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July has been an exciting month for Carers in Coventry with the first ever Carers Trust Heart of England - Carers Awards being held in Coombe Abbey.
Earlier in the year we invited people to take part in the national State of Caring Survey, the survey is the most extensive survey of the realities of caring. In July 2019 Carers UK published their findings.
The survey found that 39% of people are struggling to make ends meet and more than two thirds (68%) of carers are also using their own income or savings to cover the cost of care, equipment or products for the person they care for. As a result many people struggle to save for their own retirement.
We have also seen the publication of the Carers Action Plan - Progress update which looks at the Government's progress in implementing the 2 year plan set out for improving the lives of carers. The Carers Action Plan - progress plan looks at additional advances particularly for Young Carers, such as exploration of a national recognition scheme for young carers and a young carers parliament day, to raise the profile of Young Carers politically.
Over 100 family carers, their families and representatives from across health, social care and education came together for the first ever Carers Trust Heart of England Carers Awards on 12 July.
Held at Coombe Abbey Hotel, the event was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional unpaid carers in Coventry and Warwickshire and the great work taking place helping to support them.
Sonja Woodhouse, Chief Executive of Carers Trust Heart of England said: “Many people choose not to describe themselves as a carer – it’s just something they do for someone they care about. These awards were our opportunity to do something for them.
“It has been truly inspiring to hear the real-life stories of people with care responsibilities first-hand and see the major impact that they have on the lives of the people they care for.
The host of the event, Holly Matthews said: “Being able to host an awards where the unsung heroes across our region are celebrated, warmed my heart.
“These amazing men, women and children do what they do out of love yet, at times it’s extremely challenging.
“The Carers Awards allowed us to champion them and notice their efforts. Having been a carer myself, I feel lucky to have been involved in such a powerful event.”
Carers Trust Heart of England’s aim is to support carers and those they care for by providing the highest possible quality, individually tailored care support service that improves the lives of carers, the people they care for and their families.
If you think that you may be a carer, or to find out more about the work of Carers Trust Heart of England, visit www.carerstrusthofe.org.uk or call 024 7663 2972 to speak to a member of the team.
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Ekta-Unity and Coventry Alzheimer’s Society have teamed up to spread the word about dementia.
Ekta-Unity is a volunteer led community group that brings people, together with the aim of promoting wellbeing and reducing social isolation.
Alzheimer’s Society will be delivering a number of dementia information sessions throughout the year at Ekta-Unity. Covering a number of different aspects, talks will provide an opportunity to learn a bit more about dementia and to ask questions.
Dementia is one of the many topics that Ekta-Unity’s Social & Wellbeing Project is highlighting over the year. Sessions are held on Monday’s 10:30am-3pm at St Pauls Church (Foleshill Road, CV6 5AJ) and typically involve: yoga and gentle exercise followed by group activities, talks and workshops. Everyone is welcome to come along.
Ekta-Unity also hosts a variety of other weekly sessions and events, these include:
Living Well Project
Wednesday 11am-2pm
Coffee morning
Thursday 10:30am-12:30pm
Walking Group at War Memorial Park
Friday 10:30am-12noon
To find out more about Ekta-Unity and how you can get involved please telephone 07477 877517 or email info@ekta-unity.org. If you would like dementia-related support please telephone Coventry Alzheimer’s Society on 024 7665 2602 or email us on coventry@alzheimers.org.uk
Libraries are great spaces to meet people and spend some time. It’s free to join the library.
There is a wide range of activities happening in libraries, with something for everyone.
For adults who find pictures easier to understand then words we have a collection of books called Books Beyond Words at Central and Coundon libraries. These books all tell a story but allow the reader to tell their own story using the pictures.
Large Print and Audio (talking) books are available in all libraries.
If you find getting to the library difficult you can join our Home Library Service, which is available for all housebound people, free of charge.
Available 24/7 on your own device, everyone can access free E-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines - all you need is your Coventry library card and PIN.
Summer 2019 children 4-11 can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge ‘Space Chase’ and for adult readers why not have a look at a fabulous collection called Roadies, Rock and Record Reads.
Contact any library for help and information.
It’s simple! Just add your email address in the top right hand corner and click GO!
You can also sign up or view previous bulletins from our Carers' website.
If you have any comments or wish to contribute something to the next bulletin, please let us know by contacting us at carers@coventry.gov.uk.
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