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Happy New Year!! Welcome to this month's bulletin. We know that January was probably not the most straightforward start to the year, with many people having COVID or having to self-isolate and wait for test results. The pandemic has felt as disruptive as it possibly could be for many.
As of 27 January, all Plan B measures have been lifted in England, this means moving forwards that the onus is on us to take precautions. We know for many people caring for someone with health conditions, it may still feel daunting to return to normality. Please know that you are not alone and if you need to speak to someone there is support to do so.
This bulletin comes with a bit of hope, we've got some exciting new projects and social outings for carers, some dates for the diary.
Enjoy Reading!
Monday 7 February at 6.30pm - 7:30pm
Come and join the Carers Trust Heart of England for an hour of singing along to some favourite tunes and a bit of fun and a chat. You really don’t need to be the world's top soprano or tenor to enjoy this group.
Carers can come in person or with their loved ones to St Giles Church Hall, Exhall, St Giles Road, Ash Green, Coventry CV7 9GZ.
If you are coming in person there will be tea, coffee, biscuits, and cake on the night.
Carers can also join virtually by requesting the zoom link from Becky Waite.
To express an interest in joining, or for any other information about this group please email Rebecca Waite or Paul Nicholls
Alternatively you can contact Carers Trust - Heart of England on 024 7663 2972 Option 1
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Friday 8 April at 12.30pm
Come and join the Carers Trust Heart of England and Bond's Hospital for a BBQ and an afternoon of National Hunt Racing from the Aintree Grand National Festival.
This is a free event and will be held at Bond's Hospital Lounge, Hill Street, Coventry. CV1 4AX.
The BBQ will be starting at 12.30pm and finishing at 1.45pm. Then it’s an afternoon of racing on the big screen, with a non-profit betting tote if you fancy a small flutter.
There will be tea, coffee, and soft drinks available, but if carers wish to bring along their own alcoholic drink they are welcome to do that.
Unfortunately, there are limited tickets to this event and will be issued on a first come first served basis.
To express an interest in attending, or for any other information about this event please email Rebecca Waite or Paul Nicholls
Alternatively you can contact Carers Trust - Heart of England on 024 7663 2972 Option 1
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Pottery isn't for just anyone, you've got to ‘urn’ it – Just kidding! If you’re feeling creative, up for a chat, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then join us for our very popular two-part Pinch Pottery Workshop, this time it’s in person!
Here at Carers Trust, we’ve got Ceramic Fever! Our previous Pinch Pottery Online Workshops have been so popular we’ve been lucky enough to hold a third, in-person session.
So, are you looking for something to unleash your creative potential, like to chat with other like-minded people, and fancy a little art therapy? Then please, join us for our third Creative Carer Collection Workshop!
This next workshop is taking place on Thursday 17 February with a follow-on session on Wednesday 23 February. So, be sure you’re available to attend both.
Thursday 17 February 2:00 – 3:30pm: Pottery Creation
Wednesday 23 February 2:00 – 3:30pm: Paint and Decorate
Location: Penny Collard Centre, Fleet Street, Coventry, CV1 3AY
This workshop is free for carers to attend with all materials provided.
You must have a confirmed place to attend the workshop; requests to join this workshop must be received by Monday 7 February. To book on, please email Jasmine Knight or call 024 7663 2972 option 1.
Spaces are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment and for materials to be posted out in time for the workshop.
As spaces are limited, If you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can offer your place to another carer.
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The Young Carers team are sad to announce that on 27 January, our Young Carers Development Team Leader Rhupinder left us to become a Service Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.
Rhupinder worked with us for 6 years, starting off as our Young Adult Carers Worker, supporting carers between 16 and 24 years old, then she was our Schools Development Worker, supporting schools across Coventry to implement young carers support, and supporting them to achieve the Young Carers in Schools award, and finally our Young Carers Development Team Leader. Rhupinder was an integral part of ensuring that schools are aware of young carers' issues and that they have the correct support in place.
Rhupinder will be sorely missed by the Carers Trust Heart of England, the young carers team and young carers across the city. We would like to wish Rhupinder all the best on her new adventure.
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 The young carers team offers a mixture of activities, ranging from cinema trips and Go Ape to all age bingo. They also run youth groups for 5 - 11 year olds and 12 - 17 year olds. Places for all activities are limited so book soon, so you're not disappointed.
They would love to see you!
For more information and to book a place please visit the Young Carers website.
The Royal British Legion has recently launched a Network for Carers; peer-to-peer social groups helping carers in the Armed Forces community feel less lonely and isolated in their caring roles. RBL’s recent research into unpaid carers in the Armed Forces community highlights the unique challenges that they face, and the Network is one of the ways they are aiming to provide support.
The RBL Network for Carers aims to help carers in the Armed Forces community feel
less lonely and isolated. These peer-to-peer social groups will connect carers so they can
share experiences, build friendships and support one another.
This network will provide carers in the Armed Forces community with:
- Monthly face-to-face social group sessions, tailored to the interests of the members.
- Virtual social groups if attendance at a local group is not practical.
- The opportunity to have conversations with an RBL representative to find out how they can best be supported.
- Sessions held at a range of venues, the nearest venue to Coventry will be Galanos House in Southam, which will be starting in Spring 2022.
How to register
If you’re interested in attending one of our groups, or volunteering for them,
please visit their website to register your interest.
If you have any questions or require more information, please contact
the team at networkforcarers@britishlegion.org.uk
We will update you when we receive more information.
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How are the rules changing in England?
As part of the lifting of the Plan B measures in England as of today (31 January):
- there is now no limit on the number of visitors allowed at care homes
- essential care givers can keep visiting during a Covid outbreak
- residents no longer need to test or self-isolate following normal visits out
- isolation periods for those in care following an emergency hospital visit have been reduced from 14 days to a maximum of 10 days
The self-isolation period for those who test positive will be reduced from 14 to 10 days, with the ability to end it even earlier, subject to testing negative on days five and six.
Care homes will only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 rather than 28 days.
We do advise that all reasonable precautions take place before a visit, to minimise passing on the virus. It is important to contact ahead and speak to the home to be advised of any local safety precautions such as an outbreak.
In partnership with SEND Information, Advice and Support Service, The Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS) and National Energy Action (NEA) will be running a FREE session for parents/carers on Benefits and Energy on Friday 11 February 2022 (10am-11.30am).
Please note this is not a drop in session.
Representatives from the above agencies will be providing information around key areas such as; Energy, Debt, Grants, Universal Credit, DLA and Benefits.
To book a place or for further information contact SEND information, Advice and Support Service on 024 7669 4307 or email them.
You can also contact Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS) directly on: 024 76 52 1101 for specific advice on your situation.
Contact provide a broad range of information about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including financial support for families of children with special needs such as grants and funds. To find out more about the grants they offer please see the 'Contact' website. If you have any difficulty accessing this information, do phone the Contact charity directly, as they run a free helpline for parents and carers with a disabled child aged from birth to 25, living in any part of the UK. Your child does not need a diagnosis for you to call their helpline.
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
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This group is for individuals who are caring for someone with dementia in a supportive environment over four sessions.
The next sessions in February are being run virtually via Zoom:
Thursday 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 14:00 - 16:00
For further information please email or call 0333 150 3456 and ask to speak to a CrISP facilitator in Coventry.
Tile Hill Library reminiscence sessions
We are very pleased that our Reminiscence sessions are continuing - please do come and join us in with our lively discussions. We can share stories and memories of Coventry's past together. They take place the last Thursday of every month, which means we will meet on 24 February from 13:00 - 14:00 at Tile Hill library.
To book a space visit the library desk at Tile Hill library or call 024 76 786 785
Author events at Coundon and Willenhall Libraries
Local author Anne Harrison will be talking about her book 'Call Me Auntie' at Coundon Library, on Tuesday 15 February 2pm, to book a place, please call 024 7678 6969 or email them.
If you can't attend this date she will also be at Willenhall Library on Thursday 3 March 2pm, to book a place please call 024 7678 6991 or email them.
Events are free and also bookable at the host libraries.
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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