We’re doing lots for Young Carers Action Day and this year’s theme is “Make Time for Young Carers”. We are asking our young carers to think about doing something for themselves and making time for that. It could be going for a walk, seeing a friend or reading a book, whatever gives them a bit of “me” time. We are also asking other individuals/professionals to make a pledge to young carers to help raise awareness of what a young carer's life is like. Watch out in next month’s bulletin to see what pledges were made.  

We are also decorating pots and planting sunflowers as well as making calendars with our young carers. There will be lots going on. Please do join us. 

Monthly newsletter 

We have recently redesigned our newsletter and these can be found on our website alongside all our previous newsletters. Please sign up to receive a copy of the latest copy. 

Activities

All the groups that we run are now on Eventbrite and can be accessed by anyone who is registered with us (link is in February newsletter also).

The Take Control module is all about self-management and empowers people to take control of their lives, so they are better informed, better prepared and supported in whatever they are going through.

The sessions will involve discussions, sharing of experiences and tips on how to handle things like stress, how to sleep better and how to set achievable goals.

The sessions will be a chance for us all to share our own experiences and listen to what helps other people, so that we know we aren’t alone.

The sessions (which are split) will be as follows:

• Session A – Part 1 @ 11am – 12:30pm on Monday 13 March
• Session A – Part 2 @ 11am – 12:30pm on Monday 20 March
• Session B – Part 1 @ 6pm – 7:30pm on Monday 13 March
• Session B – Part 2 @ 6pm – 7:30pm on Monday 20 March

We would ask that carers who wish to attend are registered with us.

Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked, so if people were interested to learn more and wanted to book a space, we would ask they email carergroups@carerstrusthofe.org.uk or call 02476 632 972 Option 1.

Wellbeing for Coventry provides support to anyone aged 18 or over, in Coventry, with on-going mental health issues or who is experiencing an emotionally difficult time in their life.

For further information and advice you can drop them an email, give them a call on (024) 7622 8210 or have a look at their website where there is lots more information about the different services and support they offer. 

Please take a look at the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy's timetable to see what activities you could get involved in. 

The Let’s Chat project has been developed to tackle issues of loneliness. The aim is to go to people’s neighbourhoods and provide the opportunity for social contact, a coffee, and a chat. Mobile hubs will be reaching out across the city in different locations and parking up for you to hop on and have a chat. You will be able to access them at different locations throughout February. 

You can find further details on the website.

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. This will be 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.

Health and local authority care services are working together for Coventry and Warwickshire to address waiting times for a neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessment (Autism, and/or ADHD). This includes finding ways to reduce waiting times for an assessment and improve the support available to people who are waiting for an assessment.

We are seeking the views of people awaiting a neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessment, as well as those of their families and carers to help us understand what works well and what needs to be improved in relation to the assessment process and support received whilst on the waiting list.

The purpose of the survey is to understand more about:

• the reasons why you or your family member are seeking a diagnosis;  
• what support would help you or your family member now while you are awaiting an assessment; and
• your experience of support and services you have accessed and whether these have been person-centred and effective.

If you would like to read the Joint Autism Strategy you are welcome to.

To participate in the survey you can visit their website and read further details.  

Please contact 0333 150 3456 to book a place.  

For all other enquiries, please drop them an email. Please note groups do not operate on Bank Holidays.  

Anybody going to a polling station this May will need to provide a form of photographic ID before they can receive a ballot paper. The full list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website.  Anyone who does not have one of these accepted forms of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate on the Government website.

If you have a postal vote, you do not need photographic ID. If you have a proxy vote, then please be aware that your proxy will need to show photo ID at the polling station.

From Wednesday 22 February to early March staff will be unable to access the library management system.

You can still borrow, renew & return items but you will be unable to search the catalogue, use the app or access your account. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Mother and Child drop-in

Meet Dari speakers for family fun on Tuesdays from  1pm – 2pm at Foleshill Library, Broad Street, Coventry CV6 5BG

For further information you can take a look at the website or call 02476 786 977

World Autism Acceptance Week is 27 March - 2 April 2023

We have a range of books in your local library to help provide support and awareness of Autism. Here are two examples: 

• A different sort of normal by Abigail Balfe.
• Questions and feelings about autism by Louise Spilsbury.

Living in a home with no – or broken – heating and hot water is miserable at any time of the year. This is particularly true in the winter of course.

And if you have an illness made worse by living in a cold home, it can have a devastating impact on your physical and mental health.

But there is help at hand for those living in their own or privately rented properties in the Coventry area.

Keeping Coventry Warm has got funding available to help install - or fix - boilers and central heating systems.

Anyone with a chronic or acute health condition or disability which is made worse by the cold (such as respiratory conditions, arthritis, diabetes or heart disease) can apply for help.  Income criteria applies but it’s well worth residents contacting Coventry City Council’s partner,  Act on Energy to see if they can help.

You can contact them for free on 0800 988 2881 or via the Act On Energy website