Coventry Carers Bulletin - February 2020

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Coventry Carers' bulletin

Welcome

Welcome to this Month's Carers Bulletin. There's a lot going on in the month of March to keep people connected across Coventry. This bulletin has a list of some of the carer support groups going on across the city. We've also updated our website to make sure this information is available. 

If you've got a story to tell or want to tell us about an event coming up please email us at carers@coventry.gov.uk

Enjoy reading.

Coping with Caring course coming up

Carers Trust Heart of England alongside the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust is involved in delivering a 'Coping with Caring' session on Thursday 26 March from 9.30am to 12noon which is open to any carer who would like to come along.

The session is FREE and being held at Coventry Central Library. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of the psychological impact of caring and improve resilience and reduce caregiver stress.

To enrol, register online or call 0300 303 2626.

Coping with Caring

Do you care for an adult with a learning disability?

The Learning Disabilities Carers Coffee Morning is a group set up for carers by carers who meet every other month at the Central Library. It's a chance to get together, socialise and have a cup of tea and a biscuit. The group sometimes has speakers. This is a group for anyone caring for an adult with a learning disability and let's them speak to other carers in a similar situation. Previous group topics have been: preparing for adulthood, safeguarding, planning for the future and support in hospitals. 

In March 2019 the group which usually meets in the main library meeting room will be meeting in the main library space (the big tables in the centre of the library).   

Carers Coffee Morning

Opportunity to be involved in carer related research

CAFI

Are you an employer interested in finding out more about supporting carers in the workplace?

Caring Workplace

On 5 May 2020 we're planning on holding a 'supporting carers in the workplace' workshop for employers across Coventry & Warwickshire.

The event is aimed at SME business owners, directors, managers, health and safety and HR professionals who have a responsibility for their employees. No prior knowledge is required. This event supports the External risks to health criteria in the Thrive at Work Workplace Wellbeing Award.

 

Supporting carers in the workplace session will explore:

  • Identifying carers in the workplace
  • Understanding how caring might impact the workforce
  • How can we support carers in the workplace and look at best practice
  • Creating a caring culture
  • Tools and surveys that can help support a caring workforce
  • Understand what a Carers Assessment is and who is entitled to one
  • An overview of the Carers Trust Heart of England – our local Carers Services.

This session will be delivered by Gabrielle Borro, Joint Carers & Engagement Lead at Coventry City Council and the Carers Trust Heart of England. 

Cost

This workshop is offered free to those who meet the funding eligibility criteria. A £25 late cancellation and non- attendance fee will be charged. See further details on your booking confirmation email.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? - The venue has free parking on-site.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? -  No

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends? Yes, if you are unable to attend you may send a colleague in your place.

Bookings

Places are limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. Preference will be given to SME sized business within the LEP growth sectors. A maximum of two places per organisation is offered which may be reduced to one if demand is high.  If you'd like to express an interest in attending please email jenny.duggan@coventry.gov.uk

Have you heard about Good Gym?

Good Gym

Good gym is a community of runners who aim to make a difference within Coventry by supporting people to accomplish tasks in their own homes. 

If you are a carer and perhaps need some ad hoc support, maybe it's to change a light bulb or you need some support in your garden, it might be worth speaking to any local organisation about a referral to the service.  At present the service does not accept self referrals. All volunteers are fully DBS checked.

Organisations can refer into GoodGym and request a task to be carried out at an older person’s home. The aim of a GoodGym mission is to enable someone to be safer and more independent at home.

 

Missions are

  • To help older people (60+) in their home or garden
  • Simple tasks focused on fixing a specific problem, such as clearing an overgrown garden, moving furniture, changing smoke alarm batteries, putting up Christmas decs or getting items out of the loft
  • Tasks that last about 1 hour and often less
  • Attended by a minimum of 2 runners and up to 4
  • Only possible when tools are available at the site

Typical tasks include

  • Changing light bulbs
  • Building flat pack furniture
  • Clearing gardens and making them accessible
  • Writing Christmas cards
  • Clearing wet leaves / snow
  • Helping get people home from hospital by linking with OT/Discharge teams

Referrals are easy and any community organisation can request a mission!

Request a mission: www.goodgym.org/request-a-mission

Contact GoodGym for more information: missioncontrol@goodgym.org

State of Caring survey

State of Caring - Carers Uk

Every year Carers UK complete a survey of carers in the UK and their experiences. This is the most comprehensive survey undertaken of carers in the UK and is used to inform and influence policy makers. 

We really want to encourage Coventry carers to take part in the survey. It does take 20-30 minutes to complete but some questions might not be relevant and can be skipped. The survey will remain open until 17 May. 

Carers UK publish their results later on in the year. 

Complete the survey - State of Caring Survey

Carers' groups coming up in March

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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.