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 Luton

8th – 14th June 2020

This 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 support

Carers 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 Luton

There are a range of events taking place across Luton through the week:

Monday 8th June 2020

10.30am – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12.15pm

Virtual Connections Coffee Morning

Unpaid 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 2020

12.30pm – 2pm

Total Wellbeing Luton:

Wellbeing while working during COVID-19 

Total 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.
Many of us still have to work, whether this be as a key worker or working from home. The aim of this workshop is to provide techniques on how to manage wellbeing whilst working, and also maintaining a healthy work/life balance.”

Visit the Total Wellbeing Luton website for full details of their wellbeing workshops

Tuesday 9th June 2020

5pm – 7pm

Carers 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 2020

2pm – 3.30pm

Total Wellbeing Luton:

Mindfulness during COVID-19 

Total 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 2020

11am – 12pm

The Disability Resource Centre:

Support into learning and work 

The 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 2020

1:15pm – 2:15pm

Free online seated yoga session

This 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 benefits

Check 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 Wellbeing

New online course

This 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 course

This 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 carers

The 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.

• Learn how to relax, de-stress and find balance in your life with a range of wellbeing support, online courses and workshops
• Keep learning during the coronavirus crisis with our recently improved online training programmes that you can access on your PC, tablet or phone
• We provide 1-2-1 support for unpaid carers living in Luton or Central Bedfordshire

Read full details of the free employment support programme for carers on The Disability Resource Centre’s website.

Care Workforce app

We’ve been using the new Care Workforce app and website over the last couple of weeks and it’s proving pretty useful:

• Care workers get access to guidance, learning resources, discounts and other support all in one place
• Support will be offered on mental health and wellbeing through toolkits and resources
• The Care Workforce app will unite 1.5 million care workers across more than 18,000 care providers

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 Luton

Online emotional health workshops

Our friends at Total Wellbeing Luton are running several events for Carers Week:

• Managing anxiety & worry during COVID-19 on 4th June 12pm -1.30pm and 18th June 12pm – 1.30pm
• Wellbeing whilst working during COVID-19 on 8th June 12.30-2pm and 22nd June 12.30pm – 2pm
• Mindfulness during COVID-19 on 10th June 2-3.30pm
• Sleep during COVID-19 on 17th June 2.30-4pm

Book a place on the Total Wellbeing Luton website. 

Alzheimer’s Society 

Alzheimer’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 Centre

Luton 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 Bedfordshire

Sight 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 Specialists

Hospital 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 Service

Luton 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 UK

Deafblind 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
Text: 07950 008870
Text relay: 18001 then 0800 132320
Facetime: helpline.dbuk@deafblind.org.uk

MIND BLMK

Mind 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
If you feel you need urgent support with your mental health or you are in crisis, you can now phone the crisis support helpline on 01525 722 225. They are open 7 days a week, 5-11pm.
Phone: 01525 722 225
E-mail: HQ@Mind-blmk.org.uk
Website: www.mind-blmk.org.uk/

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 help

​If 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
– Phone: 0300 303 0201
– Facebook Messenger: @TheDisabilityResourceCentre
– Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
– Text us: 07557 529613
– Chat to us now: On our website just click the ‘chat to us’ box at the bottom of every page, open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Coronavirus information and advice for carers 

We’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. 

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Helping you to cope

The 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.

How to cope as a carer

Understanding anxiety and panic attacks

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Mindfulness

The 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 page  

NHS mindfulness and stress page

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Carers Allowance 

If 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.

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Unpaid carers at work during the coronavirus crisis

If 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.

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The Disability Resource Centre can help

The 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 growing

It’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 carers

1-2-1 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 Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712