Author Archive
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Annual Report for April 2007 – March 2008 Nottingham & Nottinghamshire
“Recognition for the role young carers play within society is extremely important. . .”
With storylines in soap operas, documentaries on TV and newspaper campaigns, the subject of young carers has very much been at the forefront this year. The Media – followed by the Government – are finally acknowledging the immense job that young carers do, the support they provide to loved ones and the impact this role has on their own lives. It is important that the role young carers play in society is recognised. It was therefore good to hear Ed Balls (Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families) describe young carers as “excessively burdened” and “strangled by their responsibilities” particularly within education. On a local level it has been particularly gratifying that both Nottingham and
Nottinghamshire Councils have placed such great importance on the support of young carers and their families. Their support and encouragement has enabled us to continue offering the high levels of
support to young carers, families and professionals across the region.We have also been able to explore new horizons, both in terms of travel and also the development of the project itself. Some of the many highlights of the year include:
- Music Workshop in France
- The growth of the Mentoring Scheme
- The work of the consultation group (production of DVD
- highlighting the issues young carers face, and much more!) Continued High standards of support provided to young carers and their families.
We said Goodbye to Daniel Raynor, but Hello to Kara Bird who replaced him as Development Worker in March. A busy year then. Thanks to everyone who has made it a Fun packed one too.
Tony Watton Service Manager
Download the new AYC Annual Report PDF for a review of the past year of Action for Young Carers work and activities.
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Training for Young Carers
During the summer, we asked as many of you as we could grab (kicking and screaming!) what you would like to learn about as young carers. This was part of a bigger survey asked to all carers in the County by the Carers Training Partnership and we got some quite interesting results! This is what you told us – if anyone would like anything different, then please get in touch and let us know
Top 5 courses that you would like to do:
- Time for me
- First Aid
- Legal rights as carers
Medication and effects - Using a wheelchair safely
Relaxation - Food hygiene
Dealing with anger
Lifting and handling
We also asked you if you would like more information about various conditions and illnesses and these are the answers you gave us:
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- Sensory loss (including eye sight and hearing loss)
- ADHD
Strokes - Schizophrenia
- Autism
Parkinsons - HIV/Aids
Aspergers
Bi-polar disorder
Watch this space…… I am sure that some interesting (and fun) courses will be coming your way soon.
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Sleaford Art Day
As the Carers Federation have moved into a new part of their building, they asked if our creative young carers could create some art for the stairway which was looking a little bit bare. We got our lovely Art Lady, Kate and a bunch of young carers together and they came up with one large picture showing how we support each other and some smaller pictures showing individuals and how they describe themselves.
First of all, she took photos of the group and then of people on their own. They were then loaded onto the computer and printed off onto acetates which were OHPd onto the wall to be traced onto the canvasses. Very simple (apart from when the printer wouldn’t work!) but a fantastic effect.
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Wainfleet Residential 2009
During the summer a small group of carers went to Wainfleet for a few days. We were there to have fun and to hold an open day event about what AYCPlus is, to people and young carers who might be interested in joining the service in the coming months.
The open day went well with quite a few members of AYC who were interested and the professionals ranged from the Carers Team at Lincoln to a Benefits Advisor. We also discussed what we want from AYCPlus in the future.
In the evenings games and cooking took place, with the last day being a trip to Fantasy Island, who had kindly donated wrist bands to us for the day, allowing us to go on all the rides for free! Thank you so much Fantasy Island for this opportunity.
Some of the other day’s activities were going for a meal out, going to the arcades and spending time outside together. (Kirsty A)
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Shout 2007
A committee of nine AYC and AYCPlus members was formed and they created “SHOUT 2007”.
“SHOUT 2007” was again held at Caythorpe Hall, Grantham for the second year running, although to Helen’s dismay it was for a whole weekend! Everyone was split into groups named after zoo animals which, of course, the monkeys were the best (not that I’m biased)! We spent the weekend doing different sporting activities such as rock climbing, abseiling and rifle shooting, as well as doing evening activities including football, relaxation, nail painting (and yes boys, you look great in pink), tai chi, first aid, body language and many others. Also everyone enjoyed a disco on Saturday night.
It was a huge success, everyone enjoyed themselves, made lots of new friends and caught up with old ones and were extremely tired by Sunday afternoon. Oh, and of course, Helen’s singing was enjoyed by all!
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NIACE receives funding
NIACE (the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education) has received funding from the Elizabeth Nuffield Educational Fund to research the issues surrounding access to education and training for young adult carers in the 16 – 25 age group. Niace want to explore the educational issues faced by young adult carers as they approach and move beyond the age of 18, and how the transition from school to college or training is managed.
A key part of the research is consultation with young adult carers themselves. AYC Plus want to take part in this research as we know a lot of young adult carers who struggle to get into employment and struggle with employers who do not understand their caring role. We are hoping to hold a focus group on 3rd September 2008 and we are particularly interested in hearing the experiences of:
‘invisible’ young adult carers who don’t necessarily identify themselves/are not identified as being in a caring role, and who are not accessing or receiving support specific to this role;
those carers who are siblings of an identified ‘carer’ (most services work with only one young person/young adult in a family);
young carers on a waiting list for support from services;
those who might not be receiving support because they are 18 and fall between provision for adults and young people;
young adults who may not self-identify as having a caring responsibility.Niace are also interested in finding out if there are particular, or different, issues affecting young female carers and young male carers in this age group.
If you want to take part in September please let us know! All those taking part will be offered a gift voucher worth £10 in recognition of their time and contribution.
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Carers Partnership
The Lincolnshire Carers Partnership was set up to deliver the Lincolnshire Strategy for Carers.The partnership believes carers and young carers in Lincolnshire should be
Carers are
Healthy
In control
Valued
Have a life of their own
Respected
Included and involved
Confident in the futureYoung Carers are
Healthy
Safe
Heard and listened to
Enjoy and achieve
Respected
Make a positive contribution
Achieve economic wellbeingThese ideas and values are what the partnership are working towards!
The partnership holds many group meetings to help solve problems that Lincolnshire carers have. Aside from the main Carers and Young Carers Partnership meetings, there are working groups held to discuss;
Information For Carers
Carers in or moving towards employment
Training for carers
Emergency Response
Carers Assessment
Palliative CareThe partnership is made up of both professionals and carers so everyone has an equal input.
If you want to be involved in any of these groups please let us know! You may want to attend the meetings or just be updated about what’s happening!
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Carers Go Free
To mark Carers Week Leisure Connection has launched a “Carers Go Free” initiative.
This means that if the person you care for is registered disabled or certified blind, they can get a concessionary leisure card. This entitles them to discounts on all leisure activities and they can now take 2 carers with them, who go absolutely free!
Participating centres as follows:
Bourne Leisure Centre
Castle Sports Complex
Castle Swimming Pool
Deepings Leisure Centre
Grantham Meres Leisure Centre
The Hub, North Kesteven Centre
Northgate Sports Hall
Peele Leisure Centre
Sleaford Leisure Centre
Stamford Leisure Pool
West Lindsey Leisure Centre
Whisby Natural World Centre.The County Council are now looking into expanding this scheme to benefit more carers and expanding to more leisure centres.
If you need any more information get in touch with AYC Plus or Ian Brown from Lincs Sports Partnership
ian.brown@lincolnshiresports.co.uk
telephone 07940 954004
www.leisureconnection.co.uk
