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 January's bulletin
• Supporting carers with Bridgit Care
• Calling all working carers - Carers' Trust event
• Health and Wellbeing Event - Coventry Muslim Resource Centre
• Carers' Trust Heart of England - Yin Yoga
• Carers' Trust Heart of England Walking Group
• Beyond Limits Carers' Group
• Carers' Trust Book Club
• Carers' Trust Heart of England – Activities – February 2025
• Carers' Trust Heart of England – drop-ins – February 2025
• Young Carers in January
• Young Carers' activities in February
• Myton Hospice - Listening Ear carers' support group
• The Myton Hospices Telephone Support Line
• Alzheimer's Society - Carer Iinformation sessions
• Alzheimer's Society peer support
• Alzheimer's Society service for Information and Support Together - A.S.S.I.S.T
• ‘Dyslexia: Information and Discussion session’
• Sensory Equipment at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire
• Sky Blues in the Community - Mentalk sessions
• Coping with Caring course - Hold the date!
• Act on Energy support
• Go CV support to Coventry Carers
• Digital Spaces is coming to Coventry Libraries and Information Service!
• Louise Guise - Author Visit to Central Library
• Book recommendation from the Housebound Library Service
• Sign up or contact us

Welcome to January's bulletin

Welcome to the first edition of 2025 and what a bumper one it is! 

You will see information about Bridgit Care which is an online platform providing support to carers. Please do take a look as it guides you to local information and advice. 

If you are a working carer, Carers' Trust are holding a drop in event on Friday 8 February, details are below but they will be available from 10am - 7pm. You can register with them, if you haven't already, and seek advice and support and potentially some goodies (first come first served).

There is a whole range of activities and events taking place across February so it's looking like a busy month with lots on offer. These include a Health and Wellbeing event at the Coventry Muslim Resource Centre, to a book club and specific support around Dementia as well as caring for someone with a life long illness. 

We hope you enjoy reading this month's bulletin. If you have any comments or wish to contribute something to the next bulletin, please let us know by dropping us an email.  

Thanks for reading and take care. 

Supporting carers with 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.

Calling all working carers - Carers' Trust event

Are you a working carer based in Coventry? Join us this February for a special event! Join us for a drop in on Friday 7 February from 10am - 7pm at 6 Queen Victoria Road, Coventry CV1 3JH You will be able to pick up the following items that may help you to reduce your energy bills this winter.  A radiator key Roll of radiator foil A microwaveable warm pack Three energy saving light bulbs (you will need to know which type light bulb you require) A cosy Oodie Items will be available on a first come first served basis. You must be registered.  Our Carers Money Matters Advisor will also be on hand to offer information and advice.  We know it can be difficult finding the time to seek advice and support as a working carer. That is why we are hosting an all day drop in, designed to provide you with up-to-date information, support and guidance to help you as you navigate work and care. Our wonderful team will be on hand from 10am right through to 7pm to give you the best chance to come along, whether it’s before, after or during work! Don’t miss out on what promises to be an incredibly useful and informative drop in! Free refreshments will be provided.

Health and Wellbeing Event - Coventry Muslim Resource Centre

Coventry Muslim Forum in partnership with NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire would like to invite you to a health and wellbeing event in Coventry.

Services and information about:

• Healthcare advice for Ramadan
• Mental Health awareness and support
• Type 2 Diabetes and managing your condition
• Adult Social Care and support
• Stopping smoking, chewing tobacco/Betel nut
• Respiratory and being more active
• Vaccinations
• Physical Health and being more active
• Healthy eating and portion control
• Dental Health – looking after your teeth and gums

Access FREE Health Screening Checks:

• Blood Pressure checks
• Blood Glucose testing
• Cholesterol test
• BMI checks

Local NHS staff will be on hand offering advice, information, support and health screening checks, separately for Men and Women.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided

Sunday 16 February 2025 from 10:30am – 2pm at the Coventry  Muslim Resource Centre, Coventry CV6 5EE.

Please do drop by, they look forward to welcoming you. 

Carers' Trust Heart of England - Yin Yoga

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 024 7663 2972 or email the team. 

Carers' Trust Heart of England Walking Group

Carers' Trust Heart of England are inviting you to attend their walking group being held on Thursday 20 February from 12noon - 1pm at War Memorial Walk, 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 contact us via email or call 024 7663 2972, option 1.

Beyond Limits Carers' Group

A safe space for carers who support an adult with a learning disability, to come together and enjoy a cuppa, a chat, advice and support. 

It takes place the First Tuesday of every month at Central Library, Smithford Way, Coventry CV1 1FY.

The next one takes place on Tuesday 4 February from 12noon until 1:30pm.

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

Carers' Trust Book Club

Come and join us at our new carers book club, which provides an enjoyable and inclusive way to connect with like-minded readers, explore new books and engage in meaningful discussions.

First Tuesday of every month starting on Tuesday 4 February from 10am - 11:30am at Central Library, Smithford Way, Coventry CV1 1FY.

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

Carers' Trust Heart of England – Activities – February 2025

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

Carers' Trust Heart of England – drop-ins – February 2025

For more information please email the team, give them a call on 02476 632972 option 1

Young Carers in January

This January was packed with exciting activities, giving young carers the opportunity to connect, relax, and have fun!

Wellbeing Wednesday was a great start to the year, with young carers exploring emotions and working on their self-esteem through creative crafts.

Our Year 9-11 young carers dedicated time to revision and homework support at the Focus and Flourish session at the start of the month too, it is great to see them prioritising their studies and setting themselves up for success.

Movies with meaning is always a popular session with young carers and this month we watched Hotel for Dogs, exploring the theme of kindness and compassion, something the young carers felt really strongly about. It was a cosy evening with popcorn and discussions.

We enjoyed a ‘Feel Good’ session at Mosaic Family Hub this month too with an uplifting afternoon focusing on positivity and wellbeing!- If you live in the Canley or Tilehill area this session is perfect for you and it has been great to see so many new faces.

We celebrated Chinese New Year this month with young carers learning to make delicious dishes in celebration of the Year of the Snake and creative crafts where we made festive decorations to welcome the Lunar New Year. It was fun finding out which year everyone was born!

We also hosted an online quiz & online Youth Forum this month. Young carers engaged in friendly competition and had their voices heard in our forum discussions.

It’s been an amazing start to the year, and we can’t wait for all the exciting activities ahead!

Please use Ticket Pass to sign up for our young carers groups.

Young Carers' activities in February

Young carers - year 9 - year 11

• Thursday 6 February – Pathways Hub “Focus and Flourish” (Young Carers only) (5pm – 7pm)

All age activities: 

• Wednesday 5 February – Wellbeing Wednesday – Coundon Library (5pm – 6:30pm)
• Monday 10 February – Moat Family Hub (4pm – 5:30pm)
• Tuesday 11 February – Mosaic Family Hub (4pm – 5:30pm)
• Monday 17 February – Woodside Hub (4:30pm – 6pm)
• Thursday 20 February – Pathways Hub (5pm – 7pm)
• Monday 24 February – Sky Blue Multi Sports – AT7 Centre (5pm – 6pm)
• Monday 24 February – Online YC forum (5pm – 5:40pm)
• Thursday 27 February – Sky Blues Multi sports – AT7 Centre (5pm – 6pm)

Age 11 years plus:

• Thursday 13 February – Coventry College Pamper Night (5pm – 7pm)
• Tuesday 18 February – Adventure away day at Brandon Marsh

Age 13 – 17 years:

• Wednesday 19 February – Teen trip – Ten pin bowling

For more details check out our website or contact 07428 670040. Alternatively you can book a place by visiting Ticketpass.

Myton Hospice - Listening Ear carers' support group

Are you a carer looking after someone with a life-limiting illness?

Would you like to attend our 5 week “Listening Ear” carers support group?

Our person led group is facilitated by trained nurses and volunteers and provides a safe space outside your circle of family and friends where you can speak honestly. It is an opportunity to gain support from others in the same situation as you. The group is held at all three Myton Sites in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick on Fridays from 10am – 11:30am.

All support provided is free of charge and no referral is needed. We are here to help you!

To find your nearest venue and when the next course starts visit our website, email the team or give us a call on 01788 550085.

The Myton Hospices Telephone Support Line

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

Alzheimer's Society - Carer Iinformation 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.

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 Date Time Wednesday 5 February 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 5 March 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 2 April 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 7 May 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 4 June 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 2 July 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 6 August 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 3 September 2025      10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 1 October 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 5 November 2025 10:30am – 12noon Wednesday 3 December 2025 10:30am – 12noon   They take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30am to 12noon. The next session takes place on Wednesday 5 February 2025. Please contact your local office before attending. Contact 024 7665 2602 or email for more information. Refreshments included.

Alzheimer's Society service for Information and Support Together - A.S.S.I.S.T

A.S.S.I.S.T memory support Come and chat to our advisers. To help build confidence by providing information on support available to you now. To encourage ways to talk to your family and friends about your feelings and your wishes. Looking after your Wellbeing-Talking Therapies Coping with Memory loss and supportive strategies These sessions offer a reassuring, confidential and safe place to talk to others about how memory issues affect your life and how we can support you whilst waiting for an assessment or are signposted to additional support services Please contact your local office for more information and to book a place by calling 024 7665 2602 or sending the team an email.

‘Dyslexia: Information and Discussion session’

In partnership with Coventry Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Learning Team (SEMHL), SENDIASS are offering a FREE "Dyslexia: Information and Discussion session for Parents/Carers".

Session details:

Date: Wednesday 26 February 2025
Time: 10am-12noon
Venue: Committee Room 3, Coventry Council House, Earl Street, Coventry, CV1 5RR

Key areas we will explore in this session:

• Give parents ‘Top Tips’ to help, support and empower children with dyslexia.
• Focus on strengths and challenges
• Discuss working with school, and the process of assessment.

How do I book?

To book your place please email the team or call 024 7669 4307 QUOTING ‘DYSLEXIA’ along with your name and the email address you would like your booking confirmation sent to.

Sensory Equipment at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire

Does your loved one have a learning disability or are you a carer for someone with a learning disability? Would they benefit from the use of sensory items to support them during their appointment or admission to hospital? University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire are lending sensory equipment to patients to help reduce anxiety and stress.  All items can be requested by emailing the Main Reception Team  between the hours of 7am – 8pm, 7 days a week. You also collect and return items to the main reception.  There is a survey that you can complete, if you would like to give feedback about what works and what might be missing from the sensory store.

Sky Blues in the Community - Mentalk sessions

MENtalk supports individuals struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. The sessions are aimed at people aged 18+ and supports them regardless of the severity of their mental health problems. The session offers a warm, open environment for individuals to take part in activities (such as football, basketball, badminton, table tennis etc) and receive targeted mental health support as and when it is necessary.

• The sport sessions are every week and FREE!
• There’s mental health support by experienced mental health support workers, and IMHA (independent mental health advocate) from voiceability.
• The sessions are participant led, it’s not a fitness class, you only do what you can, or you can come and watch and have a chat.
• You can leave early/come late/ miss sessions if you have other appointments.
• You can meet the session coordinator before/after sessions or online for a 1-1 chat  (at participants request)

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

Referrals can be made using the MENtalk Referral form.

Coping with Caring course - Hold the date!

This course aims to raise awareness and understanding of how the caring role can impact on many aspects of your life. The course looks at ways you can look after yourself as well as continuing to support and promote the independence of the person you care for. Learning outcomes: To increase awareness of the roles and responsibilities of being a Carer in the UK and to look at how these roles affect us. To consider and develop some techniques for coping and helping ourselves as well as those we care for.   To look at your rights as a Carer and places to seek additional support.   Aimed at:  Anyone who is currently caring for a friend or family member and is experiencing increased stress. Course Tutors: Staff from Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Heart of England Carers Trust. When: Thursday 6 March 2025 from 1pm to 3pm online Course Duration: One,  2 hour session. Enrolment is via our website.

Act on Energy support

Energy advice charity Act On Energy working in partnership with Coventry City Council with the Keeping Coventry Warm Scheme, can help with the following issues: Energy bill and debt issues Making your home more energy efficient Funding to help with heating and boiler issues Benefits checks Home visits from our community support officers Preventing damp and mould in the home For help with any of these and for confidential impartial advice from our trained energy advisors, please contact our freephone number: 0800 988 2881. Information on grants schemes and how to save energy can also be found on our website.

Go CV support to Coventry Carers

Upgrade your Go CV account if you are registered with Carer's Trust Heart of England. Did you know if you or someone you know is an unpaid carer, you can register for a free Go CV card and be entitled to Go CV+ the highest level of discount for Coventry residents on partner events, activities and attractions?  All you need to do is register with the Carers Trust Heart of England who will provide you with a letter to confirm you are a carer then ensure your Go CV account is upgraded with your status to get Go CV+ level of discount, the highest level of discounts for residents.  You can then easily upload a copy of your carer’s letter. More information can be found on the Go CV website.

Digital Spaces is coming to Coventry Libraries and Information Service!

We are thrilled to announce that Coventry Libraries is one of the nine library services in England selected to participate in the groundbreaking Digital Spaces program. This innovative initiative, in collaboration with Arts Council England, BFI, with National Lottery Funding, and The Space, is set to launch in 2025 and promises to revolutionise digital engagement and accessibility in our libraries. Get ready to be amazed by our new collection of VR experiences right here in your local library. Supported by the BFI with National Lottery funding, this exciting national VR tour will visit our libraries twice throughout the year starting 25 Jan - 9 Feb 2025 at Coventry Central Library] with a thrilling program of VR experiences, including: Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway, The Philharmonic Orchestra's The Lark Ascending, Monoliths XR and more awe-inspiring VR experiences to be announced soon! We're also excited to collaborate with local communities on a new digital project. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to embark on an exciting digital journey with us!

Louise Guise - Author Visit to Central Library

Louisa will be talking about her book, 'How to leave a group chat' at Central Library on Saturday 8 February at 11am. Do you lose hours of your life scrolling social media? Have too many group chats on your smartphone? Do you want to leave them, but don't know how? Then this book is for you. All welcome at this free event, no booking required. For further details call 0247 6832 314 or visit the website

Book recommendation from the Housebound Library Service

Make Me by Lee Child is available as an audiobook on CD. Jack Reacher has no place to go, so a remote railroad stop called Mother’s Rest seems perfect. He expects to find a lonely tombstone in a sea of nearly-ripe wheat, but instead there is a missing private investigator, a cryptic note about 200 deaths, and a small town full of silent, watchful people. Search and reserve books online, including audiobooks on CD and other formats. Find out more about the Housebound Library Service on our website.

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 

Sign up or contact us

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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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