Carefree Chorus in Carers Week



Carefree Chorus in full flow

Fife Carers - Carefree Chorus in Concert! Our Carers Week celebrations included a coffee morning with entertainment provided by the Carefree Chorus. This Youtube clip shows us singing a song written for Carers Week by our Musical Director/Choir Master/Songwriter and occasional accompianist Bob Barclay.

The words for "Another Day" reflect the daily life of carers and strike a chord with many of them.

Another Day

It’s just another day, the same as any other.
Just another day, it passes in a haze.
I wish that I could have a day that’s really different
A day that’s just for me - not ending in a daze.

The word routine just sounds so normal
Now it’s trying to blow my mind
Ev’ry day the same procedures
Bite back words that seem unkind.
Rising- washing-dressing-eating
Can’t believe it see the time,
Toilet, shopping, just a cuppa
Oh for just one hour that’s mine.

It’s just another day, the same as any other.
Just another day, it passes in a haze.
I wish that I could have a day that’s really different
A day that’s just for me - not ending in a daze.

Time for bed reverse the process
Anything can take an age
I might think this should be my time
Haven’t got the strength to rage
Round the house and tidy up the debris left behind today
Make a list of what you couldn’t
Leave it for another day.

It’s just another day, the same as any other.
Just another day, it passes in a haze.
I wish that I could have a day that’s really different
A day that’s just for me
A day that’s just for me
A day that’s really just for me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjaopEI4zzs&feature=youtu.be

Carefree Chorus - in great voice - come and join us!

Lesley and Kerry from Fife Carers Centre have really been enjoying getting together to sing with the Carefree Chorus (our Choir’s new name!) who have been in good voice each Thursday between 11am and 1pm at the Pathhead Parish Church Hall in Kirkcaldy. Leading us in our efforts are Bob Barclay, Irene Campbell and Christine Webster who have all volunteered their time and expertise and have been absolutely brilliant!  Naturally our singing has also been pretty darned brilliant (to our ears anyway!) and the selection of songs has ranged from Abba to Lloyd Webber & Rice with pit stops in the great American songbook on the way.  It’s been fun and sociable with moments of hilarity and heartache along the way – music really does touch the full range of emotions!  The idea behind having a singing group/choir was to bring carers and former carers together giving them time away from the caring role with people who share similar experiences.  Carefree Chorus has a fluctuating number of people in attendance - anything from 12 to 30 depending on what’s going on in our lives at the time.  We invite any carers and former carers to join us whether you have a great voice or not – enthusiasm is what counts here!  Just come along any Thursday – you’ll be very welcome and in the immortal words of Karen Carpenter “Don’t worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear - just sing, sing a song!”

Short Breaks Fund - A Time to Live

If you are a Carer living and caring for an adult in Fife, a funding stream is now available to help with the costs of taking a break from caring. The funding stream is called Time to Live, and this funding is part of the Short Breaks Fund - administered by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the national carer organisations and the Scottish Government. Locally-based organisations have been asked to manage the fund and Fife Voluntary Action is working with Fife Carers Centre, Crossroads and Fife Young Carers to make sure carers know about the fund and are encouraged to make applications.

You can apply at any time - there are no deadlines, however this Fund is currently scheduled to end in September 2013.

For more information and to download an Application Form and Guidance Notes please visit the Fife Voluntary Action website at http://www.fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk/short_breaks_fund.asp

If you have any problems downloading the form or have any initial queries regarding the Time to Live Funding, please contact Isabel Ritchie on 01592 567001.

About Time To Live Funding

 The Scottish Government has made the Short Breaks Fund available to help support and sustain carers (including young carers and kinship carers) through enabling better access to short breaks or respite care. The Fund will be used to help develop existing, new and innovative models of short breaks which will help to support current and future provision of short breaks and respite care. The funding is designed to support a 'preventative' approach to short break provision, recognising the importance of planned breaks in promoting good health and wellbeing for carers and those they care for. The funding is being tried out in twelve different areas in Scotland, and it is hoped that the learning from the Short Breaks Fund projects will inform future policy and practice.

 

 Time to Live Funding has the following aims:

• Carers and those they care for will have improved physical and emotional wellbeing;

• Carers will have more opportunity to live a life outside of caring;

• Carers will be better able to keep going with their caring roles;

• Carers with little support will have more opportunity to access breaks.

 

 The funding can help with a range of costs associated with short breaks, including transport, accommodation, leisure activities and supported holidays. Applications can be for amounts up to £500.

Fife Carers Community Choir

If you're an unpaid or family carer looking for a way to enjoy a little time away from your caring role the this could be just the thing for you!
Whether you sing like an angel ...

or can only just carry a tune in a bucket...





We'd love you to join us for a regular sing song! between 11am and 1pm every Thursday in Pathhead Parish Church Hall on Harriet Street in Kirkcaldy.
Call us at Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999 for more details.

Carers Parliament - 1 October 2012

Are you caring for someone and want to make your views known?
Now's your chance!  Apply to take part in Scotland's first Carers Parliament!
You can find out more and make your application online via www.carerscotland.org.
The closing date for applications is 14 July 2012.

Short Break fund applications

The Creative Breaks Programme is now open for applications and is generating a great deal of interest.

Are you working on an application to Creative Breaks Programme? 

If so don't forget that we have applicant phone-in days on Thursdays and Fridays for the next 3 weeks, this is an opportunity to talk through your proposal with the Short Break Fund Manager Alison Stevenson.

Please phone 01383 622462 and ask to speak to Alison Stevenson.

THE SCOTTISH STRATEGY FOR AUTISM

Nominations are sought from the autism community to join the ASD Reference Group’s User and Carer Sub-group to ensure that the needs of people with autism, their parents and carers are reflected and incorporated in the implementation of the strategy.

The Minister for Public Health launched The Scottish Strategy for Autism on 2 November 2011 in partnership with COSLA announcing that the Scottish Government was allocating funding of £13.4 million over 4 years to deliver the recommendations of the Strategy. The funding will be used to build on improvements to autism services and access to these services. The Strategy details our goals over a 10 year period and these will help us to make sure that we have addressed all the Recommendations by the time the strategy concludes.

The ASD Reference Group consisting of users, carers and professionals will work in Sub-groups, with additional representation, to deliver the Recommendations of the Strategy and provide annual progress reports report to Ministers. The ASD Reference Group, chaired by the Scottish Government leads in the monitoring and tracking of improvements in service provision for people with autism and their families.

The Scottish Government is seeking volunteers to form a User and Carer Sub-group to represent people on the spectrum in the delivery of the Strategy’s Recommendations.

The remit of the User and Carer Sub-group Group is to ensure that the needs of those on the spectrum are taken into account in the implementation of the Strategy by:

• Working collaboratively with other sub- groups by taking forward specific pieces work delegated to the User and Carer Sub-group by other sub-groups
• Provide regular progress reports on the work that the sub-group is taking forward.

• Provide regular reports back to each meeting of the Reference Group by completion of the sub-group template
• Forge and develop links to wider user groups both locally and nationally

• Identify gaps and challenges, and offer practical solutions to these gaps and challenges.

Nomination Process:

·         There are a maximum of fourteen places on the ASD User and Carer Sub-group.

·         It is essential that we have a wide geographical membership. , Ideally we would like to have representatives from throughout Scotland on the Sub-group.

·         The deadline for submitting nominations is 27 April 2012.

Representatives will be required to attend bi-monthly meetings of approximately 2 hours; reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. Potential membership interested in joining the Sub-group should contact Kirsty Butts, The Scottish Government, Adult Care and Support Division at email address kirsty.butts@scotland.gsi.gov.uk for an application for and completed forms must be returned by 27 April 2012 with a view to having the first meeting in May 2012.

Please tell us what you think!

Did you know that some of the funding that Fife Carers Centre receives comes from the Big Lottery?  As you’d expect The Big Lottery want to make sure that that the money they award is getting spent in a way that they initially approved – in this case to help the carers of Fife.  To help us give evidence that we are meeting their requirements we hope you will have a go at completing the survey that I have attached to this email.

If you’d like to have a go at the survey please click on this link Fife Carers Centre Survey.

We look forward to hearing from you and a BIG THANKS for your help!

“Generally useful things for unpaid/family carers to know and do.”

If you look after someone who can’t manage their life without your help because of illness or disability then you’re probably a carer!

Fife Carers Centre is offering carers this excellent free workshop that will help you find out who can help you, what kind of help you might be able to get & how to get it! and giving away the REALLY USEFUL Carers Toolkit.

These workshops are all run in the evening or at weekends and in various locations in Fife to make it easier for carers who also work to come along - the dates and times are:

Thursday 15 December 2011 in Kirkcaldy at 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

Saturday 21 January 2012 in Kirkcaldy at 10 am - 1pm.

Thursday 9 February 2012 in Dunfermline at 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

Saturday 25 February 2012 in Cupar at 10 am - 1pm.

Saturday 10 March 2012 in Levenmouth area at 10 am - 1pm.

Saturday 17 March 2012 in Glenrothes at 10 am - 1pm.

Places are limited to a maximum of 15 at a session so book your place now by calling Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999 or email lesley@fifecarers.co.uk

Stroke Care Information and Awareness session for carers

Stroke is very common and more and more frequently people are surviving and going on to regain a great deal of their independence and good health.  There is no doubt that the carer plays a huge roll in helping the person they care for become as well as possible for as long as possible.  In partnership with Chest, Heart and Stroke Training Coordinator Joanne Graham Fife Carers Centre is offering  free to attend information sessions for carers. This session gives carers information about a Stroke and how it may affect someone, some of the problems you may encounter in your caring role and how you can help the person you care for as well as possible for as long as possible.  It also gives carers the opportunity to learn from each other as they swap hints and tips learnt from their own experiences.
These sessions will take place as follows:
Wednesday 17 August 2011 6.30pm - 9.30pm at the City Hotel in Dunfermline. 
Thursday 15 September 2011 1pm - 4pm in the Boardroom at Cameron Hospital.
There are still places available for both sessions so call now to book your place on 01592 642999.

Goodbye to Mary! - A fond farewell.

After 15 years in the hot seat as Fife Carers Centre Manager,  Mary Stewart  has decided the time is right  to retire and she will be finishing work at the end of September.  As is often the case choosing the right time to retire has not been an easy decision to make and it has prompted a fair amount of consideration and reflection on her time with us.  Whilst she was in reflective mood we asked her a few questions. We asked her about her start with the Centre – not everything went quite according to plan! “I started with the Fife Carers Centre in October 1996 and promptly broke my foot and spent the first few weeks with my foot in plaster. The next year I broke my wrist and the year after that I broke my elbow ice-skating with young carers! Mhairi and Cindy used to joke about my annual break but fortunately it seems to have stopped now!”.   

How have things changed for carers during your time with Fife Carers Centre? 

When we started everyone thought that we were a Careers Centre and phoned us looking for jobs. No one knew what we were talking about when we spoke about carers. Now everyone acknowledges how important carers are and what huge contribution carers make to our society. We still need to get across to carers themselves that they are making this contribution and deserve support.

Are there things that particularly stand out in your memory?

Mary and Princess Anne share a moment

“I have so many vivid memories of my time at the Fife Carers Centre, happy and sad. I remember the carers, such as John Brady our former Vice Convenor, who was so much a part of developing the Centre in the early days. John sadly died but whilst he was a member of our Board.  John used to go around browbeating any carer he met into taking one of our cards and to get in touch – which many of them then did. The two visits that Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal made to the Centre obviously stand out as great honours as well as great fun and getting the news that we had won the two grants from the Big Lottery Fund were fantastic moments. I was very proud when we moved across the road and in to the new Centre in 2007.  We were able to build up such a great team and take on so many new pieces of work. I am always “ a wee chuffette” (as my son used to say) when people say they have heard about the Centre and the good work that we do.”

What will you miss about working with Fife Carers Centre?

“I am going to miss all the people. I‘ll miss the carers and the people in other organisations that we work with and I’ll really miss the team in the Centre. They give me a hard time and frequently tease me but they are great and work so hard for the Centre and carers across Fife. The members of the Board of Directors are part of that team and I have been very grateful for their support too.

”What are you looking forward to in your retirement?

“I am a bit apprehensive about who I will be when I am not Mary Stewart of Fife Carers Centre but I think that my husband is even more apprehensive about me being around and disturbing his routines! I’m really looking forward to jaunts out and about with him and making the most of our bus passes! I’m also looking forward to having time to go for walks, go swimming, reading all the books that I have been meaning to read and spending more time with my young granddaughter and her older sister. I’ll be keeping up my involvement with carers through the Coalition of Carers in Scotland and perhaps in time I will find other ways of being involved. I’ve been so lucky for the past fifteen years to have had a great job that allowed me to feel that I was making even a little bit of difference to the lives of carers.”

Sunday Funday Barbecue - Sunday 24th July

Fife Volunteers Social Group is hosting a great day out for members and their families.

Event:            Barbecue, with music, quiz and raffle (group perfoming is Civil Folk)

To held on:     Sunday 24 July.

Venue:           Strathearn Hotel, 2 Wishart Place, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2AS. 

Time:             3.00pm - 8.00pm + guests can stay on later if they wish.

Cost:             £4.00 for Fife Volunteers' Social Group registered members and £5.00 for guests and non-members.

Conditions:    Admission by ticket only.

This event is for volunteers, carers and their family and friends.

Please contact me for further information or any questions.

Polly Wilson

Chairperson

Fife Volunteers' Social Group

Tel: 01333 352684

e-mail: snpywils@blueyonder.co.uk

102 Leven Road Kennoway KY8 5JB

Wanted!! Part-time administrative assistant/receptionist

The Princess Royal Trust Fife Carers Centre 

Registered Scottish Charity No. SC029466

 Part-time administrative assistant/receptionist

10 Hours per week

General Grade 2 pt 10-12;  £4,295-£4,506 pa

This is a part time post funded until 31^st March 2016 by a grant from the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund. . Working within school hours, in the Centre in Kirkcaldy, the post holder will be part of a small team that supports unpaid carers across Fife.   They will be responsible for general administrative duties and dealing with incoming calls and visitors to the Centre. For application pack or further information please contact the Centre on 01592 642999.

Closing date for applications : 4^th July 2011

Good News for Fife Carers

Enjoying a quiz and lunch at Fife Carers Centre

Caring with confidence for someone living with Daibetes Information session led by Tessa Kidd

Male Carers conference in Dunfermline

We are thrilled to tell you that we have been successful in our grant bid to The Big Lottery Fund! They have agreed to give us money over the next 5 years that will pay for 1 full time and 2 part time staff plus a range of activities, information sessions and workshops for carers. The funding makes up a third of our essential funding with the remaining coming from NHS Fife and Fife Council. In addition to these funding sources we have continuing generous support from individuals and from various fundraising events that we use to pay for therapies offered to carers around Fife. We are really grateful to all our funders and are looking forward to being able to build on our successes of the past.
What kind of things will we be doing? We’re developing a training and information schedule that will look at many aspects of carers lives and help them be better able to deal with problems from practical things like dealing with financial crisis to personal skills development such as confidence building.
We think we’re on the right track with our plans as we have based them on feedback from carers during the past three years but it would be a tremendous help if you would let us know if there is anything you think we could be looking at as a topic for carers to learn more about.  Just drop us an email to lesley@fifecarers.co.uk or by telephone on 01592 642999.

Disabled Persons Housing Service Fife

Disabled Persons Housing Service Fife are interested in hearing what you think about the delivery of the Scheme of Assistance in Fife.  To facilitate this Fife Council are holding an event at the Dean Park Hotel in Kirkcaldy on Thusday 7th April between 10.30 am and 1.30pm and which you can attend.  To register for a place please contact DPHS (F) on 01592 223905 or email to enquiires@dphsfife.org.uk

Red Hat Events - the social organisation for people who enjoy SKI-ing*

We know how isolating being a carer can be - it can be very difficult to build a social life and to maintain it.  There is mounting scientific evidence showing that positive lifestyle choices made by people especially those in their 50’s including maintaining levels of physical activity and social interaction can reduce the risk of dementia, depression and stress related illnesses. Thanks to a £3658 award from the Social Entrepreneurs Fund Fife social entrepreneur Naomi Anderson has set up Red Hat Events which delivers a varied programme of events specifically tailored to the over 50’s.
Across Fife people have the chance to take part in anything from wine tasting, yoga, visits to museums and art galleries to Tai Chi and coastal walks. It helps to bring people together who share similar interests and can be especially important to this age group when affected by retirement, divorce or children leaving home and moving away.
Naomi explained that many people feel their life would be enhanced by the opportunity to try new activities and meet new people but can fall into the trap of doing more of the same. For others cost plays a major factor particularly in the current economic climate. Membership of Red Hat Events costs less than £2 per week and there are a number of free networking events every month. The costs of workshops and events vary and are kept to a minimum for members.
For more information on Red Hat Events contact Naomi Anderson on 07816821179/01592260933 or email her at naomi@redhatevents.co.uk or have a look at the website on www.redhatevents.co.uk.
*Spending the Kids Inheritance!

Holidays for carers

Dallmellington House

 This boutique hotel situating is East Ayrshire has undergone extensive refurbishment which was completed in 2009 to return the house to its former glory.  It was officially opened by HRH the Princess Royal in 2009.
Costs for day trips, outings, activities, beauty therapies, complementary therapies and transport available on request.
Tariff:-
1 night B&Bpp is £30
1 night DB&Bpp is £50
(prices based on two people sharing.)

Carlogie House Hotel

This Mansion House Hotel is situated in the historic golf town of Carnoustie and is a magnificent dwelling boasting large stately public rooms, conservatory and individually styled bedrooms.
Tariff:-
1 night B&Bpp is £35
1 night DB&B pp is £55
(prices based on 2 people sharing)
Single rooms available at
B&B - £45
DB&B -£65

To book rooms at either location telephone 01292 550717

Burntisland Prospects Group

Linda Sharp from the Prospects group asked us to tell you more about how the Prospects group in Burntisland works.

Getting creative keeps everyone busy at Prospects

Ann and Fiona enjoy their time at Prospects

"Prospects meetings for adults with learning disabilities and their friends are held every month in Solid Rock, the High Street, Burntisland. 
We meet on the second Saturday of the month, 10.30-12.30 in Solid Rock. Our next meetings are 12 March, 9 April, 14 May, 11 June.
Friendship, fun, celebration, support and sharing the good news of God’s love are what we are about.  We recognise each other’s gifts and celebrate the fact that everyone has something to contribute when we get together.  We’d love some new members so please spread the news about the group.
Over a cup of tea or coffee we catch up with each others’ news. Everyone joins in the singing, playing instruments, waving flags and using signs and symbols.  After a short talk we get crafty – we’ve made lots of different things, some more successful than others!
Here’s what some folks say about our meetings:
"The soup is really good!" (Jamie)
"I love the music and meeting friends." (Fiona)
"I’ve made new friends." (Laura)
"I like playing the musical instruments."  (Stuart)
"I’ve learned some new songs and signs." (Moira)
"I like drama and the biscuits." (David)"

If you'd like to know more about how you and the person you care for can join in the call Linda Sharp on 01592 874303.

Have Your Say!

Every day approx 6000 Fifers receive help in their own homes from Fife Council’s team of Homecarers. To ensure that people are cared for in a caring, safe and professional way, the Homecarers are trained in the skills required by a small but dedicated team of trainers. Could you help the team by advising them if they are on the right track? What do YOU think the Homecarers need to do to improve standards?
Over the Summer the Fife Council’s team of Homecarers are planning to hold meetings to discuss the courses with family carers and people who receive care services. Are you interested? Come and meet them for a tea and a chat!
For more information phone Jim or Krysia on 08451 555555x 470687

Tom McCulloch

Tom McCulloch in characteristic good humour 

Those of you who frequented the Carers Friday lunches will be saddened to hear of the death of Tom McCulloch. Tom was a very competitive quiz doer and joined in enthusiastically with conferences and meetings. He was always very warm and welcoming with less confident or new carers helping them to join in and passing on helpful advice.
Tom had not been in the best of health recently but his death was unexpected. He died in early January and his funeral took place on Monday 17th. Fife Carers Centre and carers from Fife were represented at the ceremony by Centre Manager Mary Stewart and Carer Support Worker Grant Kidd. A collection was taken up at the end of the ceremony and Tom's family have very generously split the money taken between Fife Carers Centre and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. We thank them for the donation and will use it to good purpose, continuing to offer support to other carers in Fife.

Challenging Behaviour Management for Parents and Carers

OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME

Provides techniques to the carer to use ensuring the best care, safety, and security for the person they care for even in violent moments. This programme has been designed to provide the same care, safety and security to the carer as they learn the techniques and skills taught during the training, and develop an emergency response plan if appropriate. The principles and techniques taught in the challenging behaviour training have repeatedly been proven effective in resolving potentially violent situations. By participating in this programme carers will gain more confidence necessary to handle crisis situations with minimal anxiety and maximum security. The training will help carers intervene more safely when behaviour becomes dangerous and most importantly maintain the bond between the carer and the individual they care for.

BACKGROUND:

Since 1980 more than 5 million professionals worldwide have been trained using the Non-violent Crisis intervention programme in order to help them provide the very best Care, Welfare, Safety and Security of everyone involved in a crisis situation.  Participants include professionals from a variety of specialist services including healthcare, education, social services, residential services, police, security and prisons.

The principles and techniques taught in the Non-violent Crisis Intervention programme have repeatedly proven effective in resolving potentially violent situations.  By participating in this programme, individuals gain confidence to handle crisis situations with minimal anxiety and maximum security.  The training will help individuals recognise behaviour triggers and assist with early intervention de-escalating techniques, or to intervene more safely when behaviour becomes dangerous.

ENABLE Scotland have a bank of certified instructors registered with the Crisis Prevention Institute and have undertaken an extensive training programme within the organisation to provide staff with the techniques required to manage challenging behaviour.  During the delivery of these programme it was recognised that Parents/Carers  should be included in this programme as we are all aware it is the parents and carers who are the experts with regard to supporting their own child.  ENABLE Scotland discussed at length with the Crisis Prevention Institute the benefits of delivering this programme to Parents/Carers.  The outcome of the discussion was that provided ENABLE Scotland had the appropriate insurance and were committed to provide refresher training to Parents/Carers there was no reason why this programme should not be delivered.  To this end ENABLE Scotland submitted a funding application to NHS Fife Carer Information Strategy funding to which we were successful in securing, which has enabled us to provide two training programmes to Parents/Carers in Fife.

In order to access this training Parents/Carers will be required to join ENABLE Scotland as a member and commit to attend refresher training every year.

Two one-day training courses are available on

 Thursday 10th of March at 9.15am – 3.30pm and Saturday 12th of March at 9.30am – 3.30pm
Venue:  Rothes Halls, Glenrothes.
Refreshments will be provided
For further details or to book a place, please contact:

Naheed Akhtar

Tel:01592 659295

New Epilepsy Support Group

Epilepsy field worker, Gaye Kelly, is starting a support group in January - it's open to those with epilepsy, their friends, family and carers.  It will start on Saturday 29th January, 10am - 12noon in the Staff Club at the Victoria Hospital - after that it will be the same time, same place on the last Saturday of each month.  Anyone from Fife is most welcome to come along and she is working to get groups set up in other areas.

Take part in the UK Government’s Consultation on changes to DLA

As part of their plans to reform and streamline the Welfare system the UK Government have announced proposed changes to Disability Living Allowance.  They plan to replace it, for people of working age, in 2013/14  with a new benefit – Personal Independence Payment that they see as maintaining the key principles of DLA, providing cash to help people with disabilities to help them overcome the barriers that prevent them from participating fully in everyday life.  The plans are still being drawn up and the UK government have issued a consultation document and you have until 14 February 2011 for you to respond to.  You can find the document on:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-reform-consultation.pdf or you can ask for one by telephoning 020 7449 7688 and leaving your details.
Until the review is complete there are no changes in the current process.  Once the changes are announced we will bring you information on how they will affect carers in Fife and those they care for – so watch this space!

Thoughts on Therapies

Enjoying a session in the shooglie chair!

If you’ve never experienced a relaxation therapy or massage before it can be a real surprise to discover just how beneficial they can be.  Carers have told us that some of the benefits they experienced included; helping with untying the knots in muscles, releasing pent up emotions, feeling cared for enjoying time to yourself.  Best of all was that their feelings of well-being often lasted for a few days and helped them cope better overall and get a good night’s sleep into the bargain.
We have some new opportunities for carers to experience a stress relaxation therapies starting in the new year.  If you would like to sign up for a series of sessions then please call us at Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999.
Here’s what some of those who experienced sessions this year had to say about it -
On using the automated massage (shooglie!) chair in Fife Carers Centre.
“It’s really good! I’m surprised at how effective it is, it really feels like a proper massage – I’ll be back for more!” Miss C
On having relaxation therapies with Linda Dalgarno in Dunfermline.
“They were absolutely fantastic and thank you again for allowing me to take up such a great offer.  As I said Linda was a lovely lady, very chatty and she put me at ease.  It’s like I know her well.” Sylvia
“If you had told me a couple of years ago that my husband would be signing up for therapies, going to carers meetings and finding it all so useful I’d have never believed you!  But I can’t tell you the difference that all these things have made to the way that he copes with caring.” Mrs B
On having relaxation “No Hands” massage therapies with Trisha Cox in Fife Carers Centre.
“Although I am a carer I have my own health issues but we manage.  So for me being given the privilege to attend one of the sessions is just heaven, absolute heaven.  So long may your funding continue for all the other carers out there who could benefit from this because you provide a fantastic service for carers of Fife!” Donna
“Over the past 8 weeks I have received a one hour session every fortnight.  I wouldn’t have believed how beneficial these sessions have been to me!  I feel much more relaxed and able to get my life into perspective again.  The massage is wonderful as I feel as if I am being spoiled and cared for and it gives me time out just for me!” Cath
On experiencing Tai Chi with Jackie Smith in Cupar.
“It was interesting and enjoyable.  Although these were just taster sessions I can see that doing it on a regular basis would be quite therapeutic!”  Mhairi
So why not give it a go for yourself?  Call us at the centre on 01592 642999 to see what is available.

Wintery Weather, Christmas and New Year - opening hours.

The recent wintery weather has been far worse than many had anticipated and it has been a real struggle to carry on business as normal.
The centre has been able to open on its normal days but is operating on reduced hours and will continue to do so whilst the weather is so bad.
If you have an appointment at your home with one of the carer support workers but you feel that the roads in your area are dangerous to travel please give us a call.
Over Christmas we will be closed on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December and will be working reduced hours on the 29th, 30th and 31st.
Over New Year we will be closed on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th January and will then resume normal working hours.

Enjoying a Malta easer break!

No - not Kirkcaldy prom - another sunny day in Malta

For one lucky carer the driech gloom of a Scottish Autumn was lifted by a week away on an all expenses paid holiday in Malta.  Judith Aitken heard about the Saga Respite for Carers Trust holidays through Fife Carers Centre and was encouraged to apply.  When she hadn’t hear from them for over a year she thought that she had been unsuccessful - but this summer to her great surprise and delight she was contacted by Saga Respite for Carers Trust and offered a holiday.  Judith and her sister went to Malta for a week and enjoyed a break in a 4 star hotel with great facilities, good food, pleasant company and a couple of excursions.  In the meantime Judith’s caring responsibilities were also taken care of and although Judith contributed some of her respite time towards the break the majority of it was paid for by SAGA.

Judith told us “Being in Malta was just wonderful. It’s lovely to be able to go on holiday and just relax – I enjoyed the whole experience.”

The Saga Respite for Carers Trust aims to give carers a break from their caring responsibilities by providing free holidays for carers and a companion and ensuring their loved ones receive care whilst they are away.  If you would like to be considered for a break you can nominate yourself.  Nominations will open on January 1, 2011 and any nominations received between now and that date will not be considered until then. Nominees who were unsuccessful in 2010 will be able to re-apply for 2011.

To qualify as a nominee, you must be over 50, have been caring for someone for more than a year, not taken a holiday away from your caring responsibilities within the last year and not be a professional carer.

You can apply yourself or nominate someone you think deserves it online at www.saga.co.uk or if you have no access to the internet you can either contact us at Fife Carers Centre to do it for you or nomination forms can also be obtained by post from January 1, 2011. Please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The Trust Manager, Saga Respite for Carers Trust, The Saga Building, Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent CT20 3SE.

Communication for Health - Making Information Accessible for adults with learning disabilities.

People with learning disabilities can find it hard to understand complicated written information, but services can support them by making their information accessible and easy to read.
The Communication for Health team has been led by Speech and Language Therapy within NHS Fife, and has staff from health, Social Work and advocacy services for adults who have learning disabilities.
To ensure that service-users in Fife have access to high quality information that is easy to understand, we have developed a pathway for making information accessible. This pathway has identified quality standards, training, support and resources for making easy read information.
Staff and carers who are looking for accessible information can now access the new Communication for Health website. Although this service is aimed at people with learning disabilities, accessible information can benefit a wide range of people who have difficulty understanding written information.
On this website, you will find:

•  An online database of quality assured accessible information on a wide range of topics.
•  Support and advice on making information accessible.
• Signposting to resources and training in making accessible information.

All the information contained on our database has been rated against our Fife quality standards and agreed with local service-user groups.
To access this service please visit www.nhsfife.scot.nhs.uk/easyread/

The Caring Experience Module 2011 for Social Work Students

The Caring Experience module is for first year MSc students and aims to give them an opportunity to understand the experience of caring from the perspective of carers and service users.
The university of Dundee are once again looking for hosts to provide a placement for a student who would work with you over a minimum period of 15 hours in total. The detail of how the student would be involved with you would be agreed between you and the student beforehand.
This is a successful module which has, in previous years, given students a unique opportunity and an experience that remains with them in their training and future work.  The university hope that you will choose to work with them to provide these experiences for the students.
This year, the first session of the course will take place on 7 December 2010 from 10am to 1pm in the Dalhousie Building of the University, room 2S17 .  Please do join them if you can for some or all of this introductory session.  You will be most welcome.
If you would like to take part or have any questions regarding this request, please contact the Programme Secretary, Tracy Sutherland on 01382 381427, or email; t.l.sutherland@dundee.ac.uk

Dementia Learning Forum - Therapeutic Values in Music

If you or the person you care for are affected by Dementia you are invited to come along to any of the Dementia Learning Forums. They're a great opportunity to meet up with some of the people in Fife who are involved in Dementia care and to find out about what is happening with Dementia Care not just in Fife but throughout Scotland. 

The topic for this session is ‘Therapeutic Values in Music’ and the keynote speakers are Fiona Crow, Music Therapist, NHS Fife and Jane Bentley, Community Musician, Art Beat.  We are also proud to present ‘Buddy Beat, a Community Drumming Group from Renfrewshire.

We are expecting a high interest from delegates in attending this forum therefore it has been agreed that the session will be capped at 80.  At the last forum in September, a high number of delegates who had not registered in advance attended the forum thus resulting in there not being enough lunch for everyone.  This is extremely unfair for those delegates who pre-registered.  To avoid this happening again, anyone who has not registered in advance will be declined entry to the forum.  It is therefore imperative that delegates register in advance by completing the a booking form as soon as possible as places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  You can get a booking form by contacting Audrey Mackie on 01592 740183 or by email to audreymackie@nhs.net.  (Alternatively you can give Lesley at Fife Carers Centre a call on 01592 642999 or lesley@fifecarers.co.uk and she will complete a form on your behalf and email it to Audrey) Your booking forms should be returned to Audrey by Friday 12^th November at the very latest.  A confirmation letter or email will be sent to you once your booking form has been received and a place has been allocated.  If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact Audrey direct who will advise accordingly. 

Fife Volunteers Social Group - get together and have some fun!

Fife Volunteers Social Group are a group of volunteers who have set up a group to organise social events for all volunteers and carers throughout Fife. They want to bring all volunteers and carers together away from the "workplace", to meet other volunteers and carers, to relax and enjoy an evening out. They are a completely independent group aimed at making sure that volunteers and carers, who give their time for good causes, have a chance to meet others in a similar position, swap experiences and enjoy the occasional social event.  They hope to have social evenings with food, drink,music and other entertainment. If possible they would like volunteers and carers to register with them (Free) simply so that they can contact you to let you know when events take place and keep in the picture of what's going on within the group.

 

The Group is organising a Murder Mystery Dinner at the Strathearn Hotel on Saturday 29 January 2011.  There will be a small cost for this but it will be greatly subsidised though their own fundraising and the Lottery Funding that they have recently had a awarded to us. To find out more about the Murder Mystery Dinner, or to register with the group, please contact Polly Wilson, Chairperson, 

Fife Volunteers' Social Group. 

Tel: 01333 352684 Mob: 07504221066 

e-mail snpywils@blueyonder.co.uk

 

Shared Care's entertaining AGM - an open invitation!

Shared Care Scotland is proud to present a Most Excellent Puppet State Theatre Production:
The Man Who Planted Trees
This captivating adaptation of Jean Giono's environmental cult classic is a gentle affirmation of the unseen, often unrecognised work of dedicated individuals.
“It is very, very rare to find something that appeals as effortlessly to children and adults as this magical show.” Scotsman,
When: *4.30pm, Monday 25th October, 2010
Where: Glen Pavilion, Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

(*Our AGM programme commences at 2.00pm. The AGM is open to anyone not just members. See
reverse for full programme for the day.)
Shared Care Scotland is pleased to announce that a special performance of this critically acclaimed production will be held as part of our AGM events on Monday 25th October. We would like to
extend an invitation to members and friends of Shared Care Scotland.
Tickets are free and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.
We are keeping some tickets aside for small group bookings. Groups should be accompanied by a
group worker and/or parents/carers. The production is recommended for anyone aged 7+ so groups of children and young people are most welcome. Please contact us by phone if you would like to make a group booking.
Civic Reception
Fife Council has generously agreed to host a Civic Reception to follow the performance and we are
delighted that the Provost of Fife will be able to join us. Please indicate on your booking form if you
would also like to attend this part of the event. Again we may need to limit numbers depending on
the level of demand.

About The Man Who Planted Trees
This captivating adaptation of Jean Giono's environmental cult classic is a gentle affirmation of the
unseen, often unrecognised work of dedicated individuals. A French shepherd sets out with his dog
to plant a forest and transform a barren wasteland. Hear the wind, feel the rain, smell the lavender
in this multi-sensory theatrical delight. An unforgettable story that shows us the difference one man
(and his dog!) can make to the world.
What the critics say…
“Laughs, heartbreak, war, regeneration, scented breezes, sparkling wit and the best dog puppet ever. Perfect for children and grown-ups. Terrific.” (The Guardian)

“For all the laughs to be had along the way, the ending is genuinely touching. In the performance I saw I noticed the middle-aged man in the seat next to me take out a hankie and wipe a tear from his eye.” (Scotsman)

“There are many large, expensive, star-studded shows on in Manchester over the festive period, but in just an hour with two talented performers, this show beats almost all of them for entertainment, humour, moving storytelling and sheer imagination and cannot be recommended too highly.” (David Chadderton in the British Theatre Guide)

Programme
2.00pm: Registration/Coffee
2.30pm: Information Update and Shared Care Scotland AGM
3.30pm: The Scottish Young Carers Festival 2010: A Break That Makes A Difference
In August this year 500 young carers from all across Scotland came together
for the third annual Scottish Young Carers Festival. Louise Morgan from the
Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance will tell us what happened and also
how these festivals are helping young carers have their say on national policy
and strategy development.
4.00pm: Coffee Break
4.30pm: Performance: The Man Who Planted Trees
5.45pm: Break
6.00pm: Fife Council Civic Reception & Buffet
7.30pm: Finish

Booking Form available from Shared Care Scotland
and at: www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk
Dunfermline Business Centre
Izatt Avenue
Dunfermline
tel: 01383 622 462
em: office@sharedcarescotland.com