Page 35 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.i-way.co.ukl.-swindonlink The Link Magazine • June 1998 35
New drop-in service to start in National Carers Week

National Carers Week, 8-14 June, sees the launch of a new service for carers who need to talk to others who know what they are going through.
Organised by Swindon Focus on In Swindon it is estimated there carers an opportunity to check the
Carers & Self Help based in Morley are 19,000 informal carers, with benefits they are eligible for.
Street, volunteers will be on hand more than 4,000 providing care for • A coffee morning at lOam on
so that carers can pop in for a chat, over 20 hours a week. Many do Wednesday 10th, provides a
a cry, a rave, or for some human not recognise themselves as carers. chance to talk to someone, find out
companionship. Initially the serv- Fewer still have access to any real about what help is available, and
ice will be available on Tuesdays practical or emotional support. to meet other carers.
and Wednesdays, lOam to 1pm. Focus has been working with The coffee morning and drop in
Volunteer co-ordinator Marga- carers for many years. They un- sessions will take place at Swin-
ret Davison stressed that the drop- derstand the many difficulties don Carers Centre, 25 Morley
in facility was very much 'wanted faced and offer a range of services Street, Swindon (behind Mcllroys).
by people' and has been devel- Focus coordinator Gillian Barber and to help them in their task. For help or to find out more
oped in response to demand. "We volunteer organiser Margaret Diwison Other events for the week include: about the drop-in service and other
are aiming to make support, an a partner, relative, friend or neigh- • An information display in Boots events, call 531133.
opportunity to talk, and informa- bour who cannot manage without in the Brunel Plaza all week.
tion more widely available." help because of sickness, age or • A drop in session on Tuesday
A carer is someone looking after
disability. 9th, 10.30am to 2.30pm giving
Brian Davidson
Have you ever wondered how you would manage? Assoc. Memb BCPCA
In February last year, my active 13-year-old daughter, Jessica, found herself unable to get out of a chair
or walk upstairs as a result of two earlier back injuries, writes Gina Dennis. PSYCHOTHERAPY
There was no conflict in putting Someone who is sick or disabled patterns of social contact are torn
her needs first. What shocked me may require special items to sup- apart. Friends often don't know
was the total lack of support. port their recovery or their daily what to say or how to help. Just talking
I was lucky at work. Although well being, such as a new bed, a Thankfully Jessica recovered
prepared to resign, I was offered wheelchair, the costs of transport and was able to go back to school can help
six months unpaid leave. to therapy. So a carer is likely to be last autumn and I returned to work,
You might assume an entitle- faced simultaneously with in- As we approach National Carers
ment to some kind of state benefit. creased financial demands and a Week, I will be thinking with ad- For initial consultation
Wrong. Unless someone is disa- reduced income. miration and respect of the count- telephone
bled for more than nine months, In the case of a school-age child, less carers who struggle on, often
no benefits are payable. home tuition from the education for years, largely unacknowledged 01793 486508
I remember my anger when our authority varies from 3 to 5 hours and unsupported.
claim was turned down because per week. Although Jessica's
Jessica did not 'need significantly school attempted to be helpful, a
more care than a child of a similar sick or disabled child faces a real
age.' Angry, not at the failure of risk of educational discrimination.
our claim, but at the arrant dis- For both sufferer and carer the
missal of my caring. isolation can be intense. Normal

Do you have difficulty carrying your shopping?
Caring people required to work for a
You may be unwell or recovering from an operation, or perhaps it's
hard to get around. Or you maybe a carer and find it difficult to get out. high quality home care agency supporting
local elderly and disabled people in their own homes.
No experience is necessary as full training will be provided.
Good rates of pay. Holiday pay after qualifying period.
Telephone and transport essential.
Call 616066 for interview

SWINDON MOBILITY CENTRE
FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS
ELECTRIC AND MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS, SCOOTERS
* New and used machines -30 in stock
Heather Dames centre with Shopperphone workers, Tim Maslin, Neil Tanner * Repairs servicing accessories
and Robert Chapman
* Stairlifts: new and reconditioned
Help is available from Shopper- ever much you order there is a * Bath aids and walking aids
phone, a charity that does grocery charge of £2 per delivery. * Everything for the disabled and elderly
shopping and delivery. Your or- Deliveries are made to West * 24 hour call out
der can be taken over the 'phone or Swindon on Wednesdays and to
by post and your shopping will be the Haydon Wick area on Tues- For emergency service telephone:
delivered to your door. days. Orders are needed the day 01367 253642 anytime
Some people prefer to do their before. Telephone 531174 between
own vegetable shopping or just 8.30am and 1230pm. Office hours telephone: 01793 423484
need help with bulky items like cat For more information, call Or call in at Unit 21 Axis Business Centre Westmead
litter or washing powder. How- 531766, 8am to 4pm weekdays.