Page 18 - link magazine

18 The Link Magazine • June 2004
Having a baby company is born Focus on health during Carers' Week
Two women with expertise in the pregnancy services industry have In Swindon there are over 16,000 people who have responsibility for
linked up to launch The Having a Baby Company. the care of a member of their family, a partner, friend or neighbour
Experienced pre and post natal pies navigate the multiple choices who is unable to manage because of illness (including mental ill-
exercise instructors and teachers available when giving birth. ness), frailty or disability. Approximately 450 of these are 16 years old
Sandy Bridges and Sian Beauty- Sandy and Sian also offer a corn- and under, and well over 3,000 of them are caring for over 50 hours a
man believe that they will be pro- prehensive range of antenatal week. They are all unpaid.
viding a service which is unique in classes, and luxury pampering The theme of National Carers' Road, to learn strategies for cop-
the UK. days which includes preparation Week this year is on carers' health ing with stress;
They aim to help women pre- for birth and aquanatal swim ses- and the local Princess Royal Trust • Health screening at the Carers'
pare for the new arrival, particu- sions, as well as exercise classes Carers' Centre, known as Focus, is Centre to provide carers with the
larly those who work until very suitable during pregnancy and af- planning a range of actvities. opportunity to share concerns
near their due date and don't have ter birth. Gillian Barber, Focus general about their own health;
the time to shop around for the They'll even teach massage skills manager, said, "many people with • A Famous Faces tea party - an
various services on offer. They pro- to help relax your baby and build caring responsibilities ignore their opportunity to talk to as many in-
vide emotional support where fam- bonds with him or her. own health needs in preference to teresting people as the organisa-
ily networks are not strong, and For details, call Sandy or Sian on those of the person for whom they tion can muster including MPs,
their antenatal training helps cou- 731046 or 814725. care. local councillors, Swindon Town
"We all dread illness and possi- footballers, top officers from
ble hospitalisation, but for people Health and Social Services, as well
CO-OPERATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE caring at home the impact of such as Focus staff and trustees;
a situation developing cannot be • A survey of practice managers
SWINDON
% oN OF D . I^4 -5 contemplated and often symptoms to discover best practice in the sup-
c F , are ignored. Our staff are often port for carers offered through
439 Cricklade Road U concerned for carers with whom doctors' surgeries.
NVtsi<^a I N Ni,oNi.t. they work and seek ways of help- Focus offers information, out-
(01793) 534759
ing and supporting them." ings, activities and opportunities
& Temple House, 4/5 Temple Street During the week Focus will be for relaxation throughout the year.
offering stress reducing activities: Carers are able to become involved
(The closest funeral director to the Registrar) • Indian head massage at home in consultation and in support
(01793) 491091 for an identified group of carers of groups and can be offered access
people with dementia who are un- to advice on state benefits and pro-
24 hour service able to take advantage of this old- fessional counselling.
Private Chapels of Rest • Monumental masonry est form of relaxation to relieve Carers are welcome to telephone
physical and mental stress; Focus on 531133 at any time for
Funeral pre-payment plans
• A stress management course for further information and/or an ap-
www.mywishes.coop carers at Kingshill House, Bath pointment with a support worker.

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