January 2019: news for carers in York
News
Carer awareness training in the new year
Would your organisation benefit from knowing how to support carers you come into contact with, or carers who are in your workforce? We offer free carer awareness training at City Of York Council, the next session is Monday 3 February 1.30 to 4.30pm. Contact Sam sam.varo@nhs.net to book.
Young carer awareness day
It’s young carer awareness day on Thursday 30 January 2020, a national event which calls on schools to identify young carers so that they can be offered the support they need. If you are a school, or know a school who would like help to mark the day, we’d love you to get in touch on amy.copeland@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk/ycc2 or see www.carers.org/young-carers-awareness-day-2020 for ideas and information.
Our regular services
Carer hubs in January
Join us at one of our friendly community meet ups for free refreshments and the opportunity to chat to staff and carers. You are welcome to bring the person you care for.
· The Carers Café is on Wednesday 15 January 10 to 11.30am at St Sampson’s Centre, York
· Haxby Hub is Thursday 16 January at Costa Coffee Haxby from 10 to 11.30am
· Acomb Hub is Friday 24 January at the new venue of Foxwood Community Centre, Cranfield Place, Acomb.
Substance misuse support group
A monthly group for people affected by someone else’s substance misuse, to drop in for information and guidance. The next session is Wednesday 15 January from 1.30 to 3.30pm, in the Community Room at Tesco Askham Bar. If you’re new to the group please phone us for an initial appointment with the group facilitator beforehand.
Mental health carers groups
We now offer two groups for family members and carers of someone with a mental health condition:
· York Mental Health Carers: Wednesday 8 January from 7 to 9pm at 30 Clarence Street where consultant psychiatrist Steve Wright will lead a discussion on psychosis and schizophrenia.
· Mental health carer drop in: Wednesday 29 January, drop in anytime from 6 to 8pm at Slug and Lettuce, Back Swinegate (we sit near the Grape Lane entrance).
Carers Action Group
A small group of carers come together to raise issues affecting them, and plan to influence or directly make positive changes. New members are always welcome, if you are interested in this group please contact us 01904 715490. The next meeting is on Wednesday 15 January from 10am to 12pm at Quaker Meeting House, Friargate.
Evening Advice Line
Speak to our advisors about benefits, rights and community care; every Wednesday evening from 5pm to 8pm on 01904 715490.
News from other services
Mental health support over Christmas
The Haven@30 Clarence Street will be open to offer mental health support every evening over the holiday season. Anyone struggling with their mental health, or their family members/carer can call in between 6 to 11 pm. Contact the Haven on 07483 141 310 or 01904 553 850, or email haven.mhm@nhs.net . The Haven is at 30 Clarence Street, York, YO31 7EW (opposite the Union Terrace Coach Park).
Do you know what mental health support is available locally?
Find out at the ‘Connecting our City’ event on Friday 7 February at Temple Hall, York St John. Drop in between 2.30 to 6.30pm to speak to local statutory and voluntary sector support services, have free refreshments and find out what’s available locally to help improve your mental health and wellbeing. For more information contact sarah.hopkins3@nhs.net at Tess, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust or converge@yorksj.ac.uk .
Autism and behaviour course for parents
A course for parents of children with autism, or whose children are on the pathway for an autism assessment, is available on Saturday January 18 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the City of York Council’s West Offices. The trainer is Geoff Evans. The course costs £5 or donation, and bookings/payments should be made via York Inspirational Kids by contacting ruth@keyworking.co.uk .
Dementia friendly activities
Mindfulness sessions: a friendly mindfulness group promoting the wellbeing of those with dementia and their family/carers takes place at Clements Hall meeting room, on the third Tuesday of the month from 1.30 to 3pm. There is no charge, donation appreciated but not compulsory. Contact Susie.mackenzie@btinternet.com or 01904 785948 for information and before coming for the first time.
Dance sessions: York St John University invites people with dementia and their families/carers for free weekly creative movement and dance classes in the dance studio. All welcome, no experience necessary, people are free to move at their own pace, including those who need to remain seated. Wednesdays from 1.30 to 2.30pm with tea and coffee afterwards, contact Elaine Harvey for information on 07881 922343 or e.harvey@yorksj.ac.uk .
Free dementia course
‘#DementiaDo The Basics’ is a half day NHS course open for anyone to attend free of charge, at the Priory Street Centre on Wednesday 22 January from 1.30 to 4.30pm. For information and bookings see www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dementiado-the-basics-tickets
Help to pay fuel bills
If you’re struggling to afford energy bills, you might be able to take advantage of certain benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers. In particular, warm home discount scheme and cold weather payments that families on Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance may be eligible for. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply for more information.
Free courses at York St John
Adults who have used mental health services can apply for free, short courses with Converge at York St John. Courses in art, dance, creative writing and more are available one again from January. No experience necessary, contact converge@yorksj.ac.uk or visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/converge for information and enrolments.
Connect Café
Yorsensory who provide support for sight and hearing loss offer a regular Connect Café, connecting you with services and people who can support sensory impairment. The next café is Thursday 16 January 10.30am to 12pm, there will be a speaker from North Yorkshire Fire Safety. Contact 01904 202292 or enquiry@yorsensory.org.uk to book or for information.
More about York Carers Centre
York Carers Centre helps unpaid carers in York find the support they need.
For more information or advice phone us on 01904 715490 or email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk/ycc2.
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We pass on information from other relevant organisations that may be of interest to carers. This does not necessarily mean that we recommend or endorse the views expressed in them.
