live near Cardiff. What advice would you offer other carers? If I had known what I know now I am not sure if I would have taken this role on. You are slowly getting dragged into the situation of being a carer. But you have the relationship; you love the person, so you can’t separate those things. You have to decide on what you do and then keep doing it, stand by it and get on with it. My advice: if you can get support, take it. Accept all the help you can get. Also talk to as many people as you can. Look after yourself. Take some time off for your own interests, this will make you happy. Bird watching is what I do for myself; it makes my life more bearable

NORTH CARERS’ SUPPORT GROUP This carers’ support group has recently been set up with support from Newport Surgery and Crymych Health Centre. The group has now agreed to meet from 10.30 till 12.30 every last Friday of the month, with the next meeting on Friday the 25th May 2012, at Clynfyw in Abercych SA37 0HF, near Boncath. If you are living in the North of Pembrokeshire please feel free to join. For further details you can ring Nicole van Schie at PAVS on 01437 771196, Kathryn Charles at HDHB on 01437 771220 or for directions Jim Bowen at Clynfyw on 01239 841236. You can also get in touch with a carer from the support group: Nina Williams on 01348 872381 or email to nina@ninawilliams.plus.com

Pembroke residents aged 50+ benefits from £1m Befriending Service

Older people living in the Upper Lamphey Road area of Pembroke have made new friends thanks to a £1m new befriending service funded by the National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund. The new Friendship Group which started last month brought local residents together, who may have been experiencing some level of isolation or loneliness. The group now meets weekly and are looking for new members to join them. Pembrokeshire Co-ordinator Helen Bussell said: “Unlike a traditional service in which older people are visited in their own home, this new befriending service will encourage older people to continue to be active in their own communities, get out and about and make new friends. These friendship groups for the over 50’s will be developed in areas which are identified to have an obvious need for activities for older people. The West Wales Befriending Links service will provide new opportunities for older people to make new friendships in their local communities, through joining in with new activities. We will also be looking for volunteers across the County to support us to support the groups to develop and become sustainable.” The service, led by Age Cymru Sir Gâr in partnership with Age Cymru Ceredigion and Age Concern Pembrokeshire, aims to combat loneliness by getting people together in groups and hope it will help older people make the most of later life. To find out more about this service please contact: Helen Bussell, County Co-ordinator, Age Concern Pembrokeshire, 37 Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest. SA61 1PE. Tel: 01437 769972 or 07772 032363 e-mail: helen@acpembs.org.uk, website: http://www.acpembs.org.uk

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New website launched for parents of disabled youngsters Action for Children's Hawthorn Project in Haverfordwest has launched a new website for parents and carers of disabled children and young people. The website also includes information for professionals and young people who want to find out more. The Hawthorn Project works with children and young people with disabilities and their families throughout Pembrokeshire. The website features: · What's On of upcoming events, information on parenting courses plus photos and films. · Information on the project's Child Development Team · Children with Specific Needs register · Information packs for parents and carers. · Who's who about staff and volunteers Charlotte Phillips, Key Worker said: "It's great for parents, professionals and young people to have all the information they need at their fingertips. Our new website also showcases the Hawthorn Project's continuing excellent work with children and young people with disabilities and their families." Action for Children runs over 120 services in Wales, supporting over 15,000 of the most vulnerable and neglected children, young people and their families in local communities. To visit the new website: www.hawthornproject.co.uk

Pembrokeshire Carers’ Emergency Card Support Service Do you worry about what would happen to the person you look after if they were suddenly taken ill or had an accident? If the answer is ‘YES’ then the Carers’ Emergency Card Support Service is the service for you. What is the Carers’ Emergency Card? It is a credit card sized card, that you carry with you at all times. It is used as an instant source of identification in the case of accident or sudden illness. The British Red Cross and Crossroads – Mid and West Wales will hold your number and details where help can be co-ordinated to assist you both, while you are receiving attention. By making a brief phone call to the emergency number help can be summoned for the person you look after.

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How does the service operate? You register with the service by completing an enrolment form. This form holds information about you, the person you look after and the action needing to be taken in the event of an emergency. The British Red Cross and Crossroads, who run the service, hold this information. You are then issued with a credit card size laminated card. What are the Benefits? Carers are offered 24 hour a day emergency cover. Carers feel less anxious and freer to go out. Carers have the peace of mind if something happens to stop them getting home. How do I Join the Service? You can join the service by completing an enrolment form which can be obtained from the British Red Cross telephone 01554 745480

Friends of Crossroads On the 7th of April we held our annual Easter Coffee Morning on behalf of the Friends of Crossroads. The day was a success with plenty of locals, carers and visitors making it a well attended fundraiser. A sum of over £1500 was raised towards the ever needed funds for Crossroads. We would like to thank everyone who attended and made this an amazing success and also all the help we had behind the scenes. The work that art therapist Barbara Young had done with the clients was displayed on the day to shown the activities that take place at Crossroads’ Saturday Clubs. There are vacancies at the Saturday Clubs in Fishguard and Haverfordwest, this is for families who look after clients with dementia and memory loss. For more information please contact Crossroads on 01437 764639 or email rebecca.morgan@crossroadsmww.org.uk

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ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) Coffee Morning The coffee support morning for parents of children with ASD, Aspergers Syndrome or who are waiting a diagnosis has been running successfully for nearly two years, and is proving to be a positive place to receive support and find out about current local areas of support. The morning is very informal with parents sharing their experiences, offering support to each other, and with positive links to the NAS Pembrokeshire branch and SIGA (Special Interest Group Autism). Parents north of the county are now able to attend a similar group

started in Fishguard by Susan Corrall, Education Psychologist, whilst continuing to attend this one in Haverfordwest. If you have not attended a meeting before please come along, you will be made very welcome. We meet between: 10-12 for a chat, cup of coffee with biscuit in the meeting room at Action for Children, Penffynnon, Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest, SA61 2AZ. All dates can be accessed through the Action for Children website or ring me, Liz Collins, on 01437 776512

CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON AUTISM POTENTIAL The first County-wide conference highlighting the employment potential of people on the Autistic Spectrum was held recently. Over 40 people, including representatives from local businesses and organisations, attended the Autism Employment Conference at County Hall in Haverfordwest. This was a joint initiative by Pembrokeshire County Council, the National Autistic Society and Autism Cymru. Robert Lloyd Griffiths ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) Employment Ambassador, from the Institute of Directors (Wales) was the keynote speaker, while representatives of the National Autistic Society, Job Centre Plus, Autism Cymru and COAST talked about the skills and potential of people on the Autistic Spectrum. The conference also saw the inaugural presentations of the Pembrokeshire Autism Award for Businesses and Organisations aimed at celebrating businesses and employers who are ASD aware. Nominations had previously been submitted by people with ASD and their families. Among the winners were Michael Charlton and Robin Baker from Michael Charlton Optometrists in Fishguard, Action for Children, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Torch Theatre, Clarks Shoe Shop in Haverfordwest, and Utopia Hairdressers Narberth. “This conference was the first step towards recognising the possibilities available for both employees and employers,” said Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Education. “Many important contacts were made and we hope that they will be further built on in the months ahead to bring positive results for those on the Autistic Spectrum.”

Back Row L-R: Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Helen Hallwood, Nicole van

Schie, Robin Baker, Michael Charlton, Guy Woodham, Kirsty

Richardson, Cllr Huw George, Sue James-Davies.

Front Row L-R: Anwen Iorwerth, Diane Beacroft, Sue Benbow and

Sue Leonard.

Macmillan Cancer Support and Relate Cymru have joined forces to provide a free relationship counselling service for people affected by cancer in the Hywel Dda area. Counselling appointments are available in Carmarthen, and it is hoped to offer the service in the Narberth area as well. Appointments can be made by contacting 01792 454412 or email enquiries.macmillan@relatecymru.org.uk For more information contact Claire Lewis on her mobile 075828 72784

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Clynfyw Care Farm’s “A Wheelie Good Idea” Project “We are calling it A Wheelie Good Idea, but it’s not just about wheelchairs,” said Jim Bowen, manager of Clynfyw Care Farm. “We are looking for all sorts of mobility equipment. Anything that is not needed, too tatty or a little bit damaged that might end up in landfill is ideal.” In this new and hugely innovative approach to recycling, unwanted mobility equipment is collected, refurbished and exported right to the people who need it most; people in Sri Lanka, Kenya, Sarajevo and many other places in the Developing World where people have nothing and a wheelchair might be a life changing thing. “We have linked with a charity called Physionet who are based in Yorkshire,” says Jim. “They have been shipping equipment refurbished by the prisoners of Garth Prison in Lancashire for many years. It is a system that works well, and to be able to tap into something that is already working well is a great relief!” Clynfyw Care Farm is a new day service provider with many different farm based projects from charcoal production, woodland pig management, a fully equipped pottery, apple juicing initiative and a wide range of horticultural projects based in raised beds. There is a lot going on and many opportunities for people to get involved in any part of interest. Clynfyw is on the COASTAL Provider Framework and is a registered Open College Network (OCN) provider with Agored. All being well it will develop into a thriving place with many micro enterprises, developed and managed by participants and service users. If you have any equipment that you do not need, this is an excellent way of getting it to people who really need it and if you would like more information, please get in touch: Clynfyw, Abercych, Pembrokeshire SA37 0HF, www.clynfyw.co.uk 07980-290522

Pembrokeshire Leisure Activity for Carers

In order to be eligible for discounted rates at Pembrokeshire Lei-sure Facilities throughout the county (family, unpaid) carers need only complete a Pembrokeshire Leisure registration form* and re-turn it to Nicole van Schie of PAVS. Once your application has been processed you will be given a month’s free use of our facilities.

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(*for those that haven’t completed one previously a fitness suite induction will have to be completed and paid for in order to access one of our fitness suites). Once registered the following concessionary charges will be applicable at all times: Swimming £1.60 Fitness Suite £2.70 Fitness Classes £2.70 Badminton Court (55 mins) £3.90 Squash Court (30 Mins) £1.90 Annual Membership (12 month minimum period): £16.75 / month or £201.00 (one off payment) (Membership includes free use of fitness suites, public swimming, sauna & steam room and a range of fitness classes). Please remember if you’re over 60 then swimming, aqua aerobics and swimming lessons are free of charge all year round, provided you are registered with Pembrokeshire Leisure. For further information please contact Gary Nicholas on 01437 776005 / or John Parsons on 01437 775291 or visit www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/leisure (Prices are subject to change)

The Caring Wife I do not make excuses Day to day this is my life I care for a disabled man I love him, I’m his wife Around the clock I care for him In many different ways Often up during the night Not stopping in the day Right now I’m really tired And my leg is painful bad Keeping me awake at night And in the day I’m sad My husband’s needs, they have not changed Still I have to care Even though I’m in such pain He needs me and I’m there What happens when I’m feeling sick? When my body wants to drop My husband, he still needs me So the caring doesn’t stop Not long ago I felt so ill And had to go bed Trying to find the energy To lift my aching head

Hubby sat there waiting to be settled for the night Then without warning he was oh so violently sick… No! No! No! I screamed collapsing in a heap What could I do? I cleaned him up when I wanted just to sleep Tears streaming, and exhausted, I got hubby into bed But still it wasn’t over I had more to do instead An hour on I’m struggling Still scrubbing at the floor Cleaning walls and skirting, the bin And even more There was no one to call upon No one to ask for help It was late at night, but hurting, sobbing, feeling ill I did it all myself I do not make excuses Day to day this is my life The world around just carries on… oblivious To the caring wife ©2009 Deni Usher

This newsletter is available on our website too at: www.pavs.org.uk/carers. If you would like to have this free quarterly newsletter for carers sent to you, please forward your details to Carers Gazette, PAVS, FREEPOST SWC4881, 36-38 High Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2ZZ email: nicole.vanschie@pavs.org.uk or ring 01437 771196. Name ……………………………..………………………………………………… Carer: Yes / No Email…………………….……………………………………………………………………...

Address …...………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………….

Postcode …………………………… Telephone………………………………………………

Age Group: 0-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71-80 81+

Ethnic Origin (for monitoring purposes): ………………………………………………………………..

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If you ask me ….. Nina Williams If you were Prime Minister for the day, what one thing would you change to make life eas-ier for carers? The Health and Safety system

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life and why? My mother because she was the most open minded person I ever met What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it? ‘Me Before You’ by Jojo Moyes because it dealt with the ‘Dignitas problem’ from all angles Which fictional character do you most admire? Can’t remember half of them but probably Sidney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities If you won the lottery how would it change your life? It would change my children’s lives more than my own What is society’s worst fault? The culture of ‘me first’ When did you last cry? Seeing our family returning to the States last year What is your favourite journey? From Worcester to North Pembrokeshire through Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Powys What keeps you awake at night? Thinking what to cook tomorrow What single skill, would improve your life? I’d love to be able to whistle with my fingers