Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton October 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:Pages 2-6 Regular Activities and events Page 7:

listings Support our fundraiser Gary Bellinger

Page 8-9: Focusing on Mental Health

Hello and welcome to this edition of carers news.

Page 10-11: Merton Mencap News Back Page: Meet the Team!

In August several carers visited the fan museum in Greenwich. Everyone enjoyed the day as well as sampling a superb cream tea.

This years AGM is going to focusing on the work that we undertake with our carers of those that have mental health problems. There will be a presentation from both our adult service team and our young carers team on new projects that we are working on. We will also be showcasing our new DVD for professionals helping them identify young carers who are living with someone with mental health problems or substance misuse. The event will be attended by the Mayor of Merton David Williams and many local councillors and professionals. At the end of the meeting everybody will have the opportunity to connect and ask questions with other attendees. Our buffet is being provided by Merton Mencap’s cafe Your invite is enclosed with this newsletter and we hope that you can join us. Take Care

Debbie

If you use twitter please follow our new account @MertonCarers where you can keep up with the latest events and carers issues

M O N D A Y

What and When

Where

Pilates for Carers

The Vestry Hall London Road Mitcham CR4 3UD

Held every Monday until 17th December (not 10th October) From 10.30-11.30am (unless otherwise advised by the teacher) Come along and join us or for more information phone Susan Bowman on 0208 646 7515 Donation: £3.00

MACS Carers Groups for those affected by Drugs and Alcohol Held every Monday 1.00pm to 2.30pm If you have not previously attended this group please contact Lorna Nunn on 020 8417 1960

Alzheimer's Support Group Held on the third Monday of Every Month 10.30am—12.30pm Monday 15th October , Monday 19th Nov, Come and join us for a cup of tea and join our group where carers can support each other with tips and ideas about their caring role. For more information contact Shelley Lynch on 0208 646 7515

The Wimbledon Guild Worple Road SW19 4EF St Helier Community Centre Hill House Bishopsford Road Morden SM4 6BL

Wimbledon Guild Drop-in Carers Group:

The Wimbledon Held on the 2nd Monday of every month 2.00pm – 4.30pm Guild Monday 8 October: Information on Personal Budgets Drake House Daniela Meloni will explain what personalisation will mean for carers and the person they care 44 St George’s for, and will answer any queries. Road Monday 12th November: First Aid for Carers SW19 4ED A Red Cross trainer will demonstrate techniques to deal with emergencies that may arise when caring for someone. Cost: By Donation

Aromatherapy Massage T U E S D A Y

T H U R S D A Y

Every Tuesday at 2.00pm and 2.50pm—By appointment only To book Contact Susan Bowman on 0208 646 7515 Donation £5.00 (£3.00 on means tested benefit)

Carers Cafe - For those caring for someone with Mental Health Problems Evening groups are held 6.30pm -9.00pm 23rd October, 20th November; 18th December Join us and meet other carers in a supportive environment. Have a brief respite and enjoy a hot or cold snack or light tasty meal at no cost as well as tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweets. For more information contact Margaret Whittle on 0208 646 7515

Womens Group Held on the 1st Thursday of every month 1.30pm—4.30pm Thursday 4th October– Fan making with Linda West Thursday 1st November-Avon Calling! With Debbie Kilby All female carers are welcome to come along to our meetings and enjoy some refreshments, the company of other female carers and take part in a regular activity. Contact Susan Bowman for more information 0208 646 7515 Donation: £3.00

The Vestry Hall London Road Mitcham CR4 3UD Lantern Cafe Raynes Park Methodist Church Worple Road Raynes Park SW20

The Vestry Hall London Road Mitcham CR4 3UD

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE Email REMINDERS ABOUT FORTHCOMING EVENTS PLEASE FORWARD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO : [email protected] (This does not mean that you will receive the newsletter by email , you can still choose to receive by post) 2

T H U R S D A Y

Mens Group

F R I D A Y

Carers Cafe - For those caring for someone with Mental Health Problems

Held on the 3rd Thursday of every month 1.30pm to 4.30pm Thursday 18th October—Speaker to be advised Thursday 15th November—Speaker to be advised All male carers are welcome to come along to our meetings and enjoy some refreshments, the company of other male carers and take part in a regular activity. Contact Susan Bowman for more information 0208 646 7515 Donation: £3.00

Daytime groups are held once a month on Friday 12.30-3.00. 5th October; 2nd November; 14th December You can enjoy a light lunch with friends in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. There’ll be tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweet things to tempt you. For more information contact Margaret Whittle on 0208 646 7515

The Vestry Hall London Road Mitcham CR4 3UD

The Vestry Hall London Road Mitcham CR4 3UD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN BOWMAN( unless otherwise stated) ON EITHER: Tel: 0208 646 7515

[email protected]

Wednesday 3rd October

Depart from Wimbledon at 11.00am Cost £11.50

BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, W12 . Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the most famous television centre in the world. People have been inviting the BBC into their homes for many years and now it’s your turn to visit them. Have an exclusive look at the BBC newsroom and the famous studios, and see memorabilia from well-known programmes such as EastEnders and Dr Who. Venture into the dressing rooms or green rooms that have hosted many famous guests over the decades. Please do not send any payment at this time.

Tuesday 9th October

The Vestry Hall 11.00am –12.30pm

Sutton and Merton IAPT—Workshop 1 Living Positively with Long Term Conditions: Do you care for someone with MS or another long-term, significant health condition? Our experienced therapists from Sutton and Merton IAPT will offer help understanding, together with techniques for managing loss, mood and aspects of care in daily life for carers of people with long term illnesses. To book your place please contact Debbie Kilby on 0208 646 7515 email [email protected]

Tuesday 16th October

Vestry Hall 11.30am-1.00pm

Book Circle If you enjoy reading why not consider joining our book circle? We are currently reading “The Mill House” by Susan Lewis, published in Arrow paperback price £7.99,

Thursday 18th October

The Vestry Hall 5.30pm—7.30pm

Carers Support Merton — AGM

Tuesday 23rd October

The Vestry Hall 11.00am –12.30pm

Sutton and Merton IAPT—Workshop 2 Living Positively with Long Term Conditions: (see 9th October for full information)

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN BOWMAN( unless otherwise stated) ON EITHER: Tel: 0208 646 7515

[email protected]

Wednesday 24th October

Meet 10.00am Morden Station Cost: Entrance is free, £5.60 for a guided tour

THE BRITISH LIBRARY: “ONE OF THE UGLIEST BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD” The British Library has been called “one of the ugliest buildings in the world”, but inside this ultra modern building on Euston Road are galleries full of over 200 literary treasures from Magna Carta and the Lindisfarne Gospels, through the Gutenberg Bible, Leonardo’s notebooks and Shakespeare First Folios to original Beatles lyrics. In addition there is an excellent shop and high quality café. WHEN BOOKING PLEASE SAY IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE GUIDED TOUR.

Thursday 25th October

The Vestry Hall 2.00 pm—5.00pm

WORKSHOP 1 Managing your Personal Budget when you use Direct Payments This Workshop will cover: What you can and can’t use Personal Budgets for  How to keep track of your spending  Value for money  Pooling Direct Payments with other Direct Payments’ users

To book your place contact Debbie on 0208 646 7515 or email [email protected]

Walking Group Cannon Hill Common An autumnal stroll around Cannon Hill Common. The walk 10.30am will last about an hour and will be on a mixture of made up (meet at the entrance on paths and rougher ground, so please wear suitable Cannon Hill Lane, on bus footwear. Afterwards we shall have refreshments at Linda route 164 or 493) West’s house. Tuesday 6th November

The Vestry Hall 11.00am—12.30pm

Sutton and Merton IAPT—Workshop 3 Living Positively with Long Term Conditions: (see October 9th for full information)

Thursday 8th November

To find out more or to attend this years carers summit and make for voice heard for all carers in the UK visit :Www.carersuk.org or call 020 7378 4999

Wednesday 21st November 10.00am-1.00pm

WORKSHOP 2 Managing your Personal Budget when you use Direct Payments This Workshop will cover: What you can and can’t use Personal Budgets for  How to keep track of your spending  Value for money  Pooling Direct Payments with other Direct Payments’ users

To book your place contact Debbie on 0208 646 7515 or email [email protected]

Friday 30th November

Carers Rights Day

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Friday 7th December

2pm—5pm

WORKSHOP 3 Managing your Personal Budget when you use Direct Payments This Workshop will cover: What you can and can’t use Personal Budgets for  How to keep track of your spending  Value for money  Pooling Direct Payments with other Direct Payments’ users

To book your place contact Debbie on 0208 646 7515 or email [email protected]

Tuesday 11th December

The Vestry Hall 12 noon to 3.00pm

All carers and their cared-for persons are invited to our annual Christmas party. There will be plenty of food and drink, a visit from Father Christmas, carol-singing by the children of Benedict School, and a raffle with lots of high-quality prizes.

Thursday 13th December

10.15am Wimbledon Station

Visit the German style Christmas market – 60 wooden chalets situated on the Southbank in front of the Royal Festival Hall and the London Eye, selling amber and silver jewellery, hand crafted toys, glass ornaments for the Christmas tree, candles and other seasonal gifts. There are also food and drink stalls, and we shall start our visit with tea and coffee in one of the restaurants on the Southbank.

This year’s pantomime at the New Wimbledon Theatre will be “Snow White”. This is advertised as a “dazzling fairytale… ..guaranteed to melt everyone’s heart”. Watch as Snow White and her seven friends attempt to thwart the deadly plans of the Wicked Queen. Will Snow White live long enough to meet her handsome prince? This pantomime has spectacular sets, sparkling costumes, side splitting comedy and lots of fun for everyone to enjoy. It is proposed to take a group of carers and the people they care for to see “Snow White “on Tuesday 8 January 2013 at 1.30pm. There is a seniors (ie 60+) special matinee price of £15 per ticket sitting in the stalls. The group rate for people under 60 is £24.50, although the theatre is prepared to be flexible if people are approaching their 60th birthday. If you would like to join us please contact Susan Bowman on 0208 646 7515 by Monday 15th October indicating if you require a wheelchair space for your cared-for person. If you are under 60 please state whether you would be prepared to pay the full price of £24.50. Please do not send any money at this time.

Please note that once the tickets are booked you will be liable for payment even if subsequently you are unable to attend.

SOUTH West London Recovery College

TELLING YOUR STORY    

An opportunity to reflect on and make sense of things that have happened. Using a range of creative approaches including: writing, collage, drawing Date and time: Friday 5th October, 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 for 10 weeks Location: Cheam Resource Centre

What previous students said about the course:

“an amazing course that has given me better self unders

tanding and enlightenment.” “The course had many benefits and was one of the best I have ever been on” “The course…has helped me to better understand and reconnect with who I am, what I want from life.” “I initially saw the title of this course and I said to myself - I am not a storyteller or a writer, I have nothing to say or anything interesting to contribute. To my surprise I do have something to say.” “This course has been a good way to explore my hidden thoughts and fears, to express out loud my hidden fears and hopes and dreams.” “ …listening to others,I dont feel too alone now”

For more information about this and other recovery college courses or to register please ring : 0203 513 5818 Or email: [email protected] 5

Wimbledon Cancer Friendship Group

Are you, or is someone you are caring for, affected by cancer? Wimbledon Cancer Friendship Group offers confidentiality, a listening ear, emotional support and encouragement, factual information, practical help, advice on finding professional assistance and useful contacts. There are two Thursday meetings per month: Evening talks are on the second Thursday of the month from 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. Afternoon drop-in meetings are on the fourth Thursday from 3.15 – 4.30 p.m. both at the Social Centre Lounge (occasionally Drake House), Wimbledon Guild, 30/32 Worple Road SW19 4EWF; all meetings are free to attend. For more information call 07948 767 936 or email [email protected] Website www.wimbledoncancerfriendship.blogspot.com The Group’s Autumn Programme is as follows: 11 October Evening Talk by Suzanne Ruggles from St. George’s Complementary Therapy Team; 25 October Afternoon Drop-in 8 November Evening Talk by Sue Batley, Adult Services Manager from Carers Support Merton; 22 November Afternoon Drop-in. 13 December Annual Social Event, 12.30 – 2.00 p.m. In addition, as part of our informal partnership we are fortunate to have Elizabeth Stewart from the Group coming to our monthly Carers Support Merton Drop-in at Drake House, Wimbledon Guild on Monday 14 January 2013, to talk to carers about the Cancer Friendship Group – please see Diary for details of our Wimbledon Guild Drop-in events.

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going when you’re a carer….. If you are caring for someone it can be hard to think about your own needs. You may have a specific issue or immediate problem to work out, or want help to think about your worries and feelings more generally. Our Counselling Service can provide the structure and reflective space you need. Following an initial assessment meeting with the counsellor to discuss your needs and whether counselling is right for you, you’ll be offered regular, confidential sessions lasting 50 minutes. These will normally be weekly for a minimum of 6 sessions, and may be extended up to a maximum of one year as agreed between you and your counsellor. We understand that as a carer your life can be

unpredictable, but successful counselling depends on regular contact so we ask that you make a commitment to attend on a regular basis, apart from unavoidable emergencies. You can make a positive difference to your life as a carer by taking the chance to share your concerns and experiences with someone who can help you make sense of them. All our counsellors are qualified or on recognised training courses that comply with the BACP Code of Ethics and Practice. We’ll provide further details and discuss our Counselling Agreement with you at your initial session. If you’re interested, please contact Susan Bowman with any further questions and if you want to go ahead, she will be able to match you with an available counsellor. Susan can be contacted on 020 8646 7515, or email [email protected]

Action for M.E. has launched a new online carers forum, specifically for those caring for someone with M.E. If you are caring for a child, partner, parent or other relative or friend with M.E., take part at www.actionforme.org.uk/ forums

We would like to welcome our new volunteer Alan who is helping us raise funds through ebay. If you are a regular ebay user you can donate to us direct through your ebay account whenever you sell or buy anything by choosing us as your supported charity. We would be happy to hear from you if you have any items that you can donate for us to sell. Please call Debbie on 0208 646 7515 if you can help 6

Support Our Fundraiser A big THANK YOU to Gary Bellinger who is raising money for Carers Support Merton and Deafness Research UK by taking part in two events. On the 28th October he will be running the London ‘Run to the Beat’ half marathon which is sometimes known as London's music half marathon because it has music playing along the route from start to finish On the 1st December he will be cycling from Brighton & Hove Albion's Amex stadium to Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park stadium in time to see the game between the two clubs kick off. You can sponsor Gary for as much or as little as you can- every penny is really gratefully received.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/

Falls Prevention Information Sometimes the side effects of the medication that you are taking may increase the risk of a fall or have adverse side effects . There may be alternative medicines that you can use or the dose of your current medication could be lowered or stopped all together. If you want to know more about the medicines you are taking, what they do and how to get the most out of them book FREE appointment with your local pharmacy. You could find their details on the label of your dispensed medicines or just visit your local pharmacy and book an appointment If you are affected by Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD or other special needs join Celina O’Briens facebook page for support and information from other members Celina is a carer herself and understands the difficulties that carers face.

https://www.facebook.com/ groups/269858456423425/

Carers Walk on Mitcham Common led by Jovita Kaunang On Monday 16 July, I led a nature walk on Mitcham Common with Susan Bowman and two carers from Susan’s walking group. Two other local naturalists joined us, Graham Collins and Derek Coleman. Derek is one of the Mitcham Common Conservators. We met in the car-park outside the Ecology Centre in Windmill Road and crossed over to Mill Hill, which is the highest of the artificial hills on the Common created from rubbish tipping in the 1950s. Despite the rain, we soon saw a Meadow Brown butterfly and a lone Swift which is a bird we only have during the summer. Mill Hill had large patches of flowers and we looked at how the Ragwort plants were covered in yellow and black striped caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth. The caterpillars’ warning colours indicate their unpleasant taste due to the poisons derived from Ragwort. We didn’t see the adult moth, but with better weather it is easily seen during the day on the Common and is black with red markings (see photo). After coming down Mill Hill, we passed Seven Island Pond, but didn’t stop as I was keen to take the group to an area near Cedars Road where White Bryony grows. This is a climbing plant with white flowers that uses the trees on the Common for support and has a ladybird that was new to Britain in the late 1990s – the Bryony Ladybird. We eventually found one of these large, orange-red ladybirds along with their larvae. At this point we decided to head back, going round the back of Seven Island Pond, stopping briefly to watch a Green Woodpecker on the ground. I’m glad we didn’t let the poor weather stop us going out, as we still had an interesting time and a memorable occasion. All parts of this walk can be reached by walking from any of the 118 bus stops on Commonside East. For more information about Carers Support Walking group Contact Susan Bowman on 0208 646 7515

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Focus on Mental Health

AGM To celebrate the Lloyds TSB and new NHS funding and the official launch this Autumn of the Big Lottery funded AYCES (Action for Young Carers’ Education & Support) Project, our AGM this year will focus on the needs of mental health carers of all ages, and the ways in which we at CSM can support them, together with our NHS and community partners. AYCES Project Worker at CSM, Esme Crowden, will join Margaret Whittle in presenting the work of the new services and from South West London & St.George’s NHS Mental Health Trust we are fortunate to welcome Mark Clenaghan, Sutton & Merton Service Director and Deborah Wright, Associate Director and Carers Lead for Merton, to tell you about service developments involving carers. Please come along and be a part of it! Thank you to our funders for enabling us to extend and develop this vital work.

Welcome to Margaret! This autumn we are delighted to announce that Margaret Whittle, our Mental Health Carers Support Worker, has become a full-time member of staff in the Adult Carers Service. Margaret, whose post has been funded for two days a week by Lloyds TSB since December 2011, has increased her hours from 10 September with funding from NHS Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust

Caring During Hospital Admission At Carers Support Merton we know how difficult it can be when someone you care for is admitted to hospital. To help carers we now hold a regular support session on Jupiter Ward at Springfield Hospital on Friday mornings from 10 am – 12 pm. This coincides with the Care Planning Review Meetings (Ward Round) on the ward. We will also be running a similar evening session on Jupiter Ward on Thursday evenings (excluding the first Thursday of the month) from 6:30 pm – 8pm. This service will enable working carers/parent carers to access our support services. CSM staff will be available to support you as carers whilst the person you care for is in hospital. This could include representing or supporting you at meetings, negotiating with staff, introducing you to the services that CSM can offer to carers, signposting you to other relevant services, or giving you emotional support during times of difficulty. If you would like to meet with Margaret & Marcella (Friday support session) or Donna & Marcella (Thursday evening session), please contact CSM to book an appointment on 020 8646 7515 email [email protected] or [email protected]. Alternatively you can contact the ward direct on 020 3513 6267/8 and ask for an appointment to be booked (Friday mornings only). TRAINING Recently our collaboration with the Trust’s Recovery College has provided an opportunity for Merton carers to receive training locally, about how best to understand the issues they face when caring for someone with mental illness. Topics covered have included ‘problems in caring and how to tackle them’ and ‘dealing with crisis and getting through the mental health system maze’. This has also informed carers about the work of the Recovery College where users, carers and staff can benefit from a wide variety of courses that promote knowledge about mental ill health and strategies for coping. More to come!

Calling All Mental Health Carers!

Can you help to co-produce our training for carers of people with long-term or life-long serious mental illness?

Co-production is gaining increasing recognition as an effective approach to working with service users and carers. It means involving carers and people who use services in the design and delivery of social care as equal partners, rather than as passive recipients. The key difference between participation and co-production is a move from service users or carers being consulted and brought into work by staff that is already underway, to being co-creators. At CSM we have agreed with Catherine Gamble from South West London & St. George’s NHS Mental Health Trust that we will co-produce with mental health carers, a draft plan for the content and delivery of Recovery College training that specifically addresses issues involved in caring for someone with a long-term or life-long serious mental illness. This is in response to many requests from carers, that the Recovery College offers a course to address these needs. Currently we have a small but loyal band of carers who are working with us to co-produce a draft plan, but as a group we would love to have more of you – you do not need any special skills! Just the benefit of your experience, and a willingness to share it in order to explore the most significant features of long-term mental health caring so that together we can construct a useful and meaningful plan. If you are interested, would like to be involved or to know more, please come to our next meeting at Vestry Hall on Thursday 25th October 2012 from 6.15 – 7.45 or contact Margaret Whittle or Sue Batley at CSM on 020 8646 7515; email [email protected] or [email protected] 8

Triangle of Care

T

he launch by Carers Trust (formerly Princess Royal Trust for Carers) in July 2010 of a new ‘Guide to Best Practice in Mental Health Care’ was the culmination of years of research into the information and support that mental health carers need from service providers.

Entitled The Triangle of Care, Carers Included: the Guide is a valuable tool for:  bringing together all mental health service providers  sharing best practice and building on current practice  self-assessing existing service provision  offering support and encouragement to mental health providers to deliver best practice consistently The Triangle (in reference to the relationship between service users, professionals and carers) is based on 6 principles that mental health trusts can use to include and support carers. It explores what each principle means in practice and provides good practice examples.*

The 6 key principles: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter. Staff are carer aware and trained in carer engagement strategies. Policy and practice protocols re confidentiality and sharing information are in place. Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place. A carer introduction to the service and staff is available, with a relevant range of information across the acute care pathway A range of carer support services is available along with a self-assessment tool.

* Adapted from The Triangle of Care Project Update, Carers Trust April 2012

Carers Support Merton: closing the Triangle of Care Late last year we were pleased to extend our alliance with Sutton Carers Centre and with the South West London & St.George’s NHS Mental Health Trust, specifically to work towards closing the ‘Triangle of Care’ and improve collaboration and partnership between carers, staff and service users. Work is still ongoing and there is much to do. Building on the progress made so far, we will be strengthening links with wards and working with the Trust as it develops Triangle of Care standards further over the coming months and undertakes the selfassessment process.

Progress to Date: The information leaflet for carers visiting the ward has recently been updated. We are pleased to report that there are now two identified Carers Leads on the Ward: they are Ruth and Prince. Carers are now approached at an early stage when their relation or loved one is admitted: wherever possible within one week of admission. They are also encouraged to meet with appropriate members of the staff team on the ward at the Care Planning Review Meeting. We at CSM have been visiting the inpatient ward at Springfield Hospital for Merton carers (Jupiter Ward) since January 2012, and have now established at least one weekly presence on the ward when CSM staff are available to meet with carers.

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David’s Story By Pauline Stanley

A few years ago, I made a poster of my son's achievements, mainly to inspire new mums of babies with disabilities. This was seen by Mencap Head Office who contacted me to say they would like to nominate David to Lloyds TSB to carry the paralympic torch. I had to write a story about David in no more than 150 words which told of David being born with Downs Syndrome and being the eldest of 3 siblings. He watched his younger brother & sister grow up and surpass him in academia and achievements and always aspired to copy them. Fearing for his safety due to his disability, he was often denied opportunities and his younger brother & sister would also say 'Mum give him a chance' and every time he was given the chance - he surpassed our expectations.

News came that the torch was running late and I wondered whether he would stay away but the atmosphere was buzzing. At about 4.30am, we went outside to await the previous torch bearers. Some locals who had gone home at 3am had returned and we including family and friends anxiously awaited the flame with our torches and lanterns to light up the He represented our borough swimming competitively route. in the London Games for people with learning disabilities, featured in a DVD teaching people with Then, in the distance we saw blue flashing lights Learning disabilities how to travel independently and appear, the police motorcade approached and works in the Merton Mencap Cafe, features in excitement grew. More lights then a huge truck lit up magazines promoting information & services for the night bearing TV cameras followed by escorts and people with learning disabilities, has fund raised, then the flame bearers. Loud cheers erupted with no independently quad biked, parasailed and jumped off regard for the sleeping residents and we followed the cliffs into the sea. He is also known for helping flame up the road with cheers and shouting others, especially staff and those in wheelchairs at his encouragement to the bearers. Each team of 5 had Day Centre. to carry the torch for half a mile, each bearing the flame for approx 160 meters. When my son was David's nomination was successful and he was to born 30 years ago, I never thought he would achieve take part in the 24 torch torch relay that ended in the some of the things he has done, let alone be stadium. His time slot was 3.03am and he had to recognised for it. He had the chance to do meet in thelovely Bushey Country Golf Club where something his brother & sister could not do. A night refreshments awaited. As people arrived we chatted we'll remember for the rest of our lives and we gave and David met his team and the judges who chose David a paralympic Tea party so his friends could his story. The volunteers gave the torches and a come and see the occasion which we filmed and briefing of how the flame would be carried & passed. projected at his party. Forthcoming outings for 2012:

Friday 26th October. 10.15am: Tour of Diamond Riding Centre, Carshalton. Meet at Civic Centre, Morden. Transport is provided or carers can meet us there if they wish to make their own way. Phone Lisa on 020 8687 4657 to book a place.

MERTON MENCAP CONTACT DETAILS:Merton Mencap is a local, registered charity which provides services for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and their family carers living in Merton. We are affiliated to the national Mencap Society, which reflects our shared values. Main office - for all enquiries between 9am and 5pm, Monday- Friday: 020 8646 0965 and email at [email protected] Lisa Gallacher, Carers Community Advisor - for enquiries relating to our services for carers of adults: 020 8687 4657 and [email protected] Projects Manager (adults) – for enquiries about our services for adults with a learning disability: 020 8646 0965 and email at [email protected]

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Merton Shared Lives Scheme. What is it and who is it for? This scheme is for adults aged 18 and over, with a learning disability or a mental health issue. It is an accommodation based service for people who need some support in their lives. A Shared Lives carer, who has been recruited by Merton, will help people with: keeping healthy, money management, self care, completing forms and reading letters, learning new skills, having the opportunity to access hobbies and activities. A person using this service may be sharing the Shared Lives carers home or they may receive floating support from them in another property. The scheme is affiliated to Shared Lives Plus and is monitored and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) yearly. Shared Lives carers will receive training and Shared Lives officers are in regular contact with the carer.

What is the referral process?

Carers Partnership Group:

If you are interested in this scheme, you need to speak to your social worker or care manager who will need to This meets the first Tuesday of the month at High Path Community Resource Centre, 63 High Path, make a referral. If you would like to find out more about the scheme or are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer by letting out a spare room and providing support to a vulnerable adult in Merton, please contact:

South Wimbledon SW19 2JY. If you’d like to know more about the group or chat before coming along to a meeting, contact Sally Burns on 0208 542 9081 or at [email protected]. NB: Next meeting is Tuesday 2nd October 2012 from

Tel: 0208 545 3900 or www.merton.gov.uk/shared-lives-scheme

10am to 12pm.

Merton Mencap Carers Group trip to BBC Television Centre: Thursday 26th July 2012. th

On Thursday 26 July, 18 carers along with Donna and Lisa travelled to BBC television centre, Shepherds Bush. As you can see from the pictures, it was a lovely day and we all had a great time. Once we had all passed through security, we were led around the building by 2 expert guides, who explained about the history of the building. They showed us the BBC news in action and Jean tried to present the weather in the interactive studios, which was not as easy as it looks on TV. The BBC television centre has 8 studios and we saw inside studio one which is the second largest TV studio in Britain and this is where Strictly Come Dancing has been filmed. Our guides showed us into a dressing room and regaled us with stories about the demands of certain celebrities. She said Lady Gaga asked for a couple of fridges to put her wigs in and Madonna once asked for a life-size replica of the pope and Madame Tussauds helped out by providing one of their old waxworks from storage. We saw props from Eastenders, which included Pat’s earrings and Pauline Fowler’s apron from her days in the launderette. Once the tour was finished, carers had the option of looking around the gift shop and also Westfield shopping centre, which is directly opposite.

Replica of the Match of the Day set.

Pauline Fairbrother Merton Mencap is saddened by news that Pauline Fairbrother died on 4 August 2012. Many local people know Pauline who, with great energy and determination, campaigned tirelessly for a better life for people with a learning disability and their families. Pauline’s work and achievements are an important part of Merton Mencap and we send Pauline’s family all our best wishes at this time. If you would like to know more about Pauline’s life, you can find details kindly provided by one of Pauline’s daughters, Ruth Sharratt, on the latest new page of the Merton Mencap web site www.mertonmencap.org. uk

(L to R) Sally, Betty, Elizabeth, Pauline and Ashy. 11

The Carers Support Merton Team

Melanie Monaghan CEO

Karin Sensier Office Manager

Mariya Petrova Volunteer

Paul Murphy Dorothy Mellor Volunteer Volunteer

Rachelle Susan Jones Bowman Adult Activities Play Co-ordinator

Hazel Daniell Anne Webster YC Project Manager Finance Manager

Joe Collins Youth Co-ordinator

Alan E-Bay Volunteer

Tom Lambert Family Support YC

Sue Batley Adult Services Manager

Debbie Kilby Administrator

Shelley Lynch Adult Carers Support Worker

Esme Crowden Family Support Worker

Denise Whitelocke Book Keeper

Saloni Suntokee Ayces Admin

Moira Clews Administrator

Daniela Meloni Margaret Whittle Adult Carers Support Worker Mental Health Worker

Donna Perkins Adult Carers Support Worker

Opal Lindsay Family Support Worker

Toni Richards Chair

Adrian Mullins Trustee

Zoe Penny Trustee

John Williams Treasurer

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP CSM would like to raise awareness about domestic violence and how carers are affected. Lesley Betty CarltonRedpath JonesTrustee Trustee

John Davey Trustee

Carers Support Merton The Vestry Hall London Road Mitcham Surrey CR4 3UD Tel: 0208 646 7515 Email: [email protected] www.csmerton.org

Trevor Blair Trustee

Derek Chalkley Trustee

If you would like to speak to someone in confidence please call:Donna Perkins on 0208 6467515

Supported by

Carers Support Merton is a Company Limited by Guarantee (England) Reg No. 4164966 Registered Charity No: 1085761

OUR MISSION Carers Support Merton values and listens to unpaid carers of all ages from our diverse community and provides high quality services and advice . OUR VISION IS: We want unpaid carers of all ages to have real choices to improve their quality of life and to receive the respect, support and recognition they deserve. 12