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
• Coventry Carers Action Plan 2024-26
• Exciting News: Introducing Bridgit Care
• Measles - Protect yourself and your loved ones
• Cold weather warning
• Cost of living support
• Carers Trust Heart of England Newsletter
• Carers Trust Heart of England Walking group
• Carers Trust Heart of England activities in February
• Carers Trust Heart of England – Drop ins – February 2024
• Young Carers in January
• Young Carers activities in February
• Alzheimer's Society carer information session
• Alzheimer's Society peer support
• Safe to Talk
• Activities in the libraries in February
• Act on Energy
• Sign up or contact us

Welcome to this month's bulletin

Happy New Year! Welcome to January's bulletin and 2024.

This month you will find important information about Measles, the symptoms and how to protect yourself as well as your loved ones. Alongside this is information about keeping warm and eligibility criteria for grants that you maybe entitled to, to support with heating and energy. 

We have included details of groups being held by Carers Trust Heart of England including a Walking group being held in Allesley Park on 22 February. Get your walking shoes ready! There is also lots of activities for our Young Carers taking place so do take a look. 

Details about our Coventry Carers Action Plan 2024 - 2026 have been included  and how you can be involved and help with its implementation. We really do want to hear your thoughts. 

Thank you or taking the time to read our bulletin. If you would like to share your thoughts or have any comments about the bulletin, please let us know by contacting us at carers@coventry.gov.uk. Please take care. 

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.

Measles - Protect yourself and your loved ones

Help us to stop the spread of measles!

• As you may already be aware we are seeing an increasing number of measles cases across Coventry and the West Midlands.  
• Measles is extremely infectious and can be serious. It can spread quickly among communities and places (such as schools and nurseries) if people have not had two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.  Unvaccinated young children, pregnant women and people with weak immunity (immunosuppressed) are at greatest risk of serious health complications if they catch Measles.  The good news is that the MMR vaccine is proven to be 96% effective in protecting people against Measles.

Measles: Protect yourself and your family.

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination is the safest protection against measles.
• Two doses of MMR offers the best protection against Measles and is free
• If you have not had two doses of MMR, you can ask to get them from your GP surgery.
• Check to see whether your child has had their two doses just after their 1^st birthday and again before starting school
• For people who do not touch any pork products, there is a version of the MMR vaccine which does not use porcine gelatin in its production.
• Know the symptoms and keep people with symptoms away from others.
• Visit the NHS website for further measles information. 

Symptoms to be aware of:

• Rash
• High temperature
• Runny nose
• Sore red eyes
• Cough

Speak to your GP if:

• Your child or someone in your family has missed their first and second dose of the MMR vaccine.
• You or someone in your family show symptoms of measles

Cold weather warning

Cold weather can have serious consequences for health. Older people, young children and those with certain long-term health conditions may be particularly at risk.  If you are going out in the cold weather - wear plenty of layers and check on loved ones and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. You can also take care of yourself and loved ones by having the flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster.

Cost of living support

We understand that a lot of people across Coventry are struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living, with energy bills, the cost of food and other essentials increasing dramatically. As a local authority, Coventry City Council have consolidated information in one place, to help the city’s residents. This will provide advice and signpost people to relevant services if they need support. You can refer to the council's website where you will find extensive information about cost of living and wellbeing support. If you would prefer to speak to someone please call 08085 834 333.

Carers Trust Heart of England Newsletter

Carers Trust Heart of England work hard to support carers and those they care for by providing the highest possible quality, individually tailored care support service that improves the lives of carers, the people they care for and their families.  Carers Trust Heart of England’s produce a monthly newsletter, where you can keep up to date with latest news, learn more about the service and check out upcoming sessions. Subscribe to receive your copy.

Carers Trust Heart of England Walking group

Walking Group - Stay active, enjoy a gentle stroll and meet new friends at our friendly walking group!

Our next group is Thursday 22 February from 1pm - 2pm at Allesley Park, Allesley Hall Drive, Coventry CV5 9AD

For more information please contact us via email or call 024 7663 2972, option 1.

Carers Trust Heart of England activities in February

For more information please email the team, give them a call on 024 7663 2972 option 1

Carers Trust Heart of England – Drop ins – February 2024

For more information please email the team, give them a call on 024 7663 2972 option 1

Young Carers in January

There have been exciting times for Young Carers in January!

Our groups have resumed after the holidays, and we've had amazing activities like 'fun with numbers' by Coventry Building Society and textile sessions by Cov Cloth. The young carers have embraced these activities with so much energy and enthusiasm.

Our young adult carers attended a new project with Coventry University, exploring higher education opportunities. This March's Young Carers Action Day on 13 March will focus on fairer futures, and our project with Coventry University will shed light on the possibilities open to young adult carers and a fair future for them. We are so excited to see the project develop!

January also saw the launch of our Creative Writing Project in partnership with St. Mary’s Guildhall, Poet, Emilie Lauren and Cov Cloth. The 9 week project looks at expressing ourselves through poetry and art. We are so excited to see all of the wonderful art and poetry our young carers create in a final exhibition at St Mary’s Guildhall after the 9 weeks.

Plus, our Sky Blues in the Community multi-sports sessions are back, our young carers love joining in as it promotes a healthy body and mind while meeting up with their peers and having fun.

Young Carers activities in February

Activities for 5 – 10-year-olds:

• Monday 5 February – Coventry Boys & Girls Club – Safer internet awareness and crafts (5pm - 6pm)
• Thursday 22 February – Woodside Family Hub - Movie and munchies (4:30pm - 6pm)

Activities for 11 – 17-year-olds:

• Thursday 8 February – Coventry Boys & Girls Club Sports Hall (4:30pm – 5:30pm)
• Tuesday 13 February – Coventry University Stem Funday (9:30am – 2pm)
• Monday 19 February – Woodside Hub – Bingo (4:30pm – 6pm)

Activities for 17 – 25-year-olds:

• Friday 23 February - Young Adult Carers Social - Venue and time to be confirmed.

All age activities:

• Saturday 3 February – St Mary’s Guildhall - Creative Writing project (11am – 1pm)
• Saturday 10 February – St Mary’s Guildhall - Creative Writing project (11am – 1pm)
• Saturday 17 February – St Mary’s Guildhall - Creative Writing project (11am – 1pm)
• Saturday 24 February – St Mary’s Guildhall - Creative Writing project (11am – 1pm)
• Monday 12 February – Moat House Hub - Zoolab (4pm – 5:30pm)
• Thursday 15 February – Moat House Hub - Youth club (4pm – 5:30pm)
• Monday 26 February –Sky Blues Multi sports @ Blue Coat School (5pm – 6pm)
• Thursday 29 February – Sky Blues Multi sports @ Blue Coat School (5pm – 6pm)
• Wednesday 28 February - Mosaic Family Hub – Youth club (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.

Alzheimer's Society carer information session

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. The next session takes place: Friday 23 February 2024 from 11am - 12:30pm when they will be covering: Behaviours that may challenge.  Refreshments included. Please contact your local office for more information and/or to book a place call: 024 7665 2602 or send them an email.  These information sessions are for carers.

Alzheimer's Society peer support

Do you care for someone with dementia? Get support from someone who understands. Join our peer support group in Coventry Our peer support group offers a safe place to talk about how dementia affects your life. You will also receive helpful information to take away with you. All sessions take place at: St. Barbara's Church Hall, 2 Rochester Road, Coventry CV5 6AG They take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30am to 12noon. The next session takes place on Wednesday 7 February 2024  Please contact your local office before attending. Contact 024 7665 2602 or email for more information. Refreshments included.

Safe to Talk

If you need advice or support go to Safe to Talk, Coventry City Council’s Domestic Abuse website. Here you will find information on services for survivors, children/young people and those who want to change their behaviour. There is support around honour-based abuse, forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. There is also an online chat function for anyone including professionals. Call 0800 111 4998 between 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday or 10am - 1pm Saturday and Sunday.

Activities in the libraries in February

Film Screening 10 February - Central library You are invited to join StokeScreen Film Club and Coventry Libraries for a celebration of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon and the 50th anniversary of the fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. This event is part of the ‘Fantasy: Realms of Imagination’ exhibition at the British Library. The event features a screening of Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves with English subtitles. The screening will take place on Saturday 10th February 2024. Doors open at 5.15pm and the film starts at 5.30pm. The runtime of the film is 2 hours and 14 minutes. Please note that places are limited and must be booked in advance. To book your place, please contact the Coventry Libraries team via email or phone 024 7683 2314. This event is rated 12 and all children must be accompanied by an adult. You are welcome to bring your own movie snacks to enjoy during the screening

Reader in residence event - Local author Zen Cho at Central Library. Zen Cho is the author of The Sorcerer to the Crown novels, Black Water Sister and various shorter fiction. Her work has won the Hugo, Crawford and British Fantasy Awards, and the LA Times Book Prize/Ray Bradbury Prize. Born and raised in Malaysia, Zen now lives in the UK. Fantasy writer Zen Cho will be talking about her books in the library on Saturday 17 February 2024 from 11am - 12noon.

Did you know Tile hill Library is an autism friendly library? You can watch their film to find out more. They also have books about Autism in their library catalogue.

Act on Energy

The recent cold snap alongside the rise in the energy price cap since 1 January, will have left many people more worried than usual about putting on their heating to keep warm. Keeping warm is essential not only for our physical health but also for our mental wellbeing. Fortunately there are some things we can do to help keep our homes warmer and help to reduce our energy bills. Drawing curtains at dusk and tucking them behind the radiators Moving furniture away from radiators to allow the warm air to circulate Radiator foils on external walls can be helpful Plug draughts around the home (think draught excluders around letter  boxes and door frames), but be sure not to block ventilation such as air bricks And reducing our energy bills by: Only boil the water you need when popping the kettle on Use timers on heating systems Limit shower time to around 4 minutes Use eco settings on washing machines and dishwashers (or the lowest temperature setting) We’ve lots of tips and advice on our website – and you can speak to one of our energy experts for more helpful advice for free. There are also a number of funding pots available to help Coventry residents. Not all of the schemes have the same criteria so please do call for more information on 0800 988 2881.

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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