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

Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia

Alzheimer Scotland will be holding a sponsored Memory Walk on Sunday 10th October at 11am in Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy.  The walk is designed to increase awareness of dementia and to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland.
The Kirkcaldy Memory Walk will be a "Memory Mile" around the Beveridge Park curcuit and is suitable for everyone regardless of age or fitness level.  It's a chanve for family, friends and work colleagues to get together, have fun, keep fit and raise money for a great cause.
All money raised by the event will be spent locally, in Fife this will help Alzheimer Scotland to provide services for over 5282 people in Fife with dementia, their families and carers.
To show your support and join in the Memory Walk, please contact events@alzscot.org or 0845 2600 789.

Get a net buddy!

Netbuddy is the first online resource of its kind offering hundreds of handy tips and simple yet ingenious suggestions from people with everyday experience of special needs.
If you are looking after someone with a learning disability – whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher, therapist or another professional – you’ll find some great ideas at www.netbuddy.org.uk

You can use the site in a number of different ways. Either search for a tip in a specific area, such as ‘repetitive behaviour’ or ‘sleeping’. Or you can post a question on the interactive forum. You can also search for practical help in the information packs. Plus you’ll find loads of useful links to other sites and resources.

If you have a bright idea you want to share, you can submit your own tips, download a video or offer some suggestions on the forum. Netbuddy Co-Director Deborah Gundle, who’s son has learning disabilities, said:
“The idea for Netbuddy came about when my son was small. I spent so much time and energy solving day-to-day problems, which I felt sure other people had overcome before me. I had no idea where to go to find the solutions I was looking for, and I started to think it would be really useful to create a practical resource.”
Together with Co-Director, Linda Goldberg, Deborah hopes Netbuddy will be the place people go to find solutions, help others and connect with like-minded people who understand learning disabilities. Linda said: “We want everyone to tell their friends, families and colleagues about Netbuddy, because that’s the only way we’ll grow. We need people to like us on Facebook and Twitter, blog about us, pass the word on to any groups or forums they belong to, put a Netbuddy link on their website, or encourage other websites to do so…this project is all about people getting involved.”

For example, from the mum who has sewn a toy tiger’s tail onto her son’s pants to persuade him to wear clothes in the house to tips on nutrition and age-appropriate presents. And that’s just in the first few days!
Netbuddy is a non-profit organisation. None of the information on the site will be used for commercial gain. Visit www.netbuddy.org.uk

A perfect restful break!

Dalmellington House

One of the Bedrooms

Complimentary Therapies in the Centre

Margaret and George Connell recently went for a short break a at Dalmellington House - beautiful boutique hotel in Ayrshire owned by East Ayshire Carers Centre. They told us all about their stay. "Travelling by car is always more enjoyable away from motorways and we had a leisurely drive on Monday 30th August, down the A702 to Abington, B797 to Mennock (not for the fainthearted), A76 to New Cumnock and B741 to Dalmellington.  We were warmly welcomed on arrival at the Centre and as the weather was perfect we just relaxed in the sunshine in the garden at the back of the hotel.  As we were the only guests we were consulted about the evening's menu.  The two course meal was excellent as was the full breakfast on offer the following morning.  The bedrooms are up one flight of stairs (sorry no lifts!) and the bedroom could not be faulted.  We spent most of Tuesday visiting friends in Prestwick but still had plenty of time on our retrun to have a quick walk round Dalmellington before enjoying another excellent dinner at the Centre.  On Wednesday we took a short drive to Loch Doon and enjoyed the views and a picnic lunch.  Having earlier noted that complimentary therapies were available at the Centre the afternoon was spent being thoroughly pampered - it was relaxing and also invigorating.  Our last evening meal was again very enjoyable.  Throughout our stary the Centre staff were very friendly, helpful and certainly participated in making our stay most enjoyable.  We took a different way home going north up towards Edinburgh.

It was a perfect and totally restful break!

Information Sessions for Family Carers!

Fife Carers Centre, in partnership with specialist practitioners, is holding a number of information sessions for carers.  If you are caring for a family member, a friend or a neighbour these are for you.

The sessions for September and October are:

Thursday 23rd September 10am - 1pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring for someone living with Epilepsy".

Thursday 30th September 10am- 2pm in Kirkcaldy

"Caring for someone living with Dementia".

Friday 8th October 10am - 1pm in Glenrothes

"Managing Pain - yours or the person you care for."

Tuesday 12th October 10am-1pm in Dunfermline. 

"Caring for someone living with Breathing Problems".

Thursday 21st October 10am - 2pm in Kirkcaldy

"Caring for someone living with Dementia".

The sessions are designed to give carers a sure understanding of the condition affecting the person for whom they care and to enable them to help in the self-management of the condition.

These sessions are FREE for unpaid carers to attend but places are limited so please call us soon on 01592 642999 or email to lesley@fifecarers.co.uk to book a place.

If you would like to come but have problems with transport of alternative care please call us as we may be able to help you overcome them!

It’s a Man’s world… or is it? - Announcing Male Carers Conference dates for this winter.

Male Carers might carry out many different tasks in their day.

Becoming a carer can involve massive changes for anyone but for many men it can mean a complete role reversal in their home life.  Although there are over 20,000 male carers in Fife many male carers report feeling isolated and unable to cope with aspects of their new life.
In recognition of the specific problems and aspects of life that male carers may encounter we have three male carer conference days planned for this winter.
The first of these will take place on Wednesday 10th November 2010 in the Kingdom Suite at East End Park Football Ground in Dunfermline and will start at 10 am and finish at 3pm. The opening speaker will be Jim Leishman who will reflect on his own experiences. The programme for the day will include information about the benefit system, organising your carer related paperwork, keeping yourself in good health amongst other things plus an opportunity to discuss aspects of your caring role that you find particularly difficult.
There will be a further two male carer conferences early next year each with the same format.  One will be on the 9th of February in the Gilvenbank Hotel in Glenrothes and the other on 16th March in the Scores Hotel in St Andrews.
There will be 35 - 40 places at each of these conferences for male carers and booking is required.  Please call Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999 to book a place if you would like to attend.

“Caring Together” - the Carers Strategy for 2010 – 2015

Public Health Minister Shona Robison

To give carers, local councillors and those involved in health and social care the opportunity to hear about the new Scottish Government's Carer Strategy 2010 - 2015 and how it could impact carers in Fife we will be hosting two briefing sessions on Monday 11th October 2010 in Committee room 1 at Fife House.  There will be one at 2pm and one at 7pm.  There will be speakers from the Coalition of Carers in Scotland, Shared Care Scotland, Fife Carers Centre and Fife Young Carers.  If you would like to attend (and we hope you will!) please call Fife Carers Centre to book a place.
In July 2010 the Scottish Government, in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) launched “Caring Together”, a five year strategy outlining a shared vision for the future of carer recognition and support in Scotland.
For the first time, carers are being recognised as equal partners in care. The strategy’s headline message states: carers are equal partners in the planning and delivery of care and support.  There is a strong case on human rights, economic, efficiency and quality of care grounds for supporting carers.  Making the announcement Public Health Minister Shona Robison said “Carers of all ages make a huge contribution to their families and to society. Their efforts help their loved ones to continue living independently - and their contribution as unpaid workers to health and social care is worth an estimated £7.68 billion a year.”  Without this valuable contribution of carers the health and social care system would not be sustained.
One of the key changes for this new strategy is the development of separate strategies for Adult and Young Carers, which mean that the problems that each group encounter are specifically addressed. The strategy for young carers is called “Getting it right for Young Carers” and you can find out more about it on the Scottish Government website.
The Government strategy forms the cornerstone on which all Local Authorities and the NHS Boards must base their own strategies for identifying and supporting carers and so plays a hugely important part in carers’ lives in Fife.

Caring with Confidence

Our Autumn/Winter schedule of Caring with Confidence sessions is currently being put together - sessions will be taking place across Fife and the healthcare ones will cover topics such as Stoke, Dementia, ME, Diabetes, Breathing Problems and Cardiac Rehab.  You'll find the dates and locations at the end of this post and in the Events Calendar.

Caring with Confidence is the "umbrella" name that we (along with lots of other carer organisations) have given to our rolling programme of courses, information sessions and events that take place throughout the year across Fife.  

Our aim is to help carers to make a positive difference to their lives and that of the person for whom they care.  We want to 

• Help carers recognise and build on their own strengths.
• With the help of specialists give carers information, ideas and tips about looking after someone.
• Give carers the chance to share their own stories with others, swap and compare experiences with carers in similar situations.  
• Give carers access to information and knowledge that will help them manage their caring role and plan for the future.
• encourage carers to take time to care for themselves with relaxation therapies and learning new information and skills.

We do this in a number of different ways - for example workshops, information sessions, carers groups and individual one-to-one sessions.

If you are an unpaid carer looking after a relative or friend and are interested in attending any of the sessions please call us at Fife Carers Centre in Kirkcaldy on 01592 642999 or drop an email to lesley@fifecarers.co.uk

All of the sessions are free to attend and if you would like to attend but have problems with transport or respite please call us as we may be able to help you overcome them!

The sessions planned so far are:

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Epilepsy" on Thursday 23rd September between 10 am and 1pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Dementia" on Thursday 30th September between 10 am and 2pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Pain Management" on Friday 8th October between 10 am and 1 pm in Glenrothes. 

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Breathing Problems" on Tuesday 12th October between 10 am and 1pm in Dunfermline.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Dementia" on Thursday 21st October between 10 am and 2pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Diabetes" on Thursday 4th November between 10 am and 1pm in Cardenden.
"Recognising and dealing with Stress in yourself." on Tuesday 9th November between 10 am and 1pm in Glenrothes.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of ME" on Monday 15th November between 7pm and 10pm in Glenrothes.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of a Stroke" on Wednesday 8th September between 10 am and 1 pm in Dunfermline.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Dementia" on Wednesday 24th November between 6.30pm and 9.30 pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring for someone living with Autism" on Thursday 2nd December between 10 am and 1pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Diabetes" on Thursday 16th December between 10 am and 1pm in Dunfermline.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of a Stroke" on Wednesday 19th January between 10 am and 1 pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Dementia" on Thursday 20th January between 10 am and 2pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring and living for someone with a hearing loss." on Tuesday 25th January between 1 pm and 4pm in Kirkcaldy.
"Caring for someone living with Depression and Anxiety" on Wednesday 2nd February 2011 between 10 am and 1pm in Methil.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Dementia" on Thursday 10th February between 10 am and 2pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring with confidence for the Elderly" on Wednesday 16th February between 10 am and 1pm in Glenrothes.
 "Caring for someone living with the effects of a Stroke" on Wednesday 2nd March 2011 between 7 pm and 10 pm in Glenrothes.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of Dementia" on Wednesday 23rd March between 6.30pm and 9.30pm in Kirkcaldy.

"Caring for someone living with the effects of a Stroke" on Wednesday 23rd March between 10 am and 1pm in St Andrews.

New Carers Strategy launch

What's available from Fife's Libraries and Museums?

Plans to identify and support carers of all ages across Scotland were revealed on 26th July 2010, including investment in respite and short breaks.
Making the announcement Public Health Minister Shona Robison said "Carers of all ages make a huge contribution to their families and to society. Their efforts help their loved ones to continue living independently - and their contribution as unpaid workers to health and social care is worth an estimated £7.68 billion a year."

The adult strategy - Caring Together - lays out a ten-point plan with specific commitments to help carers, including:
The following are the headline actions in this strategy to help improve outcomes for carers:
1. A Carers Rights Charter will be developed, consolidating existing legal rights and setting out key principles for carer support both now and in the future.
2. Measures will be put in place to help professionals in the health and social care workforce identify carers. Carer identification opens the door to a carer's assessment and to the provision of support. There will be a strong emphasis on workforce training as members of the workforce who are 'carer-aware' have a big role to play.
3. Steps will be taken to improve the uptake and quality of carers assessments/carer support plans. This will be achieved through workforce training and widely-disseminated guidance as well as by inclusion of the role of assessments in the forthcoming NHSinform carers information zone. Carers centres will continue their vital work in supporting this process.
4.  The provision of information and advice to carers through various means including workforce training and our support for NHSinform.
5. Working to ensure carer representation on Community Health Partnerships. Carers will be central to the planning, shaping and delivery of services for the people with care needs and in relation to support for themselves.
6. As carers can suffer poor health directly as a result of caring, carer health and well-being is vitally important. A bespoke resource on issues relating to stress and caring to complement the successful Steps for Stress will be developed. Work will continue with the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland and the national carer organisations on carer identification and support, including promoting good health. Work will be done to ensure that carers aged 40-64 have access to health checks under plans to target groups of people, including carers, who may not live in the most deprived areas - those eligible people in the most deprived areas will already have access to health checks under the Keep Well initiative.
7. Carer training promotes carer confidence and enables carers to care for longer.  £281,000 will be invested in carer (and workforce) training this year through a grant to the national carer organisations. Working  with NHS Boards to ensure a 'training offer' may be made to carers in greatest need, contingent on the outcome of the next Spending Review.
8. The provision of short breaks or respite is hugely important to carers. Work will continue with a range of partners to promote the further development of flexible, personalised short breaks. Local authorities will continue to provide, and support access to, short breaks. A further £1 million will be invested in 2010-11 to provide more innovative short breaks provision in Scotland to be delivered by the voluntary sector.
9. It is important for carers to be able to remain in employment, when they want to, or to take up employment, learning or training opportunities. Employers will be encouraged to develop and promote carer-friendly employment practices. Skills Development Scotland will be working with the national carer organisations to help promote learning and other career opportunities.

What do carers want?

10. There is a clear need for better strategic planning and collaborative working between health and social care services to ensure the delivery of co-ordinated services and supports. Work will be done to ensure this happens so that carers do not have to negotiate the boundaries of different health and care services.

Afternoon Tea with the Queen

Fiona Knight in a suitably flower frock for a garden party

Nancy, Pamela and Margaret get their glad rags on

The rewards of being a carer usually are confined to the gratitude of the one that you care for - which for most is sufficient. However just occasionally that dedication is recognised and rewarded by others - on 13th July that happened to six carers here in Fife when they were invited to the Royal Garden Party at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. Fife Carers Centre had arranged for Peter and Sheila Hibberd, Margaret Norie, Pamela Adamson, Nancy Beveridge and Fiona Knight to go along to this very special occasion as recognition of their dedication to their role as carer and as a way of thanking them for the help and support that they give to Fife Carers Centre throughout the year.

Peter and Sheila Hibberd ready for their meeting with the Queen

The afternoon started with tea, sandwiches and pastries before the Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne came amongst the guests. The chances however of being introduced to the Queen is remote as the afternoon is shared with so many other people. However, much to their surprise, Sheila and Peter were asked if they would like to be presented to Her Majesty. Like for most the opportunity was welcomed.
In the few minutes available Peter and Sheila told the Queen of their role as carers and the fact that their son Gavin had moved onto his own home with support. They also told the Queen of the role that Peter has as a Carer representative on the Strategy Implementation Group for Learning Difficulties. The Queen showed great interest in what they had to tell her and for them the experience will stay with them for the rest of their lives. 
It could only be described as an afternoon of great excitement for everyone, an opportunity to dress up and live in another world.

Dementia Learning Forums for 2010

If you are caring for someone living with Dementia I’m sure you would be interested in going along to one of the forthcoming Dementia Learning Forums. The forum runs 6 times a year from mid morning and over lunchtime and each forum starts with a presentation by a keynote speaker on a dementia related topic – something that has usually been recommended by forum delegates.  The forum gives you an opportunity to meet other people involved in aspects of Dementia care and treatment both over lunch and then in the small conversational learning groups, facilitated by Forum members.


The forum has several objectives and is always looking for carers to take part and share the knowledge and experiences they have:

    * To create better outcomes and improve the experience for people living with dementia and their carers through supported shared learning;
    * To involve the wider multi-disciplinary network in a process of shared learning about dementia and make best use of local knowledge and experience;
    * To include carers and people living with dementia as partners in learning;
    * To contribute to the induction of new staff working with patients with dementia.


Over the past 2 years, the number of people coming along has averaged at 68 per forum.  People come along from all sorts of backgrounds, from community social work, community health, acute and primary care ward staff, voluntary agencies, independent sector as well as carers and people living with dementia.


An example of topics covered to date have included “Legal Considerations for adults with dementia , their carers and professionals”, “Palliative care for people with dementia” “Therapeutic Values in Horticulture” and considered the carers perspective in each case.

The meetings are all held between 11.30 and 2.30 in the Dunnikier House Hotel in Kirkcaldy and for the rest of this year are as follows:

    * Tuesday 27th July – Topic is “Living with Risk” and the speaker is Bill Coyne, Senior Clinical Effectiveness Practitioner, NHS Fife.
    * Tuesday 21st September – The topic is Dementia Care in the Acute Hospital Setting and the speakers are Audrey Melrose, Nurse Specialist, Liaison Psychiatry (Older People), NHS Forth Valley and Dr Emma Reynish, Consultant Physician in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy, and Honorary Professor in Dementia Studies, University of Stirling.
    * Tuesday 16th November -Fiona Crow, Music Therapist, NHS Fife, Jane Bentley, Community Musician, Art Beat and ‘The Buddy Beat’ Community Drumming Group.

The Forum are very keen to hear from carers and to have their input at the forums – if you’d like to attend please contact Sandra Anderson, KLLMU Development Co-ordinator, Balfour Rehab Unit, Cameron Hospital, Cameron Bridge, Leven, KY8 5RR.  Tel: 01592 226768  Email: Sandra.Anderson-lmu@fife.gov.uk

Caring with Confidence for someone living with Dementia - workshop

The dates have been released for the next six "Caring with Confidence for someone living with Dementia" workshops.  They are

•  Thursday 30th September 2010 between 10 am and 2pm.
• .Thursday 21st October 2010 between 10 am and 2pm.
• Wednesday 24th November 2010 between 6.30pm and 9.30pm
• Thursday 20th January 2011 between 10am and 2pm.
• Thursday 10th February 2011 between 10 am and 2pm
• Wednesday 22nd March 2011 between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

All of the workshops will be held at Fife Carers Centre in Kirkcaldy.  To book a place please call Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999. These workshops are run in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland and are free for unpaid carers in Fife to attend.
The workshops will help carers understand the effect of Dementia on the brain, some of the common behaviours associated with dementia will be discussed along with the groups own experiences. The session will also include some ideas and suggestions for helping the carer cope with their caring role.

Carers Week 2010

Phew!  What a week!
Our first attempt at filling Carers Week with useful and interesting events for carers was pretty successful - everyone who came along to anything seemed to enjoy it and get something out of it.  We learned a few things to bear in mind for next year:

• We need to be better at advertising the events.
• We should include evening and weekend events so that working carers can be included without taking time off work.
• It's worth including not just unpaid carers but also anyone who is interested in carers issues and supporting carers in Fife.

We'll be carrying out an evaluation and will take note of any points raised but if you have ideas for how we can build on this year's event and make next year even better please let us know!

Carers Week Information Event at Rothes Halls Friday 18th June

Carers week is drawing to an end but there is one final event to take place - there is an information event taking place at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes on Friday 18th June in Hall B between 10.30 am and 2.30 pm.  There will be 20 information stalls from a wide variety of organisations who will have information and help for carers and those interested in Carers issues.  We hope you will come along - and bring a friend!

 

Carers Week - Keeping carers fit and healthy - Monday 14th June in Fife Carers Centre

We know it's difficult in a carer's busy life to keep your own good health in mind - and yet it's so important! Keeping healthy yourself means that you are more likely to be able to help the person you care for stay as well as possible too.
To help with this Fife Carers Centre and the Keep Well project team are offering carers a chance to have a quick general health check up - in your half hour appointment a nurse will check your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and BMI and talk over the results with you there and then - you'll also have plenty of time to talk over any health concerns that you might have and get some advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
There are appointments available throughout the day and into the early evening on Monday 14th June 2010 - if you'd like to book an appointment call us on 01592 642999.

Carers Week - Information Event in St Andrews on Thursday 10th June and in Glenrothes on Friday 18th June

Carers Week 2010 has the theme "A Life of my own" and is all about finding ways to help carers to be able to be confident about leaving the person they care for (and knowing they are safe) whilst they go and do something for themselves - find work, explore their educational possibilities and take up new hobbies or interests -or perhaps just go back to something they once enjoyed.  To help carers find out how they can go about taking some steps to make some positive differences in their own lives we have arranged a number of events.  The first of the Carers Week two Information events takes place on Thursday 10th June in the Scores Hotel in St Andrews.  You can come along between 10 am and 2.30pm.  You'll find information stalls there from a wide variety of organisations including Telecare, Crossroads, Fife Cares Home Safety, Fife Young Carers and of course (most importantly naturally) - Fife Carers Centre! 

Wheelchair users and carers survey

Many wheelchair users are independent however some rely on others.  The right wheelchair can prevent injury to carers.  NHS Wheelchair and Seating Services across Scotland are currently undertaking modernisation.  Clearly it is very important that the needs of users and unpaid carers are taken into account in this process.

Research into the needs of unpaid carers of wheelchair users has been set up in partnership between NHS Fife, PAMIS, Fife Carers Centre, and Dundee University to particularly look at carers’ needs.

A confidential questionnaire will be sent to a sample of Fifers using NHS wheelchairs.  The researchers also want to hear from carers of people with privately purchased wheelchairs.  Contact Hannah Young   H.Young@dundee.ac.uk.  Tel: 01382 385154

The research is being resourced by Fife Carers Information Strategy funded by Scottish Government.  The results should be relevant across Scotland.

Carers Week - Chat with Esther Rantzen

ESTHER RANTZEN
With Carers Week fast approaching we are delighted to announce that we have arranged a webchat for all carers with Esther Rantzen – next Thursday, 9^th June, from 7-8pm.

Esther has been in the public eye for many years, having first made her name in the BBC consumer programme – That’s Life! Innovative programmes such as Trouble in Mind (on mental health) and Childwatch followed, and Esther subsequently set up ChildLine, a free 24-hour counseling service for children and young people.

Esther has been a long-term supporter of Carers Week – she was the very first celebrity to support the new partnership formed in 2001 – having cared for her husband Desmond, until he died of coronary heart disease in 2000. Whatever your question for Esther, back in the news last month as an independent candidate in the General Election, we are sure it will be an interesting 60 minutes.

To take part in the webchat you need to first register with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers – the hosts for the event – at http://www.carers.org/user/edit-my-details.html

Once you've registered, it is recommend that you visit the chat room
http://www.carers.org/chat to familiarise yourself with the surroundings. If you have any difficulties, please email web@carers.org


IS YOUR MP SUPPORTING CARERS?
MPs from four different parties have come together to put forward one of the first motions in the new UK Parliament. Proposed by the MP for Banbury, Tony Baldry, the other lead sponsors were his Conservative colleague, Lee Scott; Hywel Francis and Rachel Reeves from Labour, Tim Farron from the Liberal Democrats and Eilidh Whiteford from the SNP.

To see the motion, and find out who has signed it so far please go to http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40928&SESSION=905

Please urge your MP to sign the motion – EDM 14 – you can contact your MP via
the Parliament website at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/

Health Board Elections

The parliamentary election is not the only opportunity that people in Fife will have to vote in 2010. Look out for the ballot papers for the Health Board elections!
NHS Fife is one of only two Boards in Scotland that have been chosen to be a pilot site for Health Board election. This is a new way of giving members of the public a say directly on who should be at the Board-level of an NHS organisation.
The election is by postal ballot. Ballot papers are being issued round about 10th May and have to be returned by 10th June. For the first time 16 and 17 years olds who are on the electoral register will be able to vote.
At present NHS Boards are appointed by the Scottish Government. There are different types of Board Members. These include what are called stakeholder members, that is, people representing our staff organisations or our clinical forum or nominated by Fife Council. They include the senior managers of the organisation like the Chief Executive or the Nurse Director. They include people appointed from outside who bring to the Board, as Non-Executive Members, skills and experience they have gained from other organisations and careers.
An elected Fife NHS Board will consist of:
12 directly elected Non-Executive Members
12 Members appointed by Scottish Ministers (including the Chairperson, Non-Executive Members, Stakeholder Members and Executive Members)
1 Councillor Member nominated by Fife Council
This will achieve the Scottish Government’s objective that over half of the Board members will be elected. As at present, all Board members will be expected to work together on behalf of the population of Fife as a whole and to be accountable to the Scottish Government for the delivery of its health policy.
So please – look out for the ballot papers coming through your door and make your choice of candidate! Two of the candidates with a strong interest in representing carers interests are Dawn Norton and Lesley Childs. Dawn told us “I am a single parent of two teenage boys. I am also a full time carer for one of my sons, who has profound special needs. I was born and brought up in Fife.
I have had contact with various services within health in relation to my son and other members of my family. My experience has been both positive and negative and I now feel strongly that I wish to be involved in promoting the best possible health for all in Fife. I believe that my experience of caring for my son will bring a different aspect to the board although I am very aware of the need for impartiality and objectivity. My caring responsibilities prevent me taking up employment at the moment but I am keen to make a significant contribution to my community.”
Lesley is the Information Officer at Fife Carers Centre and in common with all the staff here has some caring experience herself. In addition to that she has lots of experience of working in committee led and monitored activity, having previously worked with the military and now with both NHS Fife and Fife Social Work since she began work with us. She feels this experience gives her the confidence to speak up and put across points effectively. She told us “I feel it’s important that carers have a clear voice speaking out and representing their interests at this level and my work and life experiences mean I have knowledge and understanding that will help others understand what “Partners in Care” really means for carers and those they interact with.”

Sharing experiences of health and illness

Healthtalkonline is an award winning charity website that lets you share in other people's experiences of health and illness. You can watch or listen to videos of the interviews, read about people's experiences and find reliable information about conditions, treatment choices and support. Why would you want to do that? Well, often people find a great deal of comfort in finding out that their own experieinces are shared by others; it often helps to know that others felt the way you feel now or have stories which might help prepare you for a future event. You might find a story about an aspect of your treatment that you hadn't expected to affect you the way it does and in the carer section you will find many stories of people affected by their carng role.
If you have a story you would like to share with us here at Fife Carers Centre to be included on our website please contact Lesley on 01592 642999 or lesley@fifecarers.co.uk

For all parents and carers of disabled children and young people

Is your short break service delivering all that you and your child need?

Are you starting to worry about what happens when your child leaves school?
Is school life the same for your child as everyone else's?
Would going out to work be an option if you could find the right childcare?

The fSDC liaison project was set up to bridge the gap between the good intentions of government policy and legislation and the services and support families with a disabled child receive - but they need to know more about families' experience - and importantly they need to hear parents' views on what should change and what support you would like that would make a
difference in your family's lives.

They are hosting a series of events to find out parents' views and experiences starts in Inverness on 24th March and then in Edinburgh on 31st March. More details about both events and how to register are given below. If you would like them to run a similar workshop at a carers or parents' group that you attend please get in touch. Distance no object!

Event in Inverness - Wednesday 24 March 10.15am to 1pm followed by lunch - Waterside Hotel, 19 Ness Bank, Inverness
Event in Edinburgh - Wednesday 31 March 10.15am to 1pm followed by lunch - McDonald rooms conference centre, McDonald Road, Edinburgh

Free to attend!

Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Expenses for childcare and travel expenses will be reimbursed. For more information and to book a place contact Donna Tomlin donna.tomlin@cafamily.org.uk or tel: 0131 659 2939

Office of the Public Guardian - Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000

On Thursday 18th March Fife Carers Centre are hosting briefing sessions on aspects of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (such as Guardianship and Power of Attorney) as overseen by the Office of the Public Guardian Scotland. There are two discreet sessions, one starting at 10 am and concluding at about 12 noon and one beginning at 1pm and concluding at about 3 pm. Please call Lesley on 01592 642999 to book a place. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Caring with Confidence Workhop - Living with Mental Illness

Fife Carers Centre and Fife Families Support Project are hosting a "Caring with Confidence for those living with Mental Illness". The workshop will take place at Fife Carers Centre on the evening of Tuesday 16th March 2010 between 6 pm and 8.30pm.

The workshop includes information about caring for someone living with a mental illness and the support available. It will also cover the rights and benefits that carers are entitled to.

There is help available on the night for those who find transport to and from the event a problem and soup and sandwiches will be provided free of charge on the evening.
If you would like more information or to book a place please call either Mary Stewart at Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999 or Colin Orr at Fife Families Support Project on 01592 641401.

Taster Holistic Therapy Sessions

During the morning of Tuesday 23rd March 2010 we are having taster therapy sessions for carers. These will be conducted by 2nd year students of Holistic Therapies at Adam Smith College. You will be offered a choice of Hand Reflexology or an Indian Head Massage. The sessions will take place at Fife Carers Centre in Kirkcaldy.

The time slots available are as follows:

Arrive 9.30 for a session between 9.45 and 10 am.

Arrive 10 am for a session between 10.15 and 10.30 am

Arrive 10.30 am for a session between 10.45 and 11 am

Arrive 11 am for a session between 11.15 and 11.30 am

After your session we invite you to stay at the centre for tea/coffee and nibbles. This will give you an opportunity to chat with other carers who are also attending for a therapy session. If you would like to book one of these slots please contact us bere at Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999. Places are limited so if you are interested please phone as soon as possible.

Pontin's Spring Breaks

Pontins are offering up to 50 FREE for carers classic self-catering apartments Spring Breaks at each of the following locations.

Friday 26th March - Monday 29th March in Brean Sands Holiday Park, Burnham on Sea in Somerset.

Monday 29th March - Friday 2nd April in:-

Brean Sands Holiday Park, Burnham on Sea in Somerset.

Southport Holiday Park, Ainsdale Beach, Merseyside

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park, Prestatyn Sands, North Wales.

Each apartment contains a bedroom, lounge with TV, bathroom and kitchenette with full sized cooker and fridge. Each sleeps up to four people - 2 in the bedroom and 2 on a bed settee in the lounge. There will be a full entertainment programme with live cabaret and music as well as the fantastic Bluecoat Shows.

How to book.

The free breaks are on a "first come, first served" basis and bookings can be made by ringing 0844 576 5943 and quoting the special code PKCH.

Criteria

Carers must be able to self manage all care and childcare needs as there will be no dedicated support on the holiday.

Children must be supervised by parents at all times.

Suitability of apartments for those needing to use wheelchairs/motorised scooters/walking frames etc will depend on specific requirements. This should be discussed at the time of booking with requests for ground floor accommodation and any other needs identified. Please be aware that bathroom facilities are standard and slip mats/grab rails etc are not provided.

The breaks are self catering so food is not included. There is a convenience store on each locationa dn a choice of restaurants and bars. Carers do not have to buy food onsite and they can bring everything with them if they wish.

Apart from Guide/Hearing dogs no other pets are allowed.

Some apartments are a 5/10 minute walk from the restaurant/leisure facilities.

Carers must provide an emergency contact.

Insurance is not included with this holiday and it is the carers responsibility to source their own insurance for members of their party.

Heads up on forthcoming Information sessions and Workshops

The Office of the Public Guardian will be running information update and overview sessions on the provisions under the Adults with Incapacity Act 2000 - as amended, to organisations and individuals in Fife. Fife Carers Centre is likely to be hosting at least one of these 2 hour sessions, probably on the 18th or 19th March. As soon as we have more details we will let you know! If you would like to register interest in attending a session please give Lesley a call on 01592 642999 or email her on lesley@fifecarers.co.uk with your details.

Residents of Fife are encouraged to love their lungs!

This information was taken from the British Lung Foundation Website which you can find at http://www.lunguk.org/

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is launching the Love Your Lungs campaign in Fife on Wednesday, 10th February to screen its residents for the early signs and symptoms of a lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Research by the charity suggests there are an estimated 3.7 million people with COPD in the UK, yet only 900,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease. This means there are 2.8 million people who are currently unaware they have a condition which, if left untreated, could severely restrict their lives and eventually kill them. These are the “missing millions” the BLF wants to find.
Fife residents are being encouraged to come along to these free events after research by the charity showed that people in the area are 25.3% more likely to be admitted to hospital for COPD than the UK national average.
COPD is a term used to describe a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are often caused by smoking. It leads to damaged airways, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. As COPD progresses, people find it difficult to cope with everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs, and can be left literally fighting for breath. Damage to the lungs caused by COPD is irreversible but if diagnosed early, symptoms can be treated to prevent further damage.
Mairi McConnochie, COPD Project Officer at the British Lung Foundation said “With the cold snap sweeping over Scotland, it’s particularly important, now more than ever to maintain good lung health. Only 1.5% of the UK population is diagnosed correctly with COPD so I encourage any resident in Fife who is experiencing breathlessness or a persistent cough to come along to the events and be tested.”
The testing only takes around 10 minutes, doesn’t hurt and simply involves blowing in to a tube. Trained health professionals will be on hand to advise those having the tests. Testing events will take place at the following four locations:

Wed 10th February: Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes, 10am-4pm
Thurs 11th February: Mercat Shopping Centre, Kirkcaldy, 9am-5pm
Tues 16th February: Gala Bingo, Glenrothes, 10:30am-6:30pm
Wed 17th February: Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline, 10am-4pm

Keeping the lines of communication open

It is important in any relationship to be able to communicate. This is especially so when you are caring for someone. It is often hampered by the fact that more than 41% of over 50 year olds have a hearing loss. This means that simple conversations can turn into disagreements when one of you hasn’t heard the other correctly. Learning to lipread and to use basic communication tactics will help. For example:-

Always make sure you are facing the other person and that your mouth is not covered by your hand (or moustache!).

Speak clearly but don’t shout. This just destroys the lip shapes and rhythm of what you are saying making it more difficult to understand.

Try to have the light on the speaker’s face not on the listener’s.

Switch off background noise if you can e.g. television, music, etc and always have a pen and paper handy to sort out misunderstandings.

To learn more why don’t you both enrol in a lipreading class? It’s fun and friendly and is often available for free. For more information please contact Alison on 01383 623708 or email alison@pendlowski.plus.com

Fife Gingerbread Buddy Project

Life can be hard even at the best of times for carers and it can often feel a million times worse when you are a lone parent. If you feel like this Fife Gingerbread can help you!
The Buddy Project is free to any lone parent in Fife and aims to provide a variety of support that lone parents need, when they need it.
Buddies will meet regularly and offer:
A relationship that focuses on you, not the children!
A smiling face, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on if needed.
An extra pair of hands, because one pair isn't always enough.
The confidence to try new activities - isn't it easier to go places with someone else?
Practical help, because two heads are better than one!
Who can have a Buddy?
If you are a lone parent living in Fife, YOU can have a buddy!
How long do I have a Buddy for?
It’s completely up to you! Some lone parents feel they need the extra support when they first become single, others prefer it a few years down the line. Some people prefer to have a buddy on a regular basis whereas others find they only need one occasionally – Fife Gingerbread can arrange support that suits you. A buddy can be accessed at any point of being a lone parent and you can change your mind at any time.
Who are the Buddies?
All of the Fife Gingerbread Buddies are very special people and have been picked because of their friendly, open-minded approach and their genuine interest and enthusiasm. Buddies come from all backgrounds and walks of life. The one thing all Buddies have in common is that they know what it feels like to be a lone parent. This may be because they are a lone parent and have been there themselves or they may have experience and training relevant to lone parent issues.
Fife Gingerbread Buddies:
· Will meet you wherever and whenever you want.
· Will go with you to a class or outing
· Will offer support in a range of areas.
· Won’t judge you.
· Are selected carefully for their friendliness and understanding.
· Are fully approved and trained.
Are the meetings confidential?
Of course! Everything you say will be kept confidential within Fife Gingerbread. The only exception to this would be if there was a concern about the safety of your child(ren). Fife Gingerbread are here to support you and provide you with the best support you need and want – all information they hold will be used solely for this purpose!
Can I become a Buddy?
Fife Gingerbread are always on the lookout for people to become new Buddies. If you have a few hours a week to help others, learn new skills and have fun then please get in touch for more details. Call them on 01333 303124 or email them at info@fifegingerbread.org.uk or visit the website on http://www.fifegingerbread.org.uk/