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Welcome to the March 2020 edition of Carers Connected
Call Suffolk Family Carers on
01473 835477
www.suffolkfamilycarers.org
Working together to ensure family carers are visible, valued, supported and connected.
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 2
Latest news from Suffolk Family Carers
CARERS PICKS
We have a new page on our website - Carers Picks
Here you can get the latest carer news from across the UK.
https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/category/carer-picks/
SUPPORT SUFFOLK FAMILY CARERS
WITH AMAZON SMILE
Do you use Amazon? Sign up to AmazonSmile and make Suffolk
Family Carers your chosen charity!
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favourite
charitable organisation every time you shop, at no cost to you.
When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low
prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that Amazon will
donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organisation of your choice.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device.
Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?
Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible
for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription
renewals are not currently eligible.
Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby
registry, and other account settings are also the same.
How do I select Suffolk Family Carers when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select Suffolk Family Carers to receive donations
from eligible purchases before you begin shopping it will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase
you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation. AmazonSmile will occasionally contact you about donation
amounts disbursed to your chosen charity or about the program.
For more information, visit https://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/about/ref=smi_aas_redirect?ie=UTF8&%2AVer-
sion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0
TIME TO TALK DAY
Time to Talk day was on the 6th February, and we made the most of
the sunshine in Stowmarket representing Mid Suffolk VASP
(Voluntary and Statutory Partnership). We spent the day engaging
with the public, encouraging conversation about mental health and
wellbeing.
Talking really does help to dispel the stigma and change lives!
Choose talk, change lives!
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 3
WARRANT OFFICERS & SERGEANTS MESS
Our Military Families Lead, Kate, spent an afternoon at Wattisham Flying Station, at the
‘Warrant Officers & Sergeants Mess’ with 6 Regt AAC. As part of a weekend training
exercise, Kate was asked to facilitate an hour’s discussion around mental health and
wellbeing with Reservists and full-time soldiers.
A great afternoon, with some really insightful conversations around mental health and
wellbeing!
EARLYBIRD PLUS
We are very pleased to inform you that Suffolk
Family Carers is working in partnership with Home
Start and the local authority (Early Years and
Childcare Service), funded by Ipswich & East
Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (IESCCG), to
deliver a support programme – EarlyBird Plus – for
parents/carers of young children (4-9 years old) with
an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This
forms part of our wider Neurodevelopment Path-
ways project.
The EarlyBird Plus is a programme developed by
the National Autistic Society (NAS) comprising 8
group sessions and 2 individual home visits. The
programme aims to help parents to understand their
child’s autism, structure interaction in which
communication can develop, and better understand
and support behaviour.
Two places are allocated to each family, with a third
available for a professional (e.g. Teacher Assistant)
or another supporting adult. The programme aims
to promote a consistent approach across settings –
home and school – by encouraging
parents/carers to attend the sessions with a pro-
fessional from school who is working regularly with
their child. The group sessions are held in a venue
on the same day each week, and last two and a half
hours.
Courses are currently underway including at Suffolk
Family Carers’ offices in Claydon. To find out more
about future courses, please see the leaflet. Please
share the leaflet with anyone you feel may benefit
from attending.
It is very important that parents indicate their
interest in the programme by contacting the Suffolk Family Information Service, so the team is aware of the parents’
preferences in terms of days and venue locations to allow future
planning.
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 4
‘I AM’ – ORMISTON DENES ACADEMY
On 28th January 2020 Ormiston Denes Academy took part in a
PSHE lesson which was based around body image.
This workshop was called ‘I Am’ and was created for Young Carers
Week. 40 young people engaged in the workshop by taking part in
discussions and group activities. The group were able to come up
with positive and negative comments about their body image. We
then spoke about how we could change the negative thoughts into
positive ones.
When looking at the DNA-V model we asked the group to design an
unhelpful adviser. This was to allow them to notice the adviser more
clearly to help them decide what they chose to listen to. We ended
the session on social media impacts to our body image and our
self-esteem, which led to some amazing discussions. Well done to
all the group for a fun filled session!
‘I AM’ – SIDEGATE PRIMARY
Young carers at Sidegate Primary in Ipswich celebrated Young
Carers Week by taking assemblies in their school, sharing how
proud they are to be young carers and joining in with our ‘I AM’
campaign, sharing some of the things they are good at and positive
things about themselves.
Once their hard work was done, they enjoyed dancing in the hall to
‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams, with the speakers up as loud as we
dare!
THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOL -
‘I AM AND BYOBF SESSIONS’
At Thomas Gainsborough School we have been joint delivering,
with Mrs Hempell, our Be Your Own Best Friend course to students
in Access. The course has consisted of 4 weekly sessions focusing
on exploring positive wellbeing, self-awareness of feelings and tools
to support students to look after themselves. Out of 6 students, 4 of
them evidenced that they had improved wellbeing since attending
the first session with us, with two students feeling as though they
remained the same but with more understanding of the importance
of self-awareness. The questions used to measure this scale are
below.
We looked at how important it is to remain within our ‘window of tolerance’ and how our emotions can be tested
throughout our day. The students decorated bunting with things that helped to keep them relaxed, including: listening
to music, walking my dog, playing the piano, reading a book, scootering. This activity enabled the students time to
reflect on their favourite hobbies and the importance of taking time out of their day to do something they enjoy.
The students were fantastic in engaging with the course and took
away their decorated journals which will continue to be used in Mrs
Hempell’s lessons. From the feedback, we recognised all students
answered no to ‘Am I able to quickly say 5 positive things about
myself?’. Mrs Hempell is going to address this by asking the
students to write down 3 positive things about themselves each
lesson they have with her to get them to practise. We have recently
recognised the low self-esteem and wellbeing, particularly in our
Young Carers, from our recent research with Healthwatch.
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 5
THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOL YOUNG
CARER CELEBRATION LUNCH
20 young carers enjoyed a special buffet arranged by Mrs O’Beirne and Miss Fox
on Young Carers Awareness Day. It was lovely to see so many young carers in
one room socialising with one another. We would like to take the time to thank our
young carer leads, who continue to support the young carers with such dedication
and care. There is a clear sense of community at TGS, and it is all thanks to the staff who continue to prioritise young
carers’ needs within the school. TGS is currently awarded Gold on our Schools award, but are small steps away from
achieving Platinum. We are very proud of how far TGS has come and the strong level of partnership working they
continue to have with our adviser.
It can often feel like you’re alone as a young carer and this is why having school support is so important in helping
young carers to feel less isolated. We hope that the lunch has meant that furthur friendships will be made outside of
school at the local Young Carers club in Sudbury.
If you would like more information on the Young Carers club in Sudbury, please contact Sheree on 01473 835477.
9-12 SWIMMING AT MURRAYFIELD
PRIMARY SCHOOL
We had an amazing opportunity to team up with Aquateach to offer
4 sessions of swimming at Murrayfield Primary School for our 9-12
year olds in Ipswich. All 6 young people enjoyed themselves and
gained confidence in the water. The only problem - it was all over
too quickly!
A big thank you to Aquateach for their generosity.
Any other young carers who would benefit from learning to swim,
please get in touch with your adviser.
BOWLING EVENING
On Tuesday evening our Young Adult Carers Team
arranged a bowling evening to give young adult
carers some time out and a chance to have some
mildly competitive fun!
As it was Young Carers Awareness Day some of
those who came along wanted to share some
information about their caring roles to help raise
awareness of what it is like to be a young adult carer.
“Being 19 years old and a carer, its hard to find others
who understand and are supportive of my situation.
With Suffolk Family Carers Young People’s Service
has helped me find people who understand, and
[now] have friendships that have lasted a long time.
They have also helped me with my confidence and
helped me build life skills I may need”. Jade Aged 19
“Being a young carer can be challenging at times and
isolating too. I have been a carer for 10 years but only heard of Suffolk Family Carers, Young People’s Service 4 years
ago. Since I have come here I have so many friends and feel not alone”. Harriet Aged 18
“I have been caring for my little brother for around 5 years. When I found Suffolk Family Carers, Young People’s
Service about 3 years ago, it was a whole new world. It helps me to meet new people who are in the same situation, it
is a lovely group of people who are like family. It is nice to have time away where people don’t judge each other”.
Asia-Mai Aged 16
If you are a young person with caring responsibilities and would like to access our support or activities, complete our
online registration https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/register-as-a-young-carer/
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 6
‘YOU SAID, WE DID’
Following feedback from young carers, we have a new addition to
our web pages. ‘Meet the Young People’s Service Team’ has been
introduced in response to young carers suggesting it would be
helpful for young people to be able to know something about the
Advisers before they meet them for the first time.
https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/meet-the-young-peoples-service-
team/
Please keep your ideas coming via social media or when we catch
up with you in school or at respite.
REPLACEMENT CARE FUNDING
For family carers in the Haverhill and Brandon area.
Would you like some time away from your caring role?
Take advantage of a great opportunity for some FREE Replacement care funding.
Please see flyer below for eligibility details.
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 7
MOVING & HANDLING
Are you helping the person you care for to move around the home? Do you have to support them to move safely in
and out of the car, bath or bed for example?
Is this putting a strain on your own health?
Suffolk Family Carers commissions a qualified occupational therapist to visit family carers in their own home to
provide information and guidance on how to move and handle the person they care for in a safer way.
To receive this service please complete our online referral form and someone will be in touch.
www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/moving-and-handling-referral-form/
Moving & Handling
Home Tuition Service
Are you looking after someone?
in & out
the bed?
on & off in & out the
the toilet? bath/shower?
Do you help them
in & out on & off
the car? the chair?
getting up
after a fall?
Our Occupational Therapist can visit you at home to show you how to help the
person you look after to move around, in ways to keep you safe and healthy.
The Occupational Therapist can advise you on:
• How to look after your health.
• How to prevent falls, slips or trips.
• Equipment that will help keep your back safe by allowing the person you
look after become more independent.
Don’t struggle alone
01473 835477 www.suffolkfamilycarers.org
Suffolk Family Carers @suffolkcarers @Suffolkfamilycarers
Suffolk Family Carers Limited Registered Charity No.1069937. A company limited by guarantee in England No.3507600. Registered Office: Unit 8, Hill View Business Park, Claydon IP6 0AJ
V1 2020
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 8
Respite on Prescription
Respite on Prescription is to enable a
family carer to have an elective
surgery/procedure or clinical
appointment that they would
otherwise put off due to their caring
role
Do you need respite to achieve this?
Suffolk Family Carers funding may
be able to help
Ask your GP for Respite on
Prescription and post to us.
If you require further information
please call 01473 835477
Applies to East & West Suffolk.
“ What a
fantastic service,
(Does not apply if the
cared for receives
Continuing Health
peace of mind Care Funding)
knowing my husband
was being cared for
while I had my
”
operation.
www.suffolkfamilycarers.org 01473 835477
Suffolk Family Carers @suffolkcarers @Suffolkfamilycarers
Suffolk Family Carers Limited Registered Charity No.1069937. A company limited by guarantee in England No.3507600. Registered Office: Unit 8, Hill View Business Park, Claydon IP6 0AJ
V1 2020
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 9
Family Carers Wellbeing Hub
Do you care for a family member, friend or neighbour?
Come along to our Wellbeing Hub;
an opportunity to meet other
Family Carers with a focus
on your own wellbeing.
Ravenswood Community Children’s Centre
103 Henning Avenue, Ipswich IP3 9QL
11am to 12.30pm
Wednesday 29th January 2020
Wednesday 26th February 2020
Wednesday 25th March 2020
Wednesday 29th April 2020
For more information contact us on 01473 835477 or email
supportprogrammes@suffolkfamilycarers.org
Suffolk Family Carers @suffolkcarers @Suffolkfamilycarers
Suffolk Family Carers Limited Registered Charity No.1069937. A company limited by guarantee in England No.3507600. Registered Office: Unit 6, 8 & 9 Hill View Business Park, Claydon IP6 0AJ
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 10
BUTLIN’S DISCOUNT
Enjoy the very best of Butlin’s with an extra £20 off! (available to staff, volunteers and
family carers)
Butlin’s believes the two essential ingredients for any brilliant break are plenty of space
to play and days filled with endless happiness and laughter from all the family. Their three seaside resorts are alive
with activity and excitement, where every day is different. Switch off from reality and get away with your family for a
few days of ‘that’s-exactly-what-we-needed’ fun. Whether it’s indoors, outdoors, day or night, there will always be
plenty for you to say, ‘yes you can’ to during your stay, because so much of the fun at Butlin’s is ‘all part of the price’.
To Book
To book, simply go to www.butlins.com, click on the circular red ‘Book Now’ link and
make sure to enter QQ276 in the blue ‘enter your Q number’ field. Once typed in, you
will see SUFFOLK FAMILY CARERS appear below, this will confirm that your discount
has been applied to your booking.
You can also call one of the team on 0330 102 5286 from 9 am to 9 pm, making sure to
quote QQ276 and mention the Privilege Holiday Club (PHC)!
Special Offers
As part of the Privilege Holiday Club, you’ll have access to the latest offers. To book
one of these offers, simply go to www.butlins.com/phc, scroll down and click on your preferred offer making sure to
add your PHC code on the next screen. When you complete your quote, you’ll see an extra £30 off has been
deducted!
T&Cs
£s off are per booking discounts, and apply to new bookings only. £s off do not apply to two-night breaks or rooms for
two. All offers are subject to promotional availability, may be withdrawn at any time and cannot be combined with any
other offer or internet code except the 5% Premier Club loyalty discount. For full terms and conditions, please visit
butlins.com/terms. Calls to 03 numbers are charged at standard UK rates and may vary from mobiles. These calls are
included in any inclusive packages. Butlins Skyline Limited, 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Registered in England No. 04011665.
BUTLIN’S LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS DISCOUNT
Butlin’s Live Music Weekends provide you and your friends a great getaway to relax,
have fun and enjoy good music and good times. Butlin’s three seaside resorts; Bognor
Regis, Minehead and Skegness play host to a range of 3-night weekenders that cater
for all musical tastes as well as headline tours and sporting events. So whether you
enjoy anything from Pop to Disco to smooth Soul, or even if you’re looking for a specialist weekend featuring great
headline acts performing live, a Butlin’s Live Music Weekend could be the perfect getaway.
To Book
To book, simply go to www.bigweekends.com and search for ‘Privilege Holiday Club’,
click ‘Get a Quote’ and make sure to enter QQ276 in the blue ‘enter your Q number’
field. Once typed in you will see SUFFOLK FAMILY CARERS appear below, this will
ensure your discount is applied to your booking.
You can also call one of the friendly advisors on 0330 102 5286 from 9 am to 9 pm
quoting QQ276, making sure to mention the Privilege Holiday Club (PHC)!
Special Offers
As part of the Privilege Holiday Club, you’ll have access to our latest offers. To take a look at these latest offers, you
can visit our PHC homepage by going to www.bigweekends.com and searching for “Privilege Holiday Club”. To book
one of those offers, just click on your preferred offer and add your PHC code on the next screen and when you
complete your quote, you’ll see an extra £30 off!
T&Cs
£s off are per booking discounts and apply to new bookings only for Butlin’s Live Music Weekends. £s off do not apply
to two-night breaks or rooms for two. All offers are subject to promotional availability, may be withdrawn at any time
and cannot be combined with any other offer or internet code except the 5% Premier Club loyalty discount. For full
terms and conditions, please visit butlins.com/terms. Calls to 03 numbers are charged at standard UK rates and may
vary from mobiles. These calls are included in any inclusive packages. Butlins Skyline Limited, 1 Park Lane, Hemel
Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. Registered in England No. 04011665.Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 11
FREE EATING DISORDERS PROGRAMME FOR SUFFOLK FAMILIES
Family members currently helping someone through an eating disorder battle, can now join a unique six month sup-
port programme in Suffolk.
The free course is being led by Wednesday’s Child, a not for profit organisation which was established in the region
last summer.
Involving expert speakers, advice sharing, friendship building and hands-on workshop activities, the Demeter Pro-
gramme is also being run in conjunction with Suffolk Family Carers, and will take place for two hours every month,
from 5th March.
The monthly meet-ups are being staged at Suffolk Family Carers’ Claydon centre between 10am and 12 noon, and
are designed to ‘upskill’ parents to better contend with the issues related to eating disorders in the home environment.
Parents, grandparents, spouses or significant relatives with caring roles, are all eligible.
They may already be receiving support for a child or partner, may have a child in a residential facility, are seeking to
help a loved one’s recovery at home without other healthcare intervention, or wish to further a befriending network of
families who are experiencing similar behaviours and conflicts.
Dates of the programme’s meet-ups will be
Thursday 5th March
Friday 3rd April
Thursday 7th May
Thursday 4th June
Thursday 2nd July
Thursday 6th August
The provisional schedule of sessions includes:
• Introductions and ‘Parent’s Perspective’ talk.
• A Food Psychologist’s insight into eating behaviours and supporting your child.
• Hands-on food and nutrition workshop, with top suggestions to aid recovery.
• Body and Breath. A unique exploration of yoga and breathing techniques proven to be successful for those with
eating disorder struggles, and those helping through recovery.
• Your child’s behaviour, family dynamics and conflict control.
• You and your needs: careers, confidence, volunteering and self-care.
All participants on the course will also receive a Wednesday’s Child wellbeing gift box for themselves and their loved
one, and be welcomed into a closed forum for private sharing of thoughts.
The programme has just 12 places available for the first release, so those interested are encouraged to sign up early
and are required to commit to all six sessions.
If you’d like to know more about the programme, please email the Wednesday’s Child team at
hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk, referring to the Demeter Programme, and confirming your name, location, and a small
insight into your experience with caring for someone with an eating disorder.Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 12
Around the Table
Free taster session and monthly workshops
Bury Deaf Association 28 Northgate St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1HY
Taster session 19th March 2020 10.30am - 1pm.
A new Around the Table group for adult family carers is to start in Bury St Edmunds.
Join like-minded people to be inspired by our chefs, artists and food led-practitioners. Experience
workshops exploring food, creativity and culture. Free monthly creative workshops are available for carers
and travel expenses can be provided. Come when you can. To book your place email below.
Workshop dates
10.30-1pm on Thursday 16th April, 21st May, 18th June, 16th July 2020 more dates to follow on.
suffolk.artlink
Get in touch Suffolk_Artlink
kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk 01986 873955 enquiries@suffolkartlink.org.uk
www.suffolkartlink.org.uk
Suffolk Artlink Units 13 & 14 Malt Store Annex Registered charity number: 1110898
The Cut, 8 New Cut Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8BY Company number: 05354844Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 13
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 14
ART BRANCHES’
Workshops for Adult Carers
Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill
Free of charge for any adult carer who is caring for an adult. With
thanks to Þnancial help from Haverhill Town Council.
Workshops are suitable for all levels and all materials are provided,
please book early to avoid disappointment by emailing
artbranches@icloud.com 01284 762792
Wednesday 19th February 10.00-12.15
Photography at East Town Park with photographer Chris Pope
Wednesday 4th March 10.00-12.15 Botanical illustration in pencil and
watercolour with artist Stephanie Hartick
Wednesday 18th March 10.00-12.15 Card making with artist Thirza Quinn
Wednesday 1st April 10.00-12.15 With artist Rachel de Roeper, to be
decided by group
Wednesday 15th April 10.00-12.15 With artist Rachel de Roeper, to be
decided by group
Wednesday 29th April 10.00-12.15 Plaster Spring plaque making in East
Town Park with 3D artist Deborah Pipe
Wednesday 13th May 10.00-12.15 With artist Rachel de Roeper, to be
decided by group
Wednesday 27th May 10.00-12.15 With artist Rachel de Roeper, to be
decided by group
Wednesday 10th June 10.00-12.15
Sketchbook stroll at East Town Park with artist Stephanie Hartick, focussing
on capturing landscape and trees using different media
Wednesday 17th June 10.00-12.15
Photography at East Town Park with photographer Chris Pope, focussing on
light and shadowsCarers Connected - March 2020 Page 15
Advance Decisions to Refuse
Medical Treatment
By Ashtons Legal
It is difficult to predict the future, what health concerns you may
develop, and the medical treatments you may require. If you were no
longer able to make your own decisions, are there any medical
treatments you would want to refuse?
An Advance Decision to Refuse Medical Treatment (an Advance
Decision) can set out in specific or general terms the treatments you
would wish to refuse and the circumstances in which you would wish
to refuse them. Similar documents have previously been known as
Living Wills and Advance Directives.
The treatments you wish to refuse could include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of
a mechanical or artificial ventilator to help you breathe, clinically assisted nutrition and
hydration, or other treatments specified by you.
The circumstances in which you would wish to refuse the treatments could be if you had a
form of dementia, a brain injury, a disease of the central nervous system or a terminal illness.
You may, of course, still be able to make your own decisions while having these conditions
and, if so, then you would continue to be the decision maker. The Advance Decision only
applies if you are unable to make or communicate a decision about your medical treatment
and you are unlikely to regain the ability to make that decision.
So long as the Advance Decision is valid and applicable to you, it is legally binding on medical
professionals and they must follow the details set out within it, even if your life is at risk as a
result. This means that your wishes (rather than those of medical professionals or your family)
would be acted on, even if you do not have mental capacity at that time. However, an Advance
Decision cannot be used to request or insist on treatment. Nor can it be used as a request to
end your life.
There are certain formalities which an Advance Decision must include in order to be valid. An
Advance Decision can only be prepared while you have mental capacity and can only come
into effect when you lose mental capacity. The Advance Decision must be in writing and it
must be signed by you and witnessed. It must include a statement saying “I refuse this
treatment even if my life is at risk as a result.”
Within the Advance Decision, you can list the people who should be consulted about your
care. However, they cannot make decisions for you. If you want them to be able to make
decisions for you regarding your health and welfare then you should also prepare a Lasting
Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare.
You can prepare an Advance Decision yourself or you can use ones prepared by various
organisations. A solicitor can also prepare an Advance Decision for you.Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 16
You should review the document regularly to demonstrate that it reflects your current wishes.
If you are considering preparing an Advance Decision then you should talk to a medical
professional. They will be able to advise you as to the effects of refusing the medical treat-
ment in certain circumstances.
Mental Capacity
To prepare an Advance Decision, you have to have mental capacity. But what exactly is
mental capacity and who decides whether you have it or not?
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) acknowledges that mental capacity can vary from day to
day and from hour to hour. Also, you may have mental capacity to do some things like prepare
an Advance Decision, but not other things like prepare a Will.
The MCA states that a person lacks mental capacity if they are unable to make a decision for
themselves (in relation to a specific matter) because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in,
the functioning of the mind or brain.
However, the MCA also makes it very clear that everyone is assumed to have mental capacity
unless it is shown that they do not.
Other documents to consider
• Advance Care Plan – You can talk about the options regarding an advance care pan with
your GP or other medical professional. This can be a way for you to discuss many issues,
for example, where you want to be looked after and where you would wish to be when you
die and any religious or spiritual beliefs you would like to be taken into account.
• Will – This legal document allows you to decide what happens to your assets after your
death.
• Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare – This is a legal document which allows
your chosen attorneys to make decisions about your health and welfare if you lose mental
capacity. They can also give your attorneys the ability to make decision about life sus-
taining treatment so you do need to be careful that this document does not contradict your
Advance Decision.
• Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs – This is a legal document
which allows your chosen attorneys to make decisions about your property and financial
affairs both when you have mental capacity and if you lose mental capacity.
Disclaimer: Please note that all solicitors can offer this service. Please check with your local solicitors.Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 17
Connect for Health – Community
Connector Bus
The Community Connector is available for a private face to face discussion with anyone who
feels stuck in a rut and needs support to get more active or more involved in the local
community.
The Community Connector asks ‘What matters to you?’ and
not ‘What’s the matter with you?’
Call 01473 835445 for an appointment or pop onto the bus
and say ‘hello’. You’ll be sure of a friendly welcome.
For full details, have a look on our events calendar on our
website.
Date Time Location
Tuesday 3rd March 2020 10am to 2pm Barham and Claydon GP Surgery
Wednesday 4th March 2020 9.30am to 12pm Stutton Community Shop
Wednesday 4th March 2020 12.30pm to 3.30pm East Bergholt GP Surgery
Tuesday 10th March 2020 10am to 12pm Claydon Crown Public House car park
Wednesday 11th March 2020 10am to 2pm Shotley Community Centre
Tuesday 17th March 2020 10am to 2pm Barham and Claydon GP Surgery
Wednesday 18th March 2020 9.30am to 12pm Holbrook Village Hall
Wednesday 18th March 2020 12.30pm to 3.30pm Capel Community Centre
Tuesday 24th March 2020 10am to 12pm Claydon Crown Public House car park
Tuesday 25th March 2020 10am to 2pm Stutton Community ShopCarers Connected - March 2020 Page 18
Family carer support groups
Local groups for you
Local groups are a great way to meet other family carers - a warm welcome awaits.
The majority of these groups are Independent Groups, self-run and managed, who are
partnered to Suffolk Family Carers to ensure information sharing is achieved and family carers
are supported. For further information about a specific group - please contact the facilitator of
that group, as listed below.
If you would like to talk about your caring role please call us on 01473 835477.
Bildeston Group Haverhill Group Wickham Market Group
Last Tuesday of each month 4th Thursday of each month 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each
1.30pm - 3.30pm 1pm - 3pm month
Bildeston Health Centre, High Street, Chestnut Room, Burton Centre, 10am - 1pm
IP7 7EX Camps Rd, CB9 8HB Royal British Legion Club, 12
Jo - 07711669386 Dallinghoo Rd, IP13 0RP
dwendell@btinternet.com Jacqui Berry - 01728 747451
Bury St Edmunds Group
1st Thursday of each month
1pm - 3pm Hadleigh Group Wickhambrook Group
Mount Farm Surgery, Lawson Place, 4th Tuesday of each month First Wednesday of each month
Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7EW 2pm - 3.30pm 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Maureen - 01284 762985 Hadleigh Pool & Leisure, Wickambrook Memorial Centre,
rghbourne@gmail.com Stonehouse Rd, Hadleigh, IP7 5BH Cemetery Rd, CB8 8XP
Jill Mason - 01473 823470 Gloria - 07581712421
Ruth - 01440 820631
Eye Group
1st Monday of each month Long Melford Group
1pm - 3pm 2nd Monday of each month Woodbridge Group
Michael Burke Well Being Centre, 10.30am - 12pm 3rd Tuesday of each month
at the back of Hartismere Hospital, NEW VENUE - Cherry Lane Garden 1.30pm - 3pm
Castleton Way, Eye IP23 7BH Centre, High St, Long Melford Framfield Medical Centre, Ipswich
Julia Shekleton - 07912 222295 CO10 9DH Rd, IP12 4FD
julia.shekleton@btinterner.com Diane Poulter - 01787 375833 Fiona Baker - 01394 384028
woodbridgefamilycarers@protonmail.com
Family Carers Trauma Needham Market Group
Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month
1st Saturday of each month 10.30am - 12.30pm
10am - 1pm The Green Room, Community
Suffolk Family Carers, IP6 0AJ Centre, School Street, IP6 8BB
This is an independent family carer peer Ursula Bailie - 01449 720759
support group, sharing information and
support to help manage the impact of trauma
and secondary trauma in the family. This Sudbury Group
group is open to family carers supporting
people affected by trauma and/or those family 2nd Tuesday of each month
carers experiencing secondary trauma. 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Lizzie Cross - 07818891344 Sudbury Community Health Centre,
lizziecross67@yahoo.co.uk Church Field Rd, CO10 2DZ
Chris Proffitt - 01787 374289
Felixstowe & Villages Group
2nd Monday of each month Stowmarket Group
1pm - 3pm 1st Thursday of each month
The Community Hub, Felixstowe 1.30pm - 3pm
Academy, Maidstone Rd, IP11 9EF Hillside Community Centre,
Dennis Weston - 01473 832591 Stowmarket, IP14 2BD
dennisweston.49@btinternet.com Liz - 07936380127Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 19
SAGES
Suffolk Family Carers, MIND and Suffolk Libraries have been working in partnership
to develop a new website for SAGES. This will provide Suffolk Advice, Guidance
and Emotional Support to people and carers who are dealing with a mental health
concern or issue. It is not long now before the launch, so do keep watching for the
date! There will be opportunities on the site to feed back and let us know what you
think, as we value your comments. Below are groups for carers.
Suffolk, advice, guidance and emotional Spring Dates 2020
support Bury St Edmunds Evening Group
Our SAGES team is here to help. SAGES is a FREE & The Oakes Barn, the Community Meeting Room,
confidential service for family carers, families & friends of St Andrews Street South, Bury St Edmunds
people with mental & emotional wellbeing needs. We aim IP33 3PH from 6pm to 8pm
to help you maintain your caring role & look after your Car Parking is FREE after 3pm
own wellbeing by providing information, advice, guidance Tuesday 31st March 2020
& emotional support. Tuesday 28th April 2020
Tuesday 26th May 2020
Tuesday 30th June 2020
One-to-one with a SAGES worker Tuesday 28th July 2020
Tuesday 25th August 2020
If you would like some emotional support, the team offers
Tuesday 29th September 2020
one-to-one support with a SAGES worker. This may be
Tuesday 27th October 2020
via the telephone or face to face.
Tuesday 24th November 2020
Bury St Edmunds Day Group
Making Space sessions for mental health The Oakes Barn, the Community Meeting Room,
family carers St Andrews Street South, Bury St Edmunds
These sessions focus on the issues and needs of family IP33 3PH from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
carers caring for someone with mental health/emotional Friday 13th March 2020
wellbeing need. They will provide an opportunity to Friday 17th April 2020
receive information, share ideas and experiences and Friday 15th May 2020
meet other family carers who may be in a similar caring
role. Ipswich Day Group
The Nave, Quay Place, St Mary at the Quay,
Currently there are groups in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Key Street, Ipswich IP4 1BZ from 10.30am to
Lowestoft and Stowmarket. If you would like to find out 12.30pm
more about these sessions please call us on Tuesday 17th March 2020
01473 835420 or email MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org Tuesday 19th May 2020
Tuesday 16th June 2020
Are you a Mental Health Family Carer living in the Lowestoft Day Group
Sudbury Area? Coconut Loft, 8 Waterloo Road, Lowestoft,
NR33 0AA from 10.30am to 12.30pm
Would you like to meet others in a similar caring role? Tuesday 10th March 2020 (Not facilitated)
If so, please contact the SAGES team on 01473 835420. Tuesday 14th April 2020
Tuesday 12th May 2020
Tuesday 9th June 2020
Stowmarket Day Group
Redwoods Hall & Kitchen, Red Gables, Ipswich Road, Stowmarket IP14 1BE from 2.15pm to 4.15pm
Wednesday 25th March 2020 - As part of our group meeting on 25th March 2020, Citizens Advice with be giving a
30 minute presentation on “How to make a Will” The presentation will cover the general principles that people need
to understand before making a will, and explains what happens if you don’t.
Wednesday 29th April 2020
Wednesday 27th May 2020
If you are a Mental Health family carer and are interested in attending please get in touch with us
to book a place.Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 20
Substance misuse support
Are you affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use?
Would you like information and support?
Our Substance Misuse team is here to help and support you!
Navigating the
Road to Recovery
A five-session programme designed to give information
and support to those affected by someone else’s drug or
alcohol use. The workshops will focus on;
• Drug and alcohol use and effects
• The impact of substance misuse on family carers’ wellbeing
• Understanding recovery and support
• Communication
• Exploring ways to cope
• Caring for yourself
• Signposting to other agencies
These programmes are evaluated to have a positive impact on
family carers’ lives. We support people to explore difficult issues such
as controlling and enabling, manipulation, social isolation. It is also
a positive opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and
share viewpoints and discuss different strategies.
Coming to Bury St Edmunds
Navigating the Road to Recovery will be
starting in Bury St Edmunds on the Family Drug/Alcohol
21st April 2020. Support Sessions
We hold regular support sessions at Turning
Point Ipswich, Bury St. Edmunds and Lowestoft to
help guide you with the challenges of having a drug
or alcohol user in the family.
Come and talk to Natasha Straight our Family
Support Worker for;
• Basic information and advice
• Registration with Suffolk Family Carers
• Referral onto our Family Support
programme
• Signposting to other agencies
Please note these sessions need to be booked in advance.
To book a session or find out more about our service please contact Juanita Rampley on 01473 835411 or
email Subsmisuse@suffolkfamilycarers.orgCarers Connected - March 2020 Page 21
Family Drug/Alcohol Support Sessions
We are holding regular support sessions at Turning Point, to help guide you with
the challenges of having a drug or alcohol user in your family.
Bury St Edmunds
Turning Point Hub, 2 Looms Lane, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1HE
10am to 2.30pm
Thursday 19th March 2020
Thursday 9th April 2020
Thursday 30th April 2020
Thursday 21st May 2020
Thursday 11th June 2020
Thursday 2nd July 2020
Thursday 23rd July 2020
Thursday 13th August 2020
Ipswich
Turning Point Hub, Sanderson House, 17-19 Museum Street,
Ipswich IP1 1HE
10am to 3pm
Wednesday 11th March 2020
Wednesday 1st April 2020
Wednesday 22nd April 2020
Wednesday 13th May 2020
Wednesday 3rd June 2020
Wednesday 24th June 2020
Wednesday 15th July 2020
Wednesday 5th August 2020
Wednesday 26th August 2020
Lowestoft
Turning Point Hub, Woodbury House, Mill Road, Lowestoft NR33 0PP
10am to 2.30pm
Thursday 5th March 2020
Thursday 26th March 2020
Thursday 16th April 2020
Thursday 7th May 2020
Thursday 28th May 2020
Thursday 18th June 2020
Thursday 9th July 2020
Thursday 30th July 2020
Thursday 20th August 2020
To book an appointment for the above dates, please call
01473 835411 or email
Subsmisuse@suffolkfamilycarers.orgCarers Connected - March 2020 Page 22
GP surgery drop-ins
Support in GP Surgeries
We are working in GP surgeries to support family carers.
Working in partnership with Suffolk GP surgeries, our family carer advisers are scheduled
to spend time in surgeries across the county. They are in the surgery once a month to help
people identify as family carers, provide information & guidance and raise awareness. You are
welcome to drop in. Please note: sometimes our Advisers may be in a quiet room talking to
another family carer, usually near the end of a session.
Area GP Surgery Day & Time
Aldeburgh Church Farm Surgery 4th Monday, 9.15am - 12pm
Bildeston Bildeston Surgery 4th Thursday, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Botesdale, Diss Botesdale Health Centre 1st Monday, 9am - 12pm
Bury St Edmunds Mount Farm Surgery 1st Thursday, 9am - 12pm
Bury St Edmunds Victoria Surgery 4th Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Bury St Edmunds Guildhall & Barrow Surgery 4th Monday, 9am -12pm
Brandon Brandon Medical Centre 2nd Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
11th March 2020 drop-in cancelled
Brandon Forest Surgery 4th Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Clare Guildhall Surgery 2nd Monday, 9am - 12pm
Eye Fressingfield Medical Centre 2nd Monday, 9am - 12pm
9th March 2020 drop-in cancelled
Framlingham Framlingham Medical Practice 1st Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Felixstowe Haven Health Centre 3rd Monday, 9am - 12pm
Gt Cornard Cornard Surgery 3rd Thursday, 9am - 12pm
Hadleigh Health Centre 3rd Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Haverhill Haverhill Family Practice 4th Thursday, 9am - 12pm
Haverhill Clements Surgery 3rd Monday, 9am - 12pm
Holbrook Holbrook Surgery 4th Tuesday, 3pm - 5pm
Ipswich Chesterfield Drive 1st Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Ipswich Pinewood Surgery 1st Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Ipswich Martlesham Heath Surgery 1st Thursday, 9.15am - 12.15pm
Ipswich Derby Road Surgery 1st Friday, 9am - 12pm
Ipswich Two Rivers Medical Centre 2nd Monday, 9am - 12pm
Ipswich Deben Road Surgery 1st Monday, 9am - 12pm
Ipswich The Birches Medical Centre 2nd Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Ipswich Ravenswood Medical Practice 4th Monday, 9am - 12pm
Starts 27th April 2020
Ixworth Ixworth Surgery 1st Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Lakenheath Lakenheath Surgery 1st Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
4th March 2020 drop-in cancelled
Continue to next page for more GP Drop-ins...Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 23
Area GP Surgery Day & Time
Mildenhall Market Cross Surgery 1st Monday, 9am - 12pm
Newmarket Rookery Medical Centre 2nd Thursday, 9am - 12pm &
4th Monday, 9am - 12pm
Newmarket Oakfield Surgery 3rd Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Newmarket Orchard House Surgery 1st Thursday, 9am - 12pm
Needham Market Needham Market Country 3rd Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Practice
Otley Otley (Debenham Grp) Surgery 2nd Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Orford Orford (Peninsula Practices) 3rd Monday, 9.15am - 12.15pm
Surgery
Red Lodge Reynard Surgery 3rd Monday, 9am - 12pm
Saxmundham Saxmundham Health Practice 1st Thursday, 1pm - 3.30pm
Shotley Shotley Surgery 1st Thursday, 9am - 12pm
Sudbury, Lavenham Long Melford Practice 4th Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Sudbury, Long Melford Long Melford Practice 2nd Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Sudbury Glemsford Surgery 3rd Thursday, 9am - 12pm
Sudbury Hardwicke House Surgery 2nd Monday, 9am - 12pm
Sudbury Meadow Lane Surgery 1st Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Sudbury Siam Surgery 3rd Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Stanton Stanton Surgery 2nd Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Stowmarket Stowhealth 3rd Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Stowmarket Combs Ford Surgery 3rd Thursday, 9am - 12pm
Wickhambrook Wickhambrook Surgery 1st Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Woolpit Woolpit Health Centre 3rd Tuesday, 9am - 12pm
Woodbridge Framfield House Surgery 2nd Wednesday, 9am - 12pm
Woodbridge Leiston Surgery 2nd Monday, 9am - 12pm
Woodbridge Wickham Market Medical 4th Wednesday, 9.15am - 12pm
Practice
New opportunity to make contact with us
We are delighted to report that the success of the partnership working in West Suffolk GP surgeries is already being mirrored in
Ipswich & East Suffolk practices. Our advisers are available on a monthly basis at an increasing list of practices, for you to chat to,
ask questions of, or discuss issues that you may have. We are usually available in the waiting room and are easily identified by our
Suffolk Family Carers banner, clothing and ID badges.
If you feel that a longer, private conversation would be beneficial, then a one-to-one appointment can be made at your preferred
venue (usually at the surgery or at home). Anyone at the practice can refer into our service as long as they have your permission,
or you can self-refer by using our Info Line (01473 835477). After that, our dedicated Administrator will make contact with you to
discuss how you would like to proceed.
A one-to-one appointment typically lasts about 1½ hours, but the timing is driven by you and your availability. One of our accredited
Health Coaches will listen to your situation and any issues that you face, and from that will work with you to develop a plan of action
designed to help make your caring role more sustainable. The help offered can take many forms, but often involves making
referrals to other support organisations, to Social Services, to programmes and workshops run by Suffolk Family Carers and of
course we will make onward referrals to other parts of our charity, such as the Young People’s services, Hospital or Mental Health
services. We will also discuss local financial, social, emotional or health-related activities or support that we have identified may
be of benefit to you. No actions are taken unless you agree to them, so you have control over where referrals are made and who
knows about them. An email or letter outlining any agreed actions/referrals taken or made can be sent if required, so you have a
handy list of who may be in touch with you, together with a ‘to do’ list that you can work through as and when you feel able. Part of
our partnership working involves sending a summary of the meeting to your GP, so that he/she knows what happened as a
consequence of our meeting.Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 24
Programmes and Workshops
We provide a range of programmes and workshops for you if you care for
someone. To see more information on these as well as up and coming dates,
please see our website for more information. All our programmes and workshops
are FREE to registered family carers and also provide a perfect opportunity for
you to be with others in a similar situation.
Living Well with Dementia
This 4 hour workshop is especially for family carers who care for
someone with Dementia. It is designed to help family carers understand
and manage the impact of Dementia on the abilities of the person they
care for. It will provide information and advice on how to support the
person and explore coping strategies to help them in their caring role.
Sudbury
4 hour workshop, Friday 13th March 2020 from 10.30am to 2.30pm
Who’s In Charge?
This 8 week programme is for parents/carers of young people (up to the
age of 18) who experience child to parent/carer violence and/or abuse.
Programme aims include: reducing isolation, challenging feelings of guilt,
reinforcing belief in the possibility of change, clarifying boundaries and
examining strategies for creating meaningful and practical consequences
for unacceptable behaviour.
Lowestoft
8 session programme - Thursday 12th, 19th, 26th March, 23rd, 30th
April, 7th, 14th, 21st May 2020 from 10am to 12.30pm
A further course is currently being planned in Mildenhall in June.
Please do contact us for further information or to add yourself to
the waiting list.
For more information and to book your place on any of the courses, please
telephone us on 01473 835477 or email us at hello@suffolkfamilycarers.org
We may also be able to help with costs towards respite for the person you are caring for while you
attend or transport to and from the venue, if these are barriers to you attending.
Please note that we are unable to deliver programmes with less than eight attendees and that
places MUST be booked in advance.
Further programmes and workshops for April to June 2020 are currently being planned in - we will
have further information about them soon. Please have a look on our website for updates.
https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/courses-by-sfc/
We are also keen to hear from you about any courses you would like us to run on topics that you
would find helpful in your caring role. Please contact us on the details above with your ideas.Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 25 Donate If you would like to donate to us so we can support more family carers across Suffolk, please visit www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/donate-and-fundraise/ to find out ways to donate. Cheques If you prefer to send in a donation by post, please make your cheque payable to Suffolk Family Carers Limited and post it to: Marketing Team, Unit 8, Hill View Business Park, Claydon IP6 0AJ Direct into our bank If you would like to make a donation direct into our bank, please use the following details: Bank: Bank of Scotland Account Name: Suffolk Family Carers Ltd Sort code: 12-16-39 Account number: 06009876 Please send an email to finance@suffolkfamilycarers.org to let us know you have made the donation. Gift Aid If you are a tax payer and Gift Aid your donation, it means that for every £1 you give, HMRC will give Suffolk Family Carers an extra 25p. Please consider using Gift Aid. If you are able, please download a Gift Aid Declaration form and send it to us with your donation. We want to hear from you
Carers Connected - March 2020 Page 26
Get in touch with us
Postal Enquiries
Units 6, 8 & 9
Hill View Business Park
Old Ipswich Road
Claydon
Suffolk
IP6 0AJ
In Person Visits
Our Carers Space provides facilities for you to
drop in and meet with our staff to simply chat
and enjoy a coffee.
01473 835477
Information Hub
Mon: 9am - 5pm
Tues: 9am - 7.30pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thurs: 9pm - 5pm
Fri: 9am - 4.30pm
hello@suffolkfamilycarers.org
www.suffolkfamilycarers.org
Online Chat
Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1pm
Follow us on social media
Suffolk Family Carers @Suffolkcarers @Suffolkfamilycarers
Suffolk Family Carers Limited Registered Charity No.1069937
A company limited by guarantee in England No.3507600
Registered Office: Unit 8, Hill View Business Park, Claydon IP6 0AJYou can also read
