Avon and Wiltshire mental health trust makes 'positive' changes

A mental health trust criticised over the care of two patients involved in killings in 2007 has made key improvements, according to an independent report.

A review last year found Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership to be "bureaucratic and controlling".

But, the same review team said its feedback had now been acted upon.

Full Article on BBC News

Disability Living Allowance changes begin

A new system of disability benefits has begun to take effect across England, Scotland and Wales.

Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) are replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as part of the government's welfare reforms.

The government claims PIPs will target resources more effectively towards those who need it most.

Full Article on BBC News

Carers face growing financial hardship

Almost a third of people who simultaneously care for both young and older family members say they struggle to cover basic living costs, according to research from the Money Advice Service to coincide with Carers Week.

One in 10 of the UK adult population are so-called "sandwich carers" – about 4.7 million adults – and that number is expected to rise as people live longer and costs of care rise, the advice service says.

Its research highlights the financial pressures on sandwich carers with a quarter reporting they have had to cut their working hours and a further 25% saying they have had to give up work altogether. It found around half of the carers (48%) earn less than £31,200 a year.

Full Article on Guardian Money

Carers are being let down by Government, says report

Carers are being “woefully let down” when they start out and are often left with no help in their first few years in the role, research out today says.


Three quarters of carers say they were left unprepared for their caring role and eight in ten were not aware of the support available, according to a study by ten major national charities. The research into 2,100 British carers was commissioned by charities including Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, to mark today’s start of Carers Week.

Full Article on Independent

Carers struggle to exercise lasting power of attorney

The number of unpaid carers in the UK, who shoulder the responsibility of looking after a frail, ill or disabled friend or relative, stands at 6.5 million, and is set to rocket in the next couple of decades, according to figures from Carers UK.

"We estimate that it will hit 9 million by 2037 as a result of our ageing population, and the fact that people are living longer with disabilities and long-term health conditions," says Steve McIntosh, policy manager for Carers UK. "More and more of us will need help and advice to cope with the pressures caring puts on our careers and on family finances."

The number of carers providing free support has already climbed by 600,000, or around 11%, in the past decade. This hidden army, which saves the nation a staggering £119bn each year, is the focus of Carers Week, starting on 10 June, which is a partnership of nine charities aimed at increasing awareness of the emotional, physical and financial impact of taking on this role.

Full Article on Guardian Money

Specialised Health Services Clinical Reference Groups: Patient and Carer Member Recruitment

NHS England has opened the second wave of recruitment for patient and carer members of its Clinical Reference Groups for 2013/14. For a full list of CRGs who are still recruiting members please follow the link below.  Voluntary sector organisations are well placed to suggest clients and carers they know about with relevant expertise who would be keen to influence development of these groups. Information below (and on https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/application/crg-patient) about involvement in the clinical reference groups, from NHS England:

CRGs are responsible for providing NHS England with clinical advice regarding specialised services, and for promoting equity of access to high quality services for all patients, regardless of where they live. CRGs are also at the forefront of the drive to spearhead innovation, working with clinical leaders, patients and suppliers to identify and promote best practice; scanning the horizon for new treatment approaches; and taking action to improve patient experience and outcomes in the NHS.

This is an exciting time to join a CRG, as they take their place within the new commissioning structures of the NHS. The accompanying Guide to CRGs and Information Pack for Patients and Carers will provide you with more, detailed information about their work; where they sit within NHS England, and what it means to be a patient and carer member of a CRG. If you are interested in applying to be a patient or carer member, you will also find an application form which you can complete online. The closing date for applications for membership is 13 June 2013.

To find out more about becoming a patient or carer member of one of these groups, please go to the following link https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/application/crg-patient where you will find the list of CRGs we are still recruiting to, a Guide to CRGs, an Information Pack and application form.

Carer Support open day

AN open day for carers is being held at Carer Support Wiltshire’s centre in New Street, Salisbury, on Tuesday, June 11.

The event is part of Carers Week 2013 and will offer people the chance to drop in and chat with a support worker to get help and advice about their caring role.

There will also be an opportunity to buy plants and books at the charity’s fundraising stall at the centre.

As part of Carers Week, there will also be a Wiltshire Council road show visiting the Old George Mall on the same day.

Article from Salisbury Journal