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News

Carers Collection

Manchester Carers Forum have teamed up with the Health Matters Project to provide a health point in Manchester Carers Forum new offices.

The Health Point is a collection of books and publications covering areas like caring, medical conditions and mental health. It also contains other useful resources and selected fiction.

If you would like to see what books are on offer please click here

If you would like to borrow a book from our collection, you can come into the office , fill in a quick form and enjoy. We don't charge any late fees and allow you to borrow books for upto 3 months (maximum). After the time period is elapsed we'll just send a quick reminder to return the book. If you'd like more information on this project or have any questions please feel free to email usor ring us at the office on the number above.

Patient Opinion

A new website called "Patient Opinion" has been set up to enable people using NHS services to record their experiences (good and bad) and provide ratings and comparison information between different services. It has been established by Paul Hodgkin, a GP who wanted to "find a way to make the wisdom of patients available to the NHS" and is run as a not-for-profit social enterprise. The site is free to use and covers all hospitals in England and Wales. MACC and MCF strongly supports the principle that the stories of people using services should be used by those planning and delivering services to shape their work and Patient Opinion is a welcome new means of bringing this about. There are already many comments on Manchester services and we would encourage service users and carers to make use of this new opportunity to have their voices heard. 

To visit the website click here

 

Manchester Carers Emergency Card

Manchester Carers Emergency Card has been introduced to provide you, as a Manchester Carer, with peace of mind when you are away from the person that you care for. In the event of an emergency, the card will allow information about your needs, as well as the needs of the person you care for, to be accessed by services that can help.

For an application form please click here or contact the Manchester Carers Centre on 0161 835 4090.

 

Manchester Carers Forum Are On The Move

After over 6 years at the Cariocca East Manchester Business Park we have decided to move on to pastures new. In a bid to be more accessible to carers and professionals alike we have chosen to move offices to more central premises in the city centre. We hope that this will benefit our members because we are easier to get to on public transport. Also our new offices are close to local car parks so we will be accessible to drivers as well as bus and train users.

The new office is quite a large space with various rooms so we hope to run some support groups and activity groups such as the cake decorating and relaxation workshops.

Sadly we have been informed that we cannot take our existing telephone number with us because it is a different exchange in the city centre. We are aware that this

is going to cause a lot of confusion but thankfully our existing number will divert calls to the new number for a period of 3 months. We will do our best to inform all our members, associates, multi-agency colleagues and local directories so that the transition is as smooth as possible.

Our new address and telephone contact details are:

Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JW.

Telephone  = 0161-819-2226

Facsimile    = 0161-819-2227

Please note that all web and email contact details will remain the same as previous.

Carers Newsletter

The Carers Newsletter from Manchester City Councils now available electronically. This newsletter includes information about the Emergency Carers Card and other useful information for carers. Click here to view the newsletter.

MCF Newsletter

The MCF newsletter is now available electronically. The newsletter covers all the activities that are available to carers during the month throughout Manchester. Click here to view it. If you would like any additional information or have any questions please contact Nat or a member of staff at the office on 0161 819 2226.

Manchester Health Watchdog

Manchester Health Watchdog wants to hear your experiences and comments about your local GP practice. This new city-wide survey is available by calling 0161 214 3909/3967 or by following this link.

All of the information collected will be kept confidential and the survey can be filled in anonymously. The results of the survey will be collated and recommendations made to Manchester PCT based on your experiences and comments.

Manchester Health Watchdog believe it is important:

*that everyone can access a GP within 48 hours

*that everyone has information on where to go for advice and treatment,such as the nearest Walk-in Centre or Pharmacy

*that everyone has information and support to help them lead healthier lives.

Manual Handling Training for Carers

Is lifting part of your role as a carer?

Do you have back problems as a result, or are you worried about developing a health problem?

Manchester Carers Forum would like to invite carers to take part in a training day to look at safety when lifting.

The course will cover "areas of the spine" and how to protect it, "types and uses of equipment", & practical tips about safe lifting techniques.

The next training is planned for Wednesday 20th August 2008

11am - 3pm

@ Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JW

Lunch will be provided and all those attending will receive a FREE Carers Handbook!

There are limited places so please contact us as soon as possible. To book a place please contact Nat on 0161 819 2226 or send your contact details and why you would like to attend the course via email.

Change of Venue - Central group

Carers who attend our Central Carers Group should be aware that we have moved from the Zion Centre to Windrush Millenium Centre. If you would like a map please contact the office for a copy of our newsletter.

New Deal for carers

The Department of Health is developing a national strategy to shape support for carers. As part of this, a nationwide consultation with carers is being undertaken by a market research company called Opinion Leader (who have been commisioned by the Department of Health) to make sure that carers' voices are at the heart of the Government's new carers' strategy. There are several dates available including an event in Manchester on 15th October. For more details on these events and how to apply for a place, please click here.

Living Years Coaching

Lost your direction?

No time for yourself?

Carers are invited to a free six week course provided by Living Years Coaching.

The course will help you to focus on important parts of your life including relationships, finances, self-confidence & personal growth, as well as teaching you some self-coaching techniques.

There are currently no events booked but watch this space as the Living Years Coaching will be running in the new year

To book a place please contact Nat Manchester Carers Forum on 0161 819 2226

Online Gardening course

A new leisure course is due to start soon. It is aimed at carers across Manchester and is free to those who are interested.

Gardening Online is an internet-based gardening course that teaches the essentials for creating a thriving and wildlife-friendly garden. It contains tutorials that are lively, colourful and user-friendly. You'll learn about creating the best soil conditions, making your own compost and fertilisers, how to grow different plant types including fruit and vegetables, flowers and trees, container gardening, and sowing seeds indoors and out. You'll also get to grips with essential garden maintenance such as weed and pest control, preventing and coping with plant disease and pruning.

For additional information click here.


To visit the website click here and login to the website as a guest.

Carers UK - Become an E carer

Carers UK publish a monthly carers newsletter via email which will allow you to learn more about your rights as a carer, to take part in Carers UK campaigns and to have your say in current issues. To subscribe to this newsletter simply complete the short registration form. You can unsubscribe at any time and your details will not be passed on to other organisations. If you would like more information about Carers UK click here.

Is your friend or relative's drug use causing you problems? 

 

We understand how you feel! Come along for a chat at our support group at Glentop House

 

We offer advice and information, support from others, complimentary therapies, cafe and refreshments and coping skills.

 

These support groups will be held on:

 

Monday 14th July, Monday 11th August

 

10am - 12pm

 

at Glentop house, Pimblett Street, Manchester, M3 1FU.

 

Travel expenses and respite care are available. If you would like directions please contact the office on the above telephone number.

 

The British Gas Energy Trust

 

The BRITISH GAS energy trust , which incorporates the SCOTTISH GAS energy trust , is an independent Charitable Trust established in September 2004 which aims to contribute to the fight against poverty .

 

Covering England, Scotland and Wales it is the first national utility Trust of its kind and will make a significant difference to those in need.

 

Grants are available to help individuals and families in need to meet arrears of energy charges and other household bills and costs.

 

For more information click here.

 

Caring for someone website

 

This is a public service website which looks at the support available to carers and it also explains carers' rights. To visit this website click here.

New North Manchester Carers Support Group

 

The North Manchester Carers Support Group will be running on

 

Monday 21st July, Monday 18th August

 

The North Manchester Carers Support Group will be run on a monthly basis, on the 3rd Monday of every month. This meeting will be run at

 

Harpurhey Community Centre,

 

Carisbrook Street, Harpurhey and will take place at

 

12:30 pm until 2:30pm.

 

Includes: Light lunch, pampering session and an opportunity to discuss the type of activities people would like to take place at this group.

 

Carers Health Checks

 

Manchester Carers Forum and Manchester Primary Care Trust will be running health checks for carers, this will include blood pressure checks and influenza jabs. These checks will also enable carers to access information in regard to what social support is available. We will be able to make referrals for Carers Assessment on request

 

The health checks will take place at Withington Community Hospital on the first Thursday of each month.

 

Appointments are in half hour slots from 12:00am until 4:00pm and can be booked by contacting Manchester Carers Forum.

 

Please provide your name, address, contact telephone and preferred appointment time when contacting us.

Next Health Check Date = 7th August 2008

                                                                                             

Home Heat Helpline

Carers UK in conjunction with Home Heat Helpline and The Royal British Legion are advising that over 55's should prepare for winter now by reviewing their home insulation. Call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 for information for saving money or fitting insulation in time for winter.

Guides

Free guides to: Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit & Employment. Plus training, news and forums. For people with long-term physical or mental health conditions, carers and support workers.

Click here for more Information

Carer's Allowance

Free guide to Carer's Allowance

Click here for more information

Adobe PDF

 

Gaddum Centre

Gaddum Centre New Carers Advice Information and Advocacy Service

Please contact Pauline Slater on 0161 - 214 - 3933

Free Cinema Visits

If the person you care for recieves Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, you can go to the cinema with them for free.  The Cinema Exhibitor's Association Card costs £5 and is valid nationally for 3 years in many cinema's including the Odeon and the UCI.

Participating cinemas in Manchester are;

UCI (UK) Ltd

Lee House, 90 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JW

AMC UK LTD

Manchester  and Birmingham AMC, Great Northern 16, Cinema Unit 2

The Great Northern, 253 Deansgate Manchester M3 4EN

Curzon Twin Cinemas

Princess Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 5SQ.

For additional information please follow the link http://www.ceacard.co.uk/

Free Bus Travel in Manchester

Information from Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE)

From 1 April 2006 it is anticipated that over 60's and disabled people will travel free between 09:30 a.m. and midnight, Monday - Friday and all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays. At other times (before 09:30 a.m.) they will travel for the current standard concessionary fare, which is 50p.

People who already have a disabled or over 60's bus pass will not need to get a new one as the one they have will be valid for the new free travel. Also, those who have a free disabled pass and are currently able to travel free before 09:30 a.m. will continue to do so - they will not have to pay the 50p for travel before 09:30 a.m.

People who do not have a travel concession at the moment may apply now (provided that they are eligible) but the free fare scheme does not start until 1 April 2006.

Over 60's can get a bus pass from Manchester Advice in the Advice Centre in the Town Hall Extension. You will need to take two passport style photos and proof of your age and address.

 

Click here to find out where to apply for a bus pass if you have a disability.

 

Ring and Ride

Ring and Ride provides a door to door accessible minibus service for people of all ages who find it difficult to use ordinary public transport.  The service operates throughout Greater Manchester and is available from Mondays - Saturdays 8am - 10.45pm.  The Ring and Ride service is designed to help you make short local journeys i.e. to complete your shopping.  The service also runs a programme of special day trips and evening outs from visits to the Peak District to garden centres. 

Click here for further information

Parent Support Group

Cheetham Hill Parent Support Group

Meetings held on the first Wednesday of every month

Room A103

At Abraham Moss Centre

North Manchester

Carer Council Tax

There are two ways a carer might recieve a discount on their council tax;

Council Tax Benefit

This benefit helps people to pay their Council Tax. The amount you get depends upon who is in your family and the level of your Council Tax. Both your income and your savings are taken into account. You cannot claim if your savings are more than £16,000, unless you get Pension Credit.

If you receive Carer's Allowance, you may be able to get extra help paying your Council Tax through Carer Premium

You may be able to get reductions to your Council Tax which don't depend on your income or savings. For instance, the tax may be reduced if your home is adapted for a disabled person or if a carer or paid care worker lives there.

Council Tax discount for carers

To qualify for this 25% discount you must provide care for at least 35 hours a week and...

Live with the person you are caring for

Not be the partner of the person you care for, or their parent if you care for a child under 18

Care for someone who receives either the highest rate of the care component of DLA (Disability Living Allowance) OR the higher rate of attendance allowance or constant attendance allowance

Please note: You don't have to claim Carer's Allowance to qualify for this discount. If there is more than one carer in the property, each carer might qualify for a discount. The carer's council tax discount can be backdated, so long as you met the conditions above in previous years. To apply for this, contact your local council tax office.

Disabled Person's Railcard

The disabled person's railcard allows you to buy discounted rail tickets.  If another adult is accompanying you on your journey, they are also entitled to travel at that discounted fare. 

At the moment, there is one type of railcard available but, from the 6th September 2006, there will be two types of Disabled Person's Railcard - the one-year railcard and the three-year railcard. Both railcards give you the same level of discounts to you and one other adult travelling with you.

From 6th September 2006 the Disabled Rail Card will be available to those claiming the DLA lower mobility rate and long term Incapacity Benefit.

For more information and to check whether you qualify for a Disabled Person's Railcard please click here



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manchester carers forum, advice for carers, carers breaks, support