Professionals Connected

July - October 2018

Dear family carer champions, colleagues and professionals Welcome to the July - October 2018 edition of our newsletter for professionals and people working with family carers. We have had a busy summer celebrating our 30th Birthday, Volunteers Week and Suffolk Day 2018. We were out and about across the County during Carers Week in June and released our brand new adult services video along with more exclusive vlogs as part of our digital calendar to raise awareness of the help and support we provide family carers across Suffolk. We hope you find this newsletter helpful in your work with family carers. Please share with your team members if you would like to be added to our distribution list, please visit our website where you can sign up.

Summer re-cap

Carers Week 2018Carers Week is dedicated to highlighting the amazing job that unpaid family carers do right across the UK supporting family, friends and neighbours who could not manage without their help. This year, Carers Week highlighted ways in which family carers can look after themselves, remain healthy and feel less isolated by staying better connected in their communities.

Out and about across the countyWe took our bus on a tour of the county staffed with trained advisers who identified family carers, registered them with our services and provided one to one support if needed.

Summer re-cap

Thankfully the weather brought people out this year and we managed to have in-depth conversations with 181 family carers, 36 in depth conversations with professionals and gave out over 800 leaflets and other support and contact information to raise awareness of the services we provide. Ipswich Hospital also reported a 66% increase in referrals compared to Carers Week last year.

But we didn’t stop there…… our staff and volunteers held 11 information stands in West Suffolk Hospital, Ipswich Hospital, James Paget Hospital chapel, Newmarket Community Hospital, Glastonbury Court – Kings Suite, Dementia/ carers conference – Nowton Court Village, Wickham Market medical centre, Sainsburys, Sudbury, Sainsburys, Bury St Edmunds, Morrisons, Lowestoft and Waitrose, Newmarket, giving free information and support to new and existing family carers and professionals.

Our 30th Anniversary celebrations

Carers Week was also a perfect time to hold our 30th anniversary celebration event. On Thursday 14th June, over 200 guests including family carers, friends, members, supporters and partners joined us at Greshams in Ipswich for a fun-filled night of great food, entertainment and guest speakers including family carers, our CEO Kirsten, Chair of Trustees Janet Dillaway and patron Nicci Gerrard.

As it was a celebratory event, we wanted to recognise and thank family carers, by holding our first ever Carers Recognition Award Ceremony. We received an overwhelming number of nominations for all the award categories from family carers, those they care for and professionals.

We were delighted that Neil Watts, from Family Carers Partnership Board, Jacqui Martin, former CEO at Suffolk Family Carers, Beccy Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Council and Antek Lejk, Chief Executive from the Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Trust joined us to present the winners and finalists with awards and certificates. It was brilliant to receive so many very touching nominations. A huge thank you to all those who took the time to enter a nomination and also to those who do so very much to help and support family carers of all ages across Suffolk.

To see all our winners and finalists, please visit our website https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/carers-week-round-up/

Suffolk Day 2018

Thursday 21st June was Suffolk Day where we celebrate everything that is great about the county we live in, from great icons, attractions, features, events and more.We hosted ‘The Big Chinwag’ with Age UK Suffolk and The Suffolk Association of Local Councils at our Carers Centre in Claydon. We were joined by over 50 professionals and individuals to enjoy some delicious homemade Suffolk baked cakes and lots of tea and coffee. We came together to recognise the great work that is carried out in Suffolk for family carers as well as the elderly. To keep up to date with all our activities throughout Suffolk supporting family carers, including more from Suffolk Day and our 30th Anniversary Celebrations visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SuffolkFamilyCarers/ and follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/suffolkcarers?lang=en-gb

Volunteers Week

It takes place 1-7th June every year and during the week, hundreds of events and celebrations take place across the country, saying thank you to volunteers and recognising their invaluable and diverse contribution to the UK.

Here at Suffolk Family Carers we held a social event for our volunteers. It was lovely to see so many people. Kirsten Alderson, our Chief Executive, came along to thank our volunteers and to explain how volunteers help support the work that Suffolk Family Carers does. We then enjoyed a fun quiz and some lovely cakes. We also produced a vlog where we asked our volunteers why they give up their time and what they get from volunteering with us. Check out what they said on the vlog video on our website.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week (14 to 20 May 2018) focused on stress and how we’re coping with it. We all know what it’s like to feel stressed – it’s part of everyday life. But when you’re overwhelmed by stress it may lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse.

To help family carers understand more about stress and how we can help them manage the stress and emotion of caring, we released a blog (link below). If you work with any family carers who are struggling with stress, please pass on the link or ask them to give our information line a call on 01473 835477 to speak to our family carers advisers.

Mental Health Awareness Week blog 2018 - https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/mental-health-awareness-week-2018/

Community Connector project - new dates in JulyThe community connector project is available for a private face-to-face discussion with anyone who feels stuck in a rut and needs support to get more active or more involved in their local community. The Community Connector asks ‘what matters to you?’ and not ‘what is the matter with you?’.

To find out more and to get an appointment, pop along to the bus (dates below - all sessions 10am-2pm), visit our website or call 01473 835445.

Tuesday 3rd July - Stutton Village HallWednesday 4th July - Holbrook Community Car ParkTuesday 10th July - Shotley Village HallWednesday 11th July - ChelmondistonTuesday 17th July - Stutton Village HallWednesday 18th July - Holbrook Community Car ParkTuesday 24th July - Shotley Village HallWednesday 25th July - ChelmondistonTuesday 31st July - Stutton Village HallWednesday 1st August - Holbrook Community Car Park

Hot topic

Are you aware that the health team at Suffolk Family Carers offers two care break schemes for family carers?

Neurological Care break Scheme (NCBS).To be eligible for NCBS the cared for needs to be over 18 years of age and have a neurological health condition, for example, Parkinson’s (not Dementia).

The funding will pay for replacement care so the family carer can have a one off or regular break from their caring role with or without the person they care for.

Some family carers choose to pay for a holiday stay with their cared for, where the caring role will be delivered by a trained professional allowing them to have a true break from caring. Some family carers use the funding for regular support to allow the carer respite to follow a hobby or see friends etc.

Hot topic

The funding is limited and will be awarded upon receipt of an application completed by the family carer and subject to the eligibility criteria. Funding for the scheme cannot be used in conjunction with continuing health funding or any other funding that allows the family carer respite.

This Funding is only available in the East and West of Suffolk and any associated costs will be paid on receipt of an appropriate invoice.

Respite on PrescriptionThis service is available for family carers who need an operation (planned elective procedure) in hospital or diagnostic appointment related to the operation. GP Surgery staff can complete a ‘respite on prescription’ form that will provide funding to pay for replacement care whilst the family carer is a patient and for a limited recovery time (subject to funding).

This service is only available to family carers registered with a GP in the West of Suffolk - forms can be found in the GP Surgery. This form is then sent to us and we start the process. Please inform us in advance if a family carer wishes to use this scheme. There is also a family carer breakdown element to this funding for respite costs of up to two days.

Please note: this service is not an emergency replacement care service.

For further information, please call our Health Team on 01473 835407 or email healthteam@suffolkfamilycarers.org. You can also see information about these services on our website https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/gp-practices-in-west-suffolk/

Focus on

Mental health services - have your say

NHS Ipswich & East Suffolk and NHS West Suffolk clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) want to transform the way mental health provision is delivered across the county.In order to do that, they first need to find out how effective the people who deliver and receive the current services think they are.

Alongside Suffolk User Forum and Suffolk Parent Carer Network, we will co-ordinate a whole host of mental health workshops and events to gather feedback on the current services.

Healthwatch Suffolk will then gather and analyse this before preparing a report making a case for change for the CCGs’ governing body meetings in November.

To have your say as a professional working to deliver these services, please use this linkhttps://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MHTransform_Plan_Professionals_Staff

If you know a family carer, please also encourage them to respond using the carer surveyhttps://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MHTransform_Plan_Carers

Focus on

Courses for family carers

Caring with Confidence (3 session programme)Family carers are invited to join us for 3 hours each week for 3 weeks to consider topics such as managing the stress and emotions of caring, regaining balance and control in a caring role and information on their rights and entitlements.This programme is an excellent opportunity for family carers to meet others in a similar situation, learn new techniques to support them in their caring role and gain useful resources.

Our next 3 session programmes will take place inWoodbridge - Framfield House Surgery, Framfield Medical Centre, Ipswich Road, Woodbridge, IP12 4FD on Friday 20th, 27th July and 3rd August 10.30am-1.30pm

Claydon - Carers Centre Meeting Room, Unit 9 Hill View Business Park, Old Ipswich Road, Claydon, IP6 0AJ on Friday 7th, 14th and 21st September 10.30am-1.30pm

Caring for Dementia with Confidence (3 session programme)We offer this programme across Suffolk for those caring for someone with Dementia or memory loss. We invite family carers to join us for 3 hours each week for 3 weeks when we will discuss topics such as managing the stress and emotions of caring, regaining balance and control in their caring role and information on their rights and entitlements.This programme is an excellent opportunity for family carers to meet others in a similar situation, learn new techniques to support them in their caring role and gain useful resources.

Our next 3 session programme will take place inIpswich - The Co-op Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JW on Thursday 23rd, 30th August and 6th September 2-5pm.

Living well with Dementia - a 3 hour workshop for family carersThis workshop is designed for family carers who care for someone with Dementia or memory loss. It is designed to help them understand and manage the impact of Dementia on the abilities of the person they care for. It will provide information and advice on how to support the person and explore coping strategies to help in their caring role.

The next 3 hour workshop will take place inLowestoft - The Kirkley Centre, 154 London Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0AZ on Tuesday 4th September 10.30am-1.30pm.

Wellbeing for Me (3 session programme)This programme focuses on enabling family carers to look at how their caring role can impact on their own emotional wellbeing. The programme looks at different exercises to help concentrate on how family carers can fit in their own needs as well as those of the person they care for.

Our next ‘Wellbeing for Me’ programme will take place inBury St Edmunds - Mount Farm Surgery, Lawson Place, Moreton Hall (near Tesco Express), Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7EW on Wednesday 15th, 22nd and 29th August 12.30-2.30pm.

For more information or to book a place on the above courses, please email cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835446.

Courses for family carers

Feeling Stronger to Connect (6 session programme)The programme is available to family carers who live in or around Beccles. There will be an opportunity to gain information and access resources to support them in their caring role, connect them with their local community and discover ways to keep them active. One week will include taking part in a wellbeing walk.

The next 6 session programme will take place inBeccles - Beccles Methodist and United Reformed Church (Hungate Chruch), Hungate, Beccles, NR34 9TL on Wednesday 12th, 19th, 26th September and 3rd,10th and 17th October 1.30-4.30pm.

Wellbeing WalksWe will be running two series of Wellbeing Walks in early Autumn in the Bury St Edmunds and Thetford areas. Full information on these will be confirmed in due course but referrals for them are welcome now.

If you know any family carers who may wish to attend any of the above programmes, please contact us on 01473 835446 or email cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org. Places MUST be booked in advance.

Suffolk, advice, guidance and emotional support - our SAGES team is here to help family carersOur SAGES service is FREE & confidential for family carers, families & friends with mental & emotional wellbeing needs. We aim to help family carers maintain their caring role & look after their own wellbeing by providing information, advice, guidance & emotional support.

One-to-one with a SAGES worker We can also offer family carers a one-to-one with one of our SAGES workers. This can provide some emotional support. This may be via the telephone or face to face.

Open Space sessions for mental health family carersThese 4 sessions focus on the issues and needs of family carers caring for those with mental health/emotional wellbeing needs. They will provide an opportunity to receive information, share ideas and experiences and meet other family carers who may be in a similar caring role. The session plan is as follows: Session 1 - Introduction and carers rights and services Session 2 - Mental health awareness and positive change Session 3 - Coping strategies, communication and boundaries Session 4 - Emotional needs and resources Please note: the order of these sessions may change from the above depending on the availability of external speakers.Coming to The Bridge Project, Bradbury Court, 20 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, CO10 6EU on Friday 6th and 20th July 2018 10.30-12.30pm. For more information and to book a place, please visit our website events calendar or contact Beverley Stearn by calling 01473 835455 or email MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org

Peer led information sessionsDeveloped from our programme and other group activities, these sessions provide an opportunity for family carers to receive and share information and peer support. Currently there are groups held once a month: Stowmarket, last Wednesday of the month (2-4pm) Bury St Edmunds, last Tuesday of the month (6-8pm) Ipswich on the second Wednesday of the month (10am-12pm).We also have a group in Lowestoft that meets once a month - please contact us for more details. If you, someone you work with, or someone you know is caring for someone with a mental health need and you would like some help, advice or support from the team, then please contact T: 01473 835455 E: MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org Navigating the Road to RecoveryDo you work with a family carer who is affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use? Would they like information and support? Our substance misuse team is here to help and support!Navigating the Road to Recovery is a five-session programme designed to give information and support to those affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. The workshops will focus on drug and alcohol use and effects, the impact of substance misuse on family carers’ wellbeing, understanding recovery and support, communication, exploring ways to cope, caring for yourself and signposting to other agencies.

These programmes are evaluated to have a positive impact on family carers’ lives. We support people to explore difficult issues such as controlling and enabling, manipulation and social isolation. It also provides an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and share viewpoints and discuss different strategies.Coming up - Navigating The Road to Recovery programmes in Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft. Please contact Juanita Rampley on 01473 835411 to book your place.

Drop-in Sessions/ 1-2-1 AppointmentsWe hold regular drop-in sessions at Turning Point Ipswich, Bury St. Edmunds and Lowestoft to guide you with the challenges of having a drug or alcohol user in your family.

Come in and talk to Rachel Nightingale, our Family Support Worker, for basic information and advice, registration with Suffolk Family Carers, referral onto our Family Support programme and signposting to other agencies.You are welcome to either turn up or contact us to book an hour appointment. To find out more about these services, or to book your place, please contact Juanita by email subsmisuse@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835411 for more details.

NEW...East Suffolk Family Support Group Families and loved ones suffer the ripple effect of someone close to them who misuses drugs or alcohol. Our Family Support Group allows you to spend time with others who are experiencing similar issues and dealing with similar problems.The new group is free to attend and is arranged in partnership with Focus12 and Adfam. The group will take place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at our HQ in Claydon 6.30-7.30pm.To find out more, please contact Kate Sale, Adfam Family Service Coordinator on 07555 427686 (please do leave a message for a call back).

Dates for your diary

Family Carer Better Practice ForumThis is an opportunity to meet with other professionals who work with family carers to share experiences, information and best practice. The next meeting will be on 12th July 2018. If you would like to attend please email reception@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835445 to book a place.

Professional information sessionsProfessional information sessions at Suffolk Family Carers are held monthly to familiarise professionals working within statutory and voluntary organisations about the services offered by Suffolk Family Carers. Dates for future meetings: 12th July 201819th September 201814th November 2018 Unit 9, Suffolk Family Carers Hill View Business Park, Claydon IP6 0AJ 9.30-11am. If you would like to book a place on one of these sessions please email reception@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call reception on 01473 835445.

We are working in GP surgeries to support family carers Working in partnership with mainly West Suffolk GP surgeries, our GP family carer Advisers are scheduled to spend time in GP surgeries as detailed below. They are in the surgery to: Help people identify as family carers Provide information Provide guidance Raise awareness Family carers are welcome to drop in. Please note: sometimes our Advisers may be in a quiet room talking to a family carer, usually near the end of a session.

GP surgeries timetable Mount Farm Surgery - Bury St Edmunds - First Thursday of each month 9am-12pm (not available in July) Victoria Surgery - Bury St Edmunds - Fourth Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Brandon Medical Centre (Elbourne Surgery) - Brandon - Second Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm (not available in July) Forest Surgery - Brandon - Fourth Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm Lakenheath Surgery - Lakenheath - First Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm (not available in July) Market Cross Surgery - Mildenhall - Third Monday of each month 9am-12pm Reynard Surgery - Red Lodge - Third Monday of each month 9am-12pm (not available in July)

Dates for your diary

Rookery Medical Centre - Newmarket - Second Thursday 9am-12pm and fourth Monday all day

Oakfield Surgery - Newmarket - Third Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Orchard House Surgery - Newmarket - Third Wednesday of each month 1-4pm Wickhambrook Surgery - Wickhambrook - First Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm (not available in July) Haverhill Family Practice - Haverhill - Fourth Thursday of each month 9am-12pm Guildhall Surgery - Clare - Second Monday of each month 9am-12pm (not available in July) Long Melford Practice - Long Melford - Second Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm Long Melford Practice - Lavenham - Fourth Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Siam Surgery, Sudbury Community Health Centre - Sudbury - Second Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm (not available in July) Meadow Lane Surgery - Sudbury - First Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm Hardwicke House Surgery - Sudbury - Second Monday of each month 9am-12pm Cornard Surgery - Gt Cornard - Third Thursday of each month 9am-12pm Botesdale Health Centre - Botesdale, Diss - First Monday of each month 9am-12pm

Stanton Surgery - Stanton - Second Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm

Ixworth Surgery - Ixworth - First Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Woolpit Health Centre - Woolpit - Third Tuesday morning and Fourth Thursday morning 9am-12pm (not available in July) Stowhealth - Stowmarket - Third Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm

Glemsford Surgery - Sudbury - Third Thursday of each month 9am-12pm Family carer one-to-one sessions A private, face to face discussion for family carers can be arranged for anyone attending one of the surgeries listed above, or if they live in West Suffolk. These private appointments are normally held in the GP surgery the family carer attends, however, if this is not possible, other arrangements can be made. If you would like to refer a family carer, with their permission, please call 01473 835407. Our admin staff work part time so please leave a message and we will get back to you within a few days.

Carers groups for family carers

Family carer groups in SuffolkLocal groups are a great way to meet other family carers - a warm welcome awaits. For further information about a specific group please contact the facilitator of that group, as listed below.

Bildeston group 1.30-3.30pm - Bildeston Health Centre, IP7 7EX. Last Tuesday of each month Contact Louise Bissett 01449 740254 or email louise.bissett@nhs.net Bury St Edmunds group 1-3pm - Mount Farm Surgery, IP32 7EW. First Thursday of each month Contact Maureen on 01284 762985 Bury St Edmunds Wellbeing Group6-8pm - The Oakes Barn, Community Meeting Room, St Andrews St South, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH. Last Tuesday of each month Contact Bev Stearn on 01473 835455/07766367021 or email bev.stearn@suffolkfamilycarers.org Claydon craft & tea 1-4pm - The View, Hill View Business Park, Claydon, IP6 0AJ. Third Monday of each month Contact Irene Davis on 01473 652303 or email irene.davis2009@googlemail.com Eye group 1-3pm - The Eye Bowls Club, IP23 7HW. First Monday of each month Contact Katrina on 07867844702 Felixstowe & villages group 1-3pm - The Community Hub, IP11 9EF. Second Monday of each month Contact Dennis Weston on 01473 832591 or email dennisweston.49@btinternet.com

Hadleigh group2-3.30pm - Hadleigh Pool & Leisure, Stonehouse Road, Hadleigh. Fourth Tuesday of each month Contact Jill Mason and her team on 01473 823470

Haverhill group 1-3pm - The Burton Centre, CB9 8HB. Fourth Thursday of each month Contact Jo on 07711669386 or email dwendell@btinternet.com (please note: The group will be out on 26th July so will not be at The Burton Centre as nornal. Please contact Jo on the above for more information)

Carers groups for family carers

Ipswich group 2-3.30pm - 19 Tower Street, IP1 3BE. Second Wednesday of each month Contact Mary Quinton on 01473 742839

Leiston & villages carers & friends Group 1-3pm - The Bell Hotel, High Street, Saxmundham IP17 1AF. Third Tuesday of each month Contact Sue Bateman on 01728 602969

Long Melford group 10.30-12pm - The Bull Hotel, CO10 9JG. Second Monday of each month Contact Diane Poulter on 01787 375833 Lowestoft - Waveney carers & friends 1-3pm - Community Church, Haddenham Road, Lowestoft, NR33 7NF. Last Wednesday of each month Contact Janet Betts on 01502 380475 or Pat Cruse on 01502 511892 Mildenhall group 1-3pm - Market Cross Surgery, IP28 7EG. Third Monday of each month Contact James on 01638 750847 or email jamescalvert276@btinternet.com Needham Market group 11-1pm - Community Centre, School St, Needham IP6 8BB. Second & fourth Tuesday Contact Amanda King on 01449 258418 or Pat Gould on 01473 831129 Newmarket group 1.30-3.30pm. The Rookery Medical Centre, CB8 8NW. Second Thursday orf each month James on 01638 750847 or email jamescalvert276@btinternet.com Stowmarket group 1.30-3pm - Hillside Community Centre, IP14 2BD. First Thursday of each month Contact Liz on 07936380127

Family Carers Trauma Support10am-1pm - The Cedars, Needham Road, Stowmarket, IP14 2AJ. First Saturday of each month An independent family carer peer support group sharing information and support to help manage the impact of trauma and secondary trauma within the family. Open to family carers supporting people affected by trauma and/or those family carers experiencing secondary trauma. Contact Lizzie Cross on 07818891344 or email lizziecross67@yahoo.co.uk Sudbury group 1.30-3.30pm - Sudbury Community Health Centre, CO10 2DZ. Second Tuesday of each month Contact Caroline on 07882871654 Wickhambrook group 1.30-3.30pm - Wickhambrook Memorial Centre, CB8 8XP. First Wednesday of each month Contact Gloria on 07581712421 or Ruth on 01440 820631 Woodbridge group 1.30-3pm - Framfield Medical Centre, IP12 4FD. Third Tuesday of each month Contact Fiona Baker on 01394 384028

Carers Assessments

ReminderSuffolk Family Carers is continuing to carry out some Carer’s Assessments on behalf of ACS. Please remember that family carers cannot access or be referred directly to Suffolk Family Carers for a Carers Assessment. The referral has to come to Suffolk Family Carers via ACS using the agreed route in each area. Family carers wishing to access a Carers Assessment should contact Customer First on 0808 800 4005. ACS staff: if you are not sure how to refer, please speak to your Team Manager or email Steven.Emmerson@suffolk.gov.uk who is the new Carers Lead for ACS.

IDT - Mental health carers assessment leadsSuffolk Family Carers has been working with NSFT colleagues to identify ‘link’ people as Carers’ Leads - there are still one or two vacancies, but this is progressing and working well! Bury South - IDT, G block, Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3NR Julie Williams - Julie.Williams@nsft.nhs.uk or call 01284 733188 Bury North - Newmarket Hospital, Exning Road, Newmarket, CB8 7JG Vacancy Central - Haymills House, Station Road East, Stowmarket, IP14 1RF Eddie Cross - eddie.cross@nsft.nhs.uk or call 01449 745200 Adult Community Mental Health Services Great Yarmouth & Waveney - Victoria House, 28 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1PL Catherine Phillips (role includes some aspects of the Carers Lead Catherine.phillips@nsft.nhs.net or call 01502 532100 Ipswich - 3rd Floor, Mariner House, 43 Handford Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DG Judy (Jay) Chandler - Judy. chandler@nsft.nhs.net Coastal - Walker Close, Ipswich, IP3 8LY Neil Broadway - Neil.broadway@nsft.nhs.net or call 01473 279200 Julia Wunderlich Professional Advisor (Mental Health)/AMHP 01449 745200 / 07795 952745 (only use her mobile if urgent) julia.wunderlich@nsft.nhs.uk Julia is happy for people to contact her if you can’t get hold of anyone else who could help them (email is the preferred option)

Carers assessments

Updates

You are invited to a premiere - Our new video is out now!We have created a short video to explain more about the services we provide to adult family carers right across Suffolk as well as how to access information and support from our dedicated team.You can view it on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Ex2dbd7OI&t=

Jade MayJean, local singing superstar, becomes a friend of Suffolk Family CarersWe are thrilled to announce that Jade MayJean, a highly motivated singer/songwriter who appeared on The Voice, has become a friend of Suffolk Family Carers and will be supporting our work with young adult carers.We are looking forward to working with Jade in the future to highlight our work with young adult carers. Jade also performed at our 30th Anniversary event held on Thursday 14th June 2018.

Medequip hold an event at our Carers Centre in ClaydonOn Monday 23rd April, Medequip held an information event at our HQ in Claydon which saw lots of local organisations, including Age UK and HealthWatch Suffolk, come together to offer free information to family carers and professionals who work alongside them.As Medequip is the current statutory provider of equipment in your home, such as hoists and air-flow mattresses, the event saw demonstrations and product displays indicating the wide range of equipment available to help aid family carers carry out their role safely and with confidence.

We hope to offer another event like this in the future for those who were not able to attend.

Carers connected - newsletter for family carersThe feedback we have had is that professionals would be interested to see the information family carers receive via ‘Carers Connected’, which is sent to all those family carers who are listed as wishing to receive a copy by email from Suffolk Family Carers. To access the latest edition, please visit our website Carers Connected page - https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/carers-connected/. Alternatively, you can access it through links posted on our Facebook page and Twitter account. As part of new accessibility guidelines, we are required to provide our Carers Connected newsletter as ‘embedded’ HTML. This allows the newsletter to be viewed as a webpage and ensures it is compatible with screen reader technology for those who are blind or partially sighted. If you would like this HTML link, please contact us.

Updates