Every year Carers UK a national charity complete a "State of Caring" survey to understand more about the experience of people with caring responsibilities in the UK. We always make sure that it's promoted within this bulletin as the survey is the most comprehensive research completed with carers throughout the year and gives us an insight into the reality of caring in the UK and the pressures people experience. This years report tells us:

• Over three-quarters 77% of carers said that the rising cost of living is one of the main challenges they will face over the coming year
• Two-thirds 67% of carers on an NHS waiting list said it was impacting negatively on their mental and physical health
• Nearly a third 30%said their mental health was bad or very bad
• A quarter 25% of carers said they were cutting back on essentials such as food or heating

You can read the detailed report at State of Caring 2022.  

We're seeking feedback from anyone who has recently used or continues to use Home Support Services within Coventry or people caring for someone and using home support.  We're undertaking a short survey to help us improve our services in the future. It's your opportunity to have your say about how services work for you, what improvements you'd like to see, and what's working well? 

The council will be recommissioning services in the coming years and wants to make sure this is done jointly with people that receive those services. his will the start of the process and there will be further opportunities to support the process along the way.

If you can spare a few minutes we'd really appreciate your feedback. Complete the survey.

Now that winter, proper, has arrived it’s time to make sure you’re registered for Priority Services.

Aptly name the Priority Service Register (PSR), the energy network operators (the companies who provide the wires and pipes to get electricity and gas to your home) operate a PSR to give extra help and support to those who need it most. In Coventry, it’s National Grid for electricity and Cadent for gas distribution.

What’s more, your energy billing company (you may have one or two different companies depending on who bills you for electricity and gas) also run a PSR.

It’s really worth registering with all their PSRs (each company has a different register) for the extra help that it provides – and it’s totally free to sign up.

If you have (or someone in your home) is vulnerable – perhaps an illness, pregnancy, disability, a pensioner or have young children – or may be you rely on energy for medical equipment (powering equipment or keeping medicines refrigerated) then you can get extra help. For example National Grid will:

• Provide a dedicated and direct number you can call during a power cut to get straight through to us. 
• Agree on a password with you before we visit, so you know you can trust the person at the door.
• Provide special help through the British Red Cross if you need it.
• Keep you up-to-date on any planned interruptions to your power supply. 
• Stay in touch with you during an unplanned power cut, including advice on how long it will last

And Cadent will help you with alternative heating and cooking facilities if your gas is interrupted as part of their works.  

Energy billing companies PSRs will also make sure that you get extra support such as moving a meter if you are unable to access it and providing free gas safety checks on boilers and appliances if you are on means tested benefits.

Signing up is free and easy to do. You can call your supplier (the number will be on your bill) and ask to be registered. You can find some of the most popular websites – but the other energy companies will all have details online or on the phone.

• National Grid
• Cadent Gas
• E.ON Next
• British Gas
• Octopus

Act on Energy – here to help

At Act on Energy we've been helping people with free energy advice for more than 20 years.

Whether it's helping to navigate energy efficiency advice or helping those in fuel poverty, we're here to support you.

If you're worried about your energy bill don't worry alone. Contact us to see how we can help. We have extensive knowledge of funding streams and grants which may be able to help.

Call on 0800 988 2881 or Act On Energy

We have always been busy at Young Carers and November has been no exception! Bonfire night has been and gone and our young carers have made some amazing artwork at our crafting session.

Our 11+ age group have been busy playing strategic board games and learning about the importance of working as part of a team. They have been singing together on our karaoke and Sweet Caroline remains a favourite choice just in time for the World Cup!

We have been exploring our well-being at sessions and learning about the different ways we can look after ourselves, whether it be by writing a journal, going for a walk, reading a book we all need to look after our wellbeing. During the session our Young Carers made their own stress balls and participated in laughter yoga.

24 of November was National Carers Right’s Day and our 5-10 year old age group enjoyed taking part in some team games which including building resilience, problem solving and teaching the importance of supporting each other. We are really proud of our young carers for all they do!

Our young carers are looking forward to taking the train over the Resorts World Arena to watch a performance of Disney On Ice- What a great way to end the month.

The Adult Social Care Stakeholder Group meet every other month to discuss any upcoming developments, projects and changes. They are there to influence, make changes and help us improve the experience of people accessing Adult Social Care. The group is made up of people receiving support, carers and voluntary sector organisations. In October we met to discuss key topics such as Social Care Reforms, the upcoming Adult Social Care Offer and Our Approach to engagement. The group have input into the language and layout of the Adult Social Care Offer (even correcting typos). The group is growing and we're always looking for new members and people who are passionate about using their own experience to help shape our future practice. If you'd like to find out more information about the group and get yourself invited, you can email GetInvolvedASC@coventry.gov.uk for more information.

During Carers Rights Day, the Carers Trust Heart of England produced two helpful podcasts: 

Costs of Care

This episode explores the cost of care.  The session is supported by the Central England Law Centre and explores:

• Current thresholds
• Minimum income guarantee
• Disability Related Expenditure
• Carers Rights at Work Podcast 
• Discretionary powers not to charge
• Top Up Fees 
• Rules on charging for carers services and discretionary powers not to charge.

Carers Rights at Work

This episode explores the rights of carers within the workplace.  The session is supported by The Central England Law Centre and explores:

• Statutory and contractual rights
• Time off for emergencies 
• Flexible working 
• Discrimination 
• Carer's Leave Bill.  

To listen to the podcasts you can access them on a range of different formats, including Spotify, Google Podcasts and Anchor FM.