Carers

Did you know that Carers Support Centre in Croydon offers a wide range of activities and support for those carers in Croydon. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

You can contact them on 0208 649 9339 option 1

email info@carersinfo.org.uk  or visit their website

They offer services such as help with allowance forms, run Tai Chi for carers classes, hold drop in sessions on a Friday from 10am to 12 noon.

carers

 

Looking after someone?

Caring for someone can be very difficult and many people find that they need extra help with the care they provide.

Find out what support you might be able to receive here - provided by NHS Choices. This page also provides lots of help and advice.


May 2022 Newsletter Update for Carers

Money Matters Webinars for Carers

South West London Law Centres are continuing to offer informative money matters webinars for carers this month, although anyone is welcome to join. Specialist staff will be on camera leading these live, hour-long sessions where participants are not on camera but can ask questions in the chat box. Register in advance by clicking on the link after the course description and after registering you will receive a confirmation email and joining instructions.

  • Wednesday 4 May, 12-1pm: Universal Credit - An Overview. This is an introduction to Universal Credit as a claimant, covering eligibility, how to claim and how to appeal a decision you think is wrong. Click here to register.
  • Monday 9 May, 12-1pm: Managing your Money. This workshop covers how to make the most of your money. This includes looking at best deal websites and deal checkers, discounts, vouchers codes, cashback sites, APR, overdrafts and savings. Click here to register.
  • Thursday 19th May, 12pm: Carers and Benefits. This is aimed at those who are currently carers or are about to become carers. It covers the different benefits available for carers, things to consider before making a claim and any potential problems with a claim. It also gives an overview of the other discounts, deals and services available for those who are carers, as well as looking at carers who are working, on furlough or not working.  Click here to register.
  • Tuesday 10 May, 1.30pm-3pm. Direct Payments Drop-In. This drop-in session at The Cherry Hub, 171 St James' Road, Croydon, CR0 2BY is delivered by Independent Lives, and is for Croydon residents who already receive a direct payment or anyone who would like to find out about getting a direct payment and what that involves. PAs are welcome to attend. No need to book, just turn up on the day.
  • Thursday 26 May, 11am to 12:15pm. Transition Workshop for parent carers - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) This free online Transition Workshop will be delivered by Tansy Muller and Lloyd Thomas from PIP @ Mencap and is for parents of young people with disabilities from year 8 (aged approximately 13-14) up to age 25. The workshop will include an overview of PIP and the claim form, questions and answers at the end of the presentation. Handouts will also be sent out after the workshop.

Legal Matters Webinars for Carers

  • Wednesday 11 May, 12pm: Discrimination (Disability). This workshop from the Streetlaw Project introduces disability discrimination and the duties of employers to assist those who have a disability. Click here to register.
  • Wednesday 18 May, 10am – 11:15am. Planning for the Future of a Disabled or Vulnerable person using specialist Wills and Trusts. Having an up-to-date Will in place goes some way to provide for your disabled or vulnerable loved one, however in some cases it has the potential to create further problems. If you or a family member are considering leaving money directly to a disabled or vulnerable person you can put them at considerable risk of financial abuse and you are likely to impact their entitlement to means tested benefits and social support. Philip Warford will talk about the options available to protect a disabled or vulnerable person using specialist Wills and Trusts. Philip will explain how you can safeguard means tested benefits and how you can provide financial security for a disabled or vulnerable person as well as the rest of your family. He will also talk through the different Trust options available, the importance of a Letter of Wishes and choosing the right Trustees. Click here to register

Carers Support Centre Advice Surgeries

To request an appointment for any of these surgeries, please email: appointments@carersinfo.org.uk.

  • Benefits checks and support with form filling can be provided by our new Benefits Advice Service. Any benefit applications and appeals are covered and support can be provided in person every Monday, 10am-4pm at the Carers Support Centre. Please note, this is not a drop-in service and appointments must be booked in advance.
  • Carers of people with a mental health problem can book a 20 minute telephone appointment with Mind in Croydon every other Tuesday, 3-4pm. This is a safe space to talk with a member of the Mind in Croydon's Carers Support Service about any of the issues affecting you and follow up support will be discussed. 
  • Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) advice is available for parents or carers of a child with SEND with Astrid Macabee, Carers Information Service Advice Worker. You can book a 30 minute slot (delivered via Zoom or phone) on a Wednesday, 11am-1pm during term-time. Forthcoming dates are: Wednesday 4th and 18th May. Email astridmacabee@carersinfo.org.uk to book.
  • Employment Advice. Every month on a Tuesday, 10am-12noon, you can book a half-hour telephone appointment with an employment coach. They can provide practical help and advice, whether you're needing to retrain or find the right tips for a successful job search. Support includes guidance on interview skills and best CV practice, plus information about local employment or work experience opportunities. The next advice session will be on Tueday 31 May.

EHCP Webinars for Parents and Carers

Wednesday 11th May, 11am-1pm:  Annual Review Process
This webinar, held via Zoom, explains how an EHCP annual review should work and how to prepare in advance of the meeting. This session is aimed at parents whose children already have an EHCP. Booking is essential, please call 020 8649 6283 or email astridmacabee@carersinfo.org.uk and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

Do you find it hard to manage your energy bills?

Free online workshops on first Tuesday of every month, 7pm-8pm and last Tuesday of every month, 2pm-3pm. With the recent gas and electricity price increases, there is a lot of conflicting information regarding how best to manage your energy bills. Are you unable to resolve an issue with your energy company? Are you looking for advice to reduce your energy usage without needing to turn down your heating? Then this workshop is for you.

This workshop will cover:

  1. Energy price rises and the price cap.
  2. Current advice about energy tariffs.
  3. Health impacts of living in a cold home.
  4. Managing your energy accounts and support available from energy companies.
  5. Using energy in your home.
  6. Grant funding for home energy improvements (home owners and private renters only).
  7. Other energy savings advice.
  8. Support with water bills.
  9. Support available through Croydon Healthy Homes.

Click here where you can select a date and book your place

Please note the Zoom link will be emailed to residents about a day before the event.

Connecting Creativity Art Class for Carers

Every Thursday, 10.30-11.30am, come and join Steph Turner to take some time out and unwind with free, creative weekly workshops via Zoom. If you don't think you're creative, these sessions are for you! Come and connect with others and make space to try out different creative techniques or themes each week. No previous creative experience is needed - you'll be able to go at your own pace in a friendly and supportive environment. Sign up to one or many sessions. Everyone's welcome. Register in advance here: https://www.stephanieturner.co.uk/croydon-carers 

Online Exercise Class for Carers

Join Sue Ashendon every Tuesday, 10.30-11.15am for our free online class that welcomes all carers, of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. We aim to offer flexible fitness that fits your life style whatever your age and ability- you can take it at your own pace, It's your workout!  If you would like to attend, please email enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk and you will be sent the joining link. Forthcoming dates are: 3rd, 10th, 17th & 31st May

Dance & Movement Class for Carers

Our weekly dance classes led by Anusha Subramanyam, are now back at the Carers Support Centre but you can also join us online using Zoom. Each week, there are two classes on a Friday, the first is held at 10.30-11.30am and is for more confident movers and the second is an introduction to dance and movement and is held from 11.30am-12.30pm. To register and be sent the Zoom link, please text Anusha on 07739 319 566 or email anusha@beeja.com.

Carers Support Centre Choir

Stay connected and enjoy uplifting, soothing singing with a warm, friendly, inclusive group of carers. All voices are welcome and no previous experience of singing required as everything is taught by ear. The choir is now back in the Centre! We meet every other Wednesday morning 10.30-11.45am. Please click here to sign up.

Mindfulness for Carers

You are invited to join Sally Gosling to learn about mindfulness and how it might support you in your daily life. Sally will guide you through two practices to calm even the busiest of minds and give you the opportunity to ask questions at the end. The sessions are currently held online, every month on a Thursday, 11am-12noon. The Next session is on 26th May. Please register by emailing enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

Writing for Wellbeing

Come and join a small group that meets every other Tuesday, 10.30am-12noon to explore the benefits of words for enjoyment and for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Writing for wellbeing is about using writing in a gently therapeutic way as a means of dealing with stress and improving wellbeing. You do not need to be a writer to do writing for wellbeing, just able to write and you can join any session. The session will be led by freelance writer, creative writing tutor/mentor and writing for wellbeing practitioner Helen Stockton. Please register with us in advance by emailing enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk and the Zoom will be sent to you. Forthcoming dates are: 10th & 24th May.

Carers Support Centre Rooms to Hire

The Carers Support Centre offers room hire and office space, including hot-desking, at affordable prices in a central Croydon location. Rooms to hire include an executive boardroom, private consultation rooms and fully functional meeting rooms. You can book rooms Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm. Unfortunately we can't take bookings for evenings and weekends.

Email bookings@carersinfo.org.uk or call 020 8663 5600 to enquire or take a look at our website for more details: Room Hire in Croydon: Carers Support Centre

Digital Awareness for Older People

ClearCommunityWeb runs free classes every Tuesday at 11am on Zoom, to help older people build confidence around the fundamentals of using the internet. They cover a variety of topics from how to use email, to searching for information and using apps. See their schedule here.

Carers Health & Experiences of Primary Care

Recent research undertaken by Carers UK has reported that he impact of caring on peoples’ physical and mental health across England remains high and is worse for those from some groups.

The findings are revealed in the report ‘Carers Health and experiences of primary care', an examination of unpaid carers’ responses to the 2021 GP Patient Survey. This annual research is commissioned independently by NHS England to identify patient experiences and general health. Of the 850,000 responses, nearly 1 in 5 (18%) have some unpaid caring responsibilities.

Carers UK found that:

  • 60% of carers report a long-term health condition or disability compared to 50% of non-carers
  • 70% of lesbian, gay or bisexual carers report a long-term condition compared to 60% of heterosexual carers
  • Carers from some backgrounds were less likely to say the healthcare professional they saw recognised and understood any mental health needs they had. Whilst 86% of white carers said they felt they did, this dropped to 78% of black carers and 76% of Asian carers.
  • 36% of lesbian, gay or bisexual carers have a mental health condition compared with 13% of heterosexual carers - nearly treble the rate

As a result, Carers UK is calling for:

  • GP practices to identify carers quickly and make services available, as soon as possible.
  • The government to introduce a duty on the NHS to regard to carers and promote their health and wellbeing.
  • The GP survey to continue and include caring as a specific question.

The full report can be found here

Health & Care Bill

Carers UK has also reported that:

On 30 March, following their campaigning, an amendment to the Health and Care Bill was passed in the Commons which places a new duty on NHS hospital trusts in England to ensure that unpaid carers are involved as soon as feasible when plans for the patient’s discharge are being made. The amendment covers all carers of adults needing care and support following hospital discharge, including health care support. This means that young carers looking after adults would also be covered.

Please see more details here.

Single Service Phone Line in Bereavement

From 11 April, the way you contact DWP Bereavement Services is changing. 

You will now be able to access the following bereavement services through a single phone number 0800 151 2012, to: 

  • Report a death, provide information and find out what support is available following a bereavement
  • Make a new or, manage an existing claim for Bereavement Benefit or Bereavement Support Payment
  • Make a new or, manage an exisiting claim for Funeral Expenses Payements
  • Request State Pension updates following the death of a spouse or civil partner

April 2022 Newsletter Update for Carers

Information Session: Energy Advice

Croydon Healthy Homes is Croydon Council’s professional energy advice service for residents in private sector housing.  

On Thursday 12 April, 11.30am-12.30pm Croydon Healthy Homes will be running an information session at the Carers Support Centre.

At the session a member of the team will talk about support available to you if you are struggling with high gas and electricity prices, and offer tips to reduce your energy usage without turning down your heating. You can also find out if you could be eligible for free insulation or other energy improvements to your home (home owners and private sector tenants only). 

There will be an opportunity to talk to a qualified energy advisor after the session. Please bring a copy of recent energy bills if you have specific questions about your account.

To book a place, please email enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk or call 020 8649 9339, option 1.

Training Session: Everyday First Aid

We're working with the British Red Cross to offer carers an interactive workshop which aims to build confidence and willingness to help someone in a first aid emergency, using everyday objects that you have around you.

Thursday 13 April, 10.30am-12noon 

Here's the Zoom Meeting link:

https://britishredcross.zoom.us/j/91478864349?pwd=eW9uY1NKN1dVSW5ONmRxUmdIeUVxdz09

Meeting ID: 914 7886 4349

Passcode: 18H6Ln

EHCP Advice & Information for Parent Carers

Last Few Places Remaining!

Thursday 7 April, 11am-1pm: How to amend a draft EHCP

Come along to this online workshop, using Zoom, to find out what the different sections of your child's EHCP really mean, what to look out for when reading your draft and how to amend your child's plan. Booking is essential.

You can also request a half-hour in-person appointment with Astrid on Wednesday 6 April, 11am-1pm.

To book either session, call 020 8649 6283 or email astridmacabee@carersinfo.org.uk.

Carers Support Centre Rooms to Hire

The Carers Support Centre offers room hire and office space, including hot-desking, at affordable prices in a central Croydon location. Rooms to hire include an executive boardroom, private consultation rooms and fully functional meeting rooms. You can book rooms Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm. Unfortunately we can't take bookings for evenings and weekends.

Email bookings@carersinfo.org.uk or call 020 8663 5600 to enquire or take a look at our website for more details: Room Hire in Croydon: Carers Support Centre

Connecting Creativity New Term Dates

Take some time out and unwind with free, creative weekly workshops for carers, via Zoom, with facilitator Steph Turner. These sessions are open to anyone - you don't need to have any previous creative or art experience to join in. Come and connect with others and make space to try out different creative techniques or themes each week using simple materials. You'll be able to go at your own pace in a friendly and supportive environment. Sign up to one or many sessions. Everyone's welcome!

All you need to do is to register here: https://www.stephanieturner.co.uk/croydon-carers and then join the sessions on Zoom on the day.

Thurs 7th April 10.30-11.30am: Mark Making

​Explore mark making techniques including making your own tools. Bring some paint or ink and paper and some objects or natural finds you could use to experiment with making different markings (e.g. twigs, leaves, stones, fork, knife, spoon, pencil, cocktail sticks etc.).

Thurs 14th April 10.30-11.30am: Slow Stitching

Exploring mark making using a needle and thread. Bring fabric scraps, needle, thread, scissors.

Thurs 21st April 10.30-11.30am: Inspired by Caulder

Creating works in 3D inspired by the sculptures of Alexander Caulder. Bring simple materials you can build with - cardboard (boxes), string/ wire and tape will work. You could also use bric-a-brac, masking tape, kitchen/ toilet roll tubes, old packaging etc.

No meeting on 28th April, but the sessions continue in May.

SEND Review

The government has published its special educational needs and disability (SEND) review and the proposals are now open for public consultation and feedback. There's plenty of time to share your views as the consultation period ends on Friday 1 July. Proposals include:

  • Setting new national standards across education, health and care.
  • A simplified Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
  • A new legal requirement for councils to introduce ‘local inclusion plans’ that bring together early years, schools and post-16 education with health and care services.
  • Changing the culture and practice in mainstream education to be more inclusive.

Find out more here.

Care Quality Commission Review: the experiences of hospital care for people with a learning disability and autistic people

The CQC is carrying out a review to better understand the experiences of people with a learning disability and autistic people when they go to hospital.  As part of the review, they will be visiting a sample of hospital trusts and speaking to people who use services, and the people who support them. 

In particular, they want to understand: 

  • Whether people have been cared for in a way that meets their needs.
  • How well people feel they have been supported and involved in their care planning. 
  • If staff understand and are able to meet their needs. 

Find out more here.

Care Quality Commission Campaign: carers' experiences of health and social care

In April, the CQC is also running a campaign focusing on carers, in partnership with Carers UK. They want to hear from as many carers as possible about experiences of health and social care services. Find out more here.


March 2022 Newsletter Update for Carers

Come for a Cuppa

It's been lovely meeting up with old friends and welcoming new visitors to our Carers Cafe, which is now open every Monday and Wednesday, 10:30am-12:30pm, providing free refreshments and a friendly welcome from our volunteer befrienders.

It's a great place to meet other carers, or just sit quietly with a book or magazine if you prefer.

We have free wifi and can also give you access to a laptop. There's no need to book, just drop-in.

Legal Advice

M2M Community Solicitors are working in partnership with us and offer free legal advice webinars each month. There is no charge to attend the webinar, but follow-up legal advice may be chargeable.

  • Thursday 31st of March, 11am-12 noon: Lasting Powers of Attorney - Register here.
  • Friday 1st of April, 11am-12 noon: Court of Protection - Register here.
  • Monday 4th of April, 11am-12 noon: Wills - Register here.
  • Tuesday 5th of April, 11am-12 noon: Probate - Register here.

Money Advice

If you are struggling to make essential payments, South West London Law Centres can help you. Their expert advisors can work with you to solve a range of money problems. If you need advice, get in touch by completing their contact form if you can. You can also phone the money advice team on 020 8667 9252. They can help with:

  • Rent arrears
  • Utility debts (eg gas, electricity and water)
  • Council tax arrears
  • Unsecured loans (eg catalogues, credit cards, payday loans)
  • Long-term options for your debt problems
  • Problems affording your essential bills
  • Working with you to maximise your income
  • Switching and saving so you know how to get the best deals on essentials

They can't help with:

  • Challenging parking fines
  • Challenging benefit overpayments

They also run a series of free money webinars to help you take control of your finances and improve your money management skills.

Carers and Benefits - Thursday 1st of April at 10:30am - Click here to register (This webinar, with the Law Centre’s Roni Marsh, is aimed at those who are currently carers or are about to become carers. It covers the different benefits available for carers, things to consider before making a claim and any potential problems with a claim. It also gives an overview of the other discounts, deals and services available for those who are carers.)

Employment Advice

Employment Advice for carers is available every month on a Tuesday, 10am-12noon. You can book a half-hour telephone appointment with an employment coach and they can provide practical help and advice, whether you're needing to re-train or find the right tips for a successful job search. Support includes guidance on interview skills and best CV practice, plus information about local employment or work experience opportunities. The next session is on 29 March. To book, email appointments@carersinfo.org.uk or call our helpline on 020 8649 9339, option 1.

Advice for Parent Carers

Astrid Macabee, Carers Information Service Advice Worker, offers specialist support to parent carers whose children have, or may need, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The EHCP advice surgery provides a 30 minute slot over the phone, or in person at the Carers Support Centre every other Wednesday, 11am-1pm during term-time. Forthcoming dates are: 23 March and 6 April. 

  • Thursday 10 March 11am-1pm: How to apply for an EHCP. This online webinar, using Zoom, will explain the process of applying for an EHCP. It is suitable for parents/carers who are applying for the first time.
  • Thursday 7 April: How to amend the EHCP draft. This online webinar, using Zoom, will explain what the different sections of your child's EHCP really mean, what to look out for when reading your draft and how to amend your child's plan. This session is suitable for parents who are waiting for the draft after applying for an EHCP for the first time, or after an EHCP review.

Booking is essential, please call Astrid on 020 8649 6283 or email astridmacabee@carersinfo.org.uk.

Advice for Mental Health Carers

Carers of people with a mental health problem can book an appointment with Mind in Croydon every other Tuesday. This is a safe space to talk with a member of the Mind in Croydon's Carers Support Service about any of the issues affecting you and follow up support will be discussed. To request an appointment email: appointments@carersinfo.org.uk or call our helpline on 020 8649 9339, option 1.

End of Free Lateral Flow Tests

At the end of March, packs of rapid lateral flow tests will no longer be available free of charge. There's still time to order some free ones, by going to:

Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For all the latest information about testing, vaccination sites and local infection rates, go to the dedicated Covid-19 page on our website: 

Carers Covid 19 Engagement Service | Carers Information Service

IT Buddy

Our two volunteer IT Buddies are available for advice and technical support with laptops, tablets and smart phones - from setting them up to troubleshooting when things aren't working. They can also help with Microsoft Office software, general use of the Internet, security and online forms.  Appointments can be arranged over the phone, online or at the Carers Support Centre. To request an appointment email: appointments@carersinfo.org.uk or call 020 8649 9339, option 1.

Wellbeing Activites for Carers

Our free activities provide carers with an opportunity for a break; some are online only, and others are now meeting in person. For all of our activities, you don't have to commit to regular attendance - just come when you can, as we know how busy carers are.

We're keen to hear from any carers who have ideas for other activities that we could offer and from local practitioners who would like to work with us to deliver services. Contact helenthompson@carersinfo.org.uk with your suggestions.

Every other Wednesday, 10.30-11.45am, the Carers Support Centre is filled with the sound of happy voices! Stay connected and enjoy uplifting, soothing singing with a warm, friendly, inclusive group of carers. No previous experience of singing is required as everything is taught by ear. To join the Carers Support Centre Choirplease click here to sign up.

Every Friday you can come along to Anusha Subramanyam’s fun dance classes. Whether you’ve never danced before or it’s been years since you’ve been in a class, everyone is welcome. You'll learn the basics and explore many different genres of dance styles from Bollywood to Afro urban, to Swing and Belly dance. The classes are held every Friday, in person at the Carers Support Centre, 10.30-11.30am and online (as well as in person) from 11.30am -12.30pm. Do come and join us. The session always finishes with a deep relaxation that puts you in an energised and happy mood ready for the week. To register, please text Anusha on 07739 319 566 or email anusha@beeja.com.

If you prefer to join in from home, our low impact exercise class, which can be done in a chair or standing, will improve your health and lift your mood. Don't worry if you haven't done much for a while, these exercises are easy, gentle and fun! Live online classes are held on a Tuesday, 10.30-11.15am. Register here.

For those who are looking for something a bit less energetic, every month we offer online Mindfulness sessions to calm even the busiest of minds. Our next session is on 31 March, 11am-12noon. Please register by emailing enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

Perhaps you like to relax by writing, then why not come and join a small Writing for Wellbeing group that meets every other Tuesday, 10.30am-12 noon to explore the benefits of words for enjoyment and for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Please register with us in advance by emailing enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk and the Zoom link will be sent to you. 

You can also take some time out and unwind with free, online creative workshops via Zoom. Come and connect with others and make space to try out different creative techniques at home, just using whatever you have to hand. Everyone's welcome and if you need any art materials or supplies we have a small budget to help with this. Register in advance here: https://www.stephanieturner.co.uk/croydon-carers 

Croydon Mencap Services

Croydon Mencap offers support for parent carers of children with any kind of disability as well as carers of adults with a learning disability. Some of their upcoming events and groups are:

Carers’ social catch-up event
Come for coffee and cake at Portland House at Thornton Heath Pond on Thursday 21 April to say hello to Sue, Carers’ Support Worker and Lloyd, Welfare Rights Worker and to meet other carers who may be in a similar position to you. For more details, email info@croydonmencap.org.uk or call 020 8684 5890.

Meet the Mayor Candidates
Croydon will soon be voting for a Mayor and Croydon Mencap is keen to ensure that the candidates know what is important to people with a learning disability and their carers. To express an interest in the event (date and time to be confirmed) email info@croydonmencap.org.uk or call 020 8684 5890.

Healthy Lives
The Healthy Lives group for adults with a learning disability and their carers meets several times a month to explore parks and other fun places in and around Croydon with our social and walking groups. To join email emily@croydonmencap.org.uk or call 07754 979 340.

Chill and Chat
Chill and Chat is a peer support group, meeting term-time only, for parent carers and their children with additional needs under 5 in a relaxed, fun, supportive and non-judgemental setting. There is also a WhatsApp group sharing information, advice and support as well as Zoom sessions and phone calls for those who are unable to come in person. Contact chris@croydonmencap.org.uk to find out more or arrange to pop in.

Early Positive Approaches to Support Training
These are courses designed for parent carers of children with a learning or developmental disability under 5 (you do not need a diagnosis). Sessions support wellbeing for family caregivers, positive development for children and access to other services. Courses are currently available free of charge and are available online or in-person. To find out more, email sue.utley@croydonmencap.org.uk or sharon@croydonmencap.org.uk.

Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space

Launched this year, the Health and Wellbeing Space is a partnership between Croydon BME Forum, South West London CCG and Mind in Croydon which offers a wide range of clinical and practical support to adults with mental health problems. The centre is on the first floor of the Whitgift Centre and is open for drop in visits Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm and on Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Find out more at www.croydonhws.co.uk, or call 020 3154 9539.

Whitgift Care

If you are looking after a person over the age 65, Whitgift Care can help if you need a break. They provide high quality and affordable respite care at Whitgift House and Wilhelmina House care homes to enable you to take time for yourself and have peace of mind because your loved one will have around the clock support. 

“Mum loves the garden, her window where she can sit and watch the birds and playing cards with her friends. It’s such a relief to know she’s happy here, that she doesn’t have to feel alone.”

To book a personalised tour or have an informal discussion, please call 0208 256 1596. Further information can also be found at www.whitgiftcare.co.uk.

Household Support Fund

Croydon Council's Household Support Fund (HSF) grant is to support those most in need this winter and can help with the costs of food, gas, electricity and other essentials. The grant is a one-off award and will be available until 31 March 2022 (subject to fund availability). To be considered you must be a Croydon resident, over 16 years of age and in urgent financial need and unable to get support elsewhere. To apply, you will need to submit the following evidence/documents with your application form:

  • Identification, such as birth certificate, passport, or driving license.
  • Proof of one-month bank statement for all bank accounts – bank balance to include the date submitting application form.

Find out more: Household Support Fund (HSF) | Croydon Council

Croydon Partnership Early Years Strategy

The experiences in the first few years of a child’s life lay the foundations for their future development, health and wellbeing. Croydon Council is developing a new strategy for the services supporting Croydon’s parents, carers and children in the Early Years – from just before pregnancy to the end of the reception year at school. It is vital that the new strategy includes what is important to parents, families and carers. 

Take part in the survey to tell them what matters to you.  The survey closes on Sunday 20th March and you can take part here:

Croydon Partnership Early Years strategy parent and carer survey | Get Involved Croydon

Stroke Survivors and Carers

Have you or the person you care for had a stroke in the last two years? Do you live in and use healthcare services within South West London? If so, the NHS would like to hear from you. Your views will help them to understand what works well, and what could be improved. If you are interested in taking part in a focus group about stroke rehab on Tuesday 22 March, 5.30pm – 7pm, or have any feedback to offer, please get in touch by emailing sherry.fuller@swlondon.nhs.uk or calling 07455 610 610. Further info here.

Croydon Trading Standards Community Alert

A campaign is being run by the Competition and Markets Authority in response to an increasing number of online traders using sneaky tactics to rip-off consumers. Have a look at Online Rip-Off Tip-Off Campaign for more detailed information and for some handy videos to help you shop safely online.

Please remember to report to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 if you have actually been the victim of a scam or call Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133 if you require advice on an issue you are having with a trader or wish to report a trader.

CNCA Job Vacancy

Deputy Manager Vacancy (P/T role): closing date 16 March

Croydon Neighbourhood Care (CNCA) provide support to a network of membership charities who provide services and support to the over 65’s right across the whole of the London Borough of Croydon. They are currently recruiting for a Deputy Manager to work within the team. Providing comprehensive support to your colleagues, you will oversee the daily business of the charity, managing contracts and day to day issues. They are looking for someone with great customer service skills to liaise with member groups and members of the public.

Do you have experience of running a busy office environment? Are you passionate about working in the voluntary sector and customer service? They are looking for someone with excellent IT skills, who will join their happy team, and manage the office, oversee various projects, and build on and deliver their shared agendas.

This role requires some flexibility, and on occasion some work out of office hours. This role will require an Enhanced DBS. The post is for 26 hours per week, to be worked flexibly over four days. (Mon-Thurs). Salary £30,030 pro-rata.

To receive an application pack please call 020 8662 1000 or email info@cnca.org.uk. Please send your CV and covering letter to sue@cnca.org.uk.

War in Ukraine

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the war in Ukraine. If any carers are concerned about family members, please contact us.

Further information about how to help can be found here: Ukraine: what you can do to help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Young Carers Action Day 16 March

Young Carers Action Day is an national event, organised each year by Carers Trust. It’s a day for raising public awareness of young carers and young adult carers, the pressures and challenges they face, and the incredible contribution they make by caring for their family members and friends.

In Croydon, the Young Carers Service provides invaluable support for young people in the borough that have a caring role. Find out more: Young Carers Service (talkofftherecord.org)


Carers Covid-19 Engagement Service

This information has been provided by the Carers Information Service

Booster Jabs

The government has confirmed that carers will be prioritised for vaccination in the winter flu campaign this year, but guidance regarding Covid-19 booster vaccinations is still to be released by the JCVI. In a response to questions raised by Carers UK, JCVI stated that "...based on the JCVI interim advice, it is reasonable to assume that those eligible for Covid-19 vaccination in phase one of the Covid-19 vaccination programme are likely to be offered a booster (if boosters are advised in the JCVI's final advice). This includes unpaid carers defined in the Green Book."

Updated Care Home Visiting Guidance

The department for Health and Social Care has updated its guidance regarding care home visitation in England. From the 19th of July onwards:

  • Every care home resident can have 'named visitors' who will be able to enter the care home for regular visits. There is no limit on the number of 'named visitors' that a single resident can have and no nationally set limit on the number who can visit in a single day.
  • Every care home resident can choose to nominate an essential care giver who may visit the home to attend to essential care needs. The essential care giver should be enabled to visit in all circumstances, including if the care home has an outbreak (but not if the essential care giver or resident are Covid-19 positive)
  • Named visitors and residents are advised to keep physical contact to a minimum (excluding essential care givers). Physical contact like hand-holding is acceptable if hand washing protocols are followed. Close personal contact such as hugging presents higher risks but will be safer if it is between people who are double vaccinated, without face-to-face contact, and there is brief contact only.
  • Care homes can also continue to offer visits to friends or family members through arrangements such as outdoor visiting, rooms with substantial screens, visiting pods, or from behind windows.

Updated guidance can be seen in full here.

Changes to Self-Isolation Rules

From Monday 16 August onwards, people who are double jabbed or aged under 18 are no longer legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case. The change was announced last month, as part of step 4 of the government’s Covid-19 roadmap. With 75% of people having received both doses of the vaccine, the majority of adults will no longer need to self-isolate if they are contacts.

However, double-jabbed individuals and under 18s who are identified as close contacts by NHS Test and Trace will be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible to check if they have the virus and for variants of concern. People can order a PCR home test online or by calling 119, or going to a test site.

As double-jabbed people identified as close contacts are still at risk of being infected, people are advised to consider other precautions such as wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, and limit contact with other people, especially with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable. They will not be required to self-isolate while they wait for the results of the PCR test. Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate, irrespective of their vaccination status or age in order to break onward chains of transmission. Meanwhile anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms should self-isolate and get a PCR test, and remain in isolation until the result comes back.

Vaccination of Care Home Staff

The Department of Health and Social Care has said that from 11 November 2021, all care home workers, and anyone entering a CQC registered care home, will need to be fully vaccinated, unless they are exempt under the regulations. This will include all customer facing staff, cooks, cleaners, volunteers and also includes staff who may work in the home on a part-time or occasional basis, to deliver non-care-related services, such as hairdressing, maintenance, or activities.

Friends, family (who also may be unpaid carers) and essential care givers will not need to show proof of vaccination as it is felt that it would be unjustifiably detrimental to residents to deprive them of contact with, and care from, their loved ones. While the SAGE Social Care Working Group has advised there is a balance to be struck between the risk of a loved one visiting and transmitting virus, against the wellbeing benefits to those who live in a care home, friends and family members are being advised to access vaccination as soon as they are able.

Free PPE Supplies

As a result of the pandemic, the Government has said it will provide free PPE to unpaid carers in England who are not living with the person they are caring for, to ensure they can continue to care with adequate personal protective equipment. We are working in partnership with Croydon Council to provide this service to carers living in Croydon. By visiting the CarePlace website, you can order supplies of any of the following items: protective gloves, disposable face masks, aprons, eye protection, hand sanitiser.

Go to www.careplace.org.uk or call us on 020 8649 9339, option 1 if you do not have online access and we can place the order on your behalf. Once you have completed the online form, the request is then sent to the Carers Information Service, and we will make contact to assess your needs and make arrangements for home delivery or collection from the Carers Support Centre when we re-open.