Fife Carers Centre

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

2011-11-16T17:13:00.000Z

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

2011-08-15T16:33:00.000+01:00

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.

2011-08-05T15:56:00.000+01:00

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

2011-06-13T14:37:00.001+01:00

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

2011-06-13T09:56:00.000+01:00

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

2011-04-21T14:34:00.000+01:00

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

2011-03-25T10:11:00.000Z

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*

2011-02-23T12:28:00.002Z

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

2011-02-18T13:46:00.000Z

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

2011-02-14T11:07:00.001Z

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!

2011-02-10T11:04:00.001Z

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

2011-01-21T13:37:00.001Z


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

2011-01-14T13:14:00.002Z

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

2010-12-30T15:40:00.002Z

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

2010-12-29T10:45:00.001Z

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

2010-12-29T09:48:00.000Z

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.

2010-12-03T16:34:00.000Z

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!

2010-11-22T16:03:00.008Z

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.

2010-11-15T10:48:00.003Z

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

2010-11-05T13:47:00.000Z

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

2010-10-29T14:11:00.000+01:00

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!

2010-10-21T13:43:00.000+01:00

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!

2010-10-20T10:45:00.001+01:00

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

2010-10-07T13:49:00.000+01:00

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!

2010-10-06T11:32:00.001+01:00

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!

2010-10-04T10:24:00.000+01:00

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!

2010-09-20T15:09:00.000+01:00

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.

2010-08-26T13:40:00.002+01:00

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

2010-08-19T18:27:00.005+01:00

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

2010-08-06T14:49:00.004+01:00

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

2010-07-29T13:11:00.003+01:00

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

2010-07-15T14:34:00.001+01:00

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

2010-07-14T14:57:00.000+01:00

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

2010-07-05T16:25:00.001+01:00

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

2010-07-02T11:12:00.000+01:00

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

2010-06-17T13:59:00.000+01:00

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

2010-06-03T15:09:00.000+01:00

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

2010-06-03T14:10:00.000+01:00

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

2010-06-03T11:54:00.002+01:00

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

2010-06-03T11:45:00.000+01:00

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

2010-05-10T11:32:00.000+01:00

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

2010-03-31T10:00:00.004+01:00

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

2010-03-19T13:22:00.003Z

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

2010-03-11T12:33:00.002Z

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

2010-03-11T12:01:00.005Z

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

2010-03-11T11:44:00.003Z

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

2010-02-22T15:27:00.002Z

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

2010-02-19T13:05:00.002Z

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!

2010-02-05T09:55:00.007Z

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

2010-02-02T16:25:00.002Z

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

2010-01-27T13:22:00.005Z

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/

Mental Welfare Commission Survey for carers and users

2010-01-25T14:33:00.000Z

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland’s first service users’ and carers’ views survey is still live!
If you have used Mental Welfare Commission services they want to know what you think of them.
To complete the survey please click on the link below:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MWCsurvey
Or on this link if you would like an easy-read version of the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MWCsurvey-easyread
Your answers will be kept private.
You can ask a carer, an advocate, a friend or staff to help you fill in the survey.
The survey closes the 26th of February 2010.
If you have any questions about this survey you can phone Hannah Biggs on 0131 555 5959 or email her on hannah@sdcmh.org.uk
If you would like more information about the Mental Welfare
Commission, you can call 0800 389 6809 or go to their website,
www.mwcscot.org.uk.

Guide Dogs

2010-01-21T18:08:00.005Z

Hands up who remembers collecting milk bottle lids to send to Blue Peter so they could buy guide dogs for the blind!? Taking part in those fundraising activities gave many of us a lifelong affection and interest in guide dogs. We can all recognise that a guide dog can offer a unique, safe and effective way of getting about independently and confidently – but did you know that to be a guide dog owner you don't need to have lost all your sight? Most people who own a guide dog still have some vision. You don't even have to be formally registered as blind or partially-sighted. There’s no upper age limit to being a guide dog user - people in their seventies, eighties and even nineties become successful guide dog owners. No previous experience of keeping a dog is necessary - providing you are committed and able enough to work with, support and care for a guide dog then our training will teach you all you need to know. It costs just 50p to have a guide dog. All essential equipment and training is provided by Guide Dogs, and they can also cover the cost of vet bills and dog food if people wish.

Owning a guide dog is not just about improving mobility. A guide dog and its owner exist as a partnership, and the companionship, loyalty and fun that each partner brings to this relationship can be immensely rewarding.

You can learn more about the world of Guide Dogs by coming along to the meeting point lunch in Fife Carers Centre on Friday 30th April 2010 when Pamela Munro, the Information Officer from The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association will be the speaker.

If you would like to explore the possibility of you or someone you know getting a guide dog please call Guide Dogs on 0845 372 7499 and they will arrange to come and talk to you, informally and confidentially, to help you decide if a guide dog might be suitable for you. Guide Dogs staff understand how severely people's independence can be affected by sight loss, and they can explore the best way of meeting your specific needs. There is nothing to lose and potentially much to gain by exploring allthe options - so get in touch.

CEN Education Day

2010-01-15T15:58:00.001Z

Parents and carers of children with complex and exceptional healthcare needs are invited to attend the CEN Education day on the practical and emotional issues related to enteral feeding in children with complex and exceptional healthcare needs on 24 Feb 2010 9.30-4 pm at the e-Science institute, South College Street, Edinburgh.
The CEN Education day will include the following sessions:
Practical issues related to feeding.
Emotional issues related to feeding.
Decision making and risk assessment related to feeding support.
Issues related to the implementation of decisions in school and local authority setting.
Launch of the CEN Education module on the emotional issues related to tube feeding.
The CEN Education day will include presentations, discussion sessions, and the launch of the CEN Education module on the emotional issues related to tube feeding.

If you would like to attend early registration is recommended and before 14 February, however spaces will be available for late registration of parents and carers.
http://www.nesc.ac.uk/action/registration/index.cfm?id=1027

Fife Central Carers Group

2010-01-11T12:47:00.004Z

The first meeting of the Fife Central Carers Group took place on Friday 8th January with a pretty good turn out considering the weather! We decided that as most of those who come along to the Carers group are also able to come along to the Meeting Point Lunches we aim to have a different flavour to the Carers Group Meetings. Fair enough. What's going to happen at our meetings then?

We thought a few trips out might be good, we're thinking a day out at the Hobbycraft Show later in the year, perhaps a guided tour of local Museums, talks from people with ideas about ways to fill our time productively in a fun way. We also decided that it would be good to have something fun to do here at the centre so we're going to buy a Wii and have a bit of a competition going - I'm a demon at the 100 pin bowling so watch out!

We'd really like to invite any carers who are able to join us to come along on Friday 5th February between 10.30 and 12.30 at Fife Carers Centre - We look forward to seeing you!

Money and Legal Matters Information Day - for people with dementia and their carers

2010-01-11T10:08:00.006Z

On Monday 15 February 2010 Alzheimer Scotland will be holding an information day with workshops covering a wide range of money and legal matters, including benefits and financial help, powers of attorney, guardianship, paying care home fees, having your wishes heard, taking control of your own care, your rights to assessment and community care services and much more. This is a chance to hear from and speak to experts. There will also be a chance to speak privately with a solicitor of benefits adviser during the day.

The event will be held at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.

For further information or to book a place at a cost of £5 per head, contact Anne Burnshide on 0141 418 3936 or email aburnside@alzscot.org the closing date for bookings is the 10th February 2010.

Hard of Hearing - Information and Advice Open Day

2010-01-07T15:30:00.004Z

On Thursday 28 January 2010,our friend Kirsteen McFarlane from Deaf Action’s Including You project will hold a showcase event at the Rothes Hall in Glenrothes, for people experiencing hearing loss in Fife. A host of organisations (including Lesley from Fife Carers Centre!)will be there to provide details about how to access Information, Advice and Guidance, specialist equipment, lipreading, and courses on assertiveness, confidence-building and mobile phone texting. Information will also be available on other services available for people who are hard of hearing.
Deaf Action’s Including You Project Workers work across Fife and Lothian to provide services for hard of hearing people. For more information about this event or about the project in Fife, contact:
Kirsteen McFarlane, Information, Advice and Guidance Worker,
at: Deaf Action Fife Office: Office 7, Albany Business Centre, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN
Tel / Text: 01383 730 997 / SMS: 07775 838 338 /
Email: kirsteen.mcfarlane@deafaction.org

Visual Awareness Training for Fife Carers of People with a Learning Disability

2009-12-14T15:16:00.007Z

The RNIB Pathway ViiTAL project is delivering training courses and events to parents/carers in Fife to raise awareness of the link between visual impairment and learning disability to help enable them to support people with sight difficulties safely and effectively.

Visual Awareness and Learning Disability Training provides participants with an introduction to sight loss issues for people with a learning disability. It highlights that at least 1 in 3 people with a learning disability will also have a visual impairment. Training focuses on raising awareness of the inequality in access to eye health care for this group, the prevalence of eye conditions related to specific learning disabilities, and strategies to employ in the development of person centred support and care plans.

This includes information on practical ideas such as: environmental considerations, lighting issues, sighted guiding and mobility issues, adapting activities and the way we work, resources and equipment. Carers will have information about how and where to access relevant services and resources within Fife.

The courses are free, lunch is provided, and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed to parents and carers. Participants receive an information pack and Certificate of Attendance.
All courses are held at Fife Sensory Impairment Centre, Wilson Avenue, Kirkcaldy, from 9.30am until 2.30pm.
The course dates are as follows:

Tuesday 12 January 2010
Thursday 28 January 2010 - course full
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Thursday 25 February 2010
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Tuesday 23 March 2010

There is a programme of dates running from now until the end of March 2010. If you would like more information, or to reserve a place please contact:

Janice Bain - janice.bain@rnib.org.uk
Linda Gray - linda.gray@rnib.org.uk
Tel - 08451 555555 extn 474131

Friday Carer Lunch Talks

2009-11-20T12:29:00.004Z

We have the last carer lunch for 2009 on Friday 27th November. As usual it will start at 12 noon and go on til 2pm. The speaker will be Sarah Bromley from The Energy Assistance Package. The Energy Assistance Package provides advice and support to enable you to maximise your income, reduce your fuel bills and make your home warmer and more comfortable. It offers a range of measures to help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Sarah will be talking about the package and how it may apply and will be available to answer your questions. We'll also have our usual lunch of sandwiches, cakes and cuppas plus our fabulous brain stretching prize winning quiz.

There will be no carer lunch in December and so the next one will be on the 29th of January 2010. The Speaker at the January lunch will be Iain McGarry from Fife Fire and Rescue Service (yes! a fireman -control yourself ladies!!)

University of Dundee, Department of Social Work

2009-11-18T11:49:00.003Z

Would you like to influence the social workers of the future?

Would you be willing to share your knowledge and experience with a social work student to help them understand what caring is about?
The University of Dundee trains social works students. Part of the course is called ‘Making Sense of the Experience of Caring’. It is a new style of learning, done mostly outside the classroom. Each student is linked with a family and spends periods of time directed by the family in their own home.
An introductory day will take place on Monday 7 December 2009. Between December and April 2010, the student will spend between 15 hours and 24 hours with the family and others closely involved in the care. This could include several periods with the family at different times of the day, an introductory meeting and time in a weekly activity with the person cared for. Suitable arrangements will be agreed between students and families.

Students will do written work and presentations to show their understanding, based on their research and their time with families. Students will also look at issues which families themselves want to find out about. In this way, families will hopefully benefit from this experience too.

PAMIS, Fife, Angus, Dundee and Perth Carers Centres are working in partnership with the University of Dundee to develop this training module and will be there to support the families. Two family carers are also on the steering group.

There are 25 students to link with families! If you are interested or have questions, please contact:

Sheila McCallum
School of Education, Social Work and Community Education
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
Telephone – 01382 381441 or s.z.mccallum@dundee.ac.uk

PAMIS on 01382 385154

Your local Carers Centre: Fife – 01592 642999, Angus – 01241 439157, Dundee – 01382 400222, Perth – 01738 567076

Avoiding SCAMS!

2009-11-17T14:20:00.004Z

I caught up yesterday with Janice Russell from Trading Standards who spoke to us earlier in the year about trying to protect the people we care for from falling for Scams. Janice was telling me that she had been at a conference that changed the way she thought about why people fall for Scams and the psychological pressure that is put upon us by very cynically manipulative con artists. She pointed me towards an excellent website which was set up to bring the problem to the attention of the public and highlight how easily people can become sucked in to the Scam. The website is called http://www.thinkjessica.com/. If you care for someone and are worried that they have been the victim of a scam or think that perhaps you have been "suckered" you can contact Consumer Direct on Telephone: 08454 04 05 06 or Website: http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/. They can also give you advice on how to avoid Scams as well as things like "How to find a reputable tradesman" and "What to do when a company goes into Administration" etc.

Partners in Care Workshops

2009-11-12T14:12:00.003Z

Our Partners in Care Workshops for Health and Social care workers have been underway during October and November and our feedback from those attending has been very positive. Without fail the part that the delegates say has been the most use to them has been the time they spend listening to carers talking about their own experiences as carers. We would not be able to run these workshops as effectively without the help of the carers who volunteer to take part so thank you very much for all your help this year to Nancy, Bill, Mike , Hugh, Cath, Dave and Grant.

We have more of these workshops coming up next year and will be looking for more carers to talk about their experiences - if you feel this is something that you could do and would like to take part please give us a call!

Kirkcaldy District Stroke Club

2009-11-02T12:01:00.006Z

The Kirkcaldy and District Stroke club was set up October 1999. It is an independent club run by a small committee of members and volunteers. The club is affiliated to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland. The club organises activities to reflect the wishes and interests of its members and also organise occasional outings. Membership is open to people who have had a stroke. The club aims to offer friendship and support in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Carers are also welcome to attend the club or carers can take the opportunity to have a short break. Volunteers are essential to the running of the club. Volunteers can help with club activities, fund-raising, seriving refreshments and chatting to club members. No special qualifications are required apart from lots of enthusiasm, a sense of humour and a genuine interest in people. Volunteer drivers are needed who are willing to use their own car to transport people to and from the centre are also needed. They would be delighted to hear from you if you would like to join their small and friendly team of volunteers. They meet fortnightly on Thurdays between 2pm and 4pm in the Templehall Community Centre in Beauly Place in Kirkcaldy. For further information please contact the Stroke Club on 01592 583363.

Head Injury in Children - Open Forum Meeting

2009-10-29T11:42:00.002Z

The Scottish Head Injury Forum will be holding an open forum meeting on the topic of Head Injury in Children on Friday 30 October 2009 between 10 a.m. - 3.30 p.m at the Apex European Hotel, 90 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh. There is a charge of £30 for non-members.

Speakers and workshops include:
Dr Tom Beattie, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Edinburgh:
Acute medical care of the head injured child
Dr Alex Baxter, Consultant in Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation, Edinburgh:
Rehabilitation of the head injured child: physical and cognitive problems
Dr Beth Wicks, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Nottingham:
How does ABI affect educational progress?
The Child Brain Injury Trust: Supporting the child and family after ABI
Relatives of children who have survived a brain injury: Living with the effects of brain injury in a child.

If you would like to attend please contact Fiona Maxwell SHIF Aministrator on 01382 423196.

National Austistic Society - Information Survey

2009-10-28T13:41:00.004Z

Its been a very busy time in the world of Autism with lots of people trying to make a difference.

The National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland)is working with other autism organisations to get the best services and support for people with autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger syndrome, across Scotland.

An Autism Bill is currently being debated at Westminster but it will only apply to England.

To find out if there is a need for a Scottish Autism Bill NAS Scotland are asking people to fill out this survey and to tell them about their experiences of living with autism and using services.

The survey focuses on services provided by councils and the NHS but can also include things like housing, criminal justice or universities.

If NAS Scotland get enough evidence they will work with other autism organisations to camapign to get the Scottish Parliament to act. If you wish to become involved then remember to enter your email details on the survey.

This survey will run until 4 November 2009, please encourage others to complete it. Thank you for your help!

To get to the survey click here

Meeting Point Lunch Speakers for 2010

2009-10-21T10:05:00.002+01:00

Our speakers at the meeting point lunches over the last year have been very interesting. We've heard from Samaritans, Cancer Network Fife, Fife Trading Standards, Telecare, Fife Cares Home Safety, Long Term Conditions Team and Deaf Action amongst others. We are now looking at who we can invite to speak at the meetings in 2010. Who would you like to hear from? The speaker should be talking about a subject which has a broad appeal to carers and be able to present their topic in around half an hour. If you have any ideas for speakers please let us know - you can call us on 01592 642999 or leave a comment here.

Electric Blanket Testing 2009

2009-10-08T13:57:00.004+01:00

Have you got an electric blanket to keep you cosy through the long winter nights? If you're anything like me you might have had it for a while. You can make sure it's still safe to use by taking it along to one of these testing centres on the dates shown to have it given a good going over. You don't need to make an appointment, you just turn up!

On Monday 19th October
between 10.00 – 13.00 and then 14.00 – 16.00
at

Lomond Centre, Woodside Way
Glenrothes, KY7 5RA
On Tuesday 20th October
between 10.00 & 13.00 then 14.00 & 16.00
at

Corn Exchange
St Catherine Street
Cupar, KY15 4BT

On Wednesday 21st October
between 10.00 & 13.00 then 14.00 & 16.00
at

Victory Memorial Hall
St Marys PlaceSt Andrews, KY16 9TA

On Thursday 22nd October
btween 10.00 & 13.00 then 14.00 & 16.00
at Parkgate Centre
Parkgate, Rosyth, KY11 2JW

On Friday 23rd October
between 10.00 & 13.00 then 14.00 & 16.00
at

Templehall Community Centre
Templehall Avenue
Kirkcaldy, KY2 6EB

Workshops for Carers

2009-10-05T21:28:00.005+01:00

We have LOADS of workshops for carers coming up in the next few months. We have some which are all about keeping you the carer in good health and we have some about helping you understand the condition affecting the person you're caring for and how you can help them stay as healthy as possible. They are free to attend and you can book a place on any of them by calling Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999.

RELAXATION & STRESS MANAGEMENT
Tower House Centre, Commercial School Lane, Dunfermline, KY12 7JT
20th & 27th Nov 10:30-12.00
Fife Sensory Impairment Centre Wilson Avenue KIRKCALDY Fife KY2 5EF
9th Nov & 17th Nov 10:30-12.00
Victory Memorial Hall St Marys Place, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UY
10th Nov & 23rd Nov 10:30-12.00

GENTLE EXERCISE
Tower House Centre, Commercial School Lane, Dunfermline, KY12 7JT
6th & 13th Nov 1:00-2.30
Fife Sensory Impairment Centre Wilson Avenue KIRKCALDY Fife KY2 5EF
23rd & 30th Nov 1.00-2.30
Victory Memorial Hall St Marys Place, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UY
28th Oct & 4th Nov 1.00-2.30

HEALTHY EATING
Tower House Centre, Commercial School Lane, Dunfermline, KY12 7JT
17th & 24th Nov 10.30 -12.30
Fife Sensory Impairment Centre Wilson Avenue KIRKCALDY Fife KY2 5EF
3rd & 10th Nov 10.30-12.30
Victory Memorial Hall. St Marys Place, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UY
19th & 26th Oct 10.30-12.30

Caring with Confidence

One of the things that carers often tell us is that they welcome the chance to learn more about how to deal with the illness or disability of the person they care for. With this in mind, last year we ran a pilot series of workshops in West Fife and are now ready to run more courses across Fife. All of the workshops begin at 10 am and finish at around 2.30pm with a light lunch included. The workshops are free for carers to attend and to book your place you simply need to call Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999.

The courses in Dunfermline and the West CHP Area will all be held at the City Hotel in Dunfermline, the topics and dates are:
Caring for someone with Diabetes – 4th November 2009
Caring for someone with Heart Disease – 2nd December 2009
Caring for someone who has had a Stroke – 4th December 2009

The courses in Glenrothes and North East Fife CHP area will be held in the Rathcluan Country House Hotel in Cupar, the topics and the dates are
Caring for someone with Respiriatory Conditions - 28th October 2009
Caring for someone with Vascular Conditions - 9th November 2009
Caring for someone with ME - 3rd December 2009

Fife Carers Centre will be the location for the courses in Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth CHP and the topics and dates are:
Caring for someone with COPD - 2nd November2009
Caring for someone with Coronary Heart Disease - 30th November 2009

Stroke Care Study Day

2009-09-30T11:19:00.002+01:00

Lesley recently took part in a study day for stroke health care staff organised by Joanne Graham, NHS Fife’s stroke training coordinator. The day was entitled “Caring for Carers” and focussed on the experiences of carers of people affected by a stroke with the intention that health care staff would understand the carers role and how they can help to make a difference. Lesley made a series of presentations to the delegates along with psychologists Emma Hickabottom & Kim Kemp covering topics such as Who is a carer?, How to support a Carer and Legislation and Policies. The thing that made the most impact on the delegates though was the session on A Carers Perspective. Five carers of people who have had a stroke came along and spoke about their experiences, the things they found easy and the things they found tough, how they felt at different stages of the journey and the things that had changed in their lives forever. The carers were Nancy Beveridge, Alex Birt, Josephine Munro, Kerry Brown and Moira Williams. They told us that they found being asked to talk about themselves an unusual and sometimes emotional experience but hearing the responses from the delegates made it feel very worthwhile. When the delegates were asked what they had found useful about the day the session with the carers was top of their list – many of them said that it had changed the way they think about carers and their role in helping their patient’s condition improve. Fife Carers Centre would like to say a BIG THANK YOU!! to Nancy, Alex, Josephine, Kerry and Moira for making such a difference to the day and the way carers are perceived.
We are always looking for carers to take part in similar activities - it is usually for about an hour and involves simply talking about your own experiences as a carer. If you would like to take part at some time in the future please give Lesley a call on 01592 642999.

Meeting Point Lunch Friday 25th September 2009

2009-09-28T10:33:00.005+01:00

Our speakers at the meeting point lunch this month were from Kirkcaldy and District Samaritans. Linda and Eric gave a brief history of Samaritans starting with how the founder Chad Varah began the organisation and explaining how Samartians still aim to achieve their vision of a society where fewer people die by suicide. Samaritans do this by offering confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland. The service is available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Carers asked Linda and Eric a lot of questions about topics such as how they remained emotionally healthy when they spend so much time listening to people with sadnesses in their lives. It was interesting to hear that they received comprehensive and obviously effective training to help them to do so. We also learnt that each of the branches of Samaritans is a charity in their own right and that Kirkcaldy and District Samaritans need to raise £30,000 each year to keep going. As with all volunteer organisations Samaritans are interested in recruiting volunteers to help in various roles such as fundraising, publicity and administration as well as being a listening volunteer. We also found out that you can contact Samaritans in a number of different ways now - Samaritan volunteers offer support by responding to phone calls, emails and letters. Alternatively people can drop in to a branch to have a face to face meeting.
Across the UK you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 for the price of a local call. In the Republic of Ireland call 1850 60 90 90. You can also email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA or if you are deaf or hard of hearing use the single national minicom number 08457 90 91 92.

Looking after the interests of an adult with incapacity

2009-09-23T12:47:00.006+01:00

Carers can often find themselves caring for someone who is no longer able to manage their own affairs, like finances, business or property or make decisions about their own care, for example, medical treatment. So that it can be done by the carer, or perhaps someone else who can be trusted to do the job, certain legal steps must be taken. It’s a good idea to seek advice if you are not sure what you will be required to do if you are the person who will be taking on one of these roles.

We ran a workshop on Tuesday 22nd September with the help of Amanda Kerr and Stuart Fowler from the Office of the Public Guardian and Sue Williams, a solicitor with Baird & Co. Carers attending found out about the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and how it affects their ability to act on behalf of the person they care for. All those who attended said they found it very interesting and useful and for some it cleared up particular questions they had about their individual circumstances. The main lesson that seemed to come from the day was that each person's circumstances are different and that they should be looked at individually. It was also apparent that putting in place a "Power of Attorney" is a useful thing to do for all of us - it is a safeguard so that if the situation arises where someone is not able to make decisions for themselves then another individual is able to act on their behalf with the proper authority.

Acting on behalf of Adults with Incapacity – what do the terms mean?

Appointees

Someone can be made an appointee for benefits, where the other person is unable to manage their own benefits. This is arranged through the Department of Work and Pensions, and applies only to state benefits.
In the first instance contact the office that deals with the benefit involved.

Power of Attorney

Someone can arrange for their welfare to be safeguarded and their affairs to be managed in the future, should they become unable to do this for themselves. They can do this by giving another person (someone they trust) power of attorney to look after some or all of their property and financial affairs and/or to make decisions about their personal welfare, including medical treatment.

The person giving power of attorney has to be able to understand what they are agreeing to when they give consent.

Power of attorney is a legal document, drawn up by a Solicitor, and has to be registered (since 02/04/01) with the Office of the Public Guardian for it to be effective. Power of attorney does not come in to effect unless the person granting it becomes ill and is unable to manage their own affairs.

Guardianship

If someone is incapable of making decisions, and there is no power of attorney, someone can apply to the Sheriff Court for an Intervention order or a Guardianship order.
An Intervention order is for a one off decision or short-term help e.g. selling property, or signing a document.
A Guardianship order is where continuous management of affairs or safeguarding of welfare is required.

Local Authorities or any person claiming an interest in the person’s affairs may make an application.

Access with funds

Individuals can also apply to the Office of the Public Guardian to gain access to the funds of an adult incapable of managing those funds for example a bank account in the sole name of the adult.

Intervention orders

An intervention order allows another person to make a single, one-off decision for
someone if they are unable to do so themselves (for example: this could be to consent to a having a particular medical procedure). Intervention orders are applied for through the Sheriff’s Court.

Contact Details

For further information from the Office of the Public Guardian you can contact them at:

Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)
Hadrian House
Callendar Business Park
Callendar Road
Falkirk
FK1 1XR

Telephone number 01324 678300
Email opg@scotcourts.gov.uk.

Photos from the Royal Visit to Fife Carers Centre

2009-09-22T15:47:00.005+01:00

Here are some of the photos taken during our recent visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Princess Anne. The photos were taken by photographer Barry Moir , of Barry Moir Photography, who really kindly donated his time and skill for free. Barry is normally a wedding and portrait photographer based in Kirkcaldy so being a royal paparazzi for the morning was a departure from his normal routine! Not being allowed to ask the Princess to pose meant that Barry had to capture the moment quickly. I think it has resulted in some lovely natural smiley faces being caught in the picture. What do you think?

Important news for Myfife C+1 card holders

2009-09-21T16:15:00.004+01:00

If you hold a “myfife” card with the C+1 element of concessionary travel (that’s the card that allows you to travel by bus and rail with a companion for example a carer) then you should note that the qualifying criteria has changed. When it is time to renew your card you will need to meet with one of the following new criteria if you are to continue to receive these concessionary travel services:

Qualifying Criteria

“C+1” card
Disability Living Allowance, middle or higher rate of care component
Attendance Allowance
In residential care

“Ceye+1” card
Registered Blind

If you do not meet with one of the above criteria then you may be still eligible to hold a “C” card. This card offers free bus travel and discounted rail travel.

Should you need further information please contact Fife Council’s Concessionary Travel Team on 01592 583370.

Royal Visit to Fife Carers Centre

2009-09-08T13:13:00.005+01:00

We were honoured today with a visit from our patron Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal Princess Anne. Along with invited guests who included carers, representatives from NHS Fife and Fife Council were people who have helped us out over the years. After talking to carers, staff and visitors in the centre Princess Anne joined more carers in the Path Head Hall where she was presented with a framed copy of the poem "Carers - the UK's Secret Service" written for the Carers Week by Kerry Black. It was a really enjoyable morning with everyone commenting on how interested and knowledgeable Princess Anne was about carers issues.

Meeting Point Lunch Speaker - Janice Russell

2009-09-01T17:23:00.004+01:00

We had a very interesting talk on Friday 28th August at the Meeting Point Lunch. The speaker was Janice Russell from Trading Standards. We learnt a lot (and not just about Janice's fine appreciation of a man in uniform!!). The subject under discussion was avoiding Scams. She told us about some Scams that had come to the attention of the Trading Standards inFife and how utterly ruthless the scammers are in taking away the last penny from those they are scamming. We also learnt about phishing scams on the internet and only today I received one from the HM Revenue and Customs purporting to tell me I had a tax refund coming and could I just confirm my bank details? HA!! No chance! I followed Janice's advice and forwarded it to Trading Standards and to the HM Revenue and Customs so they could see what was being done in their name.

The maxim that Janice said we should stick to is "If it sounds too good to be true - it probably is!"

ILA Scotland - it pays to learn

2009-08-19T11:55:00.003+01:00

Lots of carers would like to be able to do something enjoyable and constructive with the limited free time that they have. With the local colleges and community schools class programmes beginning soon it's worth thinking about applying for an Independent Learning account. ILA Scotland is a Scottish Government scheme that helps you pay for learning that you can do at a time, place, pace and in a way to suit you. It’s for people who have an income of £22,000 a year or less, or who are on benefits.
If you are 16 or over and living in Scotland, you could get up to £500 towards the cost of learning with a learner account from ILA Scotland.
There are two types of account available:

£200 accounts – If you are interested in learning something new or brushing up your skills. There is a wide range of courses available so why not have a look at our Course Search to get an idea of what’s available in your area. To find out more click here.

£500 accounts – If you are studying a part-time higher education or professional qualification course such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Degree. You must be studying 40 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credits or more an academic year. To find out more click here.

You can only have one type of account open at any time so it’s important that you choose carefully. If you need any further information to help you decide on the right account for you just call our friendly helpline advisers on 0808 100 1090.

If you already know what you want to do, simply click Apply now to request your application pack.

This information is taken from the ILA Scotland website which can be found here.

Poem - From Where I’m Standing

2009-08-19T11:38:00.003+01:00

At the Carers Meeting Point Lunch at the end of July the speaker, Karen Gibb, read a poem for us that had been written by Elspeth Murray for the "Beyond The Tipping Point" conference of the Long Term Condition “Collaborative 14th May 2009. The Poem was inspired by C.S. Lewis's observation of a sunbeam "Looking along the beam and looking at the beam are very different experiences”. She uses her poem to point out the difference it can make to people if they are included and involved in the treatment and management of their condition.

Carers attending the meeting asked if they could have a copy of the poem so here it is.

From Where I’m Standing

In emergency admissions
In the outpatient department
At the here-we-go-again clinic
In yet another waiting room…
From where I’m standing
There’s nothing worse than being treated as an illness
From where I’m standing
There’s nothing worse than being shunted around
From where I’m standing
There’s nothing worse than it all flaring up again
From where I’m standing
There’s nothing worse than not knowing whether to laugh or to cry
Except dealing with people who
Act like they never laugh or cry.

A man walks into a toolshed,
Shuts the door. Sees a sunbeam.
Dust floats in the brightness –
Eddies into the darkness.

He observes the sunbeam.
Shape, density, intensity.
Contemplates it objectively,
dispassionately...

But as he takes a step forward
Into that sunbeam,
Inhales the sunlit tool shed smell,
And feels the warmth on his face,
He sees something else,
Not the beam, not the darkness, not the tools
But, framed in the odd-shaped gap above the door,
Green leaves on the branches of a tree
And, millions of miles beyond them, the sun.

Looking at the beam and
Looking along the beam are
Very different experiences.

Before you take the speck out of your brother’s eye
Let the beam shine into your own eye.

From where I’m lying
It’s good to be listened to
From where I’m sitting
It’s good to be in control
From where I’m standing
It’s good to be given a choice

When I’m shaking
It’s good to be sharing stories
When I’m hurting
It’s good to get more of what I need
When I’m weeping
It’s good to speak on the phone
To the one I call my guardian angel
When I’m dying
It’s good to be with the ones who care the most.

From where I’m standing,
Here in the beam
It all seems perfectly clear.

Elspeth Murray

Thanks to Karen Gibb for bringing the Poem to our attention.

Breast Cancer - Sticking with the Treatment

2009-08-19T10:35:00.003+01:00

Unfortunately, breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK and almost 46,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. The good news is that due to improved detection and new treatments, the number of women beating breast cancer is increasing each year. However, breast cancer patients often have to take anti-cancer drugs for up to five years. Research at the Univesity of Dundee has been undertaken to shed light on the reason for taking these drugs for so long. You can find out more about this from local scientist Colin McCowan in a free public lecture to be held at the Sensation science centre in Dundee. It promises to be an informative talk that will provoke lots questions from the audience!

Everyone is welcome to this free event at the Sensation’s award-winning Infusion Cafe, Greenmarket, Dundee for a 6pm start on Wednesday September 9th 2009.

Doors open at 5:30pm, so get there early in order to get yourself a seat and a nice cup of hot tea or coffee and a snack.

Calling Fife Social Work Department!

2009-08-06T17:17:00.004+01:00

WE’RE LOOKING OUT FOR CARERS ARE YOU LOOKING OUT FOR THEM TOO?

In Social care you encounter carers every day in the work you do. If you would like to
· develop your awareness of the issues that carers face and have the opportunity to hear about some of these issues first hand from carers.
· increase your knowledge and understanding of policy (local and national) and legislation relating to carers.
· develop your knowledge of support organizations available to carers.
You can do so by attending a “Partners in Care” workshop at Fife Carers Centre. Workshops are available on:
(Times include Lunch)
Friday 6 November 2009 10.00 am – 1.30pm
Thursday 12 November 2009 12.30pm – 4pm
Tuesday 17 November 2009 10.00 am – 1.30pm
Tuesday 16 February 2010 12.30pm – 4pm
Friday 19 February 2010 10.00 am – 1.30pm
Tuesday 23 February 2010 12.30pm – 4pm
If you work for Fife Council Social Work department or in some way that brings you into contact with unpaid carers you can book a place at one of the workshops by contacting:

Lesley or Irene at Fife Carers Centre
On 01592 642999
Or
lesley@fifecarers.co.uk

No one expects to become a carer - but 3 in 5 of us will be one at sometime in our lives.
There are around 42,000 people who are carers in Fife - and most of them don’t know there is help available for them.

Meeting Point Lunch

2009-07-31T15:24:00.004+01:00

It was a nice meeting point lunch today with a presentation from Karen Gibb from the Long Term Conditions team for the Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth CHP talking about Self Management. It was very interesting to hear about how carers are now more often acknowledged as a vital part of the process in maintaining or improving the health of someone affected by a longterm condition.
Thanks very much to Karen.
The quiz this month was (vaguely) themed around the idea of holidays and was won by Tom and Rena McCulloch who scored a magnificent 19 out of 20... all those months of trying have paid off in the end!!
Our next meeting point lunch will take place on Friday 28th August and will include a presentation from Trading Standards who will amongst other things be talking about protecting the people you care for from scams and conmen.

SAGA Respite for Carers Trust

2009-07-27T14:28:00.002+01:00

Are you over 50 and been a carer for longer than a year? You are almost certainly eligible to apply for a respite short break from the SAGA Respite for Carers Trust. There are a limited number of places available and competition for them is likely to be keen but it's always worth a go! You can read more about it on the SAGA website. Good Luck! There are also a lot of very informative and interesting articles on the website - so it's worth a browse through.

Ditch your junk and donate to charity all in one go!

2009-07-24T14:10:00.010+01:00

Do you ever look round your attic or garage and think "Right, that's it! I'm going to have a good clear out!". It's easy to part with the stuff that's real rubbish but getting rid of things that feel too good to throw away can sometimes be a bit more difficult.

If you have access to the internet there are a few novel approaches to the problem you might want to try. They enable you to get rid of the item and the opportunity to feel good about raising funds for your favourite charity (Fife Carers Centre obviously!!):

Ebay - you can sell your item and donate all or part of your sale price to the charity of your choice. It's great fun to do and fairly straightforward (just try not to go and buy a whole load of new junk to replace the stuff you've just got rid of!!).

JumbleAid - a good old fashioned jumble sale with a new twist - an on line jumble sale, avoids the rough and tumble and sharp elbows of fellow jumblers. The money given for the item can go to your favourite charity (yup! That's us!)

Freecycle - give it away! One man's rubbish is another man's treasure. You can advertise your item for pick up only so that there's no postage, or you can ask for the delivery charge to be paid.

Then having cleared your junk you can sit back and enjoy the glow gained from a job well done!

BIG Cancer Conversation - event in Stirling

2009-07-23T15:00:00.005+01:00

The BIG Cancer Conversation is a Scottish Government event

Join the BIG Cancer Conversation!

• Living with cancer?
• Got an opinion, an experience or an idea about cancer?
• Do you want to help improve cancer services in Scotland?
....... then we’d like you to join us

on Thursday 20 August from 10am to 4pm at
The Albert Halls, Stirling for the BIG Cancer Conversation.

The BIG Cancer conversation is an informal event that gives you the opportunity to have your say. It’s a great way to share your experiences and for us to hear from a whole range of people who are living with and beyond cancer and their carers.
Not only will your experiences help us to improve the quality of services for people living with cancer, they will also help to inform the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland in their efforts to improve the quality of health services for all patients and their carers. The event is free but places are limited so timely registration is advisable to avoid disappointment! To register, please e-mail jennifer.smith@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or call 0131 244 5179 or with the following information by 31 July 2009:
• Your name
• Your contact details – email, telephone, address
• Your main interest in attending, eg. Are you a cancer patient, a carer, from the voluntary sector,
a health professional or ‘other’?
• Any special access or dietary requirements
• Any other requirements e.g. let us know if you anticipate difficulties in paying for or arranging travel to and from the event as assistance or advice might be available.
Depending on numbers we will confirm your place by 12 August 2009 and provide full details of the event and joining instructions.

Partners in Care Training

2009-07-17T12:17:00.007+01:00

Carers often come into contact with Health Care professionals who are involved in the treatment of the person who they care for. We run workshops as part of the NHS Fife Carer Information Strategy to help Health Care professionals understand the difficulties that carers may face in all aspects of their lives and the legislation and policies in place to help carers sustain their role.

The Workshop is aimed at: Health Professionals and Medical Centre staff in contact with people who require ongoing care and their carers.

Workshop Location: Fife Carers Centre, Meeting Room and Soft Room
Workshop Duration: 3 ½ hours including lunch
Dates and Times: Times includes lunch

PIC1 Thursday 10 September 2009 - 12.30 pm – 4pm
PIC2 Tuesday 15 September 2009 - 10 am – 1.30pm
PIC3 Thursday 24 September 2009 - 12.30 pm – 4pm
PIC4 Thursday 8 October 2009 -12.30 pm – 4pm
PIC5 Thursday 5 November 2009 -12.30 pm – 4pm
PIC6 Thursday 21 January 2010 - 12.30 pm – 4pm
PIC7 Tuesday 26 January 2010 - 10 am – 1.30pm
PIC8 Thursday 4 February 2010 - 12.30 pm – 4pm
PIC9 Tuesday 9 February 2010 - 10 am – 1.30pm
PIC10 Thursday 11 February 2010 - 12.30 pm – 4pm
PIC11 Tuesday 2 March 2010 - 10 am – 1.30pm
PIC12 Tuesday 9 March 2010 - 10 am – 1.30pm

Course numbers: Minimum 6 - maximum 15 Delegates

Course Aims

To foster relationships between healthcare professionals and carers based on an understanding of carers as “key partners in care”.

Course Objectives

To develop an understanding and appreciation of the contribution that carers make to health and social care provision.
To develop the means of identifying carers.
To develop an awareness of the issues that carers face and to have the opportunity to hear about some of these issues first hand from carers.
To increase knowledge and understanding of policy (local and national) and legislation relating to carers.
To develop knowledge of support organizations available to carers.

If you are a Health Professional in Fife and would like to attend one of the workshops please make your booking through the NHS Fife Training and Ongoing Development Team.

Fife Outdoor Access Festival 2009

2009-07-10T13:36:00.004+01:00

With the effects of the credit crunch on our spending the idea of "staycations" is a big new trend this year - instead of going away on holiday more people are spending their holiday time at home and going for days out. Trying to find things to do for a whole summer holiday can be hard going so you might be interested to hear about the Fife Outdoor Access Festival taking place this year between Saturday 1st August and Sunday 9th August. 2009. It is a varied programme of events designed to make the most of the lovely Fife countryside. There will be planned and supervised walks, cycles and horse rides, water sports, disabled rambles and family fun days. There is something to suit all ages and abilities and most of the events are free of charge. If you want to know more go and have a look at http://www.fifeoutdooraccessfestival.co.uk/ .

The National Autistic Society - One Day HELP! Programme

2009-07-09T11:27:00.004+01:00

The National Autistic Society will be running a one day help! support and information day for parents/carers of children diagnosed with and autism spectrum disorder in the past two years or so. The programme sessions cover:

An overview of ASDs.
Communicating with your child.
Education.
Legislation and benefits.
What's available from the NAS locally and nationally.
Benefits and your rights.
Question time.

The programme is presented by Barrie Cooper help! manager Scotland and other staff from NAS Scotland.

The session takes place on Wednesday 9th September 2009 between 9.30 and 3pm in the Best Western Queens Hotel, 160 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DU. A sandwich lunch, tea and coffee are provided and two members per family may attend. If you would like to book a place on the session please phone Lauren Jarvis on 0141 285 7114.

CARERS -THE UK’S SECRET SERVICE!

2009-07-03T11:54:00.008+01:00

This poem was written by Fife carer Kerry Black as a way of celebrating carers' contribution to society and to celebrate Carers Week.

Kerry reading her poem to an appreciative audience at the

Fife Carers Week 2009 event.

CARERS -THE UK’S SECRET SERVICE!

Nobody sees a carer, nobody sees a spy,
We’re an invisible band of workers-have you ever asked yourself why?
While James Bond struts about the place in a dashing dinner suit,
Most carers struggle to recollect the last day that they had oot!
He’s fortified by gadgets supplied by the amazing Q,
We’re lonely and under-funded, always needing an extra (Money)penny or two!
We’re always on the go, we rarely get time to relax,
If we were like James Bond, we could escape on big jet packs!
His life is full of glamour. He loves to sip on champers.
Our lives are filled with duty and dirty laundry hampers!
We have no job description, we have no stated hours,
Oh! to be a spy and have some super powers,
To flee our caring duties, to go out and meet a pal.
I’d settle for a cafe - I don’t need Casino Royale!
Though we all love our families and live to show our care,
Sometimes it would be nice if someone else was there.
To give a little hand, to provide some great respite.
James Bond doesn’t need a befriender to let him out at night!
We’re standing in the shadows, we don’t wear any disguise.
We’re the UK’s REAL Secret Service!
We’re the carers, NOT the spies!

KERRY BLACK - 12TH MAY, 2009

Travelling Abroad

2009-07-01T13:29:00.003+01:00

If you’re planning to get away and go abroad this year you might find this website useful - http://www.doctorbabel.com/.
DoctorBabel allows you to create and maintain an online medical record that can be translated into multiple languages at the click of a button. The website features an emergency medical information card. Basic membership is FREE and includes web-space for your medical record, the facility to print an emergency card at home for free and some free translation facilities. The translation facility is especially important for safe travel. Having your medical details available in an accurate,organised and easily understood format helps medical professionals to make better decisions. You print your medical record at home and carry it with you whenever you travel.

Energy Assistance Package

2009-06-29T12:47:00.002+01:00

Are you finding that your home is cold, damp, draughty or generally hard to heat? Are you worried about your fuel bills? If you answer yes to any of these questions the Energy Assistance Package may be able to help you.

What is the Energy Assistance Package?

The Energy Assistance Package provides advice and support to enable you to maximise your income, reduce your fuel bills and make your home warmer and more comfortable. It offers a range of measures to help improve the energy efficiency of your home.

The new scheme is funded by the Scottish Government and is being delivered by the Energy Saving Scotland advice network in partnership with energy companies and other organisations.

To access all parts of the Energy Assistance Package, call the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre free of charge on 0800 512 012.

When you call the advice centre, a trained advisor will take you through a series of questions about your home, including your current heating system. The questions will help the advisor give you the best energy advice possible and could lead to other forms of support including:
Referral for tax credit/benefit checks
Signposting to energy providers for social tariffs if eligible
Loft and cavity wall insulation for those eligible
Other measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes such as a new central heating system if eligible

To find out how you can benefit from the Energy Assistance Package contact us on freephone 0800 512 012 or visit http://www.energyassistancepackage.com/

Thank you to Sarah for contributing this information - you can hear more from Sarah at the Meeting point lunch on 27 November when she will be the speaker.

Caring for someone living with Dementia

2009-06-25T15:36:00.002+01:00

We have some new dates for the "Caring for someone living with Dementia" one day workshops for carers. The workshops, which are free, are run in conjunction with Alzheimer Scotland and take place in the Fife Carers Centre in Kirkcaldy. The content of the workshop is designed to help carers better understand what is happening to the brain of someone affected by Dementia, what kind of problems that individual might encounter as well as tips for dealing with some of the behaviours that can be difficult to cope with. In addition carers meet with a group of people experiencing the same kind of thing in their own lives and learn what additional help and support there is for them in and around Fife.
The dates for the upcoming workshops are 17th September 2009, 29th October 2009, 28th January 2010 and 11th March 2010. If you are caring for someone affected by dementia and would like to attend one of these workshops you can sign up for one by telephoning Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999 or email centre@fifecarers.co.uk