Renfrewshire Carers Summer Newsletter 2022

Summer Newsletter 2022 Inside Cares Week Volunteers Week Carers Support Groups and Training Renfrewshire Rumbles are back! Carers Panel and more

6-12 June Making Caring Visible, Valued and Supported Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid Carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as Carers and access much-needed support. This year we are delighted to be coming together in person to thank Carers for the contribution they make to families and communities throughout Renfrewshire. We hope many of you will join us to celebrate and Make Caring Visible and Valued. Monday 6th Carers Bereavement Counselling 1:30 - 3:30pm Monday 6th Craft Session – Photo Box Papercraft** 6:00 – 8:00pm Tuesday 7th Pottery Class – 2:00- 4:00pm & 6:00 – 8:00pm Tuesday 7th Art Session (Mindful Doodling) at The Shop at No: 8, Lochwinnoch 6:30 – 8:30pm Tuesday 7th Staff available at The Shop at No: 8 between 5:30-6:30pm offering information and advice on support available to Carers Wednesday 8th Craft Session – Photo Box Papercraft** 10:00 – 12 noon

Wednesday 8th Relax & Unwind ** 6:00 – 7:00pm Accessible Yoga for alll Wednesday 8th Relax & Unwind ** 7:00 - 8:00pm De-stress using simple, mindfulness techniques Thursday 9th Summer Flower Arranging ** 10:00 – 12:00 Friday 10th Poetry Session – 10:30am – 12:30pm Friday 10th Afternoon Tea & Cha Cha – 2:00 – 4:00pm Join us for afternoon tea and dance entertainment withTracy and Graham. Take to the dance floor if you fancy a twirl! All activities will take place at the Carers Centre unless otherwise stated. If you wish to take part in any of our wonderful activities, then please telephone the Centre on 0141 887 3643 or email [email protected]. Events are open to all Carers but spaces are limited in each session so sign up early to avoid disappointment. ** Zoom sessions available for these activities.

June is a busy month for us as we celebrate both Carers Week and Volunteers Week. We are lucky to be supported by over 50 Volunteers who support our staff and services here at the Centre. They help out in lots of different ways and their support was invaluable during the pandemic. We can't thank them enough for their continued support and are delighted to welcome them back doing in person events and supporting us with Support Groups, Photography, Workshops, Information Stalls and much more. We would not be able to deliver all that we do so smoothly without the key support from our wonderful Volunteers, so we take this opportunity to say a huge big THANK YOU during Volunteers Week.

Support Groups If you would like to find out more information about our Support Groups, please email [email protected]. Stroke & Carers Café 2nd Monday of the month 1pm to 3pm (Centre) Male Carers Support Group 1st Tuesday of the month at 12.30pm to 2.30pm (Centre) Coffee & Cake (drop in) 2nd Tuesday of the month at 11am to 1pm (Centre) Learning Disability Carers Support Group 3rd Tuesday of the month 10am to 11am (Online Zoom) Mental Health Carers Support Group 3rd Tuesday of the month 6pm to 8pm (Centre) Alzheimer’s Carers Support Group 1st Thursday month at 12.30pm to 2.30pm (Centre) Carers Panel The pandemic raised different challenges for Carers with many taking on a new or an increased caring role, with many feeling the impact financially, physically and emotionally. We want to ensure that Carers are supported and their voices are heard so we would like to hear from a broad range of Carers to ensure we reflect the needs of Carers in Renfrewshire. We would also welcome input from Carers who are not registered with the Centre. For more information on how to get involved please email [email protected].

Carers Training and Workshops May Training Caring for someone with Dementia, Meaningful Activities Monday 30 May 11am to 12.30pm, Renfrewshire Carers Centre We all need purpose in life, the activities we are involved in provides some of that purpose. It gives us routine and structure to our life. We will learn what activities do for us, how to encourage involvement and the long-term benefits? June Training Wellbeing - De-stress using simple mindfulness skills Wednesday 8 June 7pm to 8pm, Zoom In this practical session learn and try out different, simple techniques to improve wellbeing, our mood and energy. Autism Neurodevelopmental Impact Friday 10 June 10.30am to 1.30pm, Renfrewshire Carers Centre During this workshop you will learn about the terminology, accessing services, the importance of partnership working and making good support plans. Wellbeing - Relax, repair, feel better Wednesday 15 June 7pm to 8pm, Zoom In this practical session learn to create a calm and restful state, boost our energy and build our resilience. Wellbeing - Take time out and de-stress Wednesday 22 June 7pm to 8pm, Zoom With self care we cushion ourselves against the stresses of daily living and feel more in control. Coping with Depression Friday 24 June 10.30am to 2.30pm, Renfrewshire Carers Centre Depression affects many people and is often misunderstood. This is an opportunity for us to understand depression and it's effects on us and the life of a Carer.

Wellbeing - Boost your mood, relax, feel better Wednesday 29 June 7pm to 8pm, Zoom We will use a combination of activities such as relaxation meditations, breathing techniques and self massage. July Training Understanding Stress and build resilience Friday 22 July 10.30am to 2.30pm, Renfrewshire Carers Centre Explore what stress is, understand it better and discuss the type of stress Carers may experience. We will look at panic attacks and how to cope. Coping with nerves and anxiety Friday 29 July 10.30am to 2.30pm, Renfrewshire Carers Centre We can all get nervous at times. Many of us know that feeling of 'sweaty palms or dry mouth' Sometimes it can be more than that. We will look at ways of coping with anxiety and uncertainty. August Training Understanding Autism (This training takes place over two days) Monday 22 and 29 August 6.30pm to 8.00pm, Zoom This seminar will support families to develop an understanding of Autism, discuss experiences of getting a diagnosis and clarify support that families may be entitled to. September Training Autism Sensory Needs (This training takes place over two days) Monday 5 and 12 September 6.30pm to 8.00pm, Zoom We will consider sensory systems and how effective these may be and examine how sensory information may be processed differently. Autism Anxiety and Distress (This training takes place over two days) Monday 19 and 26 September 6.30pm to 8.00pm, Zoom We will examine anxiety in Autism and outline practical support to help you and your child manage anxiety and distressed behaviour.

Former Carer's Bereavement Support Group Therapy Are you a Carer who has experienced bereavement during lockdown? When a loved one dies it can be a challenging, lonely, and emotional time. Especially if you have been caring for the person for a while. Group counselling sessions offer a safe and therapeutic environment for former Carers to talk and learn through sharing experiences with others. It provides a space to talk honestly and directly about feelings, gain insight and understanding into the processes of grief. We are offering a block 6 group sessions of group counselling for former Carers, which will be led by an experienced bereavement counsellor. This group will run for 6 weeks from Monday 6th June from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Please contact us on 0141 887 3643 or email [email protected] to register. Renfrewshire Rumbles Returns! Tom from Rhythm to a T returns with Renfrewshire Rumbles Drumming Group on Friday 1st July from 2.00pm to 3.30pm for 6 weeks. of magical drumming sessions. If you would like more information and to book your space please contact [email protected] Scottish Charity No 23986 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @RCarers www.renfrewshirecarers.org.uk