Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton - Carers Support Merton

More documents

Recommendations

Info

OUR WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP CELEBRATES MERTON’S HERITAGE The “River and Cloth” project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and organised by London Borough of Merton, celebrated the worldwide influence of the Merton textile industry which was based around the river Wandle from the 14 th century until the 1940s; in 1805 the Wandle was described as ―the hardest worked river for its size in the world‖ due to the large number of water mills located along its banks. By the second half of the 19 th century the market for exotic goods, silks and printed cottons was enormous, and the place to purchase them was Arthur Liberty‘s shop in Regent Street. A large number of Arthur‘s own distinctive textiles were produced at Merton Abbey Works, now the site of Merton Abbey Market. However, the greatest designer of the time was William Morris. In 1881 he took over a site north of Merton Abbey Works, and opened a factory to house vegetable dyeing workshops for cloth printing, textile and carpet weaving, and tapestry making. This location was made famous in some of Morris most distinctive textile and wallpaper patterns such as ―Wandle‖. The River and Cloth Project encouraged community groups to get involved in learning techniques based on these traditional textile processes – and that‘s what the Women‘s Support Group did. With help and encouragement from artist Sandrine Case we made block printed ―leaves‖, inspired by the paisley patterns Arthur Liberty made so popular. However, our blocks were made from polystyrene foam and ball point pens, a technique undreamed of in the 19 th century! Our ―leaves‖ were displayed on a painted ―Tree of Life‖ and it was amazing how different the designs were. We The river Wandle meanders its way through Morden Hall Down to Merton Priory which used to stand so tall, Alas the Priory is long gone but the Wandle still flows past The water is so clean now and the fish are swimming fast. Henry the sixth was crowned there such an important site The Chapter House was buzzing well into the night, By the time Henry the eight was king and wore the crown He had issues with the church and knocked the Priory down. William Morris then did block printing on the site at Abbey Mill Using the power of the Wandle which was never still, He did the prints for Liberty’s a famous London store He printed material for the Queen’s dress that’s for sure. Follow the river back along the path to Deen City Farm The kids can see the animals, play, and do no harm, Then back to Morden Hall and see the old snuff mill They made snuff for the gentry who lived up Wimbledon hill Written By Terry West Nov 2008. also reproduced our prints on pieces of fabric which meant everyone had something to take home. Over thirty schools and community groups made their own Tree of Life, while other groups took part in dyeing and stitching workshops. In September the results of all this labour were displayed in a wonderf ul e xhib i tion, held appropriately at Merton Abbey Markets. The Women‘s Group went to visit it and we were amazed by the beauty and originality of the craftsmanship on display – including a colourful panel stitched by our own Young Carers. We were very proud of our own Tree, which we felt more than held its own against the other ones, as you can see from the photos! Even better, we get to keep it as a permanent memento of an inspirational project. 8
Each Newsletter we will tell you more about the therapies and treatments that we offer as part of our respite service. Paul Murphy, a third year shiatsu student, is offering carers a 40 minute shiatsu massage at Carers Support Merton‘s offices in Vestry Hall. WHATS ON! Your mini guide to events, groups and activities Regular Events Women‘s Group Men‘s Group Carers Café Parent Carers Group Young Carers Clubs Dementia Help Group Special Events Mental Health Carers Christmas Meal. Thursday 2nd December Carers Rights Day/Christmas Fayre Friday 3rd December 2010 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, it is believed that Ki can stop flowing freely and this produces a symptom such as tension, or back and joint pain. 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. To book an appointment with Paul please contact Susan Bowman on 0208 646 7515. Wilson Health Centre—Launch Event, Saturday 4th December 2010 Parent carers Christmas Shopping 6th December 2010 Adult Carers Christmas Party 16th December Workshops Courses for Carers, Friends and Families of people affected by a Mental Health Condition- 22nd November 2010 6th December 2010 20th January 2011 7th February 2011 7th March 2011 For full details of all our events please see our Activities Brochure and this Newsletter 9
Page 1 and 2: Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton
Page 3 and 4: Carers Support Merton CHRISTMAS FAY
Page 5 and 6: A Day with the Dons! A team of 14 Y
Page 7: New project for Young Adult Carers!
Page 12: The Carers Support Merton Team Jenn

Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton - Carers Support Merton

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?