Carers Development

A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, relative or neighbour who couldn't manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability.

Sarah Lambrianou is the Carers Development Worker.
Karen Smith is the Assistant Carers Development Worker.

The Carers Project

Caring for one another person is often rewarding and fulfilling experience, however it can also be extremely demanding. You can become emotionally and physically drained making it increasingly difficult to cope. The government strives to keep those affected by ill health or disability in their own homes and so your role as a carer is a very important one.

Did you know that?

There are 6 million carers throughout the uk!
3 Million carers work part time and provide over 50 hours of care each week!
Women are more likely to have a caring role than men. However male carers make-up 42% and they are often working too!
Those carers who provide 50 hours of care or above per week are themselves likely to become ill!

Help us to help you

The Carers’ Project wants to reach as many carers as possible with information, support and opportunities to meet together, and one another and with health and social care professionals.
If you are a working carer we would like to hear from you how best we can support you.
If you consider yourself as being from an ethnic minority and are a carer, please let us know if you need more help due to language or cultural differences.

Dates For Your Diary

Carers keep-fit programme
AQUA AEROBICS

As part of our Carers Keep Fit Programme we will be holding an aqua aerobics session on Monday 23rd September 2008 from 1.30-2.30pm at Oadby Pool. There will be a qualified instructor and we will have the pool to ourselves, so come ald join us and feel free to bring the person that you care for if you wish. We also provide help with transport and sitting service to make it easier to attend. Call Sarah on 2810026 ext 28 to book.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for organisations to communicate with the general public issues around mental health. It is also a chance to promote mental well being. The fact is that anyone can become mentally unwell for a number of reasons and it doesn't just happen to other people. The Mental Health Multi Agency Forum in Leicestershire is holding a Carers mental Health Day on the 10th October. The day will start with a healthy walk followed by infrmation stands, a stress quiz, taster sessions in yoga and Salsa and Chris Brown from the Primary Care Trust will be doing blood pressure test. Carers fo people with mental ill health or anyone with an interest in mental health issues are invited to this event and transport will be provided for Oadby & Wigston Carers who would like to attend this event.

Mental Health Carers Group at Voluntary Action

On Tues 23rd Sept 1.00-2.30pm there is a support group for Carers of people with mental health problems. Come and join us to discuss if you would like this to be a regular meeting and what kind of information you would like to receive. For more details Tel. 2810026.

Mind link
More information about other events on World Mental Health Day and Mental Health advice.

CARERS DROP-INS

Over the next few weeks the Carers project will be holding drop ins around the borough so that new and existing VAOW Carers can pop by and discuss any aspect of their caring role with the Carers worker. The days are as follows:
Mon 29th September 1– 2.30pm - Broxhill
Wed 1st October 10– 11am Wigston Library
Wed 8th October 10– 11am Salvation Army Cafeteria.

Young at Heart Day

On the 24th September Oadby & Wigston Borough council have organised a Young at Heart day from 9.30-4pm. There will be crafts, dance, Nordic walking around Brocks Hill Environmental Centre, two pastel art sessions followed by a Tea Dance as well as good old fashioned Fish & Chips for lunch. Tickets cost £7.50 and if you would like to attend the day contact Kate Falkner on tel. 0116 2572674.

YOUNG AT HEART DAY
Local Government website with more local information including International Day for Older People.

CARERS LUNCH MEETING

Horse & Trumpet
On the 7th October we will be having a CARERS LUNCH at the above venue in Wigston. We will meet at the pub at around 11.45am. The pub does a really nice two course meal (main and pudding), mainly traditional English Fare with coffee or tea, for just £5.75. If you would like to come and have an informal lunch then call Sarah on 0116 2810026 to make a reservation.

ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE

Aimed at families wanting to grow their own, the Green Gym have organised an Organic gardening workshop. The idea is to teach anyone who wants to start their own plot, basics gardening skills. The course will include advice about getting started, different soil types, growing your own vegetables as well as answering any questions you may have of your own. Interested? Then call John Hardy on 2553515.

"SHOUT!" Theatre Trip

At the request of our Carers we have organised a theatre trip. We will be going to see Shout on Mon 20th October 2008 at the Demontfort Hall at 7.30pm. Shout is a swing 60’s musical featuring the pop anthems Downtown and Son of a Preacher Man. Tickets cost £14.50 and we will need to know the numbers by Fri 19th Sept in order to book seats that are all together. People with a disability go 2for1 so you could bring the person you care for. We will meet at the DMH at around 7pm. Call Karen or Sarah to book a place

DOUBLE-CLICK

The computer club that we hold on the first Thursday of every month at Wigston Library will be running as usual. Here Carers can come and learn the basics in computing and get help with things like setting up and sending email, using the libraries membership to ancestory.com and find out how to use friends reunited. We always follow the session with a cuppa and a chat.

Stress & Relaxation Classes

As a Carer, stress is not usually very far away and so we have organised a Stress Awareness Session for Carers of Oadby & Wigston which is to be held at Voluntary Action. Come and join us to learn how stress affects our everyday lives and some coping techniques in a stress free environment. The session is to be held on Thurs 14th November from 1.30- 3.30pm. To follow on from this we have a Relaxation Session on Thurs 27th November from 1-3pm, again this will be held at Voluntary Action. Call Sarah or Karen on 2810026 for a place; spaces are limited.

Christmas tour of Rockingham Castle

Christmas is around the corner. During the lead up to Christmas we have organised a tour of Rockingham Castle followed by a cream tea on Wednesday 26th November 2008. The tour themed at Christmas in the late 1890’s. The castle is said to be quite magical at this time of year and is decorated inside and out with a vast array of Christmas trees. The afternoon costs £11.00 per person and we will leave Voluntary Action around 1.15pm to return at around 5.30pm. If you would like to go, you are welcome to bring the person that you care for, alternatively we can provide assistance with the cost of a sitting service and transport.

Carers Rights Day

Every year, more than 2 million people become carers for the first time. Those new to caring need straightforward and accessible information about their entitlements. Time after time carers say they need clear information and this is what Carers’ Rights Day is about.
Along with the rest of the country we will be holding an event to celebrate Carers rights day which is a way of lifting the profile of Carers at the same time as giving information to Carers that will empower and support them in their caring role.
This year our event is to be held on Wednesday 3rd December in Oadby and we will have a speaker talking about a new social enterprise for carers, along with other speakers of interest, yet to be arranged. For more details and to book a place please contact Sarah on 2810026.

BME Carers Fun Day

The Black Minority and Ethnic Carers Network will be holding its annual Fun Day at the Peepul Centre on the 6th December from 11am - 3pm. Come along and enjoy line dancing, a wonderful lunch, a great raffle and lots activities for both adults and children. Last year we had a fantastic turn out and we are looking to attract the same amount of interest this year as well.
Call Sarah on 2810026 for more details and to express an interest. Stands for organisations are available.

LOCAL CARER SUPPORT GROUPS

The Carers Project helps to run 3 carers support groups:

Carers For One Another

This group meets at the Church on Central Ave in Wigston, on the third Thursday of each month from 10 am to 12 noon. Parking is available in the street and in the church's car park.
The group meets for discussions, guest speakers, fun activities, letting off steam, sharing information and experiences, and just chatting. Refreshments served.

Help is available with transport and sitting services.

Oadby and Wigston Carers

This group usually meets on the third Monday of each month now at the new venue of the Barnabas Centre on Hamble Road in Oadby, from 1.30pm until 3.00pm. The centre has its own car park and is disabled friendly.

The group meets for discussions, guest speakers, fun activities, letting off steam, sharing information and experiences, and just chatting. Refreshments served.

Help is available with transport and sitting services.

South Wigston Carers

They meet on Tuesdays at 11.00 am every 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Bassett Room at the Salvation Army Community Centre, Saffron Road in South Wigston.
Other groups:

Centre 88 Carers Group

This is a group for carers of people suffering with mental health problems. It meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month from 7.30pm until 10ish, for fun activities and information sharing.

Please phone VAOW for details of the venue and activity.

Alzheimer's Support Group

This group meets at The Cedars Centre in Wigston monthly. Please phone (0116) 2255700 for further details.

There are regular joint events throughout the year, such as skittles/quiz evenings and outings.

There are many other support groups run by specific organisations such as The Stroke Association, The Parkinsons Society etc. If you want to find a specific group or you would like more details of the groups listed then please contact the Carers Development Team, (0116) 2810026 ex 28 or email : ksmith@vaow.org.uk

Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 am to 3.30 pm
Friday 9 am to 1.00 pm

Use our message forums to post your questions and comments about our Projects


Home Projects Carers Development Carers Questionnaire Message Forum Housing Support Adult Mental Health Respite Community Car Scheme Glen Parva In-visits Glen Parva Visitors Mini bus Project Friendship Toy Library Walking for Health Health & Well Being Project News Volunteering Services Events About us Contact us Funding Information Newsletter Directories Job Vacancies Useful Links Feedback Community Search	» Voluntary Action Oadby and Wigston» Projects» Carers Development Carers Development A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, relative or neighbour who couldn't manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability. Sarah Lambrianou is the Carers Development Worker. Karen Smith is the Assistant Carers Development Worker. The Carers Project Caring for one another person is often rewarding and fulfilling experience, however it can also be extremely demanding. You can become emotionally and physically drained making it increasingly difficult to cope. The government strives to keep those affected by ill health or disability in their own homes and so your role as a carer is a very important one. Did you know that? There are 6 million carers throughout the uk! 3 Million carers work part time and provide over 50 hours of care each week! Women are more likely to have a caring role than men. However male carers make-up 42% and they are often working too! Those carers who provide 50 hours of care or above per week are themselves likely to become ill! Help us to help you The Carers’ Project wants to reach as many carers as possible with information, support and opportunities to meet together, and one another and with health and social care professionals. If you are a working carer we would like to hear from you how best we can support you. If you consider yourself as being from an ethnic minority and are a carer, please let us know if you need more help due to language or cultural differences. Dates For Your Diary Carers keep-fit programme AQUA AEROBICS As part of our Carers Keep Fit Programme we will be holding an aqua aerobics session on Monday 23rd September 2008 from 1.30-2.30pm at Oadby Pool. There will be a qualified instructor and we will have the pool to ourselves, so come ald join us and feel free to bring the person that you care for if you wish. We also provide help with transport and sitting service to make it easier to attend. Call Sarah on 2810026 ext 28 to book. WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for organisations to communicate with the general public issues around mental health. It is also a chance to promote mental well being. The fact is that anyone can become mentally unwell for a number of reasons and it doesn't just happen to other people. The Mental Health Multi Agency Forum in Leicestershire is holding a Carers mental Health Day on the 10th October. The day will start with a healthy walk followed by infrmation stands, a stress quiz, taster sessions in yoga and Salsa and Chris Brown from the Primary Care Trust will be doing blood pressure test. Carers fo people with mental ill health or anyone with an interest in mental health issues are invited to this event and transport will be provided for Oadby & Wigston Carers who would like to attend this event. Mental Health Carers Group at Voluntary Action On Tues 23rd Sept 1.00-2.30pm there is a support group for Carers of people with mental health problems. Come and join us to discuss if you would like this to be a regular meeting and what kind of information you would like to receive. For more details Tel. 2810026. Mind link More information about other events on World Mental Health Day and Mental Health advice. CARERS DROP-INS Over the next few weeks the Carers project will be holding drop ins around the borough so that new and existing VAOW Carers can pop by and discuss any aspect of their caring role with the Carers worker. The days are as follows: Mon 29th September 1– 2.30pm - Broxhill Wed 1st October 10– 11am Wigston Library Wed 8th October 10– 11am Salvation Army Cafeteria. Young at Heart Day On the 24th September Oadby & Wigston Borough council have organised a Young at Heart day from 9.30-4pm. There will be crafts, dance, Nordic walking around Brocks Hill Environmental Centre, two pastel art sessions followed by a Tea Dance as well as good old fashioned Fish & Chips for lunch. Tickets cost £7.50 and if you would like to attend the day contact Kate Falkner on tel. 0116 2572674. YOUNG AT HEART DAY Local Government website with more local information including International Day for Older People. CARERS LUNCH MEETING Horse & Trumpet On the 7th October we will be having a CARERS LUNCH at the above venue in Wigston. We will meet at the pub at around 11.45am. The pub does a really nice two course meal (main and pudding), mainly traditional English Fare with coffee or tea, for just £5.75. If you would like to come and have an informal lunch then call Sarah on 0116 2810026 to make a reservation. ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE Aimed at families wanting to grow their own, the Green Gym have organised an Organic gardening workshop. The idea is to teach anyone who wants to start their own plot, basics gardening skills. The course will include advice about getting started, different soil types, growing your own vegetables as well as answering any questions you may have of your own. Interested? Then call John Hardy on 2553515. "SHOUT!" Theatre Trip At the request of our Carers we have organised a theatre trip. We will be going to see Shout on Mon 20th October 2008 at the Demontfort Hall at 7.30pm. Shout is a swing 60’s musical featuring the pop anthems Downtown and Son of a Preacher Man. Tickets cost £14.50 and we will need to know the numbers by Fri 19th Sept in order to book seats that are all together. People with a disability go 2for1 so you could bring the person you care for. We will meet at the DMH at around 7pm. Call Karen or Sarah to book a place DOUBLE-CLICK The computer club that we hold on the first Thursday of every month at Wigston Library will be running as usual. Here Carers can come and learn the basics in computing and get help with things like setting up and sending email, using the libraries membership to ancestory.com and find out how to use friends reunited. We always follow the session with a cuppa and a chat. Stress & Relaxation Classes As a Carer, stress is not usually very far away and so we have organised a Stress Awareness Session for Carers of Oadby & Wigston which is to be held at Voluntary Action. Come and join us to learn how stress affects our everyday lives and some coping techniques in a stress free environment. The session is to be held on Thurs 14th November from 1.30- 3.30pm. To follow on from this we have a Relaxation Session on Thurs 27th November from 1-3pm, again this will be held at Voluntary Action. Call Sarah or Karen on 2810026 for a place; spaces are limited. Christmas tour of Rockingham Castle Christmas is around the corner. During the lead up to Christmas we have organised a tour of Rockingham Castle followed by a cream tea on Wednesday 26th November 2008. The tour themed at Christmas in the late 1890’s. The castle is said to be quite magical at this time of year and is decorated inside and out with a vast array of Christmas trees. The afternoon costs £11.00 per person and we will leave Voluntary Action around 1.15pm to return at around 5.30pm. If you would like to go, you are welcome to bring the person that you care for, alternatively we can provide assistance with the cost of a sitting service and transport. Carers Rights Day Every year, more than 2 million people become carers for the first time. Those new to caring need straightforward and accessible information about their entitlements. Time after time carers say they need clear information and this is what Carers’ Rights Day is about. Along with the rest of the country we will be holding an event to celebrate Carers rights day which is a way of lifting the profile of Carers at the same time as giving information to Carers that will empower and support them in their caring role. This year our event is to be held on Wednesday 3rd December in Oadby and we will have a speaker talking about a new social enterprise for carers, along with other speakers of interest, yet to be arranged. For more details and to book a place please contact Sarah on 2810026. BME Carers Fun Day The Black Minority and Ethnic Carers Network will be holding its annual Fun Day at the Peepul Centre on the 6th December from 11am - 3pm. Come along and enjoy line dancing, a wonderful lunch, a great raffle and lots activities for both adults and children. Last year we had a fantastic turn out and we are looking to attract the same amount of interest this year as well. Call Sarah on 2810026 for more details and to express an interest. Stands for organisations are available. LOCAL CARER SUPPORT GROUPS The Carers Project helps to run 3 carers support groups: Carers For One Another This group meets at the Church on Central Ave in Wigston, on the third Thursday of each month from 10 am to 12 noon. Parking is available in the street and in the church's car park. The group meets for discussions, guest speakers, fun activities, letting off steam, sharing information and experiences, and just chatting. Refreshments served. Help is available with transport and sitting services. Oadby and Wigston Carers This group usually meets on the third Monday of each month now at the new venue of the Barnabas Centre on Hamble Road in Oadby, from 1.30pm until 3.00pm. The centre has its own car park and is disabled friendly. The group meets for discussions, guest speakers, fun activities, letting off steam, sharing information and experiences, and just chatting. Refreshments served. Help is available with transport and sitting services. South Wigston Carers They meet on Tuesdays at 11.00 am every 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Bassett Room at the Salvation Army Community Centre, Saffron Road in South Wigston. Other groups: Centre 88 Carers Group This is a group for carers of people suffering with mental health problems. It meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month from 7.30pm until 10ish, for fun activities and information sharing. Please phone VAOW for details of the venue and activity. Alzheimer's Support Group This group meets at The Cedars Centre in Wigston monthly. Please phone (0116) 2255700 for further details. There are regular joint events throughout the year, such as skittles/quiz evenings and outings. There are many other support groups run by specific organisations such as The Stroke Association, The Parkinsons Society etc. If you want to find a specific group or you would like more details of the groups listed then please contact the Carers Development Team, (0116) 2810026 ex 28 or email : ksmith@vaow.org.uk Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 am to 3.30 pm Friday 9 am to 1.00 pm Use our message forums to post your questions and comments about our Projects
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