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Ch ices
Issue 114 March 2021
The newsletter of
Carers’ Resource
Bradford: 01274 449660 Skipton: 01756 700888 Harrogate: 01423 500555
A spring
in our step
With bulbs sprouting through the ground and the
first signs of spring in the air, many of us will be
looking forward to longer days, brighter skies and
being outside a little more. As part of our continued
efforts to reduce isolation and to offer support to
a wide range of carers with varied interests and
hobbies, we are delighted that we have been able
to secure a large allotment plot in Bradford.
Situated at Undercliffe Allotments, our volunteers and staff. There’s loads
on the junction of Killinghall Road of potential and opportunity, with many
and Northcote Road, the plot has been varied skills needed so I really hope that
untended for over a decade and is very the project can lift the spirits of many!”
overgrown. We aren’t deterred by this
We have a steering group that will
as we know that with help and support
lead on the project – if you can offer
from our local community, the carers we
DIY skills, gardening experience,
support, staff and volunteers, we can
design flair, a knowledge of growing
develop the allotment and together grow
fruit and vegetables or could help us
fruit and vegetables, use the space for
source equipment, tools and seeds,
meetings and group sessions and help
we would love to hear from you.
our young carers to learn new skills.
Please email our team on
Chris Whiley chief executive said groupworkers@carersresource.org
“We all know the benefits that being
In Skipton, we also have an
outside and being able to spend
allotment project. As part of a
some time in the fresh air can bring.
community allotment, this group
This project is very exciting for Carers’
meets weekly on a Tuesday morning
Resource because it enables us to offer
between 10–11.30am. We’ve stopped
outdoor activities to those carers who
temporarily to reflect the lockdown and
would like to be involved in the project,
the weather, but are planning to meet
utilising their skills and experience
again in early March. Anyone interested
in designing and delivering a fully
in coming along should contact Photos of the allotment taken in November 2020
functioning allotment alongside
chudson@carersresource.org
Lockdown Mental Debt, big bills and grants – Young Carers Update:
Health Support: Page 2 our guide to help you: Page 9 Page 11
Email: info@carersresource.org Web: carersresource.org /carersresource @CarersResource
Lockdown Mental Health Support
Maintaining good mental Online learning platforms like Udemy
and OpenLearn can stretch mental
health can be a challenge muscles and remind us that there is
Emergency Help
during lockdown. Here still a world out there for us to engage If things become unmanageable,
with whenever we get the chance. there are sources of help available,
are our tips for supporting including:
your mental health, and Stay Connected
First Response
the services you can turn Feelings of loneliness have been
common since restrictions were This is the crisis service for
to when things get tough. imposed. Try to connect with people Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and
who might themselves be lonely, such as Craven. It is available 24 hours per
elderly neighbours, or people relatively day, seven days a week to anyone
Maintain Your Routine isolated by a physical or learning experiencing mental distress.
Routine is one of the best ways to disability. Knowing that you have helped
T: 01274 221181
re-establish some order when the someone else stay connected can help
bdct.nhs.uk/services/first-response
world outside seems chaotic and out of you keep mentally well.
control. Try to keep to the same routine
North Yorkshire
you had before lockdown. The regularity
Mental Health Helpline
of mealtimes and chores can help tackle
any feelings of being adrift. This confidential service is free
to use from both landline and
Make time for Yourself mobile phones.
Make some guaranteed time for T: 0800 5610076
yourself and take it no matter what.
It might be better to schedule shorter North Yorkshire
but more frequent breaks, to give Out of Hours Service
yourself something to work toward
throughout the day. Available from 5:00 PM until
8:30 AM Monday to Thursday,
Make agreements with those you love
and from 4:30 PM on Friday
to call at specific points during the week,
across the weekend.
so that it becomes part of your routine.
T: 0333 0000 309
Manage Your Stressors northyorks.gov.uk/mental-health
One of the chief sources of stress for
many of us over the last few months The Haven
has been the news. Managing how and This service offers non-clinical
where we get our information can do a support to people in Bradford,
lot to reduce the sense that things are Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven,
out of control. as an alternative to A&E admission.
Try to identify trustworthy sources To access the service, call
Keep Mentally and Physically Active
of information, such as GOV.UK, the T: 01274 221181
Exercise and activity can benefit our NHS and your local authority. Avoid bdct.nhs.uk/services/haven
mental health, but finding the time to sensationalised news, or sources that
take a walk, go for a run or follow some drag you into rabbit holes of conspiracy
online sessions at home can be hard. The Sanctuary
and misinformation.
Trying to work it into your daily routine A safe space for people in crisis,
can help you achieve an objective, while as an alternative to hospital
providing a powerful physical reminder admission.
that some time is exclusively your own.
T: 01274 221181
bdct.nhs.uk/services/the-sanctuary
The Samaritans
This confidential service is available
twenty four hours a day.
T: 116123
samaritans.org
Support Worker Gurchehn with a hamper
of tools for the wellbeing sessions.
Page 2 Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district
With you every
step of the way
Hi, my name is Jim Middlebrook. My wife Carole
was admitted into care in June 2020 after being
cared for at home suffering from Alzheimer’s for
about 10 years. It came as a big shock to our family
as we have always been very close, and many
tears were shed before we came to this decision.
For the first 6 weeks Carole was in an Frankly it has been a nightmare during Chris Whiley, CEO
assessment unit and we were unable the pandemic but the care home has
to visit her due to COVID-19 and the been amazing and Carole is settled and
only way we could speak to her was seems very happy in her new home and As the bleakness of winter recedes,
by telephone, which obviously was own world. As things stand now over the I hope that despite the difficulties
not ideal with someone suffering with next months with the vaccine rolling out of life under lockdown we can
Alzheimer’s. Carole was transferred to and quick COVID testing system, we live all begin to think about a more
a care home in July, and for the next in hope that we will soon be able to have positive future, where it will be
couple of weeks we were able to see face to face visits and are very much possible to see our friends and
her outside albeit at a distance which looking forward to this. family, and even give someone a
was better than nothing. hug spontaneously.
Finally, it wouldn’t be right not to end
When lockdown began the only way this article to give an absolute heartfelt The vaccination programme does
we could see her was by Face Time thank you to our Carers’ Resource mean that there is light at the
which was better than nothing, at least Support Worker Amanda, who has been end of the tunnel albeit a little
we could all see her and we did manage with us every step of the way for the last way off. Many staff at Carers’
to have some brief conversations, given couple of years. I honestly don’t know Resource have received their first
the nature of her illness. what we would have done without her vaccination, and this means that
humour, advice and compassion. we are already on that journey
Over the last couple of weeks her
care home has installed a visiting pod towards offering safe, regular
which has an intercom so at least I can face to face meetings again. It is
visit and Carole can see me close up, therefore really important that those
although I still have to wear a mask. people we support are able to
I am the only person allowed to visit access the vaccine as it becomes
so my girls are still Face Timing Carole available.
in their turns so it doesn’t confuse her All family and unpaid carers are in
seeing too many faces at the same time, cohort 6 and will be called for their
but we all love and miss her so much. vaccine by their GP, providing that
We have 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren Locality Worker Amanda the individual’s record shows that
and 3 great grandchildren. they are a carer. If anyone is unsure
whether they are recorded as a
carer or not they should contact
their GP practice to check.
Carers’ Resource also has a lot
of information about the vaccine,
so if you are unsure as to whether
to take it up or not, contact us
and someone can point you in the
direction of scientific evidence. We
have all become quite expert at our
‘virtual’ meetings but personally, I
am really looking forward to being
able to meet face to face again.
Take care and stay safe,
Carole and Jim Middlebrook
Chris
Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district Page 3
We are still here for you! Looking out
for each other
You might be forgiven for thinking Carer Navigator
that our Carer Navigator team, which Asma says
Emma Clayton –
helps carers while their loved one is in “This has been a
Community
hospital, has been unable to operate difficult time for
Content Editor of
during the lockdown period. But you’d everybody but it
the Telegraph &
be wrong. The Carer Navigator service has been even
Argus, Bradford’s
has continued to support friends and more challenging
daily newspaper.
families who have a loved one admitted Carer Navigator Asma for those caring
to Airedale General Hospital and for a loved one. If anyone had
Bradford Royal Infirmary. We have been told me this
talking to people about their wellbeing time last year
Carer Navigator
and completing Emergency Plans for that I would
Nafees says
them. We do this by phone to discuss be working at home for the next 12
“We have attended
carers’ concerns about their ability to months, I’d have struggled to believe
family meetings
continue looking after their loved ones them. But here I am, still at my desk in
and discharge
as their needs change and increase. my spare room. It has its advantages,
meetings virtually
particularly on snowy mornings when
to ensure the It’s important that you get help if you
I don’t have to dig the car out to drive
carers’ needs are feeling low and do know that you
to work. But there are days when I feel
Carer Navigator Nafees are heard. are not alone! You don’t have to wait for
quite alone.
a professional to refer you – we are just
There have been
at the other end of the phone.” One thing that has heartened me
a lot of concerns about lack of visiting
over the months is the kindness of
on the wards so we have been involved So if the person you care for is
neighbours. We seem to look out for
in liaising between ward staff and in hospital or has a hospital stay
each other a bit more, whether it’s
families to try and address these issues. planned, don’t worry alone, pick
taking parcels in, waving through
There are options such as virtual visiting up the phone and ‘Give us a Call!’
windows or, in the case of an elderly
and in exceptional circumstances one
Carer Navigators can be contacted lady on my street, putting chocolate
visit may be allowed but this will depend
on Bradford Royal Infirmary: bars through letter boxes. A chocolate
on individual ward situations such as
07394569712 or 07394569713 bar landing on your doormat is a
infection control and staffing levels.
simple pleasure that means the
Airedale General Hospital:
We are continuing to provide advice, world some days.
07394569714 or 07394569715
information and a listening ear via the
It’s been a long old year since the
telephone so please get in touch.” Or you can email us at:
first lockdown, and this pandemic
carernavigators@carersresource.org
continues to be a huge, frightening
thing to live with. But it has also
reminded us of the goodness of people,
from frontline care workers risking their
Donate what you save Could you help us lives to look after others to my kind
neighbour delivering chocolate bars.
with our fundraising?
By donating the price of your favourite Among those making a difference are
takeaway coffee every month or the volunteers giving up their time to
The Carers’ Resource COVID-19
donating the money you have saved help others in their communities. I have
fund aims to provide emergency
on your daily commute, you could a friend who was furloughed for months
financial funding for carers who are
help ensure that lonely and isolated last year, and she spent much of it
currently facing financial challenges
carers get the help they need to get cycling to the shops for her neighbours.
due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
through the coronavirus crisis. Could
Some volunteers are making a
you ‘donate what you save’ to Carers’ As part of our Covid-19 Emergency
difference for carers, often the
Resource? Every pound we raise Fund, we have been able to ensure
hidden casualties of this crisis.
can help connect carers with our that a family in need received a
This newsletter highlights some of
experienced team, providing support, replacement cooker in time for
the dedicated volunteers providing
advice and, importantly, someone to Christmas and some of the carers
such vital support in lockdown.
talk to during these difficult times. and young carers we support have
access to WiFi and the technology The hope is that once we emerge from
If you would like to support us with
they need to complete their home this, those who have given up their time
a monthly donation, you can sign up
schooling. We will continue to to help others will continue to volunteer.
via our website. Having guaranteed
fundraise to support those in need.
income from our generous monthly Like many organisations, Carers’
donors means we are able to plan If you would like to support our Resource relies on volunteers to help
for the long term. We know that more Emergency Covid-19 Appeal, provide the services that are a lifeline
people have caring responsibilities please go to www.justgiving.com/ for so many. Let’s hope that volunteer
now due to the pandemic and we want campaign/covid-19emergencyfund support is a positive legacy of this
to be able to offer the best support awful pandemic.
Any support is much appreciated.
we can to meet their needs.
Thank you!
Page 4 Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district
Making a Difference
2020 was a year of unprecedented turmoil – a global pandemic
that nobody could avoid. Although some of our volunteers have
not been able to volunteer with us as they once did, others have
been able to help to support carers during the last few months.
Volunteers have continued to make Barbara Charlie Collett –
a positive difference to carers and Hargreaves Carers’ Time
we thank them for their continued Off Volunteer
I, along with
involvement, and for finding creative
three lovely Like most
ways to continue their support.
people, have people this year,
Once things return to a new “normal” been hosting a I’ve spent a lot
we will need our volunteers more fortnightly zoom of time working
than ever before, when our group meeting for from home. Not
sessions, visits, help with shopping Caring for Carers. being able to see
and driving and administrative tasks This has been a family and friends
can resume. As an organisation, we huge success and five more people have has been hard, so I’ve been keeping
rely on volunteers to help us support joined the group. We just have a relaxed myself sane with some hobbies. I started
thousands of carers every year and fun time sharing stories and supporting volunteering for Carer’s Resource when
we really do appreciate their support. each other. We also have a WhatsApp I moved to Harrogate this summer.
group and I ring those people in the This has been a really nice way to stay
Volunteers have continued to support
group who don’t have online facilities. connected with people and keep a nice
carers by keeping in touch with them
routine. The clients are really friendly and
by telephone or WhatsApp groups, in
Lorraine I genuinely look forward to catching up
place of seeing them for lunch groups.
Starkey each time. Thank you for the opportunity!
Our Carers’ Time Off volunteers have
continued, where possible, to make I’m a volunteer
respite visits, visiting clients in their host for the
own homes or taking them out for Threshfield Carers’ Time Off
walks whilst the carers take a break. monthly lunch
This has provided invaluable support Carers’ Time Off is a volunteer
group at The
for those who are feeling isolated and led short respite service, based
Gamekeeper’s,
have needed someone to talk to. in Harrogate, Ripon, Craven and
Threshfield.
Selby. Volunteer Befrienders spend
I usually ring
time with a loved one whilst the
Meet a few of my group members a few days before
carer takes a break. It can include
lunch to check on whether they’ll be
our Volunteers attending. These calls can be a few
sitting indoors chatting, playing a
board game, going out for a walk
minutes or a lot longer. It’s one of the
or for a coffee. It is usually for a
Anne Dennison elements I love about volunteering,
couple of hours a week but can
knowing people who are caring can talk
I signed up to also be monthly and occasionally
to me about all manner of things, not
volunteer with ad hoc or less regular. If you are
necessarily about caring. It highlights
Young Carers at interested please contact Dawn
the value of the lunch groups.
the start of 2020. Tesseyman Project Manager –
Sadly I haven’t The calls have continued on a dtesseyman@carersresource.org or
been able to meet monthly basis and I have become ring for a chat on 07590 877917.
anyone face to increasingly aware and proud at how
face yet, but was everyone seems to be coping in these
invited to join the challenging times. One thing is certain
virtual groups recently which has been though, everyone I talk is so looking
good fun. I especially like the games forward to when we can finally resume For general volunteering enquiries
that are played, and I think my favourite our lunches. It’s wonderful to know how please call Volunteer Coordinator
would have to be the Treasure Hunt. much this means to them and I heartily Sally on 01274 449660 or email
I’m really looking forward to getting more share that enthusiasm to be back as a volunteering@carersresource.org
involved as time goes on, and hopefully group once again.
meeting everyone properly next year.
Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district Page 5
Virtual carer forums
cross boundaries
We have been running our carer forums for a number
of years, inviting people who look after a relative or
friend to access support and share their views.
Since March, we have been holding The forums will:
these forums virtually, inviting carers
Consider
how the service of
from across all of the regions that we
the Carers’ Resource can be
cover to come together, meet other
improved to meet the needs
carers, access information and discuss
of carers more effectively
current issues. We have found that the
online sessions have been popular, Discuss
and comment on
enabling more carers to attend and local issues that affect carers
facilitating productive discussions.
Discuss
national issues and
If you would like to attend, please
initiatives that affect carers.
do contact us on the number below.
To register your interest, please email Val
Future forums will be held on:
Stewart on vstewart@carersresource.org
Wednesday April 7th 1.30 – 3.30pm
Wednesday June 9th 1.30 – 3.30pm
Virtual Sessions run
by our Group Workers
MARCH
How to be more organised
Monday 1st 1–2pm
How to get a good night’s sleep
Monday 8th 11am–12noon
Music and relaxation for carers
Tuesday 16th 1–2pm
Wellbeing Coffee Group Online Dance Sessions Making music using
objects found at home
An informal get together and chat about We’ve partnered with Yorkshire Dance Monday 22nd 1–2pm
a topic that has been chosen by the to offer carers the opportunity to get
previous month’s attendees – sharing active and Dance On! We can help Music and relaxation
experiences, wellbeing tips and skills. you get online. Wednesday 31st 7–8pm
Sessions will be held on Monday Sessions are weekly on
APRIL
26th April, Monday 24th May and Wednesdays 11:00–11:45 and
Monday 28th June 10.30–12 noon. suitable for all experience levels. Making music using
objects found at home
Contact Eileen McAlonan on 07801 For more information and to
Tuesday 6th 10am–11am
577163 emcalonan@carersresource.org sign up contact Catherine Knight
or Sarah Czujko on 07843 352874. cknight@carersresource.org Carers Quiz and Chat
Monday 12th 1–2pm
How to get a good night’s sleep
Wednesday 21st 7–8pm
For information and to book a
Follow us on social media to find out more about events and place contact: groupworkers@
other resources: /carersresource @CarersResource carersresource.org or ring 01274
449660 and ask for Kauser or Melanie.
Page 6 Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district
Virtual LGBTQI Carer Brew and Babble Activities being planned
Support & Social group for after lockdown
Thursday 25th March (11am–12pm)
Thursday 22nd April
As part of our commitment to Lister Park Cycling Group
Thursday 27th May
providing a supportive space for
Thursday 24th June Allotment Group
carers, who may have found the
Please note if you have any
pandemic isolating, we are running April, May and June sessions
gardening tools that you would like
an LGBTQI social group. are 10am–11am on Google Meet.
to donate to our project, such as
To join the sessions, please contact
The group will be held on spades, forks, trowels, seedlings,
sbland@carersresource.org or ring
the first Thursday of each pots – please get in touch!
07801 577091.
month – 6pm to 7.30pm.
Crown Green Bowling Group
Sessions will include an open
Fishing Group
discussion on LGBTQI caring,
getting support and social planning. To register your interest email contact:
groupworkers@carersresource.org
The session will be held on
or ring 01274 449660 and ask for
Google Meet or other platform.
Kauser or Melanie.
To register your interest email contact:
gwilliams@carersresource.org or
ring 01274 449660 and ask for
Gavin Williams.
Carers Progress
A free six week wellbeing
and working course for carers.
Virtual Information This course will cover confidence,
goal planning, meeting carers and
Team Drop In Sessions employers and caring and working.
Course 1 starts 24th February and
Got a question? Want to know how
runs on Wednesdays for six weeks.
to access support or need advice
about your caring situation? Connect Course 2 starts 16th March and
and chat with the Information Team. runs on Tuesdays for six weeks.
We are here to help!
To book a place, please contact:
Contact your Carers Resource worker employment@carersresource.org
or email info@carersresource.org to or 01274 449660.
book your slot with a team member.
All appointments via Google Meet.
Next dates (all 10am–12pm):
Monday 15 February Groups that will take
Monday 15 March
Monday 19 April
place if government
Monday 17 May guidance allows
Monday 21 June
Join us for a gentle stroll and Just for Fun Quiz
chat with other carers at:
Join us for some light-hearted fun
Lister Park Walking Group –
and test your quiz knowledge.
Parent Carer Webinars every Tuesday from 6th April
3rd Wednesday of the month
Cliffe Castle Walking Group –
from 3pm–4pm.
Wednesday 10th March – every Wednesday from 7th April
Preparing for Adulthood/Transitioning 17th March
Myrtle Park Walking Group –
Wednesday 14th April – every Thursday from 8th April 21st April
Personal Independent Payment (PIP)
Harold Park Walking Group – 19th May
Wednesday 12th May – Relationships every Friday from 9th April
For details or to book a place
Wednesday 9th June – Wellbeing All the walks are from 10am – Noon. please contact Julia Rush
jrush@carersresource.org
All scheduled for 1pm–2pm. For information and to book a
or Rachel Waddington
To join the sessions please contact place contact: groupworkers@
rwaddington@carersresource.org
sbland@carersresource.org or ring carersresource.org or ring 01274
07801 577091. 449660 and ask for Kauser or Melanie. Tel: 01756 700888
Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district Page 7
Who’s calling?
Our teams are working hard to stay in touch with carers using the telephone
and electronic methods in place of our usual face to face meetings and
group sessions. We have teams working across Bradford, Craven and
Harrogate and, in this issue, we are shining a light on our ‘Harrogate Calling
Team’, other teams will follow in future editions. If you have ever wanted to
put a face to the person calling you, you might find your caller here!
Hello, Hi, I’m Jillian Hello, my
I’m Naomi. and I joined name is Carol
I work in the the locality and I have been
Harrogate team caseworker called many
as a Locality team in late names over
Worker. I am October 2019, the years but
very fortunate having applied I think that my
as I love my for a position present one is
job! Previous to that resulted in Project Worker!
the pandemic my transferring I organise and
I visited carers in their homes. I really from a Carers’ Resource project that run all the Groups in the Harrogate
miss seeing people and being out and supported people into employment, area. Normally I am to be found in
about (don’t we all!) Please do contact training or volunteering. the kitchen, cooking for 40 or baking
the team if you are struggling in your and making afternoon tea or generally
As a carer myself, I am acutely aware
caring role, especially during these chatting. The latter I have perfected
of the many strains and challenges
isolating times. We’re here to help, with many years of practice! Chatting
that those calling may be experiencing
guide and support in any way we can. is what I have been doing over the
and whilst this isn’t a unique position
Please be honest and open, we have last 11 months whilst the groups have
to hold, I believe it does help me to be
lots of experience and judge no one. been suspended. I work closely with
able to connect with and to empathise
We will listen and try to make life easier the Case workers who are all very
with other carers whom I enjoy
for you. If you need a private chat supportive of each other as are all
listening to and helping.
we have a ‘safe space’ at the office. the staff in the Harrogate office.
Take care wonderful people.
Hi I’m Natalie Hi, I’m Sarah Hi I’m Linda and I
and I work as and I work work as a Young
a Parent Carer as a Young Carer Support
Locality Worker Carer Worker. Worker. I have
supporting It’s a privilege been keeping
parent carers to be let in contact with
across the to the Young young carers by
Harrogate Carers and telephone and
and Craven their families’ WhatsApp but
Districts. lives for that the best way is
I manage two Facebook groups moment when we talk. I love hearing going out for a socially distanced walk
for parent carers where I share about things the young carers are with them as they are stuck at home
information about local groups, proud of, whether they have made and they like a change and someone
services and support for children something or baked. I’m so pleased else to chat to. In February when we
and families. I also deliver monthly when they pick up the phone when had some snow, I took a young carer
webinars on topics of interest such things aren’t great and know it’s out and we built a snowman and then
as disability benefits, self care and okay to vent. went for a walk to the park getting wet
grants. During the pandemic I am through! On the way back home I asked
We are using our social media to
keeping in touch with parent carers her what she was going to do when she
communicate any competitions that
via telephone and video call and I’m got home, “I’m going to get a hot bath,
we know of, activities and also we
looking forward to driving around our put my pyjamas on and my mum is
have an online art group where we
beautiful countryside visiting parents going to make me a hot chocolate –
do a guided piece of art and share
in their homes and at community perfect end to the day!” I personally
in a group chat afterwards.
events again in the near future. love going out for walks and chatting
it’s really great to get out and have
some fresh air and exercise.
Page 8 Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district
Debt, big bills and grants –
our guide to help you
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused countless disruptions to household income,
leaving many of us with less money coming in and bigger bills to pay. If you’re
worried about money or struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone.
Here is a short guide to accessing Some utility companies offer help if you There are ways you can access
support: have large arrears on bills – check with essentials and funding to improve your
them for details. At the moment, your home. Always check with your landlord
Check
your benefits are correct.
energy supplier won’t disconnect your and local authority first, then grant-giving
If they are not enough to meet
gas or electricity if you miss a payment. organisations. Here are some options:
your needs and you are in debt,
If you’ve got a prepayment meter and
you can ask for a break in the Turn2us
– www.turn2us.org.uk
you don’t top it up, your energy supply
debt repayments. If you pay rent, grant search service.
might still stop.
you can ask for a discretionary
Local
Welfare Assistance Schemes
housing payment. British
Gas Energy Trust – 0121
may help getting essential items of
3487797 britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
You
may be able to pay less furniture: Assisted Purchase Scheme
offer grants open to anyone.
council tax if your income has in Bradford (online application only)
dropped or you started claiming If you’re disabled, elderly or you get and Local assistance fund in North
benefits recently. benefits, you may be entitled to the Yorkshire (awards are made in kind).
following (check the eligibility criteria):
If you’re
facing an unexpected cost, Disabled
Facilities Grants –
you might be eligible for a grant Winter
Fuel Payment – 0800 7310160 01274 435400 (Occupational
or a benefits advance. The Reuse www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment Therapy Bradford) 01609 780780
Network www.reuse-network.org.uk one-off payment to help you pay (Occupational Therapy North
has affordable goods. for heating. Yorkshire) www.gov.uk/disabled-
facilities-grants for adaptations
If you’re
struggling for food, reach Cold
Weather Payments www.gov.
or providing facilities for the
out to your local foodbank. uk/cold-weather-payment one-off
disabled person in your home.
payment to help you pay for extra
If you
can’t pay your rent, do contact You will need an assessment
heating costs when it’s very cold.
your landlord. If you are having from Occupational Therapy.
problems Shelter – 0808 8004444 Warm
Home Discount Scheme:
Independence
at Home – 0208
england.shelter.org.uk can advise. £140 off your electricity bill
4277929 www.independenceathome.
If you
can’t pay your mortgage, do Green
Doctors – 0113 2380601 org.uk helps people with physical
talk to your lender about options. www.groundwork.org.uk free disabilities, mental health conditions
practical energy advice and more. and carers with essential equipment,
Quaker
Social Action – 0208 9835055
home repairs and more.
quakersocialaction.org.uk runs Warm
Homes Healthy People –
the UK funeral cost helpline and 0808 1683547 (Freephone) Friends
of the Elderly – 0207
gives advice. www.groundwork.org.uk free 7308263 www.fote.org.uk grants
independent energy advice and up to £400 for home essentials,
more for the Bradford District. digital connection, financial support
and essential living cost.
For people living in North Yorkshire
the equivalent service is called Family
Fund – 01904 550055
Warm and Well – 01609 767555 www.familyfund.org.uk for families
www.warmandwell.org.uk the service with disabled children, can help
can also access a hardship fund for with vital equipment including
those in urgent need. computers and educational toys.
The North Yorkshire Local Assistance The general advice on debts is to
Fund (NYLAF) – 01904 550030 www. prioritise them so that you can avoid
northyorks.gov.uk/local-assistance-fund the most serious consequences,
has extra funding for help with heating such as eviction and court action.
and food.
Stepchange
– 0800 1381111
We are now in our third lockdown and www.stepchange.org online
spending more time at home than ever, tool to create a budget and
often using our personal space as a personalised action plan and
school, care centre and workplace. the Covid Payment Plan.
Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district Page 9
Have you applied for A Sweet Treat Helping people home
your Carers’ Resource following a hospital stay
Our locality workers delivered festive
Identification Card? cupcakes to cheer carers up on their
Our Home from Hospital teams run
visits and as part of the wellbeing
services in North Yorkshire and in
Carers registered with us throughout sessions in December. For our teams,
Bradford and have adapted their service
our geographical area can apply for a this was an opportunity to say hello,
during to the pandemic to ensure that
card which will include a photo of the put a smile on a face and wish carers
they can still help those who need it.
carer, a unique identification number a Merry Christmas. Our wellbeing
and details of how organisations can sessions have continued throughout Home from
check authenticity with us. the pandemic with virtual sessions Hospital North
covering stress, self care and crafts Yorkshire team
We know that over the last few months,
replacing the face to face sessions. member, Sharon
carers have been challenged to prove
The cakes were made by Kirsty Anne recently helped a
that they are carers. Sometimes this
Kitchen in Ilkley and looked amazing gentleman following
has been to get information about the Team Member Sharon
with their blue and yellow Carers’ a stay in hospital
person they are caring for, on other
Resource coloured icing! and the death of
occasions it may have been to access
his elderly mother. Sharon said “In the
benefits or to get reduced-price entry Toni told us “I felt really positive
three months that I have supported the
or discounts. More recently, carers after the session. I really enjoyed
gentleman, we have developed a good
have been challenged when trying it. It was nice to get other carers’
rapport. He enjoys the visits because
to shop during protected hours at perspectives on the scenarios that
of the social interaction and is relaxed
supermarkets. For these reasons, carers could face”.
when I am in his company.
Carers’ Resource has developed a
Suzanne said “I really enjoyed the
carer ID card and our hope is that it Social worker Lisa said “Sharon from
self care session as it meant I could
will be beneficial to those caring. the ‘Home from Hospital’ service has
switch off and immerse myself in
helped to facilitate hospital discharge
If you would like a card, please contact the moment and relax. Something
for several of the people I have worked
carercard@carersresource.org that doesn’t happen very often
with. It can be daunting for anyone
when you’re a carer.”
returning home from a lengthy stay in
hospital, made more so without any
family, friends or neighbours. Sharon
Let your GP know has stepped into that role by listening
that you are a carer to what that individual needs and
offering practical and emotional
support, advice and signposting.
The government’s expert committee –
the Joint Committee on Vaccination “Particularly during the Covid-19 crisis, I
and Immunisation (JVCI) – revised its have so appreciated that the Home from
recommendations on 30 December to Hospital service kept working alongside
include unpaid carers. us, still visiting and finding solutions
for people when it was needed and
It recommends unpaid carers who
providing people with much reassurance
get Carer’s Allowance, or who are the
during this extremely worrying time.”
main carer of an elderly or disabled
person whose welfare may be at risk if Staff in the Bradford team have
the carer falls ill, should be prioritised continued supporting clients by visiting
alongside people with underlying them at home throughout the pandemic.
health conditions. This means unpaid They call first to check that the client is
carers are now in priority group 6. happy to receive a visit and explain that
they will be wearing a mask and keeping
Our advice is to ask your GP to add
socially distanced.
to your medical record that you are
a carer. You should also ask them, or One lady supported recently said,
the practice the person you care for “It was very helpful to have somebody
is registered with, to add your name to help me navigate the benefit system
and contact details to the record of and council systems so that I could
the person you are caring for too. get homecare in place to help in the
You need to let them know that you transition from home to hospital.
are the person with responsibility for We have made more progress in
caring for that person. You will need getting support organised during this
the consent of the person you care for. last few weeks than we have made in
the last year. That is thanks to Trish
It’s a good idea to register as a
from Home from Hospital.”
carer with your GP as it will mean
they can identify you for health checks For further information, please
and a flu jab and help your GP make contact hfhny@carersresource.org
reasonable adjustments for the person Carers receiving their cupcakes in December (North Yorkshire) or bradfordadmin@
you care for if needed. carersresource.org (Bradford).
Page 10 Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford districtYoung Carers Update Bookpile Challenge
We are always looking at
Young Carers had great innovative and new ways to reach
out to our young carers, stimulate
fun at our luminous and work with their interests and
lanterns gathering in more recently socially distanced
ways to engage with them during
the Carers’ Resource lockdown. In November, we started
car park just before our Bookpile Challenge, collecting
and distributing books of different
Christmas. We were so genres to young carers throughout
lucky with the weather the Bradford District. More than
500 books were distributed in
for the time of year! bundles during December and
January according to the wishes
and interest of the young carers.
Our lightweight gazebo stayed up, Whatever their interest, our team
we played piñata, did some crafting, delivered – dinosaurs, mystery,
enjoyed hot chocolate and a tasty cookery, biographies! Carrie from
array of snacks. The teenagers chilled the young carer team said “We
and reconnected with friends that they have learned so much about our
hadn’t seen for ages due to lockdown. young carers throughout this
Families from all of our hub areas project and I hope that we have
attended in socially distanced time added an extra dimension to the
allocated slots. tedium of lockdown and maybe a
little respite from gadgets and their
Young Carers were very creative commitments.
throughout December decorating
plastic milk cartons as you can see, “Feedback has been brilliant.
by a variety of means, colours and One parent told us that her son
seasonal themes. These were then was overjoyed to receive his
illuminated with little battery operated book bundle just as he’d been
tea lights giving a really pretty effect. informed by his school back in
December that he needed to stay
Feedback from families, Shipley at home for a further two weeks
residents and passers by has been due to a classmate having tested
amazing. We’ve had lots of positive positive for Covid.”
interest and even received monetary
donations so all in all a very heart Pictured below are our book pile
warming event and ending to a ‘stars’ brother and sister Katie and
rather eventful 2020! Ben, who live in Silsden.
Thomas loves
his new punch
which was prov bag
ided by our Y
Carer team. It oung
gives him som
to call his own et hing
and provides
with an outlet him
when he finds
strain of bein the
g a Young Car
overwhelming er
. It’s a great w
for him to rele ay
ase tension an
stress and also d
offers a great
to exercise whe way
n it’s not alw
possible to leav ay s
e the house du
his brother’s di e to
fficulties. Tha
you Young C nk
arers!
From Thomas
’ parent
Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford district Page 11the emotional, practical and financial CONTACT US
support available to you.
Harrogate
We are here to help – talk to us 11 North Park Road,
Harrogate, HG1 5PD.
Call our freephone advice line on 0808
Tel: 01423 500555
501 5939. Lines are open 10am–4pm
Monday to Friday and will be answered Skipton
by our specialist team. Our team will Ronaldsway House,
Carers’ Resource is an independent and
give you information that is reliable and 36 Brook Street,
nationally recognised Yorkshire charity
up to date and help you to access the Skipton, BD23 1PP.
which gives tailored information and
advice and support you need. Tel: 01756 700888
support to carers, those in need of care
and support, and the professionals who Bradford
work with them. Our services support EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS 15 Park View Court,
people to remain independent, and have Contributions (300 words max) are St Paul’s Road,
choice and control to improve their lives welcomed but may be edited. The Shipley, BD18 3DZ.
or situations. views expressed do not necessarily Tel: 01274 449660
reflect policy of Carers’ Resource. Fax: 01274 449673
Carers’ Resource is a company limited
by guarantee. Reg charity no. 1049278. Reference to any service does not imply Email: info@carersresource.org
recommendation. The submissions Web: www.carersresource.org
If you look after a partner, relative, deadline for the next issue is 26
child or a friend who is disabled or ill April 2021. Send copy to the editor Follow us on social media to find out
due to physical or mental health, you Carol Devine by emailing cdevine@ more about events and other resources:
are an unpaid carer, even if you don’t carersresource.org, or post submissions /carersresource
think of yourself as one. Find out about to the Bradford office (address right).
@CarersResource
Care@ Service
Our Care@ Carers’ Resource team Sam added “We are delighted to also Personal
care: bathing, washing,
has been working hard during the have been awarded a Supported Living catheter care, continence
past twelve months continuing to Contract in the Skipton area. We are management
visit clients in their own homes. really excited to embark on this new
Personal
grooming – help with
development for us but to also be part of
Head of care dressing or undressing , hair and
a new model of care for the individuals
Sam Dawson said teeth care
involved, working in partnership with
“I’m delighted that
North Yorkshire County Council and In- Mobility
assistance – all our staff
we have been
Communities. We are looking forward to are trained to use equipment and
able to continue
welcoming our first residents shortly.” adaptations
to offer our
services during Care@ home care is usually planned Health
appointments – support
Head of Care Sam the pandemic and as a series of daily visits at agreed to arrange and attend health
we will continue times across the day/week to suit you. appointments
to navigate The Care@ service aim is to uphold a
Personal
assistance – help with bills,
these challenging times. We have been person’s dignity, privacy, independence
paperwork and organising your home
successfully providing care in the local and security at all times. If you need
community for many years. My team help we can provide assistance and Social
activities – help with gentle
understands the challenges facing our service can be flexible to reflect a exercise, cinema, bowling, going
someone trying to navigate the care person’s social activities. These visits out for a meal, going on holiday, or
maze at the point they think they might can include the following as a guide: general companionship
need care for themselves or a loved
Getting
in and out of bed To contact Care@ call 01274 588990
one and we understand how important
or email care@carersresource.org
finding the right provider is for families.” Shopping
and light cleaning
Page 12 Choices: Carers’ Resource | Harrogate | Craven | Bradford districtYou can also read
