Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton

Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton
February 2012
A huge thank you to two of our trustees Zoe Penny and
Leslie Carlton-Jones for organising some fantastic events
all in the name of Carers Support Merton.
On 17th December a magical evening was had by
everybody who attended an early evening concert of
Christmas Music held at St Johns Church in Spencer Hill
Wimbledon. In early January we were lucky to be the
charity sponsored by a Bridge Event held at the Wimbledon
Club. Lesley and Zoe worked very hard organising the day .
Both of these events raised just over £3,400.00
Thank you to every one who came along to our annual
Christmas Fair. As always we had a fantastic range of
stalls selling a variety of gifts. We managed to raise over
£700.00 from this event.
Just a few ways you can help raise money for
Carers Support Merton. ….
Simply
make a
one off
donation
Let us have your
email address . By
sending your
newsletter to you
by email we can
save £1.50 per
issue
Ask for information
on how to make a
regular donation
per month from
your bank account
Organise
a bingo or
quiz night!
Collect your
coppers in a
jar and bring it
in for us to
count
Join us on the
Thames Walk
or run the
marathon
Are you one of Merton‘s 17,000 unpaid carers?
Would you like some advice and support?
Would you like to meet other carers?
Would you like some ‗me‘ time?
THURSDAY 8th MARCH
The Vestry Hall, London Road, Mitcham 10.30– 3.00pm
Come along and try some FREE taster therapy sessions, subsidised beauty treats,
shop at our craft stalls and take time to relax with a paper or magazine while
enjoying a treat at our café .
You can also take advantage of our FREE heath check where a professional will
check your blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. If you would
like a guaranteed appointment for this service please contact Debbie using the
details below otherwise just turn up but do be prepared to wait.
Tel: 020 8646 7515 or email debbie@csmerton.org

The Bladder and Bowel Foundation (B&BF) is the UK's largest, non-profit
making, advocacy charity providing information and support for adults aged 18
years and over who have experienced either a bladder problem or bowel
problem or both
One of the biggest problems people face when suffering from a bladder or bowel condition
is finding a toilet they can use when they are out and about.
Help is at hand in the shape of their Just Can't Wait toilet card. This is a small, credit sized
card, designed to fit easily into your purse, wallet or pocket. You can show this card when
you are out shopping and socialising and it may help you gain access to a toilet.
The toilet card clearly states that the card holder has a medical condition which requires
the urgent need of a toilet. Although the card does not guarantee you access to a toilet,
most places you visit will be willing to help you.
The Bladder and Bowel foundation make a one off charge of £5.00 for the card. contact them using the details below:-
http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org Telephone: 01536533255
Pooling Personal Budgets – what on earth is that about?
Do you currently help to manage a Personal Budget? Have you heard about the idea of pooling
Personal Budgets? Likeminded service users and carers can put their Personal Budgets or part of
their Personal Budgets together to buy services jointly. You could share a Personal Assistant or
transport, just to mention two examples. If you have heard about pooling, or would like to know
more, The Princess Royal Trust for carers would be interested in
talking with you.
They are currently running a small study to look at what carers know
about pooling Personal Budgets and what things carers think is
important to consider before turning the idea into a reality. If you’d
like to find out more and possibly get involved, please contact
Anoushka Leslie on Tel: 07827 296 783, e-mail aleslie@carers.org
by 12 th February.
Mental Health Thank You Party
We were delighted to welcome 66 carers of people with mental
health issues or dementia, to a New Year’s Thank You Dinner this
January. The occasion took place at Mitcham Golf Club and was
funded by South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS
Trust in recognition of the major contribution made by carers, to the
ongoing care of people using the Trust’s Services.
It was the second Thank You for carers hosted by the Trust, with
such positive feedback from guests that it now looks set to become
an annual occasion! Mark Clenaghan, Sutton & Merton Service
Director for the Trust, who commissioned the event, welcomed
carers and explained that the Dinner was offered as a gesture of gratitude. Deborah Wright, Associate
Director of Social Work and Carers Lead for Merton, also joined carers and staff from a range of Trust
services in Merton, at this most enjoyable sit-down meal.
A wonderful musical accompaniment was generously provided by the talented Brenda Josiah, from Cherry
Pie Music, with her husband working hard on backing tracks! CSM would also like to thank all those carers
and staff who came to make the occasion special; the Trust for their support; the hard-working staff at
Mitcham Golf Club and not forgetting a personal tribute to our own Debbie Kilby who worked tirelessly
before and during the afternoon – ably supported by our volunteer Miriam Gausi – to create another
successful event. Hope to see you all next year!
2

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers are lead members of the Care and
Support Alliance which is campaigning for social care reform. There is a
public lobby of Parliament on 6 th March when people will be able to
come and meet their MP in Parliament. It will have a huge impact if the
Alliance can get 1000 people, showing MPs how important improving
social care is to people, and just before Government is due to publish a
White Paper.
Help us raise fund for Carers Support
Merton whilst you do your Shopping
www.easyfundraising.org.uk provide a
FREE fundraising opportunity where you
can raise funds for Carers Support Merton
when you shop online. Carers Support
Merton are registered to this website and
you can raise significant funds at no cost to
yourself.
Choose from over 2000 of the UK’s best
known retailers including many popular
names such as Argos, HMV and Amazon.
All you need to do to is log onto the
website and register as a user and shop
through the retailers portal on the site. It
does not cost you any extra but can raise
significant funds for us through one easy
click. You can even save money as many
of the retailers offer extra discounts when
customers shop through
www.easyfundraising.org.uk . If you
already shop online, why not help Carers
support Merton at no extra cost from
purchases you would make anyway.
FREE COMPUTER COURSE
FOR CARERS AT
POLLARDS HILL LIBRARY.
Once again the library will be running
it’s popular computer course for carers. The
course started on Thursday 2nd of February
but there are still some places available. If you
are interested in attending please contact
Debbie Kilby at the CSM office and she will
pass your details to the library who will contact
you with further information.
Handyman service
Age Concern Merton has recently been re-named as Age UK
Merton - the address and telephone number remain the same.
Age UK Merton's handyman, Andrew, is carrying out home
warmth and safety assessments over the next three months for
people aged over 50 in the borough of Merton. Andrew will
identify any improvements and give advice on how these might be
achieved. His time to conduct the assessment and carry out any
works is free as it is covered by a special winter
grant. The customer will normally meet the cost
of materials for any agreed improvement works,
such as grab rails or draft excluders . Please
contact Paula at Age UK Merton on 020 8648
5792 between 9 am and 1 pm Monday to Friday
for more information or to book an appointment.
The Vine Project
The Vine Project which covers
Sutton, Merton and Epsom identifies
specific areas of need which will help
the community to be greener and more efficient. Their
furniture project provides a recycling and re-use service
to households and businesses and can sell furniture at a
low cost to people on low incomes. Their Kids Stop
department provides used children’s clothes, equipment
and toys to low income families and also runs a book
club and reading support service to parents and children
in partnership with other local agencies.
They have a Supported Volunteer Training Programme
which helps local people who have been excluded from
the job market to gain new skills in customer services
and help them back into work.
For more information, please ring The Vine Project on
020 8685 6640.
3

Warm Home Discount
What is Warm Home Discount?
Warm Home Discount is a Government led scheme which came into effect earlier this year and is designed to offer
support to customers likely to be at risk of fuel poverty.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides £120 rebate on your electricity bills in winter 2011/12. Find out below if
you qualify,
To be eligible with help towards your fuel bills you or your partner must be in receipt of one of the benefits in section
1; or You or your partner must be in receipt of one the benefits in section 2 and one from section 3.
Section 1
State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (where the relevant income is £16,190 or less)
Section 2
Income related employment and support allowance
Income support
Income based Job Seekers Allowance
Section 3
Pensioner Premium
Child Tax Credit-including disability or severe disability elements
Disabled child premium
Disability or severe disability premium
Child under 5 living in property
Please note you may be required to provide documentary evidence to confirm eligibility.
I believe I am eligible, how do I apply?
If you’re in receipt of the guaranteed credit element of pension credit you automatically qualify and will not need to
apply. You will receive a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions advising you of this.
For further information about the scheme call the Warm Home Discount Scheme Helpline on 0845 603 9439. Lines are
open from 8.00am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Are you an older person living in Merton?
Merton Council and local partners want to hear your views,
and draw on your experience, skills and knowledge.
With your help, Merton Council want to build up a realistic picture of
how they can get better at making sure that older people are able to
live independent, comfortable and active lives.
They specifically want to think about new and creative ways to use
untapped community resources.
We hope the workshop will be interesting and inspiring. It will lead to
real action since the local authority and the voluntary sector are
committed to making sure that the best ideas are turned into
reality. The meeting will be attended by Simon Williams, London
Borough of Merton Director of Community and Housing.
The meeting runs from 10am-1pm, followed by lunch.
To book your place please call 020 8685 1771
4

South Lodge Avenue, Pollards Hill,
Mitcham London CR4 1LT
A few months ago, we were very pleased to meet Maureen, who discovered our
Lunch Club and our outdoor gym. Maureen decided to see what the New
Horizon Centre had to offer and came in with John. She soon discovered that
she and John could join the Lunch Club and dine for £3.50 each.
Maureen is a very active person. She is a full-time carer and she also works
part-time. She felt she was not taking much exercise that that she might feel better and happier if she did….the challenge was to fit
this into her busy life. So when we explained that we had gym equipment outside our back door, and that as long as she was within
calling distance, she could exercise outside whilst John was enjoying himself inside, she, and we, were delighted!
Assisting Maureen was part of our Get Fit Stay Well project, funded by EcoMinds, a part of the Mind charity, with Lottery support.
The project was based on the principle that taking exercise outdoors not only helps you to improve you personal fitness but also can
make you feel happier.
Commonside is lucky enough to have a full set of gym equipment for us outside. Thanks to an investment by LB Merton, (fully
supported and indeed suggested by us!) it is situated at the back of the building with more equipment on the land adjacent to
William Morris primary school. It is free for all to use, and is especially designed so that you can use it on your own, without harm
even if you are a novice. Commonside is able to offer a basic introduction to all the pieces of equipment, so
do please ask if you are unsure.
The gym is part of the UK’s 2012 legacy and it is there to help us all get fitter and feel happier. We are
really grateful to Ecominds for support our efforts to make more use of it and will continue to do this.
If you think you would like to try it out, please contact Andy or John on 020 8764 9582 or
Andy@commonside.net. We also organise walks for health and enjoyment and have plenty of volunteer
gardening opportunities. If you are a carer for someone over 55 and think you might follow Maureen’s
example of snatching a healthy half an hour after lunch at the Lunch Club, then please do contact Andy, as
above, or Christine, same telephone as above, or Christine@commonside.net
LiveWell Sutton and Merton: Free Health Improvement
Service
LiveWell Sutton and Merton is free health improvement service that can offer
you the support you need to live a healthier lifestyle. Whether you want to
become more active, eat better, manage your weight or better manage your
alcohol intake, LiveWell will be able to support you in achieving your healthrelated
goals. LiveWell can help you in many different ways:
By providing you with a free appointment with a trained Health Advisor,
who will help you to set personal and achievable goals surrounding
healthy eating, physical activity, weight management and/or managing your alcohol intake.
By providing you with on-going support over a 12 week period as you work towards achieving your
health goals
By providing you with up-to-date information about local activities and events that you may be
interested in trying out
By providing you with access to specialist services and to up-to-date health information and advice
The LiveWell service will be running free appointments for Merton Carers at the Vestry Hall on 15th March.
For more information about the service please see our activities brochure or contact Debbie at Carers
Support Merton on 0208 646 7515 or email debbie@csmerton.org
5

CSM is delighted to
welcome Margaret Whittle
to our new Mental Health
Carers Support Worker
post. Margaret will be
joining us for two days a
week, to help support
carers of people with
mental health problems and to take forward
our partnership working in local and national
initiatives, that seek to improve services and
carer involvement. She brings a wealth of
experience in mental health services, and
with carers and service users. Many of you
will meet her at our Carers Cafes from 21
February, and you can email her at
margaret@csmerton.org
Dates for
your Diary
Saturday 15th May
London Thames Walk in support
of Carers Centres
Saturday 2nd June
Mitcham Carnival
Wednesday 6th June
Young Carers Photographic exhibition
Monday 18th June to Fri 22nd June
Carers Week
Saturday 23rd June
Wimbledon Village Fair
Happy Soul Festival
25th May to 8th June
For more information about these event s please
see the next newsletter
Carers Direct, the national
information service for carers are
hosting live twitter Q&A sessions
every Monday in January from 5-
7pm where carers can chat with us
to discuss any questions or
comments they may have. Two of
our advisors, Gemma and Katy, will
be on hand to answer any
questions.
Carers can follow us at @carersdirect, and can ask
any questions for the sessions using #carersQA. If
anyone can’t make the sessions, they can still post
their questions which will be answered during the next
live session.
WHATS ON!
Your mini guide to events, groups and
activities run by Carers Support Merton
Regular Events/Drop Ins
Women‘s Group
1st Thursday of every month
Men‘s Group
3rd Thursday of every month
Mental Health Carers Café
Are You Looking After Someone with a Mental Health
Problem, Drug or Alcohol Problem, or a person with
Dementia?
Come along to our Friday lunchtime café from 12:30-
3:00pm at the Vestry Hall:
Dates: 3rd February, March 2nd, March 30th
OR
Tuesday evening at The Lantern Café, Raynes Park
Methodist Church, Worple Road, SW20 6:30-9pm
Dates: February 21st, March 20th, April 17th
Dementia Café in partnership with the Alzheimers
Society
20th February,19th March, 16th April
Please contact Shelley on 0208 646 7515 for more details
MACS - For carers affected by substance misuse.
(If you have not attended before please contact us prior to
doing so) 1st Monday of every month
Young Carers Clubs
Speak to our Young Carers office for more information
Special Events
Time For You Day
Thursday 8th March
Trip Royal Institution—18th April
Trip—What the Dickens—29th March
Jewish Museum—Tues 7th February
Pancake Party—Tues 21st February
Family Games—Tues 3rd April
Training/Workshops/Drop Ins
Live well And Relax Events
Monday 13th Feb—Wimbledon Guild
Monday 12th March—Wimbledon Guild
Thursday 15th March– Vestry Hall
Carers affected by Drugs and Alcohol - Group
Tues Evenings 6pm-7.30 Vestry Hall
Personal Budget Workshops
Wed 15th Feb, Wed 22nd Feb, Fri 17th Feb, Fri 24th Feb
Talk Autism Events
See Activities Flyer for full details
For more information about any of these events
please see our activities brochure Please
contact the CSM office on 0208 646 7515 or
email info@csmerton.org
6

MERTON MENCAP NEWS
Main office - for all enquiries between 9am and
5pm, Monday- Friday: 020 8646 0965 and
email at info.merton@swlondonmencap.nhs.uk
NEW service for parents of children, young people and adults with
autism Talk Autism
Merton Mencap has a new service specifically for parents of children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders
(including Aspergers Syndrome) called ―Talk Autism‖.
Our aim is to provide an environment of mutual support and education for parents. The service, Talk Autism, will involve
monthly and aims to provide:-
information which supports parents in their caring role and which improves the lives of people with autism
meetings and workshops with professionals, local providers and key stakeholders relevant to autism
the opportunity for parents to lobby on issues, which can be passed to council officers
Talk Autism is led by parents and the nature of the sessions determined by parent’s wishes. We have organized the
first 6 months of meetings based on the feedback of parents during the first sessions in October and November 2011.
We will run a monthly 2 hour session with a speaker, either during the day at the Chaucer Centre (10am-12pm) or
during the evening at Cricket Green School (7pm-9pm). At each session most of the time available will be for parents to
ask to ask questions and discuss the day’s topic. One session in 3 will run during the evening.
Alongside each monthly session a mutual support group will run in a different room at the same time for those parents
who don’t wish to attend the main session with a speaker. (FOR EVENTS LISTING PLEASE SEE OUR
ACTIVITIES FLYER
DO YOU CARE FOR AN ADULT WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY IN MERTON?
Would you like to join a friendly, supportive group that aims to improve local services, both for those with a learning
disability and for their family carers? And keep up-to-date with things going on in Merton that affect you and the person
you care for?
Our group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 10am at High Path Centre*, and is open to all family carers of
adults with a learning disability. Some of the people we care for live in the family home, while others are in supported
living or residential homes, and their ages range from late teens to fifties.
What sort of things do we talk about? Recent topics have included:
How are personal budgets working? Where will support for carers
come from? How do Merton Managed Accounts work?
Are GPs carrying out annual health checks? And are they good quality?
What is happening to day services and transport in Merton?
How is supported living working in Merton?
How will recent changes in benefits affect the people we care for?
We send representatives to the Learning Disability Partnership Board, and make sure the voice of carers is heard
there. We think it’s really important that both officers and councillors understand what it’s like to care for an adult with
a learning disability. We have a good relationship with the Learning Disability Team, Merton Mencap and Carers Support
Merton and try to work together to improve services.
And we’re always open to new ideas – is there an issue in Merton you’d like carers to be thinking about? Come along
and tell us! Or if you can’t get to meetings but would like to receive regular updates on things we’re discussing you can
be added to our mailing list. If you’d like to know more about the group or chat before coming along to a meeting, contact
Sally Burns on 0208 542 9081 or at sallyjaneburns@hotmail.com.
*High Path Community Resource Centre, 63 High Path, South Wimbledon SW19 2JY
Merton Mencap Carers Group
Forthcoming outings for 2012:
Friday 27 th January: 10am – 1.30pm: Yoga workshop. (Venue: Chaucer Centre)
Thursday 9 th February: 10.30am – 12pm: Coffee morning – Merton Civic Centre.
Phone Lisa at Merton Mencap on 020 8687 4657 to book a place for any of the above
activities.
7

The Carers Support Merton Team
Melanie
Monaghan
CEO
Karin
Sensier
Office
Manager
Hazel Daniell
YC Project
Manager
Anne
Webster
Finance
Manager
Sue Batley
Adult Services
Manager
Debbie Kilby
Administrator
Denise
Whitelocke
Book Keeper
Harriet
Odamtten
Student
Joe Collins
Youth Coordinator
Rachelle
Jones
Play
Co-ordinator
Tom
Lambert
Family
Support YC
Susan
Bowman
Adult
Activities Coordinator
Daniela
Meloni
Adult Carers
Support
Worker
Opal Lindsay
Family Support
Worker
Donna Perkins
Adult Carers
Support Worker
Shelley Lynch
Adult Carers
Support Worker
Dorothy Mellor
Volunteer
Paul Murphy
Volunteer
Mariya
Petrova
Volunteer
Miriam
Gausi
Volunteer
Martin Faiers
Chair
CSM
John
Williams
Trustee
Lesley
Carlton-Jones
Trustee
Toni Richards
Trustee
Zoe Penny
Trustee
Adrian Mullins
Trustee
Betty Redpath
Trustee
Trevor Blair
Trustee
Margaret
Whittle
Mental
Health
Worker
Do you need help with the Digital Switchover?
A help scheme is available for older and disabled people make the switch to digital
TV. The help scheme can provide:-
Easy to use digital equipment
Home delivery and installation
12 month aftercare and a free helpline
To find out if you are eligible call 0800 40 85 900 or visit http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/
Did you know that the government defines domestic violence as “any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse
(psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between two adults who are or have been intimate partners or
family members, regardless of gender or sexuality!!
CSM would like to raise awareness about domestic violence and how carers are affected.
.If you would like to speak to someone in confidence please call :- Donna Perkins on 0208 646 7515
Carers Support Merton
The Vestry Hall
London Road
Mitcham, Surrey
CR4 3UD
Tel: 020 8646 7515
E-Mail: info@csmerton.org.
Website: www.csmerton.org
Supported by
Carers Support
Merton is a Company
Limited by Guarantee
(England) Reg No.
4164966 Registered
Charity No: 1085761
OUR MISSION
Carers Support Merton values and listens to unpaid carers of all ages from our diverse community
and provides high quality services and advice .
OUR VISION IS:
We want unpaid carers of all ages to have real choices to improve their quality of life and to receive
the respect, support and recognition they deserve.
8

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going
when you’re a carer…..
If you are caring for someone it can be hard to think about
your own needs. You may have a specific issue or
immediate problem to work with, or want to think about
your feelings generally.
Our Counselling Service can provide the structure and
reflective space you need. You will be offered an initial
assessment meeting with the counsellor to discuss your
needs and whether counselling is right for you, followed by
weekly, 50 minutes, confidential sessions. These can last for
as little as six weeks or up to 26 weeks, as agreed between
you and your counsellor, but you must be committed to
attending on a regular basis, apart from unavoidable
emergencies. We currently have vacancies for clients on
Mondays at 2.00pm and 3.30pm, Tuesdays at
10.00am, and Fridays from 2.00pm to 7.00pm. You
can make a positive difference to your life as a carer by
taking the chance to share your concerns and experiences
and make sense of them. If you would like to talk, get in
touch! Please contact Susan Bowman to request a booking:
020 8646 7515, email susan@csmerton.org
All our counsellors are on recognized training courses that
comply with the BACP Code of Ethics and Practice.
We shall provide further details and discuss our
Counselling Agreement with you at your initial session.
Febuary//March 2012
ARE YOU CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH
MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS?
CARERS CAFÉ
Our monthly Café is continuing to flourish and it’s great to
see you as carers, enjoying the social atmosphere and a
brief respite. There will be a hot or cold snack or light tasty
meal at no cost as well as tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweet
things to tempt you.
Each month the café has a different theme, and we always
welcome new carers to join us and experience the
welcoming atmosphere.
Daytime groups are held at the Vestry Hall once a month
on Friday 12.30-3.00. The next three dates will be on:-
February 3rd, March 2nd and March 30th
Evening groups are held at the :- Lantern Café, Raynes
Park Methodist Church, Worple Road, Raynes Park, SW20
6.30pm to 9.00pm. Next three dates will be :-
February 21st, March 20th
and April 17th
Join us and meet other carers in a supportive
environment—we look forward to your company. Please
ring us on 0208 646 7515 in advance to let us know you
are coming for catering purposes and to confirm
arrangements as occasional changes may need to be
made.
Join us on the 3rd Thursday of
every month from 1.30pm to
4.00pm at The Vestry Hall
A speaker or activity, plus time
to socialise with other male
carers.
Come to our Coffee Afternoon
Meetings which are held on the
1st Thursday of every month.
They are open to female carers
and take place at The Vestry
Hall from 1.30pm to 4.00pm.
Feb: Lyn Bainbridge will be talking about her bike ride There is a regular activity or speaker and a chance for tea
from John O Groats to Lands End.
and a chat.
March: A guest will be along to speak about International Feb: Jewellery making with Vivian Clark
Justice Mission
March: Find out more
about Riverford Organics
For more information about all adult activities please contact Susan
Bowman: 0208 646 7515 or email susan@csmerton.org
9

Thursday 15th March
Between 10.00am and 3.30pm
You are invited to come and talk individually to a
representative from The Live Well Project about your
personal goals and the best way to achieve them. Whether
you wish to adopt a healthier lifestyle, get fit, lose weight or
deal with alcohol or drug misuse they can really give positive
advice and help you to succeed. You will then receive
ongoing support over a 12 weeks period
while you work towards your target.
Sessions will be held at:-
Carers Support Merton
The Vestry Hall, London Road
Mitcham, Surrey
CR4 3UD
Please contact Debbie at CSM
to book your appointment.
Tel:0208 646 7515
Email: Debbie@csmerton.org
LIVE WELL AND RELAX
All Carers are welcome to join us at our
Living Well and Relaxation Sessions
Monday 13 th February
Monday 12 th March
2:30- 4:30
Anna from Live Well is coming to talk to carers about
individual health and wellbeing consultations with a Live Well
Advisor, and following that we will offer the relaxation/stressbusting
exercises. Suggested donation to cover
refreshments £2
Drake House, Training room,
44 St Georges Rd,
SW19 4ED
(just behind the Wimbledon Guild‘s main building on
Worple Rd)
For more information please contact
Shelley at CSM
Tel: 020 8646 7515
Email: Shelley@csmerton.org
IS SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT USING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL?
DO YOU WANT HELP AND SUPPORT FOR YOURSELF?
Merton Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team along with Carers Support Merton can offer a free and confidential
service to support people who are affected by other peoples drug use, whether it be a family member, partner or
close friend.
Come along to our Carers Group on which is held every Tuesday Evening’s from 6pm to 7.30 pm
The Vestry Hall, London Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4TP
Forthcoming Dates: 31st Jan, 7th,14th, 21st, 28th February, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th March
If you would like to attend please contact Tracy on 020 8687 4656
Do you care for someone who suffers from Dementia?
Carers Support Merton along with the Sutton and Merton Alzheimer's Society run a support group every
month at the following venue:
St Helier Community Centre, Hill House, Bishopsford Rd, SM4 6BL,
The group runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm and the next dates are 20 th February, 19 th March, 16 th April
If you would like to come along or would like further information please contact Shelly Lynch at Carers Support Merton
Tel: 0208 646 7515 or email shelley@csmerton.org
10

The way that social care needs are met by your local authority is changing in Merton and nationally.
These changes will affect you and the person you are caring for. You need to be clued up to make these
changes work for you both.
As a Carer, you are warmly invited to Carers Support Merton to find out more about what
personalisation is, how you can make it work for you and the person you care for in your local area.
We are running this one and a half day course on:
Wednesday 15th February 2012 10.15am – 3.00pm
Wednesday 22nd February 2012 10.15am – 3.00pm
Followed by either:
Friday 17th February 2012 10.15am – 2.15pm
OR
Friday 24th February 2012 10.15pm – 2.15pm
During the course we will be:
Finding out what’s going on locally in relation to personalisation and
how to get the best out of it
Hearing from some carers about the difference that getting and
choosing how to use personal budgets has made to their family life
Finding out where to get more support and information
If you’d like more information about the course, or to book your place, please contact:
Debbie Kilby
Tel: 020 8646 7515
Are you one of Merton‘s 17,000 unpaid carers?
Would you like some advice and support?
Would you like to meet other carers?
Would you like some ‗me‘ time?
THURSDAY 8th MARCH
The Vestry Hall, London Road, Mitcham
Come along and try some FREE taster therapy sessions, subsidised beauty treats,
shop at our craft stalls and take time to relax with a paper or magazine
while enjoying a treat at our café .
You can also take advantage of our FREE heath check where a professional
will check your blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Our support workers will be available to answer any questions regarding
your caring role and advise in which way we can help.
For more information about the day call Debbie at CSM on 020 8646 7515
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THE ROYAL INSTITUTION: SCIENCE LIVES HERE
THE SHIATSU EXPERIENCE
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy.
The philosophy underlining shiatsu is that vital energy, known
as ―Ki‖ in Japanese, flows throughout the body in a series of
channels called meridians. For many reasons Ki can stop
flowing freely and this produces a symptom such as tension, or
back and joint pain.
The Royal Institution was founded in 1799 for ―diffusing the
knowledge…and application of science to the common purposes
of life‖. Since then it has been at the forefront of British scientific
achievements. Nowadays it’s an independent charity dedicated to
discovery, innovation, inspiration and imagination and the attached
Michael Faraday Museum explores these themes.
On the lower ground floor experimentation shows the actual
objects and equipment that Royal Institution scientists have used
in famous experiments, including the tube that told us why the sky
is blue. The highlight of the floor is Faraday’s magnetic laboratory
as it was in the 1850’s.
The theme of the ground floor is people where you can meet the
characters involved in the RI story - Michael Faraday, the
museum’s namesake, his boss Humphrey Davy (of Davy lamp
fame), and Ada Lovelace, Byron’s daughter, a notable
mathematician in her own right.
The first floor is dedicated to communication with displays
showcasing some of the greatest scientists who have worked or
appeared at the RI, through paintings, unusual props and film
clips. If you want to find out what a boomerang, a stuffed
kangaroo and a saw have in common, or discover the unfortunate
side effects of too much laughing gas, this is the floor to come to!
The Royal Institution is in Albemarle Street, a short walk from
Green Park station. We shall visit the RI on Wednesday 18 April
at 11.30am and will travel there from Morden station, meeting at
10.30am. You will be able to explore the Faraday Museum at
leisure. There is a café available that serves breakfast until 12
noon and then lunch. Soup costs £4.25, and sandwiches start at
£4.00. If you wish to join us on this journey of scientific discovery
please tick the appropriate box on the booking form.
WALKING GROUP
Our next walk will be an early spring stroll around Morden
Hall Park on Wednesday 29 February (yes, it is a Leap
Year). There were snowdrops out at the beginning of
January so hopefully we shall see some daffodils, catkins
and buds on the trees. Please meet me outside the National
Trust cafe at 10.30am. Our walk will take about an hour and
will include some walking on unmade paths, so please wear
sturdy shoes. Afterwards, you may like to have a drink or
snack in the café. If you are new to the Walking Group,
please tick the box on the booking form; if you are already a
member, you will get a confirmatory letter or e-mail.
Shiatsu practitioners consider each client’s state of health, and
the symptoms they are experiencing, and will use a variety of
techniques to improve the energy flow. These may include
gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows,
knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more
dynamic rotations and stretches. As the quality of Ki changes,
shiatsu practitioners believe the symptoms associated with the
lack of flow will gradually improve. Shiatsu aims to work on the
individual as a complete being, not just the physical body but
also the emotional and mental level.
Paul Murphy, a nearly-qualified shiatsu student, is offering
carers a 40 minute shiatsu massage at Carers Support
Merton’s offices in Vestry Hall. Appointments are available
every Wednesdays at 1.30pm, 2.15pm and 3.00pm from the
end of February. Shiatsu is performed on the fully-clothed
body but please wear appropriate clothing, for example
trousers and a loose top.
Due to our current funding climate we are required to request
reasonable contributions from those who use our therapies.
Individual therapy sessions will be subject to a voluntary
donation on the day of the therapy with a suggested level of £1
for carers on means tested benefits, and £3 for other carers.
There will be a box in the
therapy room for your
donations.
If you would like to book a
session with Paul, please
tick the box on the Booking
Form. Please indicate
dates and times you
CANNOT make.
CALLING ALL BOOKWORMS!
Do you love reading and like nothing better than to stick
your nose into a book?
If so, why don’t you join our Book Circle? We meet every
two months at Vestry Hall and talk about a book that we
have all read, and socialize over tea, coffee and biscuits.
Everybody in the group takes turns to choose the books,
and over the past several years we have travelled widely on
our literary journeys. The choices are easy to read and not
too long!
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28 February at
11.45am. We are reading ―The Dovekeepers‖ by Alice
Hoffman, published by Simon and Schuster. This book is
only available in bookshops in hardback, but you can get a
copy for £4.99 from online company
The Book People – go to
www.thebookpeople.co.uk for details.
If you enter promotion code FREERED
at checkout you will also get free
delivery. If you would like to join us,
please just turn up at the meeting, or
contact Susan Bowman for more
information.
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YOGA CLASSES
There are still spaces available for our yoga classes with
Kathy Hughes. These will continue every Tuesday until 27
March with the exception of 14 February (half term). All
classes will be held from 10.30am to 11.30am and take
place in one of Vestry Hall’s large meeting rooms. Carers
who are already attending are very enthusiastic - ―the best
teacher I have had‖ is one comment from a satisfied
participant.
Classes are suitable for complete beginners as well as
those who have practiced yoga before. No special
equipment is required (we can supply mats), just wear
comfortable clothing. Refreshments will be available before
and after the classes.
Due to the current funding climate, all therapy sessions
must be self-funding. This means that we have to ask
carers to cover the cost of the teacher, which is £30 per
session. The cost to each carer will be between £3 and £5
per session, depending on the number who enrol. You will
be asked to pay Kathy at the end of every four weeks.
Please note that if you sign up for the classes you will be
expected to pay for every session, so
that regular attendees are not
financially penalized.
If you wish to start yoga classes
please just turn up to the next
session.
PILATES FOR CARERS
There are still spaces available for our pilates classes with
Carole Mathurin. These will be held in Vestry Hall every
Monday until 26 March (with the exception of 13
February) from 10.30am to 11.30am. Please note that for
personal reasons Carole occasionally finds it necessary to
cancel classes; if this happens she will give you appropriate
notice.
For those of you new to pilates, it’s an exercise method
designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to
balance. Pilates is based upon an anatomical
understanding of the body’s muscular and skeletal system.
The teacher creates a comprehensive exercise programme
that will help to restore your body to its best muscular and
skeletal function. Pilates can be beneficial to just about
everyone, regardless of age and fitness levels, but if you
are concerned about your suitability please check with your
GP before signing up. No particular clothing is required,
just loose trousers and a top. We shall provide mats and
refreshments at each class.
Due to the current funding climate, all therapy sessions
must be self-funding. There will be a donation box at each
class and the suggested donation is £3 or £4 per person
per week. If you are unable to contribute this amount on a
weekly basis, please discuss it with
Carole at the first lesson.
If you would like to commence pilates
please just come along to the next
session.
WHAT THE DICKENS!
This year is the 200 th anniversary of Charles Dickens‘ birth
and a major exhibition at the Museum of London
celebrates this. The atmosphere of Victorian London is
recreated through sound and projections, while paintings,
photographs, costumes and objects illustrate themes that
Dickens wove into his work. The exhibition explains how
Dickens’ childhood experiences of London, working in a
blacking factory while his father was locked away in a
debtor’s prison, left a lasting impression on him and
influenced his writing. The great social questions of the 19 th
century, including wealth and poverty, prostitution,
childhood mortality and philanthropy are also examined.
We have a visit to the exhibition booked for 29 March. Our
arrival at the museum is timed for 11.45am and we shall
visit the exhibition at 12.15pm. After viewing the exhibition
there will be time to look at the permanent galleries which
tell the story of London from its
first beginnings as a small
collection of huts on the banks of
the river up to the present day as
well as have lunch and visit the
gift shop. We shall travel from
Morden station leaving at about
10.30am. The cost of the
exhibition is £7.00 per person. If
you would like to join us for this
trip, please tick the appropriate
box on the booking form, but do
not send any money at this time.
AN OCCASIONAL BOWL OF CHICKEN SOUP, OR THE
FULL SABBATH EXPERIENCE?
There are many ways to be Jewish in modern Britain, and that’s
one of the issues the Jewish Museum London looks at, in a
digital display showing what it means to be a British Jew today.
But of course the Jewish story is long and often tragic, and other
galleries allow visitors to explore Jewish culture, heritage and
identity, plus touching on wider issues of minority groups and
immigration. The museum has one of the world’s finest
collections of ceremonial and religious art, including a 17 th century
Venetian synagogue Ark. Another collection explores British
Jewish history from the earliest known settlement in1066 until
today. Highlights include an evocation of a Jewish East End
Street, and displays relating to refugees from Nazism. Finally the
holocaust gallery tells the story of Leon Greenman, who survived
six concentration camps and lived until 2008, but lost his wife and
son in Auschwitz.
A visit to the Jewish Museum has been arranged for Tuesday 7
February 2012. We shall meet at Morden station at 9.45am and
travel to Camden station. It is a five minute walk from the station
to the museum. Our visit will begin with an introductory talk by a
member of the museum’s staff, which is included in the admission
price of £5.00 for concessions and £6.00 for adults. There will
then be time further to explore the permanent galleries and the
temporary exhibitions and have a light lunch in the café (which is
kosher, naturally, so think bagels with salmon and cream cheese,
and vegetarian wraps).
If you would like to join us on a
fascinating historical journey
please tick the appropriate box on
the booking form. Please do NOT
send any money now.
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ACTIVTIES FOR CARERS OF ADULTS WITH
LEARNING DISABILITIES
Talk Autism Events January 2012 - July 2012
Tuesday 21 February, 7pm to 9pm (evening meeting)
Lead Officer for Adult Autism Services in Merton
Jonathan Brown, Manager of the Learning Disability Team
Hear about plans for Merton services for adults with autism,and the Autism Bill
Monday 27 February, 10am to 12pm
Challenging Behaviour Clinic
Andy Whysall, Sherwood Training
Learn strategies to deal with difficult behaviour & underlying anxieties; you will also be able to discuss
your son or daughter’s specific issues
Friday 16 March, 10.00am to 12pm
TEACCH
Bonnie Brown, Deputy Head, Cricket Green School
A technique for understanding children and adults with autism
An overview of TEACCH & how it can help children & adults with autism to live or work more effectively at
home, at school & in the community
Tuesday 8 May, 10.00am to 12pm
Nutrition Clinic,Emma Stiles
Association of Applied Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy
Practical advice on nutrition & diet
June, 7pm to 9pm (evening meeting - date to be confirmed)
Metropolitan Police
Find out how the police approach a child, young person or adult with autism. Understand relevant
police procedures and protocols
Monday 2 July, 10am to 12pm
Speech& Language Therapy
Improving Social Communication
Merton‘s Language & Learning Support Team
Discuss speech therapy techniques including conversation & social skills
ALL DAYTIME SESSIONS WILL BE AT
The Chaucer Centre
Canterbury Road
Morden, SM4 6PX
ALL EVENING SESSIONS WILL BE AT
Cricket Green School
6 th Form Building
Mitcham, CR4 3AF
At each event, most of the time will be available for parents to ask questions and discuss
the topic
A mutual support group will run in a different room at the same time as the above
events
Contact details: Tracy Blackwell Tel: 020 8687 4644
Email: kids.first@swlondonmencap.nhs.uk
Website: www.mertonmencap.org.uk/kidsfirst.htm
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P- P- P- P- PICK UP SOME PANCAKES!
If you are a parent carer looking for something to
occupy your children (and yourself!) during the Easter
holidays, then come along to our family games
afternoon. It will be held on Tuesday 3 April from
1.30pm to 4.00pm in the first floor Training Hall at
Vestry Hall. There will be games and craft activities
for the children and the chance for you to relax and
chat with other parents.
We shall serve drinks and light refreshments and your
hosts will be Susan Bowman and Shelley Lynch.
There will be a charge of £3 per family to cover the
cost of refreshments
(payable on the day).
If you would like to
come along for a fun
afternoon please tick
the appropriate box on
the booking form.
We are holding our annual Pancake Party on
Tuesday 21 February 2012.
There will be plenty of pancakes with assorted sweet
fillings, vegan pancakes for those who require them,
and tea and coffee. To keep your brains active we
shall have some fun quizzes, and there will also be a
fund-raising raffle with excellent prizes, so please
bring along some change.
The venue for the party is the Public Hall on the first
floor of Vestry Hall, the time from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
There’s no ―tossing up‖
whether this party is worth
attending, so book your
place by ticking the
appropriate box on the
booking form.
PLEASE TICK AGAINST THE ACTIVITIES YOU WISH TO ATTEND AND RETURN
TO THE ADDRESS ON THE BACK OF THIS FORM
Or email your request to Debbie@csmerton.org
I/we would like to attend the following activities:-
Book Circle □
Women's Group □
Men's Group □
Walking Group □
Pilates □
Shiatsu □
Yoga □
Counselling Service □
The Royal Institution Visit □
What the Dickens! □
Jewish Museum □
Easter Family Fun □
Pancake Party □
Personal Budget Training □
Carers Cafe □
Live Well Information
(At the Wimbledon Guild) □
Live Well Consultation
( At the Vestry Hall )
□
Time For You Day □
If you would prefer to receive this Newsletter by email please advise us of your email address overleaf.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE THE REVERSE OF THIS FORM!
15

Merton Transition and Personal Budget
Resource Fair
An information event for people with a physical/learning and/or a sensory
impairment, mental health issue and other interested parties
Friday 16th March 2012, 10am-4pm
LEISURE
HOUSING
BENEFITS
HEALTH
For more information, please contact Jackie Slater on 020 8545 4523 Jacqueline.Slater@merton.gov.uk
or Val Prior on 020 8545 4731 val.prior@merton.gov.uk
Name:………………………………………………………..............................................
Address: ………………………..………………………………..............................................
………………………………………………………………………..........................................
....................................………………………………………………………………………......
Telephone number:….…………………………………………..........
Email address:………………………………………………………..
I require a sitter for the person I care for (please tick box) □
Please note any additional information required for your chosen activity:
…………………………………………………..
……………………….......…………………….
Please return your booking form to:
…………………………………………………..
………………………………………………….
Carers Support Merton
The Vestry Hall
London Road,Mitcham
CR4 3UD
Tel: 02086467515
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