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Here is the email that we sent to our Carers Central newsletter subscribers on 3rd June 2020.
  Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.  Carers Week 2020 in Luton8th – 14th June 2020This year the Carers Week theme is ‘Make Caring Visible’. Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and the massive contribution carers make on a daily basis. Visit our page with all the events in Luton for carers during Carers Week. Pledge your supportCarers UK have sent up a website that allows you to create your own pledge and have it shown on their website. Carers Week 2020 events in LutonThere are a range of events taking place across Luton through the week:  Monday 8th June 202010.30am – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12.15pmVirtual Connections Coffee MorningUnpaid carers in Luton are invited to join the Carers Central free, weekly session to meet other carers and find out what support is available in your local area. This week’s topics for discussion will include benefits and money including carers allowance. Let’s make all carers visible and make this our biggest coffee morning so far. Come along with a cup of tea or coffee and chat to local carers along with our Carers Support Officers, Sally and Levi. Visit our page with all the events in Luton for carers during Carers Week. Monday 8th June 202012.30pm – 2pmTotal Wellbeing Luton:Wellbeing while working during COVID-19Total Wellbeing Luton says “Many of our normal routines and daily activities are changing. Naturally this can be unsettling, and we can find that the things we usually did to look after our well-being have become difficult. Visit the Total Wellbeing Luton website for full details of their wellbeing workshops  Tuesday 9th June 20205pm – 7pmCarers Central Q&A Evening:Just ask Sally…Sally is a Carer Support Officer with the Carers Central team and will be available to answer all your questions on the phone, web chat or text. We can help with a wide range of topics, supporting you during the coronavirus crisis with wellbeing, employment, equipment, local support organisations and much more. Join us from 7pm at our virtual Q&A meeting via PC or mobile phone. Wednesday 10th June 20202pm – 3.30pmTotal Wellbeing Luton:Mindfulness during COVID-19Total Wellbeing Luton says “Incorporating mindfulness based practice in to day to day life has many benefits for both our emotional health and physical health. The current pandemic may have contributed to increased stress levels which can make you feel less able to cope. This workshop will discuss what mindfulness is and how it can be applied to help manage difficult emotional experiences.” Visit the Total Wellbeing Luton website for full details of their wellbeing workshops.  Thursday 11th June 202011am – 12pmThe Disability Resource Centre:Support into learning and workThe Disability Resource Centre says “Come and join a 1 hour session with our friendly employment expert, Chris, to invest in your personal development. Come and chat to Chris about opportunities to support carers into suitable work opportunities, support with wellbeing, money, IT and much more. Explore local learning opportunities available through a variety of methods. Chris will guide you through this session with an aim of producing an action plan to remove any barriers you have to learning and/or work. Chris will be available to answer any questions in this fun and friendly online workshop.” Join us from 11am at our virtual workshop via PC or mobile phone. Visit our page with all the events in Luton for carers during Carers Week.  Friday 12th June 20201:15pm – 2:15pm Free online seated yoga sessionThis free seated yoga session will include a guided meditation along with some relaxation techniques and chair based exercises. Please try to check in to the online class at least 15 minutes before the session if possible, so we can start on time. Everyone will need a chair (one that’s not on wheels – so a dining table chair, for example), a belt (cotton belt, or a dressing gown belt is equally good), and some cushions. Thanks to The Disability Resource Centre and for Brendan from Shanti Warrior Yoga for providing his session. Please contact the Carers Central team by email to book your place carerscentral@drcbeds.org.uk Visit our page with all the events in Luton for carers during Carers Week.  New pages for carers wellbeing and benefitsCheck our new page of useful links for carers covering benefits and money. See our brand new page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.  Introduction to Emotional WellbeingNew online courseThis new and free online course will help you to learn about your emotional wellbeing. You will be introduced to some practical tools to help you to take better care of yourself. What’s covered in this courseThis online course contains 3 lessons that will take about 3 hours to complete. We invite you to start using the tools and techniques in your daily life. The first lesson will take you through the definitions of emotional wellbeing, why it’s important to invest in emotional wellbeing and how without this investment we can have negative impacts. You will then learn how the practical tools included in this lesson can support you to manage your emotional wellbeing through a programme of meditation, affirmation and journaling. Next you’ll learn how you can take better care of yourself. Learn how others practice emotional wellbeing and how you can incorporate this into your life. You’ll also start a journey of creating a more balanced life using the Wheel of Life and you’ll create your own Vision Board. If you would like to enrol on this course then please email The Disability Resource Centre.  Employment support for carersThe Disability Resource Centre has just launched a free support programme for carers to help manage your wellbeing, learn new skills and/or gain paid work.
Read full details of the free employment support programme for carers on The Disability Resource Centre’s website.  Care Workforce appWe’ve been using the new Care Workforce app and website over the last couple of weeks and it’s proving pretty useful:
We’ve been using Silvercloud (which is normally only free/available via a GP referral) for it’s wide range of online wellbeing guides. There are plenty of discounts available for carers too, via the Discounts For Carers service including savings of up to 12.5% across 50 retailers like ASDA, M&S, Argos, Sky, Sainsburys and more. Find out more at the Care Workforce website.
 Helpful updates from local organisations: Total Wellbeing LutonOnline emotional health workshopsOur friends at Total Wellbeing Luton are running several events for Carers Week:
Book a place on the Total Wellbeing Luton website. Alzheimer’s SocietyAlzheimer’s Society is determined to be there for everyone affected by dementia in Bedfordshire and Luton, in these unprecedented times. Currently, 80% of calls to Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line are concerning issues faced by people affected by dementia caused by the coronavirus. People who ring on 0333 150 3456, are greeted by an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Adviser, who will be able to provide information and practical measures on how to stay safe, active and social during this difficult time. Phone lines are open 7 days a week. Alzheimer’s Society’s online community, Talking Point, can connect people affected by dementia with others to share tips and ways to cope during this crisis. It can be accessed online for free, night or day at the Azheimer’s Society website. Luton All Women’s CentreLuton All Women’s Centre offers advice and support to women around a range of issues including domestic and other forms of abuse, mental health and wellbeing. Under the Covid 19 shutdown they are offering phone and email support to women in Luton and the surrounding areas who are struggling in any areas of their life. Phone: 01582 416783, email: support@lawc.org.uk or visit their website. Sight Concern BedfordshireSight Concern Bedfordshire is still operating and taking your calls. Please call their helpline on 01234 311555 for specialist advice to support people living with sight loss. They are also available for when you are feeling low and want a chat with one of their emotional support advisors, Monday to Friday 10am to 1.30pm on the same number. Visit the Sight Concern Bedfordshire website to learn more. Luton and Dunstable Hospital Dementia SpecialistsHospital visiting restrictions during this unprecedented time are difficult for everyone. During this time the Luton and Dunstable Hospital Dementia Specialists have a dedicated helpline for relatives and carers to contact the hospital for updates. 01582 718884 (8am to 6pm). They also have staff available to carers of people with learning disabilities or dementia who need additional support or information concerning their loved one. They can be contacted on: Jeanette Broadhurst – Learning disabilities nurse – 07899065737 (09:00 – 17:00) Yvonne Weldon – Dementia nurse specialist – 01582 497417 (08:30 -16:30) or email Yvonne.weldon@ldh.nhs.uk Luton Borough Council Special Educational Needs ServiceLuton Borough Council says that their “vision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children and young people – that they achieve well in early years, at school and at college to enable them to lead happy and fulfilled lives within a safe environment and where they have choice and control.” The Luton Local Offer helps you find information about local services, support and events for children and young people aged 0 – 25 years who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Visit the website for full details. Deafblind UKDeafblind UK has temporarily extended its helpline opening hours to support people who have sight loss, hearing loss or both, through the COVID-19 crisis. The Deafblind UK helpline is now open between 8am and 8pm, every day of the week. Trained staff are on hand to support people who have any level of sensory loss, their families and anyone who works with them. They can give practical help, information and advice and offer in-depth emotional support to people who need it. The helpline can be accessed in the following ways: Tel: 0800 132320 MIND BLMKMind BLMK are offering emotional wellbeing support over the phone to the wider community of Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. If you feel that you or anyone you know would benefit from having someone to talk to, either as a one-off or regularly over the coming weeks, please get in touch or you can pass our details on. Crisis support  Carers UK have today released a interesting new report on carers health and wellbeing in the workplace The aim of the survey was to improve understanding of current health and wellbeing provision for carers in the workplace, identify examples of good practice and make practical recommendations on how employers and others can better support carer health and wellbeing.  King’s College London is asking for carers to help them with a survey on the impact of coronavirus on carers. Visit their survey page to help. The purpose of the study is to record carers’ experiences of the UK COVID-19 outbreak and explore how the outbreak has affected with their caregiving role.  Coronavirus Update: We are here to helpIf you would like to discuss anything in this newsletter or have any other issues do please contact Levi or Sally for further help and support. Our hard-working team offers a telephone helpline on 0300 303 0201 open Monday to Friday in office hours and on Tuesdays we are open for telephone calls until 7pm. Or send us an email. During the coronavirus crisis we can help you access reliable health and support information. We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support to unpaid carers in the Luton area. You can now contact us in many different ways:– WhatsApp: 07557 529613 Coronavirus information and advice for carersWe’ve compiled all the latest and most reliable coronavirus information for carers on our new page that includes help from Carers UK, Age UK, Mencap, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Stroke Association, Carers Trust and more. ——————————————————— Helping you to copeThe mental health charity, Mind, have produced two booklets to help you look after yourself when you are caring for a friend or relative. They provide you with information on how to help with anxiety and deal with panic attacks. Understanding anxiety and panic attacks ——————————————————– MindfulnessThe NHS has added a couple of useful pages that teaches you to be more mindful. They provide information on the benefits of mindfulness and meditation and how they can be used to help keep you calm and well. NHS mindfulness and stress page ——————————————————— Carers AllowanceIf your circumstances have changed and you are now providing 35 hours of unpaid care to a family member of friend you may be eligible to claim Carers Allowance. ——————————————————– Unpaid carers at work during the coronavirus crisisIf you are an unpaid carer and would like to stop working because the person you care for is vulnerable you may need to request flexible working. ——————————————————- The Disability Resource Centre can helpThe Disability Resource Centre’s website has up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide. And there’s a new page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more.  Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growingIt’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton. We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more. Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.    Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.   Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.  The Disability Resource CentrePoynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TPPhone: 01582 470900Email: info@drcbeds.org.ukWebsite: www.drcbeds.org.uk Charity Number 1041712 |
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Forward Here is the email that we sent to our subscribers on 20 May 2020.
  Our help and support is as vital as ever…“Hello, This week I have 5 more examples of the ways we are supporting vulnerable local people during the coronavirus crisis. —————————————— Mr V needed help with his shopping, picking up his prescriptions and with transport to hospital, as he is a dialysis patient and needs to go to the hospital 3 times per week. We were able to get his prescriptions picked up, his shopping done for him by a ‘good neighbours scheme’, then a food parcel and some hot food delivered. To top it off, we also managed to find an organisation that can offer lifts, to and from the hospital. —————————————— Mrs J is an unpaid carer who cares for a family member. She felt alone and stressed during the lockdown so was pleased we called as part of our carer wellbeing contact scheme, during the coronavirus crisis. She very much appreciated the calls from our team and she also joins the weekly virtual meetings we have set-up with other local carers. —————————————— Mr M is an unpaid carer and unable to see his loved one who is in a residential home due to Covid-19 restrictions. We are calling Mr M once a week to make sure he’s OK and for a general wellbeing chat. A phone call being especially important since he doesn’t have access to a computer and isn’t able to join our virtual carer meetups. —————————————— Mrs S needed help submitting her timesheets throughout the current situation, working as a Personal Assistant (PA) in care. We were very pleased when she sent us messages of thanks to the whole finance team. —————————————— Miss W needed some help because of her sight disability, so we arranged for an emergency food package, then recommended local charity Sight Concern, who arranged for a company to send some ready meals. We also assisted Miss W during her search for a job including help with job agencies and sending applications. We’ve also helped set-up a mock job interview (by phone) with the National Careers Service. —————————————— We are all here to help you. Please do let us know how we can help you. I’ll be writing to you again with further updates soon. Melanie Hawman. CEO. The Disability Resource Centre.”  You can contact us in many ways:– WhatsApp: 07871 744157 For specific 1-2-1 advice (including benefits and benefit appeals) we can arrange dedicated telephone appointments. Our website provides up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide. We have launched a page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more, during the coronavirus crisis. Take a look on our website for all the latest happenings at our charity this week:  Paul is running 10K to raise funds for our charityPaul is training hard for his 10K run next Monday 25th May. Watch Paul’s latest videos and read all his news on our special website page. And see Vince, Paul’s pacemaking pup…  Please support Paul with a donation via his Virgin Money Giving page. Thanks very much.  Free online wellbeing coursesTake a look at our brand new (and free) online courses to help improve your health, confidence & wellbeing. The Best of Me programme is a series of free online courses for Bedfordshire residents. See the website for conditions and full details. We design our online courses to include regular virtual meetups, with fellow course participants and your tutor. 1-2-1 contact with your tutor is further encouraged via phone, email and online video chat. This programme started with our first group in March 2020. The group have been telling us what they have been learning on the online course so far:
 Second-hand disability equipmentTake a look at our latest list of second-hand items for sale, all at great prices. This week we have a bath transfer bench for £25, a shower chair for £15, walking sticks from £5, crutches from £10/pair, drop rails for £10, a zimmer frame for £15 and much more… The Disability Resource Centre recently opened a second-hand disability equipment shop at the centre in Dunstable. During the coronavirus crisis we are not open to the public in-person, but you can instead use our popular ‘chat and collect’ service to find second-hand and new disability equipment for your needs. Please donate your second-hand items for our charity to sellIf you would like to donate a piece of equipment so that our charity can sell it (to raise funds for our charity) then please contact The Disability Resource Centre on 01582 470970 or email us to find out more. Thanks very much.  Brand new payroll system for PAsThe Direct Payments finance team have been busy moving to a new payroll system which will allow PAs and individual employers to have their own online portal (accessible 24/7) to view their payslips, both current and historical. Take a look at the Direct Payments page on our website for further information. Important information for PAs and employers during the coronavirus crisisWe have just updated our links to the latest government guidance for PAs and individual employers with information on PPE, shielding, Covid-19 testing for PAs, new guidelines for DBS checks, PA recruitment, coronavirus training and many more useful links.  When you are shopping online at amazon, please consider clicking our link and helping raise vital funds for our charity, contributed automatically by Amazon, at no extra cost to you. Thanks very much.  Our Facebook page now has over 1000 followers…With all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has 1026 followers and fans.  The Disability Resource CentrePoynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TPPhone: 01582 470900Email: info@drcbeds.org.ukWebsite: www.drcbeds.org.uk Charity Number 1041712 |
Here is the email that we sent to our subscribers on 12 May 2020.
We are all here for you…
“Hello,
We are all still operating our full services via phone and online, which have been very busy again this week.
Be assured that we will be continuing to follow government guidance in line with easing of lockdown restrictions.
Please do let us know how we can help you:
– WhatsApp: 07871 744157
– Phone: 01582 470 900
– Facebook Messenger: @TheDisabilityResourceCentre
– Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
– Text us: 07871 744157
– Chat to us now: On our website just click the pink ‘chat to us’ box at the bottom of every page, open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Take a look on our website for all the latest happenings at our charity this week:
- Watch Paul run 10K, live on Facebook, to raise funds for our charity.
- Take a look at our brand new (and free) online courses to help improve your health, confidence & wellbeing.
- We are really proud of Jon Wallis from our Direct Payments support team who’s been cheering up neighbours, key workers and supporters from across the country with his and his father’s fabulous music making.
- See our fully updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for PAs and individual employers during the coronavirus crisis.
- We just updated our pages for Personal Assistants (PAs) in care with full details on PA recruitment, free training and PA job vacancies.
- We are all thrilled to receive a grant of up to £7,500 from BLCF as part of the Bedfordshire Coronavirus Emergency Fund. With this vital funding, we have been able to fully support our teams working at home during the crisis. We’ve improved our IT systems to better serve many more disabled people, carers and people with long term health conditions across Bedfordshire.
——————————————————————————————
For specific 1-2-1 advice (including benefits and benefit appeals) we can arrange dedicated telephone appointments.
Our website provides up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide.
We have launched a page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more, during the coronavirus crisis.
I’ll be writing to you again with further updates soon.
We are all here to help you.
Melanie Hawman.
CEO. The Disability Resource Centre.”
New disability equipment “Chat and collect” service
During the coronavirus crisis instead of visiting our shop you can now chat to us on the phone on 01582 470 900 or via the chat service on our website.
You will be able to pay over the phone and collect from our centre here in Dunstable, with us observing the highest hygiene and social distancing guidelines at all times.
Important information for PAs and employers during the coronavirus crisis
We have just updated our links to the latest government guidance for PAs and individual employers with information on PPE, shielding, Covid-19 testing for PAs, new guidelines for DBS checks, PA recruitment, coronavirus training and many more useful links.
When you are shopping online at amazon, please consider clicking our link and helping raise vital funds for our charity, contributed automatically by Amazon, at no extra cost to you.
Thanks very much.
Our Facebook page now has over 1000 followers…
With all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has 1019 followers and fans.
The Disability Resource Centre
Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP
Phone: 01582 470900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk
Charity Number 1041712
Here is our latest email delivered to over 6000 subscribers on 4th May 2020.
“We just received this lovely thank you card…
It’s so nice that the hard work of our team is valued so highly.
Read the words of a customer this week, in a card she sent to Stacey, who runs our new “chat and no-contact collect” disability equipment shop:
“I am happy to say that on Saturday we enjoyed an hours walk around Houghton Hall Park, with me being pushed around in the ‘new’ wheelchair, that I received from your charity.
My partner heroically pushed me around. Including, at times, some hilariously reckless driving across grass so he could show the bluebells and primroses to me ‘close up’. There was a bit of squealing and a lot of laughter! Oh it was just wonderful to be out together. Sun or rain it wouldn’t have mattered, but oh we had such a lovely time.
It didn’t even matter that I was in a wheelchair, it turns out, I was still me and he was still him, it was just lovely.
I never thought that I may have to end up adjusting to a life with a wheelchair, albeit hopefully only until the hospitals open back up. But this is where I am and we all have to make the best of this situation. It’s been hard to accept, making these changes. I used to be so independent and active. So when I realised life was heading this way, I had no clue where to start with accessing the type of things I needed.
Your service has been such a help to me, and it is reassuring to know that should I discover there are other things I need, I now know where to come and who to ask to redirect me and assist, the service you provide in the community is amazing and I thank you again.”
New disability equipment “Chat and collect” service
Since we launched our ‘Chat and no contact collect’ service at our disability equipment shop last week we’ve been able to match many customers with items they have needed. We’ve helped local people with walking aids, commodes, bathing equipment, wheelchairs and dressing aids so far.
So during the coronavirus crisis instead of visiting our shop you can now chat to us on the phone on 01582 470 900 or via the chat service on our website.
Stacey, Chera and Susan are all here to help.
We’ll tell you all about any items you are interested in, send you some photos and talk through the exact specifications, plus the price.
You will be able to pay over the phone and collect from our centre here in Dunstable, with us observing the highest hygiene and social distancing guidelines at all times.
Read full details about this brand new service.
Watch Paul demonstrate two products in our shop; a pedal exerciser and a Swedish trolley…
Important information for PAs and employers during the coronavirus crisis
We have just updated our links to the latest government guidance for PAs and individual employers with information on PPE, shielding, Covid-19 testing for PAs, new guidelines for DBS checks, PA recruitment, coronavirus training and many more useful links.
We’ve also been helping many local people find support for shopping, medications, befriending services, claiming PIP benefits and many more…
Read about the ways we’ve helped vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis this week:
– Mrs S hasn’t left her home in 3 months, she’s barely seen the postman. We were able to get her prescriptions delivered as well as find her details for local shops to deliver some essentials.
– Mr G had his tri-walker stolen while he was in hospital, we have used the ‘Chat and no contact collect service’ to talk to him, find a suitable replacement and get a walker to him so he can get around safely.
– Mr K was medically retired and wanted to apply for PIP, so we booked a telephone consultation with one of our expert disability benefits advisors. He has since been able to apply for PIP with all the information and advice he needed to be successful.
– Mr and Mrs L are shielding and they have no family locally. They needed some essentials and wanted someone to talk to. We were able to refer them to a local service to have a befriender call them, as well as deliver them some essential shopping.”
We are here for you
Our full team are all working at home and you can now contact us in many different ways:
– WhatsApp: 07871 744157
– Phone: 01582 470 900
– Facebook Messenger: @TheDisabilityResourceCentre
– Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
– Text us: 07871 744157
– Chat to us now: On our website just click the pink ‘chat to us’ box at the bottom of every page, open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
———————————————————————————————
For specific advice about benefits, benefits appeals and all other topics we can arrange dedicated telephone appointments.
Our own website provides up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide.
We have launched a new page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more, during the coronavirus crisis.
I’ll be writing to you again with further updates soon.
We are all here to help you.
Melanie Hawman.
CEO. The Disability Resource Centre.”
When you are shopping online at amazon, please consider clicking our link and helping raise vital funds for our charity, contributed automatically by Amazon, at no extra cost to you.
Thanks very much.
Our Facebook page now has over 1000 followers…
With all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has 1011 followers and fans.
The Disability Resource Centre
Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP
Phone: 01582 470900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk
Charity Number 1041712
Here is our latest email delivered to over 6000 subscribers on 23rd April 2020.
  “Chat and collect” at our disability equipment shopInstead of the rather impersonal ‘click and collect’ services you see around the web, from today, we are offering a much friendlier ‘chat and collect’ service to help you buy products from our shop, during the coronavirus crisis. Watch Paul Robson, our business manager, take a walk through the shop showing you the items we have in stock:  We always ensure the highest standards of health and safety for our customers and staff.So during the coronavirus crisis instead of visiting our shop you can now chat to us on the phone on 01582 470 900 or via the chat service on our website. Stacey, Chera and Susan are all here to help. We’ll tell you all about any items you are interested in, send you some photos and talk through the exact specifications, plus the price. You will be able to pay over the phone and collect from our centre here in Dunstable, with us observing the highest hygiene and social distancing guidelines at all times. Read full details about this brand new service. So please either phone us on 01582 470 900 or chat to us through the website and our expert disability equipment team can help. You can always email us out of hours. Second-hand items for saleWe have an ever changing stock of fully-cleansed, high quality second-hand items for sale too. Watch our short video that shows the current stock of second hand items: Our full team are all working at home and you can now contact us in many different ways: – WhatsApp: 07871 744157 ——————————————————————————————— For specific advice about benefits, benefits appeals and all other topics we can arrange dedicated telephone appointments. Our own website provides up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide. We have launched a new page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more, during the coronavirus crisis. I’ll be writing to you again with further updates soon. We are all here to help you. Melanie Hawman. CEO. The Disability Resource Centre.”   When you are shopping online at amazon, please consider clicking our link and helping raise vital funds for our charity, contributed automatically by Amazon, at no extra cost to you. Thanks very much.  Our Facebook page has now reached 1000 followers!With all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has 1003 followers and fans.  The Disability Resource CentrePoynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TPPhone: 01582 470900Email: info@drcbeds.org.ukWebsite: www.drcbeds.org.uk Charity Number 1041712 |
Here is the email we sent on 14th April 2020 to over 6600 subscribers that describes the work we are doing to help people during the coronavirus crisis:
  We are busy helping hundreds of vulnerable people every week across Luton and Bedfordshire.Melanie Hawman, our CEO, writes with a coronavirus update on how we are continuing to help carers, people with a long term health conditions, disabled people and their friends and families. “Since the prime minister announced the lockdown we have helped 1,796 people in Luton and Bedfordshire.Our phone lines have been hot and increasingly people have been emailing us, sending chat messages and texts. Our team have been getting calls about support for people leaving hospital and many vulnerable people have been worried about food and medicines. We have also received calls from carers concerned about supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves. A large number of callers contact us for help to support their older relatives and many disabled people need local help with shopping and medical appointments. Many people have contacted us feeling very isolated and anxious about the coming days and weeks. Our small team of staff are here, to first offer a compassionate listening ear and then provide the latest reliable information and to guide those most in need to appropriate local help…  …Our full team are all working at home and you can now contact us in many different ways: – WhatsApp: 07871 744157 ——————————————————————————————— For specific advice about benefits, benefits appeals and equipment we can arrange dedicated telephone appointments. Our own website provides up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide. We have just launched a new page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more, during the coronavirus crisis. Support for carersOur regular carer support group meetings have moved to Zoom and our team are here to help and support carers during this period of social isolation. If you know a carer in need or are one yourself, please do continue to contact us – we are here to help in any way we can. New online courses and informationOur Health, Learning and Work team are continuing to support our service users by telephone, email and video chat. Those on our employability projects continue to have dedicated support from their Training Officers. Learners on our Taking Care of Me programme have just been enrolled on the first week of our brand new online lessons for healthy living. We hope to be able to offer these online courses to more people in the coming weeks. We are working hard to provide more online courses for employment support and emotional wellbeing, to be launched very soon. The team are also busy publishing more practical information on our websites for the 4000+ visitors every month. I’ll be writing to you again with further updates soon. We are all here to help you. Melanie Hawman. CEO. The Disability Resource Centre.”
 Our Facebook page has nearly 1000 followersWith all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has 986 followers and fans.  The Disability Resource CentrePoynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TPPhone: 01582 470900Email: info@drcbeds.org.ukWebsite: www.drcbeds.org.uk Charity Number 1041712
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Here’s the first email that we sent on 1st April 2020 from our CEO about the coronavirus situation:
  Our team is here for you…Melanie Hawman, our CEO, writes about how the whole team at The Disability Resource Centre is fully operational, all working at home during the coronavirus crisis: “It is with great pride that I share all the wonderful work of our hard-working charity team. Everyone has quickly adapted to new ways of supporting our many vulnerable service users….  …Our full team are now all working at home (many thanks to our IT support partners CMC), providing our many services by phone and online via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, mobile text or email. You can also chat to us live on our website. You can now contact us in many different ways: – WhatsApp: 07871 744157 ——————————————————————————————— We’ll help support you with lots of important and practical information. For specific advice about benefits, benefits appeals and equipment we can arrange dedicated telephone appointments. People have been calling us about special time slots for food shopping at local supermarkets for vulnerable individuals. We’ve been helping provide up to date information and guiding people to the many local support groups who can help with shopping, including those on the Covid Mutual Aid website. Our own website provides up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide. You can chat to us on our website or at our popular Facebook page. We’re busy contacting the most vulnerable people in our area and connecting up online with local support groups in our community. Our dedicated carers team is helping carers and PAs to understand changes in their work practices during the crisis and any support or benefits they may be entitled to claim. The equipment team is supporting local people with advice and links to many popular items like pendant alarms, mobile phones and walking equipment. We are guiding people on the Disabled Living Foundation websites and supporting people with applying for equipment funding grants. During the coronavirus crisis we are helping people to access reliable health and support information, and also put them in contact with NHS services to get medications delivered. We are asked a wide variety of questions about the current situation and always take the time to help on related topics. There are often no set answers for most of these questions, as the situation changes daily, so we are always busy researching the most up to date and reliable information. In the coming days and weeks we’re starting to provide many training courses online including 1-2-1 learning support by phone and email. We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support helping as many disabled people and carers as possible to stay connected; supporting their mental health and overall wellbeing. We are all here to help you. Melanie Hawman. CEO. The Disability Resource Centre.”
 Our Facebook page has nearly 1000 followersWith all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has over 970 followers and fans.  The Disability Resource CentrePoynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TPPhone: 01582 470900Email: info@drcbeds.org.ukWebsite: www.drcbeds.org.uk Charity Number 1041712 |
Take a look at our February 2020 email newsletter:
  Learning Fair for Adult Social CareFeaturing training opportunities in the care sectorThursday 27th February 202010am – 2pm at The Disability Resource CentreIf you are a Personal Assistant (PA) in care, employer or want to find out more about training opportunities in the care sector then you’ll find all the training you need at our Learning Fair.
 New & free online training coursesWe have been busy building some new online training courses to supplement all the training opportunities we offer, in person, across Bedfordshire and Luton. The first online training course was launched in January called the Personal Assistant (PA) Induction course, which many local PAs have already joined and completed. If you are PA or employer who uses our Direct Payment services then this course is suitable for you. You will learn valuable information to help you perform your role as a PA including topics like safeguarding, DBS checks, health and safety, PA rights, timesheets, holidays and reporting sickness.  Monthly PA Induction workshops in DunstableWe also run in-person PA Induction workshops, every month, at our centre in Dunstable. Read what PAs and carers have been saying about our monthly PA training…
The next workshop is being held this Thursday 27th February 2020. Kind treats for carersWe were so touched by the kindness of the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club Luton North (The Inner Wheel Club is the ladies section of the Rotary Club), who donated boxes of treats for carers in need of a pick-me-up. One of the members of the group had seen an article in the Sunday Times about the difficulties carers can face. The kind lady told her group all about it and they decided that they would make up Carers Boxes. They would then hand them out to carers to help with their wellbeing and to let them know that their hard work is appreciated and recognised. The group members collected toiletries, tissues, jewellery, little notepads, fun sized chocolate bars, mini packets of wipes, face cream, and anything else they could collect, that they thought carers would use. The photos show the Carers Boxes and the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club Luton North.     The group told us that they are now going to make up more Carers Boxes and deliver them again to us later this year. The boxes are ideal for female carers and will be distributed to the carers that use our Carers Central service, those who have had a particularly bad time. Lorraine and Levi, our Carers Support Workers, were invited to meet the ladies who were involved in the making of the Carers Boxes at The Warden Tavern in Luton.  Welcome to Rawshana and StaceyWe were joined by two new team members last month, Rawshana and Stacey.  We asked Rawshana to introduce herself via some Q&As. It will be Stacey’s turn next time. Q. What’s your typical day at The Disability Resource Centre?A typical day for me starts at 10am, as I’m one of the Information Assistants within the contact hub. I’m generally on the phone taking calls and answering queries; some queries require a fair amount of research. The phones are usually very busy from the time I get in until about 4pm. The Disability Resource Centre also have an equipment showroom so there’s usually a steady stream of visitors who also require looking after. In addition to these visitors we also have a number of tenants within the building who also have visitors that require greeting and signposting. Q. What do most enjoy about working at The Disability Resource Centre?The variety of the queries that I get to deal with on a day to day basis. Q. What are the most challenging parts of working at The Disability Resource Centre?As I’m new, it’s getting to understand the vast range of mobility aids and adaptations on the market and what they are used for. Q. What have you learned about The Disability Resource Centre that you didn’t know before you started working here?How big the premises actually are and how many people are supported by The Disability Resource Centre every month, it’s amazing! And finally, here are a few light-hearted questions…Q. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?Oooh I could just do with a cuppa…. ( I do like my hot drinks!). Q. Which talent would you most like to have?I’d love to be able to do martial arts. Q. What is your most treasured possession?My Apple mobile phone, my life revolves around it :-). Q. Who are your heroes in real life?People who give up their free time to help disadvantaged people. Q. Who are your heroes in fiction?Wonder Woman. Q. What is your motto?The glass is always half full.   Free Care Academy workshops for PAs in careThese workshops are all held at The Disability Resource Centre in Dunstable.Last chance – Our free workshops for PAs in care and employers ends at the end of February.There are still spaces on workshops in February so please check the calendar for full details. Call 01582 470970 or email us for full details.  Support into Employment for CarersWe know and understand how difficult it can be to find work if you are a carer. You may struggle to find paid employment that fits around your caring commitments. If you have ever thought about turning your existing caring skills into paid employment, then we can help. Our free training and programmes could work around your existing commitments. If you wish to return to work in some way, but are unsure how to start, then we can help with 1-2-1 support with our employment advisors.   Practical support for carersCarers Central service is completely dedicated to helping unpaid carers living, or working, in Luton. Our two Carer Support Workers, Lorraine and Levi, take the service out to different venues across Luton and also arrange visits to carers in their own homes and local venues to suit.  Second-hand disability equipmentAt our equipment centre in Dunstable we now sell a range of second-hand wheelchairs, walkers, handrails, walking frames and much more, all at bargain prices. We are now accepting donations of equipmentPlease consider donating your good quality unwanted items, so we can sell them to help us raise funds for our charity. Email us with details of the items you’d like to donate to us.  Fitness suite session timesCheck the days and times for all the sessions in our fitness suite, which is especially designed for disabled people.   Disability adviceOur disability advice service is confidential, independent and free.This service provides up-to-date information and advice to people of any age and with any disability, older people, their families, carers, friends and associated professionals.
 Meeting rooms for hireHire our fully equipped meeting rooms with free wifi, a digital projector, tea & coffee facilities, flexible room space and on-site parking for over 100 cars, including 12 dedicated disabled parking bays. Full details and specifications of all our meeting rooms, plus live availability are on our website.  Our Facebook page has over 900 followersWith all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has over 930 followers and fans. There’s always something new at our disability equipment shop here in Dunstable  New disability equipmentTake a look at our demonstration kitchen plus a brand new shower/wet room, both with lots of thoughtful features. Please feel free to book an appointment with our highly trained team, at a time to suit you. We have plenty of new items on display including a starlift, mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, kitchen utensils, continence supplies, rollators, riser-recliner seating and more.  Join our team of superhero volunteersThe Disability Resource Centre Needs You!There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at The Disability Resource Centre. Whatever your skills and experience or time you have to give, we would love to hear from you. We have a range of opportunities across our services to support people with disabilities, carers and family members. Regular Events  Benefits form-filling workshops on MondaysThe benefits form-filling workshops are designed to help you negotiate your way through the rather in-depth and sometimes confusing benefits claim forms. Expert help with seating on ThursdaysEvery Thursday we offer expert help with choosing the best chair. Our seating specialist is here to advise on getting the correct chair size, support to help maintain the correct posture and pressure care to prevent skin or muscle irritation. Friday art workshopA splash of colour to end your week. Gain the therapeutic effects of art and learn lots of new skills in a small and supportive group. Every Friday afternoon. Support Groups  Carers Support group We hold meet-ups twice every month for carers in the Luton area. Join Lorraine and Levi for informative question and answer sessions. Check our events calendar for full details. Physical Health and Emotional Wellbeing (PHEW) Support Group Get support from people with real life experience of managing their own health, and/or caring for our loved ones who have health conditions. Carers Eating Disorder Association (CEDA)If you care for someone with an eating disorder, this support group could help you. The support group holds a monthly meet-up to share experiences, offer help and provide lots of sympathetic support. Fibromyalgia Support Group Come along to the Fibromyalgia support group meetings on the first Tuesday of every month. Check the support group’s popular Facebook page for updates and useful information. Friday Art Support Group Join us on Fridays every week to enjoy a couple of hours of mindful art. You can learn new techniques, share your own skills and find a new way to relax.  Watch out for our next newsletter…Plans are already underway to make the next newsletter a bumper edition. We are hoping to include:
  DonatePlease consider donating to The Disability Resource Centre today so we can continue our vital services. We have lots of useful information to share on Facebook and Twitter The Disability Resource CentrePoynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TPPhone: 01582 470900Email: info@drcbeds.org.ukWebsite: www.drcbeds.org.uk Charity Number 1041712
Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable, LU5 4TP. |
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