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Newsletter: Rethink News

Summer 2008

Carers Week 2008
Ulverscroft Grange
Local Rethink short listed for NHS Award
Welcome to our Team
Assistance Required

 

Carers Week 2008

This years theme is carers can't afford to be ill, I'm sure this is a statement many of you will agree with. The results from the 2008 carers week survey will be available shortly, should you wish to see these results please contact the office or speak to your carers support worker.

Rethink Leicestershire County Carers service are planning a picnic in the park for carers week this year, so we are hoping for good weather.

Some carers have suggested having a day out in September. We would like to ask you for some ideas/suggestions as to where and what you would like to do - there may be a nominal fee to pay depending on what is decided.

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Ulverscroft Grange

Have you ever thought "what I would not give for a just a few hours peace and quiet, no demands, time to think, just time out for me". Imagine, relaxing in an armchair whilst someone made you coffee. Someone saying to you "just go for a walk if you want, whilst we cook you a home made two course lunch", now put your feet up while we make you a nice cup of tea. Would you like a piece of cake with your tea".

It is our privilege to say that is exactly what Rethink and the Shuttleworth Foundation managed to achieve for 24 carers on the 5 February this year, at Ulverscroft Grange and manor. We had sole use of both houses for the day. All were treated like royalty and for a change were cared for rather than being the carer. Woodland walks and the opportunity to explore the grounds were taken up, as were exchanges of visitors between the two buildings.

We are pleased to say that we have exclusive use of the Grange and Manor again on Wednesday 18 June.

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Local Rethink mental health carers' services is short-listed for East Midlands NHS Health & Social Care Awards

Rethink TeamRethink Leicestershire County and Rutland Carers' Service, were short-listed for the Mental Health and Wellbeing category of the NHS Health and Social Care Award scheme. The scheme has been set up across ten regions in the UK including the East Midlands as part of the NHS 60th anniversary celebrations. Unfortunately Rethink did not win the overall award but did receive a certificate presented to them by Sir John Brigstock KCB, Chairman of the NHS East Midlands.

Rethink carers support service is run by mental health charity Rethink in partnership with the local NHS Trust.

David Barsby, Rethink Service Manager said:

"I am very proud of the team and I believe that it is an achievement to reach the finals. The project has managed to let many carers see they are not on their own, that their situation is not unique and that there are others 'out there' experiencing exactly the same issues, problems, stresses, anxieties, pain or anguish. To some, knowing there is a support network available to them, has literally saved them from their desperate situations.

Many people who are in a caring role do not identify themselves as a carer, they are a wife, husband, father or mother caring for and supporting the person they love and don't realise there is help available as a 'carer'. We are particularly pleased that we have successfully managed to reach many people within the Leicestershire area with the message."

One of the key things the service provides for carers is a respite service - providing care for the person with a mental health problem whilst their carer has a break, helping to prevent the carer also becoming ill.

The Mental Health Shop is an online resource for mental health publications, leaflets, booklets, videos, DVD;s and more. Jointly founded in 2006 by Mental Health Media and Rethink, the Mental Health Shop is funded with the kind support of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales.

For more information on the Awards contact the NHS Communications Team on 0115 968 4468 or log onto www.healthandsocialcareawards.org.uk and click on 'East Midlands'.

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Welcome to our Team

Hi, my name is Paul. I'm 33 years old and live with my partner Clare and little Jack Russell dog called Jasper. I originally starting life in Birmingham and the West Midlands. I have worked mainly within financial services with a variety of roles such as call centres, mortgage sales and compliance. I became disillusioned with the financial services industry after chasing dangling carrots. If you've ever watched 'the apprentice', this will give you some insight, although not quite the same. I decided to start my own business selling a fantastic range of fashion jewellery and accessories, with some female input of course. I find growing my own carrots is more more interesting, rewarding and healthy for you. So why am I here? Whilst doing all this I've been studying an Open University degree, which led to a fascination with human behaviour and mental health work. I have since gained other useful work experience as a Support Worker on the NHS bank. That's my journey so far and it only just the beginning.

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Assistance Required

I have been racking my brains as to how we could improve this newsletter.

I have a couple of ideas, favourite recipes, your best holiday destination or even the best holiday you've ever had, favourite pet pictures, hints and tips on how to look after the car, ie how to fill the screen wash, checking the oil. Any household cleaning tips. Also any gardening tips as we are in the gardening. Please give me a few ideas.

Anyway to start this off, here is a tip with regards to cleaning the windows on the car/mirrors, well really any type of glass. It is cheap and good for the environment. it does take a little bit of elbow grease so we can get fit at the same time and it is cheaper than going to the gym.

With a damp cloth wipe the windows/mirror, don't allow the window to dry, then using a scrunched up piece of newspaper, rub the window until dry or no smears can be seen. Do this inside out. The grafite on the newspaper does the cleaning.

If you have any ideas you would like to share please contact Karina on 01530 276525. Or you may have an idea on how we could improve the newsletter for you. So please do not hesitate to contact me.

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