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, welcome to our last Carers' Bulletin of the year.
Christmas for some can be a happy time, celebrating with loved ones and enjoying this festive season, however, we know that for others this time of year can be particularly difficult, especially with the impact of the cost of living, increases in energy and household items. This can have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing alongside your mental health, so we have included details of support available for you to access. There are several organisations that are providing Christmas dinner and a safe warm space for you to access if you wish.
There is important information about having your Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, details about supporting your loved one with their medication and fire safety tips from West Midlands Fire Service. So please do take a look.
Details of different organisations opening times are included as well activities that are taking place in the New Year. If you are able to take some time for yourself over the festive period, take a look at the activities that we have shared. Please reach out to organisations across the city to access the support they are offering, please do not feel you are alone.
So, for the last time in 2024, we would like to say the biggest of thanks you for all you do for your loved ones. You are amazing!
We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year. See you in 2025.
Please see key contact information and numbers over the Christmas period for Coventry Adult Social Care:
- Tuesday 24 December 2024: business as usual until 4:30pm
- From 4.30pm on 24 December until 9am on 27 December 2024 support will be provided by the Council's Emergency Duty Team (EDT).
- From 4:30pm on 31 December to 9am on 2 January 2025 support will be provided by Emergency Duty Team.
- The Mental Health Crisis Team will be open throughout.
Coventry City Council's Emergency Duty Team (EDT) will be available for out of hours response throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
From the 2 January 2025 all teams will return to the standard 7 day working week.
Relevant contact information for the services during the closure will be:
Service
|
Contact number
|
Community Social Work
|
(024) 7683 3003
|
Hospital Social Work
|
(024) 7696 5600
|
EDT
|
(024) 7683 2222
|
Crisis Team
|
Public line: 0300 200 0011
|
|
|
Please check out our Christmas Opening Times to make sure you're prepared for the festive period. We look forward to seeing many of you over the next few weeks and hope you all have a wonderful Christmas time!
Monday 23 December: Normal operating hours
Christmas Eve: 9am – 2pm (Day Break service running as normal)
Christmas Day: Closed (No Day Break Service)
Boxing Day: Closed
Friday 27 December: Normal operating hours
Monday 30 December: Normal operating hours
New Years Eve: 9am – 2pm (No Day Break Service)
New Years Day: Closed (No Day Break Service)
We return to standard operating hours after New Years Day
We are excited to announce the launch of Bridgit Care.
Bridgit Care recognises the complex challenges that unpaid carers face and their online platform is specifically designed to support carers throughout their caring journey, offering resources for personal well-being, employment, and financial guidance. Bridgit also connects carers with local support networks, services, and events, ensuring that they always have a community to rely on, which is why Coventry City Council have commissioned Bridgit Care to support carers in the city.
|
For your information The Hub will be closed from Christmas Eve until Thursday 2 January 2025.
|
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).
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.
Please visit Coventry Central Library, Smithford Way, Coventry CV1 1FY on the following dates between 10am and 4pm:
- Thursday 16 January 2025
- Thursday 30 January 2025.
Please drop by and keep you and your loved ones safe.
|
This winter there are 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.
|
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.
|
We want to hear from residents, businesses, and organisations in Coventry to tell us what they think about a list of proposed financial savings that we have put together to help us achieve a balanced budget for 2025 - 2026.
We don’t want to have to make the proposals but need to consider them out of necessity. All councils are facing very similar circumstances to bridge budget gaps.
Like other local authorities we have a legal duty to achieve a balanced budget.
No decisions have been made yet. This won’t happen till the end of February. The consultation will run until 28 January 2025.
Please visit our website to find out more, take our survey or register for a session to hear more.
|
Coventry and Warwickshire residents are being invited to take part in a survey that will help to inform and shape local pharmacy services.
Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council are conducting the survey, which is officially known as the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), on behalf of the Health & Wellbeing Boards in Coventry and Warwickshire to assess the current and future needs of local pharmacy services available across the patch.
The PNA is a key document that must be revisited every three years and is used by NHS England to inform decisions about applications for new, or changes to existing pharmaceutical services, and the commissioning of NHS-funded services that can be provided by local community pharmacies.
It is also used by local authorities and Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) when commissioning services to meet local health needs and priorities.
The survey is anonymous and confidential and anyone who uses local pharmaceutical services is invited to comment. It can be found on Coventry City Council’s online Let’s Talk engagement platform.
If you need a paper copy or need this information in another format or language, please email your name and address to the team or call 01926 731 484 and leave a message stating you name, number, the request for a PNA survey and the address you’d like the survey sent to. We will then send you a paper version with a prepaid return envelope.
The feedback from the public survey will help develop a draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment which will then be available for public consultation in Spring 2025.
Read more information on the PNA.
|
We appreciate that some people have to take medication to keep them well, this can vary from one tablet a day to numerous. This can be challenging to keep on top of alongside other caring responsibilities. The NHS have developed a webpage dedicated to medicines and tips for carers.
They have covered a range of topics such as:
- How to give pills correctly
- Keeping medication organised
- Speaking to healthcare professionals
They also have a section about providing practical tips for caring for someone.
Please do take a look at the information available.
|
Talking Therapies is a free NHS service to help people with mild, moderate and moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and low mood. They can provide individual or group sessions.
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or low in mood and feel you need to talk to someone, please do reach out by completing an online self referral form or telephoning their referral centre on 02476 671 090 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm).
|
Advice for Carers – Fire Safety When Celebrating.
Christmas Fire Safety
- Don’t cook if you have been drinking and never leave cooking unattended
- Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch alight easily
- Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave lit candles unattended
- Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed
- Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters
- Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are potentially at greater risk from fire
- Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign, CE or UKCA mark.
- Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week. Never remove them
- Make sure cigarettes are put out properly
Sparklers
Sparklers are often thought of as being safe, but they generate heat levels comparable to a welding torch. Follow these helpful sparkler safety guidelines:
It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s.
- Make sure everyone who handles sparklers wears gloves.
- Sparklers should be held at arm’s length while being lit and only light one at a time.
- Don’t wave sparklers around close to other people
- Never hold a baby in your arms while you’re holding a sparkler.
- When the sparkler has burned out, place it, hot end down, in a bucket of cold water or sand and leave it there for several hours – they stay hot for a long time!
Fireworks
Fireworks often play a big part in celebrations like Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year.
Users often forget that fireworks are explosives and burn at high temperatures, so they need careful handling and storage.
If you do have your own fireworks display, follow our safety tips and guides below.
- Keep pets indoors – animals can get scared by the lights and noise from fireworks
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
- Never throw used fireworks on a bonfire
- Take care around bonfires – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire.
Lighting fireworks
- Only one person should be responsible for letting off fireworks
- Don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
- Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
- Make sure everyone stands well back
- Never go back to a firework that has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode without warning.
What you’ll need on the night
- A metal box with a lid to store the fireworks – take them out one at a time
- A bucket of water – to cool sparklers and put out any small fires
- Eye protection and gloves
- A bucket of earth to stick fireworks in.
You can book a Safe and Well Visit by visiting the website.
|
|
The Myton Hospices Telephone Support Line
The Myton Hospices has launched a patient, family and carer Telephone Support Line.
In collaboration with Marie Curie, The Myton Hospices brand new support line will provide general practical and clinical information, as well as emotional support for people living with or caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. Support is also available for people experiencing bereavement following the death of a loved one with a life limiting illness.
The service is available to anyone with a life-limiting illness, their families or carers, you do not have to be known to Myton to access this free support, but it is also available to those who have accessed Myton Service, and their loved ones.
The Support Line is operated by a multi-disciplinary team of information and support officers, registered nurses, bereavement support specialists and trained volunteers.
Call 01926 351761 Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm (Bank Holiday 10am – 2pm) and Saturday 10am – 4pm
We know Christmas can be a difficult time for many, including unpaid carers. You may be wondering how you’re going to make it a Christmas to remember, whilst also making ends meet.
We want to help you feel more confident about money, not only this Christmas but all year round. Carer Money Matters can help you understand, and receive, the financial support you’re entitled to. Get the support you need with Carer Money Matters - Carers Trust Heart of England
We can also provide free advice on energy saving, energy debt and can help you get on the Priority Services Register with your supplier. We’ll also advise you on practical ways to reduce your energy bills that work for your individual circumstances and provide information on Locking Cooker Valves and Carbon Monoxide Awareness.
To access our Carer Money Matters support, you’ll need to be registered with us, to do this please call 024 7663 2972 or email the team.
|
Meeting
|
Date
|
Time
|
Mental Health Care and Share
|
Tuesday 7 January 2025
|
10:30am – 12:30pm
|
Beyond Limits Carers Group
|
Tuesday 7 January 2025
|
12noon – 2pm
|
Social Group
|
Thursday 9 January 2025
|
12:30pm - 2pm
|
Working Carers Group
|
Thursday 9 January 2025
|
5:30pm – 6:30pm
|
Milan Group
|
Friday 10 January 2025
|
11am – 1pm
|
Walking Group
|
Tuesday 21 January 2025
|
12noon – 1pm
|
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 02476 632972 option 1
Meeting
|
Where
|
Date
|
Time
|
Memory Lane Café
|
Lawrence Saunders Church
CV6 1HH
|
Friday 3 January 2025
|
11am – 12noon
|
Canley Social Supermarket
|
Canley Community Centre
CV4 8FT
|
Friday 3 January 2025
|
12noon – 1pm
|
Henley Green Grub Hub
|
Henley Green Community Centre CV2 1HQ
|
Wednesday 15 January2025
|
10am – 12 noon
|
Caludon Centre
|
Walsgrave Health Centre, Clifford Bridge Road CV2 2TE
|
Wednesday 15 January 2025
|
4pm – 5pm
|
Central Library
|
Smithford Way CV1 1FY
|
Wednesday 8 January 2025
|
10am – 12noon
|
Springfield Medical Practice
|
Bennetts Road CV6 2FL
|
Monday 20 January 2025
|
10am – 12noon
|
Willenhall Primary Care Centre 1
|
Remembrance Road
CV3 3DG
|
Monday 27 January 2025
|
10am – 12noon
|
Broad Street Meeting Hall
|
126 Broad Street CV6 5BG
|
Monday 27 January 2025
|
9:30am – 12:30pm
|
For more information please email the team, give them a call on 02476 632972 option 1
Enjoy visiting new places and meeting new people?
Join us each month as we meet up at various spots around the city and enjoy a chat and a cuppa with other carers!
Pop along or get in touch to find out more.
The next session is Thursday 9 January 2025 from 12:30pm – 2pm
Meet at the Herbert Museum Shop, explore the museum and finish with a cuppa in the Herbert café.
For more information please email the team, give them a call on 02476 632972 option 1
Join Carers' Trust Heart of England for their walking group, which is taking place on Tuesday 21 January 2025 from 12noon - 1pm at Allesley Park, Allesley Hall Drive, Coventry CV5 9AD (meeting point: Allesley Park car park)
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
Act On Energy, and energy advice charity working in partnership with Coventry City Council to offer support with the following:
- Energy billing/debt issues
- Saving energy
- Benefits checks
- Preventing damp and mould
- Boiler/heating repair and replacement
- Loft insulation
- Home visits
Please call our Freephone advice line on 0800 988 2881 or check our website.
Please note we will be closed for Christmas from 25/12/2024 to 01/01/2025.
|
Mentalk is a weekly group session, designed to bring men together to improve their wellbeing. Delivered by mental health specialists, professional sports coaches and expert activity instructors.
Activities take place on the following days:
Tuesday from 12noon – 2pm at Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, Leamington, CV32 4EW
Thursday from 12noon – 2pm at Moat House Leisure Centre, Coventry CV2 1EA
Friday from 12:30pm – 2:30pm Jubilee Sports Centre, Nuneaton CV10 7EZ
For further information call George Heaton on 07845 812 639 or drop him an email.
Free session for anyone living with memory loss or Dementia and their carers, in a fun and relaxed environment, enjoy a range of free activities and refreshments.
- Become more active
- Boost energy levels
- Meet new people
Mondays from 10am – 12noon at AT7 Centre, Coventry CV6 7GP
Mondays from 2pm – 4pm at Jubilee Sports Centre, Nuneaton CV10 7EZ
Fridays from 10am – 11:30pam at St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, Warwick CV34 4QY
For further information call the team on 02476 786 349 or drop them an email.
Have you ever wanted to have a say in the factors that effect your health?
Join our Public Voice Group today!
Who we are…
Coventry City Council, in collaboration with partners are part of a national programme funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Our goal is to boost research done by councils.
What we do…
We are to make services fairer and better for all. Almost every aspect of our lives is impacted by our access to jobs, homes, education, and transport, to name some examples. We are creating a space where local residents can come together and share their views about this. We want to create a group with members from diverse backgrounds and communities.
How we will do this….
We will meet every three months to discuss topics that are important to the communities of Coventry. This is a paid opportunity. The next meeting will be Thursday 25 January 2025. Once you have registered your interest you will be send further details about the venue and time.
Is this for you? Do you….
- Live and/or work in Coventry?
- Understand local issues?
- Want Coventry to thrive?
- Care about improving the wellbeing of people from Coventry?
- Have connections to local groups?
- Know the challenges and can offer solutions?
- Want to discuss issues that matter to you and your community?
- Time to commit to meetings every three months?
- Have access to send emails and receive electronic documents?
Find out more…
To register your interest for the Public Voice Group, please visit our website. If you need support completing the form, please email our team.
Monday 23 December 2024
Hillfields Library - Closed
All other libraries - OPEN as usual
Tuesday 24 December 2024
Aldermoor, Allesley Park, Canley Library - OPEN 10am - 2pm
Coundon, Jubilee and Willenhall Library - OPEN 10am - 4.30pm
Bell Green, Central, Foleshill, Stoke and Tile Hill Library - OPEN 9am - 4.30pm
Caludon Castle, Hillfields and Holbrooks Library - Closed
Wednesday 25 December to Wednesday 1 January 2025
All Libraries - CLOSED
Thursday 2 January 2025
Holbrooks Library - Closed
All other libraries OPEN as usual
For the Christmas opening hours of Community Run Libraries: Cheylesmore, Earlsdon and Finham, please refer to their websites.
During the closure period you will still be able to access our full range of online resources, such as e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, online newspapers and automated item renewals by accessing our website.
Yin Yoga and Meditation session
In these sessions Dr Liz Sparkes will support you through Yin Yoga and meditation practices accompanied by beautiful sounds.
Come and join us as we work through the elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Wood and Metal.
The sessions will take place on:
Wednesday 5, 12 and 26 February 2025 and
Wednesday 5 and 12 March 2025
Join them at:
Warwick Road Church Centre, 10 Warwick Road, Coventry CV1 1EX
For further details please call 02476 632972 or email the team.
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.
|