Chepstow & Caldicot Carers Support Group
NEWSLETTER
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CARERS' SUPPORT GROUP
Telephone Patsy Lewis on 01291-420602 Dear Carers, Our meeting at Dewstow Golf Club in November was with Gareth Jones, a young man with a disability, his carer, and his right hand "man" - Hero his dog. Hero is trained to do many tasks for Gareth to enable him to be as independent as possible. We were well entertained and informed by them showing us what he was capable of doing - putting clothes in the washing machine, taking them out, dragging the basket to the washing line, helping Gareth to dress and undress, and when shopping, getting Gareth's wallet out of the wheel chair bag for him and putting it back. He was a real star and quite oblivious to his fame on the afternoon! The organisation that Hero came from was Canine Partners for Independence, and Hero is the first dog from this organisation in Wales. For more information contact: Canine Partners for Independence,It was a lovely meeting altogether with a nice setting and an enjoyable lunch. Judy and Anne our two Domiciliary Therapeutic Care ladies came for the morning. One issue I would like to bring up that I am sure many carers are faced with. You, or the person you care for are sometimes referred to organisations for a service or support. It is sometimes weeks before you hear from the organisation, even though they have received the referral. Wouldn't it be nice if they contacted you to say that they have had a referral but unfortunately due to whatever, they cannot call on you yet? Carers and Users are left if the dark, not knowing what is happening or who is coming to see them and when. Also, if these people have to cancel their appointment, a telephone call would be appreciated to let you know they are not coming. It is so frustrating for a carer to stay at home on what could be their only day of respite in the week, waiting for someone who never arrives! These are issues that we must take up with all agencies, statutory or other. There is an interesting article in the Carers UK magazine this month. It is about the Health Service and Hospital Discharge and what it is not doing for carers. Carers are not properly involved in the discharge planning. They lack information, are not supported once the patient comes home and not given a choice over whether they can take on a caring responsibility. I think many of you can relate to this. This will be another subject we shall be tackling in our programme this year. And now, Carers who are interestedin learning computers. You know that every Thursday at 9:30am our carers have a computer class at Boverton House. Now the Outreach Computer Service is being extended and if you cannot get away from home but would like to have a go at computers from scratch, this service will come to your home with a lap top computer. You do not need to know anything about computers at all, just the will to have a go. Please contact Boverton House and ask for Vicky or her colleague on 01291-626309. Some more Websites: The Mental Health Foundation is at www.mentalhealth.org.uk, and an associated website called simply 'Connects' can be found at www.connects.org.uk. You will find some very useful links from these sites to other mental health organisations. Bryan, the Caerwentcom.com webmaster, has put them as active links on our index page. (Incidentally, if you have any questions about the internet or need advice about setting up a web site, feel free to call Bryan on 01291-422276. He's very approachable, explains things in clear English and there's no charge, especially to Carers!) The Bath Shopping Trip was a great success. The coach was full and we all enjoyed a lovely day out. Thanks to all who supported it. If you want a chat I am at Gray Hill Surgery on Monday and Wednesday mornings from lOam - 12mid-day. Anyone, members or not, can come and see me there. Ring 01291-420282 for an appointment or take a chance and pop in! For transport to meetings contact Nan Smith on 01291-421665 or Alison Short on 01291-623771.
Best wishes, and a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL CARERS
Patsy Lewis. |