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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:
Hello, I hope our latest bulletin finds you well. This month saw us celebrating Carers' Rights Day on Thursday 21 November, and this year’s theme was recognising your rights. The aim of Carers' Rights Day is to help carers recognise and understand their rights, and to access the support available to them, whenever they need it. Keep reading to find out what events took place.
As you can see this is a jam packed bulletin, so we hope that there is something for everyone! Important information has been included about walk in clinics for a Covid and/or flu vaccine, if you have not had chance to have yours yet. There are details about support with energy costs, fire safety at home and warm spaces that are available across the city.
There are also several organisations that are offering support, food and fun over the Christmas period, see below for more details. Please do not feel that you are alone.
We have included details about activities and groups going on across the city, whether you be young or young at heart. These range from a walking group, support for veterans, social groups and a Christmas party or two... please do join in.
Our next bulletin will arrive in your email box a little earlier than usual, due to Christmas, but we will include details about service arrangements over the festive period as well as other activities taking place. Until then, please take care and thank you for reading.
Get Vaccinated. Get Winter Strong.
Vaccination for COVID-19 and flu is safe and effective and offers the best protection against both infections.
The following groups are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine including:
- Everyone aged 65 or over (including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2025)
- People aged under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
- All pregnant women
- Residents of care homes
- Main carers for an older or disabled person, or those receiving carer’s allowance
- People living with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Frontline health and social care workers (including people working in care homes)
The following individuals will also be offered a free COVID-19 vaccine if they are:
- Aged 65 or over
- Resident in a care home for older adults
- Aged under 65 and are at higher clinical risk of serious illness from COVID-19 due to a health condition or treatment(as defined in the Green Book)
- Pregnant
- Frontline health and social care workers and/or working in care homes for older people
By working together and ensuring as many people are vaccinated as possible, we can get through the winter period safely.
For more information on winter vaccines eligibility and how to book, please visit the NHS vaccination webpages.
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 Get Vaccinated! Get Winter Strong!
The NHS have confirmed they will be delivering winter vaccine pop-up clinics in Coventry City Centre for people who are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter. They will provide an opportunity for those who have been unable to see their GP or attend a pharmacy to obtain the vaccines. The vaccinations will only be available to those who are eligible through the NHS.
The mobile unit will be parked in Millennium Place, outside the Transport Museum on Wednesday 4 December between 10am-3pm so drop by and keep you and your loved ones safe.
You may have heard on the news that this winter people of pension age will only receive a winter fuel payment if they are in receipt of Pension Credit. It is important you claim Pension Credit before 21 December 2024 in order to be eligible to receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
When you apply for Pension Credit, it's important to ask for this to be backdated in the application – this should help you to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Claims can be backdated for up to 3 months from application date. Pension Credit also means you may be entitled to full Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit, free dental care, free TV licence over 75 and more. Any questions, or for support applying, you can contact the team.
Applications for Pension Credit can be made on the How to Claim page on GOV.UK or over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm).
This winter there’s lots of places all over Coventry that are free to call in to throughout the day where you can find a warm welcome as well as access information, take part in activities, or connect with other support.
Please do pop by as the venues range from Libraries, The Job Shop, Community Centres, Family Hubs and The Belgrade Theatre. They look forward to welcoming you.
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The nights are well and truly drawing in now, with thoughts drawn to putting the heating on and staying warm. However, we know that for many the cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on the residents of Coventry, so if you need support and advice please take a look at our website where you will find lots of resources for support. This information has been made accessible in regards to font, colour and languages. Please do take a look.
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Act On Energy are commissioned by Coventry City Council to provide an affordable warmth service for Coventry residents. Residents are encouraged to contact Act On Energy as their first point of contact for support with energy and fuel poverty related services.
Act On Energy can discuss with you a range of fuel voucher schemes available, including those for prepayment (pay-as-you-go) meters, and offers a free advice line to help residents on a wide range of issues including:
- Energy bill and energy debt support
- Grants for vulnerable and low-income residents for boiler repairs/replacements
- Disability Facilities Grant (DFG) funding for heating and insulation measures for low-income households with long-term health conditions
- Energy-saving advice
- Signposting to other appropriate support
They can also discuss with you the following:
- Heating controls
- Loft insulation
- Advice on preventing damp and mould
- Help with small measures, such as radiator foils, draught proofing and low energy light bulbs
For more information and to access any of the services, please contact Act on Energy on their free advice line 0800 988 2881 or visit the Act on Energy website.
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For many years West Midlands Fire Service has supported the Winter Warmth Campaign and incorporated safety advice and signposting information as an integral part of the Safe and Well visits.
As winter approaches, our communities face challenges that relate to the energy price crisis and general cost of living. These challenges could lead to an increased risk of fire related incidents within homes.
Please see below for safety tips for around the home:
We know that candles are used more in winter months with certain festivals taking place and the cost of electricity may exacerbate this usage. Risks could include using candles near curtains or not securing them in an appropriate holder. A safer alternative to real candles are battery operated lights which can be obtained from high street shops. Candle Safety
With gas, electricity and heating oil prices increasing people may look at alternative forms of heating. These could include the use of portable gas heaters, oil filled radiators and electric fan heaters, which need to be used correctly and in a safe position in the home. Portable Heater Safety
There may be an increase in the use of open fires, where it is possible that chimneys may not have been correctly maintained, which is a risk. Chimneys and Open Fire Safety
As food costs increase, households may revert to other methods of cooking, for example using a chip pan as opposed to using the oven to cook, which can be a safety hazard. Kitchen Safety
All the above identified risks could result in an increase in accidental dwelling fires, deaths and injuries. This risk is intensified by people choosing to work from home as opposed to travelling to their workplace due to the cost of fuel and public transport.
Risks of fire in any of the above circumstances will be heightened if the property is cluttered or hoarding is evident or if internal doors have been removed within the property.
To help reduce the risks around your home you can ask for a Safe and Well Visit where you can get advice and information on safety at home.
Further information and guidance about the Cost of Living is available on our website.
Please do reach out for the support available.
Merry Christmas!
Join us for carol singing from President Kennedy School on 11 December and on the 18 December from St Augustine's Catholic School.
Christmas menu served from the 9th December until the 20th. Booking essential.
If you would like to book a lunch it is £12 but we do require a deposit of £5 which is non-refundable. Booking essential. Please make contact with the Hub on 02476 978080 or email the team to find out more.
We will once again be open 24 hours a day from 2pm, 24 December through to 29 December this year, closing at 10am.
Do you need a hot meal or safe place to go at Christmas?
We will be offering the following services to everybody:
- Emergency overnight sleeping for the homeless or anyone in need
- Free hot meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner times
- Emergency food parcels
- A warm, non-judgemental place for anyone who needs a safe place to go
- Entertainment each night, including Bingo during the day, prizes and much more
Venue: Queens Road Baptist Church, Coventry CV1 3EG
Please visit our website for more details.
Free Breakfast with Santa 10am, 23 December.
Everyone welcome. Not only will children have the joy of meeting Santa Claus himself, but they will also receive a free toy and a selection box to make their holiday season even brighter.
Please visit our website for more details or visit our Facebook page.
Merry Christmas! Free Breakfast with Santa.
Breakfast, treats and gifts - everyone welcome, children will receive a free gift from Santa.
This lovely event is taking place at Queens Road Baptist Church, Coventry CV1 3EG on 23rd December 2024 at 10am.
Book your place by emailing the team, they look forward to welcoming you.
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Carers Trust held a drop in event at Central library to celebrate Carers Rights day 2024 to give carers information about their rights and explain the support available to them. They were joined by Coventry City Council and Act on Energy to provide their support and advice. This enabled carers to be able to seek information, advice and guidance that could be beneficial to them and highlight their rights as unpaid carers.
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A pop-up event was held at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, by the main reception to identify new carers and promote our services to both patients and staff at the hospital and raise awareness of carers rights at work. |
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On 12 November, the Carers Connect Winter Expo brought together a vibrant event for our community of unpaid carers, and local organisations, hosted at Coventry Cathedral. With over 40 stallholders, interactive activities, the expo provided a platform to celebrate, support, and empower unpaid carers while fostering collaboration among community partners.
Key Highlights
The event offered a well-deserved space for unpaid carers to feel valued and supported. The warm and inclusive atmosphere created opportunities for carers of all ages to engage in activities, access resources which included our winter grab bags, and connect with peers facing similar challenges. The expo further served as a bridge, bringing together local organisations, businesses, and stakeholders to collectively address the needs of unpaid carers. The presence of the stallholders, ranged from mental health support groups to community well-being initiatives, underscored the shared commitment to enhancing carer support.
Carers and their families participated in a variety of activities, including well-being sessions like Zumba, badge-making workshops, flower arranging, a mini cinema experience, and music performances. These activities not only provided entertainment but also encouraged carers to focus on their own health and well-being.
The event enabled carers to access critical information about available support services. Attendees were connected with specialist advice, signposted to mental health resources, and encouraged to participate in our ongoing programs for skill-building and self-care and much needed respite.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the event's inclusive and celebratory tone, with many noting that they felt more informed, supported, and hopeful for the future.
The Carers Connect Winter Expo was a testament to the strength of collaboration of our organisation and the support from the local authority including the army of networks that exist to support unpaid carers. We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success!
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The Council’s postal address is changing. From 1 January 2025, the new address to use when contacting the Council will be:
Coventry City Council, PO Box 7097, Coventry, CV6 9SL.
The change is due to new Royal Mail guidelines. Please use the new address for all correspondence. You can also contact the Council by email and via the website.
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“Loving an Addict” family group aims to provide a safe and confidential place to offload using talking as a therapy to create an effective and therapeutic benefit to all those affected by someone’s drug and alcohol misuse.
The group provides a space to feel heard and valued. We use peer support and find that speaking to like-minded people, who are going through similar circumstances provides a powerful shared experience.
The group is free and takes place on a Saturday from 11:30am-1:30pm and on a Wednesday evening, from 6pm - 8pm at 1a Lamb Street, Coventry CV1 4AE.
To book a place please call or text Poonam Parmar on 0790 9464 875 or send an email. Please do not call on a private number as we will be unable to call you back.
For more information and support with drug and alcohol misuse you can visit our website.
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Join us for drop in sessions at the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub, for those in the Armed Forces community affected by Dementia.
Café available.
We meet every last Thursday of the month from 1pm - 3pm.
For further information please call 01788 513709 or drop the team an email.
This support is delivered in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub and Veterans Contact Point.
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Join Carers' Trust Heart of England for their walking group, which is taking place on Wednesday 18 December 2024 from 12noon - 1pm at War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road, Coventry CV3 6PT (meeting point: outside the War Memorial Park Visitor Centre)
Stay active, enjoy a gentle stroll and meet new friends at our friendly walking group!
For more information please email the team or give them a call on 024 7663 2972 option 1
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Meeting
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Date
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Time
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Mental Health Care and Share
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Tuesday 3 December 2024
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10:30am – 12:30pm
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Beyond Limits Carers Group- Supporting those who care for adults with Learning Disabilities
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Tuesday 3 December 2024
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12noon – 2pm
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Grief, Loss and Change
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Wednesday 4 December 2024
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10am – 12noon
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Social Group
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Thursday 5 December 2024
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11am – 12:30pm
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Social Group – St Mary’s Guildhall – 2 tours available
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Thursday 5 December 2024
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2:30pm – 4pm
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Working Carers Group
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Thursday 5 December 2024
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5:30pm – 6:30pm
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Milan Group
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Friday 13 December 2024
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11am – 1pm
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Walking Group
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Wednesday 18 December 2024
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12noon – 1pm
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Young Adult Carer Social – Holyhead Pub
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Wednesday 18 December 2024
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5pm – 7pm
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To attend a session, it is important that you are registered with Carers Trust Heart of England. Most of our groups are based in Coventry City Centre and the location will be confirmed when booking.
For more information please email the team, give them a call on 024 7663 2972 option 1
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Meeting
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Where
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Date
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Time
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Henley Green Grub Hub
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Henley Green Community Centre CV2 1HQ
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Wednesday 4 December 2024
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10am – 12noon
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Caludon Centre
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Walsgrave Health Centre, Clifford Bridge Road CV2 2TE
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Wednesday 4 December 2024
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4pm – 5pm
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Memory Lane Café
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Lawrence Saunders Church CV6 1HH
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Friday 6 December 2024
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11am – 12noon
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Canley Social Supermarket
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Canley Community Centre
CV4 8FT
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Friday 6 December 2024
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12noon – 1pm
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Central Library
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Smithford Way CV1 1FY
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Wednesday 11 December 2024
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10am – 12noon
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Springfield Medical Practice
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Bennetts Road CV6 2FL
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Monday 16 December 2024
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10am – 12noon
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Henley Green Grub Hub
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Henley Green Community Centre CV2 1HQ
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Wednesday 18 December 2024
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10am – 12 noon
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Caludon Centre
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Walsgrave Health Centre, Clifford Bridge Road CV2 2TE
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Wednesday 18 December 2024
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4pm – 5pm
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Broad Street Meeting Hall
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126 Broad Street CV6 5BG
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Monday 23 December 2024
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9:30am – 12:30pm
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Willenhall Primary Care Centre 1
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Remembrance Road
CV3 3DG
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Monday 30 December 2024
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10am – 12noon
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For more information please email the team, give them a call on 02476 632972 option 1
This month has been packed with enriching and engaging activities for our young carers.
November was an incredible month for our young carers, filled with creativity, celebration, and connection. We kicked things off with an inspiring Wellbeing Wednesday at Coundon Library, where carers of all ages explored emotions creatively and focused on self-care. Our theme this time was talking about our wishes and dreams, the young carers made some lovely decorative pieces which they took home to display.
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In the middle of the month, we made a bold statement for Anti-Bullying Week by rocking odd socks at the Moat Family Hub, celebrating kindness and individuality. We hosted a very special event at Coventry Cathedral this month and it was buzzing with excitement at the Winter Carers Expo, where families connected with support services, enjoyed creative activities, and soaked up the festive atmosphere.
As always, Young carers enjoyed a thought-provoking Movies with Meaning session, as we watched Toy Story and discussed the theme of jealousy, sparking valuable conversations with each other. The popcorn went down a treat as always too!
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As we moved towards the end of the month, things got even more exciting with a Pizza Making Party at Woodside Hub, where young carers became chefs for the evening, creating delicious pizzas in a fun and lively atmosphere. Food hygiene was on the agenda and young carers shared recipes that they’ve made at home with their families.
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November saw a big day in the carers calendar as we celebrated Carers Rights Day! Our online youth forum discussed what they thought there rights were as a young carer and shared their own experiences of the support they receive.
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The Sky Blues added an energetic twist with Multisports at the AT7 this month, it is always great to see the young carers running around and learning new skills.
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November truly showcased the strength, creativity, and unity of our young carers, and we can’t wait to see what December has in store!
 Young Carers - year 9 - year 13
- Thursday 5 December – Pathways Hub “Focus and Flourish” 1:1 support with CV’s and interview skills (Young Carers only) (5pm – 7pm)
All age activities:
- Wednesday 4 December – Wellbeing Wednesday – Coundon Library (5pm – 6:30pm)
- Monday 9 December – Festive Movie Night @ Coventry Cathedral (5pm – 7:30pm)
- Wednesday 11 December – Games Night @ Mosaic Family Hub (4pm – 5:30pm)
- Thursday 12 December – Pathway Hub - Festive Food (5pm – 7pm)
- Monday 16 December – Woodside Hub – Festive Crafts (4:30pm – 6pm)
- Thursday 19 December – Pathways Hub – Christmas Party (5pm – 7pm)
- Monday 23 December – Online Youth forum (5pm – 5:40pm)
- Monday 30 December – Festive catch up (11am – 11:40am)
Please use Ticket Pass to sign up for our young carers groups.
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Be aware of scam text messages claiming to be from the Department of Work and Pensions
Always be careful about links and never share personal or financial details.
Only engage with trusted official sources. You can report suspicious messages by visiting the Government's website which has a range of methods to report your concerns.
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Love Lounge Christmas Party
We are excited to inform you that Love4Life is hosting another special Club Night for all adults with learning disabilities and autistic people.
The details are as follows:
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Date: Friday 6 December 2024
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Venue: 147 Nightclub, Coventry (147 Far Gosford St, Coventry CV1 5DY)
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Tickets: £10 for individuals, Free for carers
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Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
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Access: 18+ only. No ID. No entry
To book tickets visit Eventbrite.
For more information contact Jenna on 07798 773657 or you can drop her an email.
Good Neighbours Coventry's support groups are taking a break over the Christmas period.
New members are welcome in December or anytime in 2025.
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Group
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Time
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Last meeting of 2024
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Resumes in 2025
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Occurrence
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Memory Lane Radford
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10:30am-12noon
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Friday 13 December
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Friday 3 January
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Weekly sessions
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Memory Lane Finham
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10:30am-12noon
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Tuesday 10 December
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Tuesday 7 January
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Fortnightly sessions
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All people living with memory loss / dementia, and their carers are welcome.
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Our Men's support groups are popular with carers. All men are welcome.
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Group
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Time
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Last meeting of 2024
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Resumes in 2025
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Occurrence
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Men's Group Foleshill
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4:30pm
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Thursday 12 December
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Thursday 9 January
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Weekly sessions
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Men's Group Finham
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1pm
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Friday 13 December
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Friday 3 January
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Weekly sessions
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Men's Group Keresley
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2pm
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Tuesday 17 December
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Tuesday 7 January
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Weekly sessions
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For more details contact Maddy or call or 07544 488 724.
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Trusted health information online.
1,400 libraries across England are now offering free support to show people how to use the NHS App or seek out health information online.
Visit our trusted information page to find links to the NHS website and your NHS account.
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Book recommendation from the Housebound Library Service.
Pure wit: The Revolutionary Life of Margaret Cavendish by Francesca Peacock
A biography of the remarkable seventeenth-century writer Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle. Also available as an audiobook CD.
You can search and reserve books online, including audiobooks on CD and other formats.
Housebound Library Service
Does your health prevent you from getting to the library? Or do you know someone else who struggles with this?
The free Housebound Library Service could be for you.
Free monthly deliveries of books to your front door
To find out more you can call 02476 83 2314, you can apply online or you can send the team an email.
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Library cards for Foster Carers and Looked after Children.
Did you know you can now have a free foster carers card as well as your own personal card? You can also get a card for your looked after children. Our library cards for foster carers and looked after children offer some great benefits.
- No fines for overdue books
- No fines for lost or damaged books
- No charge for replacement tickets
- Free loans and no overdue fines for talking books
- You don't need to bring any proof that you are a foster carer or proof of address. Just pop along to your local library to find out more.
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In partnership with SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), Coventry Education Psychology Service (EPS) will be running a FREE ONLINE session for parents/carers on Emotion Coaching.
Session Details:
- Thursday 19 December 2024, 9:30am – 11:30am
- Delivered ‘live’ via Microsoft Teams (please note this session will not be recorded)
What is Emotion Coaching?
Emotion Coaching is an approach that parents/carers can use with children and young people to support their emotional development. Research suggests that Emotion Coached children and young people:
- Are more emotionally stable
- Are more resilient
- Achieve more academically in school
- Have fewer behavioural problems
This session will introduce the steps of Emotion Coaching and its scientific basis and will involve practical activities and resource sharing so that parents can begin to use this increasingly popular approach straight after the session.
How do I book a place?
To book your place please email the team or call 024 7669 4307 quoting ‘EPS’ along with your name and the email address you would like your link sent to.
When will I get my booking link?
You will receive a booking confirmation once a place has been reserved for you, followed by an email (approx. 2 working days before the date of the session) which will contain your MS Teams link and instructions for how to join the session. Please check your junk folder if you have not received this, as sometimes emails end up in there. Please contact us if you have any questions or require any support.
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:
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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