Coventry Carers' bulletin

This newsletter contains the latest news and messages from Coventry City Council and information about local community groups and partners who are offering local support.

In this issue:

• Welcome to this month's bulletin
• Christmas and New Year Adult Social Care arrangements
• Coventry Carers Action Plan 2024-26
• Exciting News: Introducing Bridgit Care
• Coventry Cyrenians Christmas Day Dinner Event 2023
• Coventry Open Christmas 2023
• Have a hot meal at Housing with Care this Christmas
• Carers Trust Heart of England Christmas opening times
• Carers Trust Heart of England – Activities – January 2024
• Carers Trust Heart of England – Drop ins – January 2024
• Carers Trust Flower arranging sessions
• Young Carers in December
• Young Carers activities for January
• Alzheimer's Society - Carer Information sessions
• Benefits you could be entitled to - take a look
• West Midlands Fire Service safe and well visits
• Coventry City Council Budget Consultation 2024/25 - Have your say!
• Free courses for Carers
• Christmas opening times at our Libraries
• Coventry Energy Fund now open
• Sign up or contact us

Welcome to this month's bulletin

Welcome to December's bulletin, I can't believe we are so close to Christmas again. This time of year can bring so much joy but for others it can be challenging and isolating. Please see information around an event on Christmas Day being held by Coventry Cyrenians with food and activities for you to enjoy as well as ongoing support from Coventry Open over the Christmas period. There are also details for the opening days and times for Adult Social Care and Carers Trust for the festive period.

You will find exciting information about our new Coventry Carers Action Plan 2024 - 2026, and how to be involved and help with its implementation. There is also news about Bridgit Care a new online digital tool to support carers. 

A huge thank you from us here at Coventry City Council to those carers who were able to return the carers survey that they received in the post and to those who took time to speak to us on the telephone. We really do appreciate your invaluable feedback.

There are details for activities to participate in during the New Year and information about benefit entitlements as well as safe and well visits from West Midlands Fire Service. 

We would like to thank you for all your ongoing support that you provide for your loved ones and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Take care. 

Christmas and New Year Adult Social Care arrangements

Please see key contact information and numbers over the Christmas period for Coventry Adult Social Care:

• It will be business as usual until 4.30pm Friday 22 December 2023.
• From 4.30pm on 22 December until 9am on 27 December 2023 support will be provided by the Council's Emergency Duty Team (EDT).
• From 27 until 29 December 2023 there will be Social Work support
• From 4.30pm 29 December to 9am 2 January 2024 support will be provided by EDT.
• The Mental Health Crisis Team will be open throughout

The City Councils Emergency Duty Team (EDT) will be available for out of hours response throughout the Christmas and New Year period.  

Relevant contact information for the services during the closure will be:

Coventry Carers Action Plan 2024-26

Our Coventry Carers Action Plan 2024-26 is now live and work is underway to begin its implementation. The Carers Action Plan is based on carer engagement, local requirements, and using national information and data sets, focusing on three priority areas to better support carers in the city:

1. Empower carers with flexible respite options, ensuring they can take breaks
2. Deliver the right support, at the right time, and in the right place
3. Maximise the reach of carers assessments to benefit more carers

Our full Coventry Carers Action Plan 2024-26 can be viewed on the Council website. Please do have a read and let us know your thoughts.

The Action Plan is a working document, and we aim to continue to work with local carers and third sector organisations to shape the priorities and actions moving forward.

Work is now underway to implement the plan and progress with the actions.  We will shortly be developing a Carers Task and Finish Group who will support and advise on delivery of the plan, including service and specification design. We would really welcome carers or anyone with an interest to be involved in this, if possible. If you would like to be involved in any capacity or for more information please contact the Carers Team.   

Exciting News: Introducing Bridgit Care

We are really excited to announce Coventry City Council are participating in a pilot of a new online digital tool to support carers.

What is Bridgit Care? 

Bridgit Care leverages AI technology to offer real-time, personalised support to carers. It is an online support tool available 24/7 where you answer a few questions and selects your current challenges, which in seconds generates an online ‘self-help’ plan with information, suggested tasks, goals to accomplish, local services and nearby events, as well as informative video content. This can also be downloaded, sent to your email or shared with a friend or family member. The plan gives guidance on how to help the individual you support as well as suggestions to managing your own health, finances, employment and general wellbeing. The tool brings all the relevant information into one place, which can be revisited at any time and amended as circumstance change. Key features include:

• 24/7 WhatsApp coaches: Instant access to experts for advice on caregiving, wellbeing, and more.
• Tailored support modules: 70 in-depth modules covering essential areas of carer support.
• Virtual Carers card: A valuable tool offering access to discounts and resources.
• Emergency plans: A digital platform for creating and sharing crucial 'What If' plans.
• Falls support, winter/home heating Whatsapp support

Why it matters

• Eases winter pressures: Helps reduce hospital stays and eases the load on healthcare services.
• Supports mental health: Addresses the mental well-being of carers and care recipients.
• Empowers Carers: Provides tools and resources to better manage caregiving roles.

Learn more: 

Watch the video to find out more.  

We encourage all carers to log on and access the support and information available – no registration necessary! For detailed information, any queries or to give us some feedback, feel free to contact the Carers Team.

Coventry Cyrenians Christmas Day Dinner Event 2023

Coventry Cyrenians will be holding a free Christmas Dinner event on Christmas Day, 25 December, offering free festivities to anyone who is homeless or who would like to spend Christmas with others.

Activities will be taking place 11am-3pm with dinner being served between 12.30pm-2.30pm at the Methodist Central Hall, Warwick Lane, Coventry CV1 2HA

There will be a two course meal, refreshments, extra treats, gifts, music and entertainment.

Please spread the word to anyone who may wish to partake!

Coventry Open Christmas 2023

We will once again be open 24 hours a day from December 23, 9.30am, through to December 29, 2023, closing at 10am.

Do you need a hot meal or safe place to go over Christmas?

We will be offering to all the following:

• Emergency overnight sleeping to the homeless or anyone in need
• Free hot meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner times
• Emergency food parcels
• A warm bank to anyone who needs a safe non judgemental place to go
• Entertainment each night, Bingo during the day. Prizes and much more

Venue: Queens Road Baptist Church, Coventry CV1 3EG

Please take a look at our website for further information. 

Have a hot meal at Housing with Care this Christmas

Wyken Court, Leofric Lodge and Henry Court are Housing with Care schemes which all have an on site café which is open to the public offering lovely food at reasonable prices. The cafes will be open over the Christmas period, and offering Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day.  The cafes are open 9am-2pm daily and a great place to have some hot festive food, and some company, at a very affordable price. Please do let anyone know who may be interested or benefit.  They also offer cooked breakfasts, porridge, jacket potatoes, omelettes and ham egg and chips or a sandwich. All at affordable prices. They would love to see you.  Please see their address below: Wyken Court - 87-91 Attoxhall Road, Coventry CV2 5AL Leofric Lodge - Heath Crescent, Stoke Heath, Coventry CV2 4PR Henry Court - Everdon Road, Holbrooks, Coventry CV6 4DT

Carers Trust Heart of England Christmas opening times

Friday 22 December 2023 - 8am - 5pm Monday 25 December 2023 - (Christmas Day) Closed Tuesday 26 December 2023 - (Boxing Day) Closed Wednesday 27 December 2023 - 8am - 5pm Thursday 28 December 2023 - 8am - 5pm Friday 29 December 2023 - 8am - 5pm Monday 1 January 2024 - (New Years Day) Closed Tuesday 2 January 2024 - 8am - 5pm For more information please email the team, give them a call on 0247 6632 972 option 1

Carers Trust Heart of England – Activities – January 2024

For more information please email the team, or give them a call on 0247 663 2972 option 1

Carers Trust Heart of England – Drop ins – January 2024

For more information please email the team, or give them a call on 0247 663 2972 option 1

Carers Trust Flower arranging sessions

Carers Trust Heart of England held a flower arranging session where carers had a chance to learn a new skill and socialise with each other. They created Christmas arrangements using fir, carnations, thistles, dried oranges and lotus pods. The session was led by florist, Sally Evans, and was part of a series of four flower arranging workshops which have been held for carers this winter. The sessions were very popular and attended by 39 carers in total.

Please keep watch for future events! 

Young Carers in December

December was a busy and exciting month for the Young Carers. Several activities were organised to provide young carers with enjoyable and memorable experiences during the festive season. On December 5, young carers had the opportunity to visit Planet Ice for their performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. The performance was a magical experience and young carers thoroughly enjoyed watching the show. Even if they were a bit cold! The generous support for young careers this December from community partners was incredible. Not only does this bring joy and happiness during the holiday season, it also highlights the importance of community support in their lives.

We have enjoyed our cooking sessions this month, making delicious Christmas treats, and as always our young carers enjoyed getting crafty and making, cards and decorations.

Our young adult carers also had a busy month starting with a visit from Coventry Building Society, discussing the importance of sensible money management and as many of them are entering the world of employment, we identified some important things to look out for around tax and insurances. It was a great session, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Coventry Building Society.

It wasn’t all work though, with the opportunity to get together this month to celebrate the festive season and catch up with each other over some very tasty chicken. Our naughty elf tagged along too. We wish all of our young carers and their families a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing them all in the new year.

Young Carers activities for January

Activities for 5 – 10-year-olds:

• Thursday 4 January – Coventry Boys & Girls Club – Fun with money hosted by Coventry Building Society (3pm - 5pm)
• Thursday 18 January – Woodside Family Hub (4:30pm - 6pm)

Activities for 11 – 17-year-olds:

• Monday 15 January –Woodside Family Hub (4:30pm – 6pm)

Activities for 17 – 25-year-olds:

• Tuesday 16 January – YAC Session – Coventry University (5:30pm – 7:30pm)

All age activities:

• Monday 8 January – Moat Family Hub (4pm – 5:30pm)
• Thursday 11 January – Moat Family Hub (4pm – 5:30pm)
• Wednesday 17 January – Mosaic Family Hub (4pm - 5:30pm)
• Monday 22 January – Sky Blue Multi sports @ Blue Coat School (5pm – 6pm)
• Friday 25 January - Sky Blue Multi sports @ Blue Coat School (5pm – 6pm)
• Monday 29 January – Online Quiz 5:30pm – 6:30pm)
• Wednesday 31 January - Mosaic Family Hub (4pm - 5:30pm)

Please discuss with your child/children which activities they would like to attend and call Kelly on 07428 670040, to express your interest. A confirmation message will be sent out if your child has been allocated a place.

Please note, some activities will be taking place at different venues and there are limited spaces at some of the events. You can still try to book a place after 20 December but please note places may have already be taken. 

Alzheimer's Society - Carer Information sessions

Are you a carer supporting someone with a diagnosis of Dementia or concerned about someone’s memory? The key benefits of the information sessions Enabling carers to have increased knowledge of dementia. Providing carers with practical information that they can use in coping with living with dementia day-to-day. Help carers to feel better informed and less isolated. Empowering carers to access support services and financial benefits and entitlements. Enabling carers to plan with and for the person they care for, now and in the future.  We will be delivering the Carer Information Sessions at the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub, Everdon Road, Coventry. CV6 4DT. Refreshments included. The next session takes place on Friday 26 January 2024, when they will be discussing the topic of "Perception". Please contact your local office for more information and to book a place call you can call 024 7665 2602 or email the team. These information sessions are for carers.

Benefits you could be entitled to - take a look

An April 2023 study by Policy in Practice finds that the total amount of unclaimed income-related benefits and social tariffs is now £18.7 billion a year. A quick way to assess whether you or someone you know is missing out on some benefits is to visit Coventry City Councils "Cost of living" pages and follow the link ‘Benefit and budget calculator’. The Coventry City Council Cost of Living page can direct you to apply for Universal Credit (£7.57bn unclaimed in UK), and Council Tax Support (£2.87bn unclaimed in UK). It also provides links to types of support often overlooked such as Discretionary Housing Payments, Social Tariffs, Free School Meals, and many more. There are untrue myths and bits of misinformation around all types of benefits, it is always best to double check. For example, owning your own home, having occupational pensions, working full time etc does not automatically rule out income related or non-income related benefits.

Please do take some time to see which benefits you may be entitled to. 

West Midlands Fire Service safe and well visits

Safe and well visits are carried out by operational firefighters, based at 38 community fire stations, and usually take around an hour. There are strong links between health, well-being and lifestyle choices and the risk of fire.

This is why, with the residents’ permission, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) cover a range of topics with a link to fire risk, including:                                       

• smoking, alcohol, medication and drugs          
• hoarding, mental health, healthy eating and lifestyles, dementia                       
• mobility including slips, trips and falls         
• loneliness and social isolation
• home security 

A handbook complements the visits, providing vital fire safety information, general safety and health or wellbeing advice. A copy is left with the household, along with information on any actions or referrals/ signposting made by the visiting crew. Any firefighting crew attending a person's home for a Safe and Well visit will always carry their identity cards, and you should ask to see this before allowing them entry to your home.

On these visits, they can offer: 

• Free smoke alarms and hearing impairment smoke alarms
• Free fire blankets
• Carbon monoxide readings
• Risk assessment of the property
• And more 

There is lots of information on their website  where you can make an online referral or, if you need advice or cannot use the online form you can call the team for free on 0800 3895 525 or send them an email. 

 You can now also find information on:  

• The Coventry Information Directory Safe and Well page on the Coventry Information Directory.

Coventry City Council Budget Consultation 2024/25 - Have your say!

We want to give everyone the opportunity to tell us what you think about our spending proposals for 2024/25 

Reductions of more than £100m in our funding coupled with unprecedented rises in inflationary pressures and demand for services – 79% of our budget is now spent on social care and homelessness, up from 40% in 2010, this means we know we cannot do everything we would like to. However, we can make sure that we give everyone the opportunity to have a say in how we build our budget for the next financial year of 2024/25. 

We need to make informed decisions about where to focus our spending to deliver the services that you want us to get right. 

It is only by listening to our residents and businesses that we can understand your priorities and ensure we are able to deliver these efficiently and effectively. 

Please visit our website to find out more about our proposals and give us your views by filling in our short survey or attending a face to face/online workshop. 

If you’d like any further information or have any questions, please send us an email. 

Free courses for Carers

The Recovery and Wellbeing Academy run over 80 free courses for residents of Coventry and Warwickshire who are 18 years old or over. All courses are available to book onto through the website Enrolment - Recovery and Wellbeing. The majority are online but some are face to face. They are delivered live by tutors who welcome your engagement and questions if you feel comfortable. Free courses for carers: Stress Awareness - 23 January 2024 Self- Compassion - 30 January 2024 Burnout and fatigue - 22 February 2024 Coping with Caring - 14 March 2024 To book a place or find out further information you can take a look at their website.

Christmas opening times at our Libraries

Exciting news! Central Library will be open during the Christmas holidays from 9am-5pm between Wednesday 27 December and Friday 29 December. For all other library opening and closing hours, visit our website. 

Coventry Energy Fund now open

We know that many people are worried about their energy bills as we head into the colder months. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible to help reduce bills – and that you’re getting all the help available to manage your bills. Coventry City Council has partnered with energy advice experts Act on Energy to help anyone in the area with their energy needs. Simply call 0800 988 2881 and speak to a friendly advisor to make sure you are receiving all the help and support available. There are lots of schemes available and not all of them have the same application criteria, so please do call to find out more. A generous donation from Coventry Building Society means that Act on Energy can help residents who are struggling with their ongoing energy bills or debt through the Coventry Energy Fund. The eligibility criteria is: Open to those living in the City of Coventry Have a combined, gross household income of less than £31,000 per year Have no household savings Have a household member living with a vulnerability. The vulnerability category is quite broad so it’s worth checking the details on the website to see if you are eligible. If successful, you may be awarded financial help with current energy and water bills, debts and help towards servicing any broken boilers and heating systems.

Act on Energy also administers the Keeping Coventry Warm scheme on behalf of the City Council. Funding is available for those who have a long term, diagnosed health condition or disability that is made worse by living in a cold or damp home. Applicants should be owner occupiers or living in a private rented property. Funding can include: External wall insulation Cavity wall insulation  First time gas central heating  Broken boiler replacement  Inefficient gas boiler  Loft insulation  Upgrade or repair of electric storage heaters Measures are income related but there is scope for wide ranging help so please do call to see if Act on Energy can help. Call for free on 0800 988 2881 or visit the Act On Energy website. Applications forms for both schemes are now live on the Act on Energy website and if you don’t have mains gas for your home heating, and an income of less than £31,000, you may be eligible for a Home Upgrade Grant. The grant can provide fully funded energy efficiency improvements to poorly insulated homes within Coventry. For more details call Act on Energy for free on 0800 988 2881.

Are you carer aware?

Would you like to know more about adult carers and young carers?

If so we have two courses that are available to help increase your knowledge. Both courses are free and you can access them in your own time. Please take a look and we hope you find them helpful:

• Adult Carer Training
• Young Carer Training 

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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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