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.