Carers week in Norwich

[maureenho]

Lovely pic's Liz, Thank you.

[chenrezig]

Really good one of you Mo.

Liz xx

[maureenho]

It's because you took the photo Liz  o904

[maureenho]

We had a good chat with Derek James a Journalist for EEN also the Sheriff of Norwich and said he would see what he could do to help promote computers4carer's etc;.

[wendy]

He was really interested in what we are doing.

[chenrezig]

Went back again after a bit, bumped into a lady who looks after her hubby, gave her one of the cards...then saw  her again on the bus on the way home..nice to see her...

And had a chat with those jobcentre advisers that I spotted, they do a lot more one-to-one with ex-carers, carers who want to do a bit of paid work...better than the more public part of the jobcentre.. lucky if you get five mins with the other advisers ... didn't tell them my name mind... lol See if the "promise" holds up next time I see them...

Liz

[chenrezig]

Carers Week in Norwich

...try this link... wait for the add to run and it's about 6-7 mins into the prog...

http://www.itv.com/anglia/fullprogramme/

Liz

[wendy]

brilliant thanks Liz.
You can move the thingy along the bottom for 9.47
than999

I do hope you can watch, it is very good.

[chenrezig]

http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/ne ... 3A02%3A493

Carers being forced into 'life of isolation'

Thousands of carers are being forced into a lifetime of isolation and loneliness as an increasing number of people “give up everything” to look after a loved one.

A shocking new report released to mark Carers Week revealed that three quarters of the people looking after ill, frail or disabled people do not have a life outside their caring role.Out of the 81,000 carers in Norfolk at least 80pc of them have had to give up leisure and social activities to become a full time carer and miss out on opportunities the rest of the population takes for granted.

Calls have been made for the government to provide more support to carers who say they feel “marginalised and invisible” on a daily basis.At an event to mark the launch of Carers Week at the Forum in Norwich popular television actress Lynda Bellingham called on the government to do more to recognise the role of carers.She said: “The role of carers is so significant but the government does not seem to realise their significance. We have a great health system but the emphasis is not always in the right place and this needs to change.”

Many carers are unpaid and exact figures are unknown but it is estimated one in seven of the Norfolk population dedicate their lives to a sick relative or friend and there is between an estimated 250 to 600 child carers in the county, their role being carried out before and after school.The care can range from doing washing and cleaning to dressing, bathing and feeding some one and being on call day and night.The survey, carried out by Carers Week - a partnership of a large numbers of charities and organisations including Carers UK, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Parkinson's UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The majority of those surveyed can no longer rely on relatives for support either, as these relationships have suffered as a result of caring - 75pc say they have lost touch with family and friends since caring for some one else and many are unable to socialise, to have romantic relationships or to even consider having children.

The EDP We Care Appeal works to relieve the elderly, infirm, sick or disabled in Norfolk through the provision of financial and practical support to their carers either individually or through carers groups.Paddy Seligman, chairwoman of the We Care Appeal, said: “There are so many unpaid carers out there who literally give up everything to care for some one they love.“What is particularly sad is that there are a number of elderly people who look after some one else but they are in desperate need of help themselves.“The situation is not as gloomy as it was a few years ago as there are more helplines and organisations which can help but a lot of people don't know what help is out there.“There is a big difference in the type of care and financial support people are offered and this is confusing for carers.”

Paul Matz, Carers Week manager, said: “Carers need and deserve change. We need to see better access to advice and information, improved funding for breaks, and support and flexibility for carers at the workplace. Only then will carers get a real chance at a life of their own, and the opportunity to do some of the things that the rest of us take for granted.”


Liz

…what they do not mention is pushing for back-up for Carers after caring ends…

[wendy]

so true and that is why a computer can make a difference.
than999

[maureenho]

I agree Liz there doesn't seem to be much for carer's when caring comes to and end.

[annie]

Our Carers Contact in Burnley keeps bereaved carers on the books for 3 years after the death of their loved ones. They can access support, trips ansd activities, there is also a bereaved carers group
call 01282 704604 for details

[wendy]

all they expect you to do is go back to work.  That is what happened to me anyway, and I just could not do it.

[wendy]

Meeting Grommit at Lathams on the Norfolk Broads, for Carers Week

He is Derek and his wife is Jean, they have been members of chill for many years and they are on holiday in a boat on the Norfolk Broads.  Derek has to care for Jean's every need.

there is me, Jean, Barry and Derek

[wendy]

2

[Hal]

than999

[graham]

Great piccies...thanks.

I notice your comment Liz & was very interested in it.

'' …what they do not mention is pushing for back-up for Carers after caring ends… ''


I would be interested to know if you mean back up for ex  carers in financial terms or perhaps some emotional support ..... perhaps something else. Clearly the former is restricted to a few weeks of carers allowance & precious little else. It is difficult to see what else could be done. As far as the latter is concerned in my experience in this area  there is nothing unless one chooses to 'source help' from other Agencies. We are all different of course. Some just want to move on....either into Employment, or voluntary work ( £ allowing )...others just want to 'batten down the hatches' for a few months to recover from it all. Oddly my experience was a bit of a mixture.
As we all know our economy is close to collapse. My fear is that directing precious resources ( whatever that might be )  toward 'ex
carers' like me will inevitably lead to less being available for  'live carers'... I say that because there will clearly be no 'new money' for a decade or more. It's a difficult one.   

[Noreen]

just great but did you not get a photo takien with Lynda Bellingham Wendy the one with Maureen & Lynda is gret the one with a few of you are they all carers than999 than999 than999

[maureenho]

Nice to be able to put face to name.

than999

[maureenho]

Norfolk's unsung heroes revealed
SARAH HALL

Last updated: 15/06/2010 17:00:00

Every day thousands of people selflessly care for their loved ones and many are not aware there is a wide range of support and help available to them.

SARAH HALL attended the launch of Carers Week and met some of the unsung heroes.

It is estimated there are about 81,000 people in Norfolk who care for a relative, friend or neighbour and give up at least 50 hours a week to support them.

Some have never had a holiday and many have had to give up their jobs, education and social life to become the sole carer of a relative.

While some are registered as carers and therefore entitled to benefits and support, there are many who do not even realise they are officially carers.

In recognition of their often unsung and unpaid efforts Norfolk County Council and the Carers Agency Partnership have teamed up to host a series of events, kicking off at the Forum in Norwich yesterday where a range of charities and organisations showcased their work to hundreds of carers and their families.

One of the country's favourite actresses, Lynda Bellingham, launched the event and made calls for the government to do more to recognise the vital role of carers in society.

Lynda has first hand experience of caring, as her mother Ruth had dementia. The 61-year-old said: “Sometimes people become carers inadvertently, they are caring for a mother, father, sister or brother because they love them, but it is actually a full time job.

“The role of carers is so significant but the government does not seem to realise their significance. We have a great health system but the emphasis is not always in the right place and this needs to change.

“Our population is getting older by the week which means there are more and more people who will need caring for. I will do what I can to raise awareness and ensure the work of carers is recognised.”

The range of carers registered in the county is astounding - the youngest is just three years old and there are many in their 70s and 80s who struggle to leave the house because they are caring for a husband or wife who suffers severe dementia.

There are also a large number of people who care for others with mental health problems.

Sonia Barnes, 49, was a teacher but she suffered a nervous breakdown and had mental health problems .

She lost her job, her home and her partner within a very short space of time and felt as though she had nowhere to turn before she became reacquainted with an old friend who became her carer. She said she could not have coped if it had not been for the care she received from 58-year-old Trevor Barnes.

“Some days I could barely put one foot in front of the other,” she said. “I have known Trevor since I was a child and he became my carer. I need some one to support me mentally - some days are good, other days I struggle to function and I need his help constantly.

“With mental health it is difficult because there is so much stigma surrounding it - there are many people who care for people with depression or bipolar disorder but they are not recognised.”

The couple married last year and live in Acland Mews in Norwich and Trevor said he is the only one who knows how to cope with his wife's problems.

“When she is down I can see it coming,” he said. “It's my role to help her in any way I can. For me it's something I have to do and a lot of carers are in that situation.

“I can't get certain benefits because I also work.”

The information fair at the forum was attended by many organisations which offer support to carers such as Mind care support service, British Red Cross, Norwich and district carers forum and the Norfolk coalition of disabled people.

Maria Plumb, helpline co-ordinator for Norfolk Carers Helpline and one of the event organisers, said: “There are thousands of carers out there who don't realise there is help available to them. We have had a fabulous turn out and a lot of interest from carers - for many it is a rare chance for them to get out and meet others who are in similar situations.”

Information fairs will also be in Thetford, Fakenham, Holt, Wymondham and Great Yarmouth this week.


http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/ ... 3A18%3A860

[wendy]

Yes Noreen, all carers

Sonia Barnes was the lady with the bouquet who came up to our table with her husband a few times in the morning.

[GinGems]

0okn Noooooooo!!  34m I hate it when days just roll into other days (and weeks) and then realise I've missed something I'd planned to do but hadn't written it on calendar grrr (kicking myself here) sorry guys that I missed the meet up at Potter Heigham and the launch of Carers Week at the Forum... perhaps someone will personally remind me next time such things happen please and if I can remember I'll book John into respite for Carers Week next year!!

[wendy]

Memories
ca99

[maureenho]

33900  ca99

[chenrezig]

ca99 gpr