Monday, 21 May 2012

EVENT: Mencap Personalisation Event


PersonalisationEvent
 
Time: 10am – 2.30pm

Date: Thursday 14th June

Location:  Bath City Football Club Bath FC, Twerton Park, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1DB

Mencap is running a free information event for individuals with a learning disability, families and carers. The event will provide help and advice aboutpersonal budgets in BANES.  There will be real life examples from BANES families, and the chance to meet other families in the same situation. 

Getting a personal budget can be a big change for people with a learning disability and their families and carers.  Mencap aims to help make it as easy as possible for people to get the right support and to live their lives the way they choose.

The event will run from 10am until 2.30 pm at Bath City Football Club Bath. 

You can reserve your place by contacting Lisa Molloy on 07432 695 145 or by emailing lisa.molloy@mencap.org.uk

Councils 'failing to assess needs of carers of people with autism'

Only one in five carers of people with autism have ever received the local authority assessment of their needs to which they are legally entitled, according to a major survey of carers' needs.

Of more than 5,500 carers who filled in an online survey for the National Autistic Society (NAS), 80% said they had never been through the assessment process, which local authorities are obliged to provide and which helps them obtain the right assistance. Only 26% of those who responded said they received any help at all from a council or health authority.

More widely, campaign groups warn that poor information about support services coupled with spending cuts and wider economic worries have caused significant difficulties. "We call it a perfect storm for carers," said Emily Holzhauser, policy director for Carers UK.

"Those juggling work and care feel more under pressure at work, benefits are under review and we also have rising charges and changes to services. The pressure is really loading up on families, and we see that through our helpline – we're getting calls from very distressed people."

Full Article on Guardian 

Patients promised online GP booking by 2015

Patients in England will be able to book GP appointments and get test results online within three years, ministers are promising.

The moves are part of an Information Strategy designed to "take the hassle out of the health service".

Online communications between patients and their doctors is already happening in some places.

But the strategy sets out plans to ensure there is universal adoption of digital technologies.

The Department of Health is also encouraging the NHS and private companies to develop new health apps for smart phones and tablet computers.

Full Article on BBC News

Carer Mulligan supports bid to raise dementia awareness

A poll has suggested more than four out of 10 people know - or have known - someone with dementia.
The Yougov survey indicates strong concern about dementia across all ages.

It suggests young adults are most likely to want to learn more about the condition.

The Oscar-nominated actress, Carey Mulligan, whose grandmother has Alzheimer's, has become an "ambassador" for the Alzheimer's Society to help promote awareness of the condition.

Carey's grandmother - who she calls Nans - was diagnosed with Alzheimer's eight years ago. The actress, who is now 26, spent many happy childhood holidays staying with her, and says they were very close.

Full Article on BBC News

Friday, 18 May 2012

Mental health and armed forces charities call for more research into the impact of mental ill health on Armed Forces families

Armed Forces families must be better supported to deal with the emotional and psychological impact of deployment, according to a report released today by Centre for Mental Health.

The report, Unsung Heroes, also calls for urgent research into alcohol misuse, domestic violence and the impact of mental health problems on the partners and children of Service personnel and veterans. 

The report, which is supported by The Royal British Legion and the veteran’s mental health charity Combat Stress, argues that while progress is being made to address the psychological needs of Service personnel and veterans themselves, the practical and emotional impact on their partners and children must also be taken into consideration. 

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Caring About Carers Awards 22/06/12

Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) – CARING ABOUT CARERS AWARDS

Do you look after a relative or friend who is sick, disabled, frail or has a problem with alcohol and/or drugs?

IF YES… then you know how help from your GP and their practice can make all the difference.

The Royal College of General Practitioners, in partnership with The Carers Trust, are looking to find GPs and/or Practice Teams who provide the best support to unpaid carers.

Nominate your GP or Practice Team for this special award by telling us how they support you in your caring role. To obtain a nomination form either email: scourt@rcgp.org.uk or telephone on 029 20 504854.

Download more details

The nomination form will ask for the following information:
  1. your name, address and telephone number
  2. your Doctor’s name or Practice Team’s contact details
  3. how they support you in your caring role
The closing date for entries is Friday 22nd June 2012

You can also write to:
Caring About Carers Award 2012
RCGP Wales
FREEPOST SWC3779
Cardiff
CF10 4GZ

Alternatively you can email caringaboutcarers@rcgp.org.uk

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

EVENT: What's replacing DLA?

Disability Living Allowance is set to finish on April 2013 onwards, both the mobility and care components. All of us as disabled people under 65 will have to apply for Personal Independence Plan Funding instead.

How much do you know about the changes which became Law under the Welfare Reform Act 2012?

Will you be eligible for PIP?

How will it be assessed?

How can you prepare?

Come and hear Wiltshire CIL's Specialist Speaker, Robbie Spence, from Disability Rights UK in London and discuss together how you can influence it.

MONDAY 11TH JUNE 2012 10.30AM till 12.30PM 
DEVIZES SPORTS CLUB, London Road, Devizes SN10 2DB

Travel costs can be claimed. Help with transport arrangements available. The venue is wheelchair accessible with ample parking. A loop system available if requested. Please email info@wiltshirecil.org.uk or telephone 01380 725400 to book.