We want YOUR feedback about our Carers Groups!

Carer Support Wiltshire run many groups across the county which include carer cafés, creative groups, structured informative groups, and specialised groups, including, mental health and parent carer.

Most of the groups we facilitate are very popular and well supported by carers. However, in some of the areas in Wiltshire we are not running as many groups as we would like to. Therefore, we are not reaching as many carers who may want to access our service.

As a result of this, Carer Support Wiltshire are beginning to think about how we can offer a more equal service throughout Wiltshire and we would very much like to receive feedback from carers who attend our groups...

• What is good about the groups?
• What could be improved?
• What information and advice you would like to see in future groups?

At each group we run we will be taking evaluation forms so that we can find out what you would like to see in future. As we begin to review our groups we will keep you fully informed. This process is around improving our service to you, reaching more carers, and listening to what you have to say about how we can provide a better, more equal program across Wiltshire.

To send your feedback, please email Tom Blowers (Service Delivery Team Leader) on Tom@carersinwiltshire.co.uk or call 0800 181 4118.

Parents should pool resources to combat cuts in respite care

While most of us are enjoying our summer holidays, parents with disabled children are finding it tougher to access the respite care they desperately need for them and the rest of their family to have a break from their 24/7 caring roles.

According to research by the learning disability charity Mencap earlier this year, 29% of local authorities have cut short-break services for children with a learning disability over the past three years. Yet for many families traditional respite services are not suitable.

Full Article on Guardian Society

Community treatment orders are not helping people with mental illness

The health select committee reports today on the implementation and operation of the 2007 Mental Health Act. Campaigns such as Time to Change have made a real difference in tackling the stigma around mental illness but there continue to be long-term implications for those who have been detained under the Mental Health Act.

It had been hoped that the introduction of community treatment orders (CTOs) would help to reduce the use of compulsory detention in hospital. It was predicted that 10% of people admitted under the act could instead be discharged and treated in the community under compulsory supervision and that it would reduce the risk of readmission. In 2008-09 when the provisions came into force there were 42,208 detentions for assessment or treatment but this had risen to 44,894 in 2011-12.

Full Article on Guardian Commentisfree

Councils braced for 'huge rise' in demand for support due to welfare cuts

Four out of five households receiving benefits will need extra help from councils to help them cope with the drop in income they face under the government’s welfare reforms, research has found.

The Local Government Association (LGA) warned that councils could be forced to reduce spending on social care and other key services if the coalition fails to provide local authorities with the resources needed to meet the extra demand for support.

Households claiming benefit will see their income fall by an average of £1,614 per year by 2015/16 under the reforms, according to an analysis carried out for the LGA.

Full Article on Community Care

CONSULTATION: Caring for our future - implementing funding reform

The Department of Health are seeking views on the practical details of how the changes to the funding system should happen and be organised locally. They are interested in hearing what you think about topics such as:

• how the capped costs system should work
• how deferred payments should be administered
• how we can help people make informed choices about their care and support

The reforms to care funding are one part of a wider programme that will put individuals’ wellbeing at the heart of care and support services, and put them more in control of their lives.

Read more and respond on Gov.uk

Spare room subsidy: funding update

The government announced an additional £35m in-year funding to help claimants affected by changes to housing benefit in the social sector who need extra support.

The government today (30 July 2013) announced an additional £35m in-year funding to help claimants affected by changes to housing benefit in the social sector who need extra support.

Full News Release on Gov.uk

EVENT: Activity Swap for Older People's Day - Wed 2nd October 2013

To celebrate Older People's Day on Wednesday 2nd October we are hosting an Activity Swap day at Devizes Corn Exchange!

The main focus of the event is to swap skills between older and younger people to help bridge the gap between the generations.

Fun activities for the day will include:

• Playing on the Nintendo Wii (w/ Salisbury City Council)
• Zumba
• Cookery (w /Peter Vaughan) 
• New Age Kurling (w/ Age UK Wiltshire)
• Bagatelle (w/ Alzheimer's Support)
• Tai Chi
• Mixed crafts: Needlework Embroidery, Cross-stitch, Crochet etc.

Along with lots of discussions and a chance to find out a bit more about Carer Support Wiltshire and the work we do supporting older carers in the County.

Refreshments available. No need to book, just turn up on the day!

For more details, get in touch with our Events Coordinator Debbie on 0800 181 4118 or email info@carersinwiltshire.co.uk