JULY AND AUGUST 2001 THE CHEPSTOW AND CALDICOT CARERS' SUPPORT GROUP The Resource Centre, 5a, Church Road, Caldicot. NP26 4BP. Telephone 01291-420666 or 01291-420602 Dear Carers, Well that's another Carers Week over - It has been very enjoyable and a huge success. Throughout the activities we have identified about 25 new carers who are now in touch with information and support. The whole of our Special Carers Day went well and thanks to the National Lottery we all enjoyed a wonderful buffet from Cresta Caterers of Aberdare. (They are the resident caterers of City Hall, Cardiff). The talk from Maggie Titterton of the Carers National Association (shortly to be renamed Carers Wales) was very interesting. There is much that is happening for carers, but much more to come! The CNA will fight on our behalf for changes that will benefit both carer and cared for so I do urge all carers to join the CNA as the more members they have the louder their voice. I have forms if any one would like one. The complimentary therapists were kept busy all day and we do thank them sincerely for their time that they give to us. The afternoon finished with a relaxing flower arranging session from Jane Thompson at Anne Thomas Flowers who generously donated the wonderful creations she made for a raffle. The balloon race went off well - eventually. It took quite some time to blow up 200 balloons even with a cylinder of gas! However, we shall now have to wait for one month before we know who the winner is. We sold virtually all the balloons and together with the raffle at carers day have made about £250 for the groups funds. At this moment in time we have had several balloon cards sent back already. The health checks went well. We had 11 in Caldicot and 8 in Chepstow. I am pleased to say that we didn't pick up any one with a spiralling BP or Blood Sugar. They were all fit! However, it was a great exercise that gave the message that you and your health does matter. It was also I think an awareness raising session for the nurses who were doing the health checks. I am sure that they now understand the carers' role a little better and we know that they are also someone who carers can turn to for support. Thank you to all who helped with the stall in Caldicot Market. Most of the rush was in the morning. Thanks also to the people who gave time to come to the stand in the Community Hospital. Many leaflets have been picked up as a result and some carers have made contact. Now some new information for everyone. Hermione Ford (carer) sent me info on a new website for those who have a computer and on the internet It is called www.youreable.com which has loads of information for people with disabilities including equipment, travel, motoring, work, money, discounts, computing and health. I looked at the travel section and there is plenty of accessible accommodation for holidays. If you are on the internet have a look. If you haven't you can go to the library and have a go. I am currently awaiting some information on adapted clothes for easier dressing and toileting from a young girl who is setting up a business called DressSense, which was advertised in the CNA Wales magazine. She is hopefully sending it by the next meeting and I will bring it along. This is our subscription month, so now is the time to join or rejoin the group for another year. Subscription is £6 which helps to cover costs such as rent, telephone, newsletters and postage. You do not have to come to meetings, but it means that you stay in touch with much information that will enable you to care to the best of your ability. Coming to meetings does make you realise that you are not on your own. It is sometimes useful to talk to other carers who are doing the same job as you and feeling the same emotions too. Contact one of the numbers above if you wish to join the group. For the benefit of our new carers, we have access to a computer course for beginners at Boverton House every other Thursday, which coincides with our meeting each month. This is going to develop into a weekly class, so if you are interested come along and have a go. You do not need any experience. If you already know a little about computers, still come along and have a chat with Vicki the tutor. Some wonderful news - Alison Short our vice chairman and carer has had an invitation for her and her husband to attend The Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Our next meeting is on Thursday the 5th of July with our speaker in the afternoon being Helen Nield, who is going to tell us about home first aid and emergencies. For transport to meetings contact Nan Smith on 01291-421665 or Alison Short on 01291-623771. Best wishes, Patsy Lewis.