Carers Magazine - Spring 2020

FREE Issue 1 of 3, 2020 Carers Magazine You are a Carer if you look after a friend or family member who cannot manage on their own because they have an illness, poor health, disability, mental health issue or an addiction COVID-19 Page 3 Life after caring, including Carer’s stories– pg. 4 to 12 Young Carer news – pg. 14 Gofalwyr Ceredigion Carers – pg. 16 Carers Allowance rates from April 2020 – pg. 19 And lots more…. Produced by Ceredigion Carers Unit

Messages from the Carers Unit Congratulations Sara Farewell Heather I would like to say a huge thank you to Heather for her Welcome to the Spring 2020 edition of the Carers commitment to Carers in Magazine, the magazine for unpaid Carers in Ceredigion, she has spent Ceredigion. This issue has been influenced by the the last 21 years of her many conversations the Carers Unit have had with working life developing Carers who are thinking about their caring role coming support for Carers across to an end or changing, it can be unsettling when we the county. have to deal with change in our lives, especially if you have been caring for someone for a long time. We Heather first started in the hope that you will find the information and Carers voluntary sector setting up stories helpful when you are thinking about the the first Crossroads organisation in Ceredigion, inevitable and ‘life after caring’. she has worked tirelessly in developing high standards of support and services for Carers. I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that One of her achievements is the launch of the I have moved into a new role within Ceredigion County Investors in Carers quality mark which is now a Council and that sadly means I have given up my recognised accreditation programme for a wide Carer Lead responsibilities and management of the range of services and departments within the Carers Unit. After 18 years of leading and building the local authorities, health, education and third Carers Unit services and working constantly to develop sector organisations who work with Carers. improvements here within Ceredigion County Council, across the county with partners, regionally and We look forward to continuing the good work nationally, it’s time to hand over the reins. Heather started, ensuring that Carers voices are heard and that Carers are able to access Sara Humphreys has been appointed as the Interim appropriate support in Ceredigion. Manager of the Carers Unit and will continue to be supported by Cath, Ros and Susan. I am sure that the We hope you find this magazine useful and the team will carry on with the same degree of articles within it of interest to you. As always we commitment, and they will continue to work tirelessly are grateful to receive any suggestions or and expertly to create new opportunities and improve articles to be included in the magazine. support for Carers in Ceredigion. Sara Humphreys Throughout the next year, I know that the Carers Unit are planning Interim Carers Development Officer more events, training, working Ceredigion Carers Unit with Gofalwyr Ceredigion Carers to bring you further support and The Carers Unit would like to say a lots, lots more. big THANK YOU to Ann & Nick for sharing their very personal stories Heather West with us and allowing us share them with other Carers. Carers Lead Officer Ceredigion Carers Unit Carers Support Groups and events cancelled until further notice Unfortunately, due to the current outbreak of COVID-19 we have taken the decision to cancel all Carers support groups and events until further notice. We are sorry we have had to make this decision as we know how important getting together with other Carers can be. If you have any ideas for keeping in touch with each other for peer support in the meantime please contact Gofalwyr Ceredigion Carers at [email protected] / 03330 13 44 77 or you can contact them via their Facebook page – Gofalwyr Ceredigion Carers. 2 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and advice (correct as of Monday 16 March) Carers UK have developed information and advice for carers visit www.carersuk.org There is information on:  How you can prepare yourself  Whether you need to stay away from others  How you can protect someone you care for  Guidance for working Carers Public Health Wales will provide latest guidance, please visit phw.nhs.wales/ coronavirus The approach by Public Health Wales and indeed across the UK is that if you or other people in your household have the following symptoms of Coronavirus you should stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days.  A high temperature and/or  A new continuous cough For most people the symptoms of Coronavirus are moderate and you can self-care at home. You only need to contact 111 if:  You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home  Your condition gets worse  Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days You should not go to your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Everyone should avoid unnecessary social contact and attending pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants. Please keep updated by visiting www.carers.uk and Public Health Advice phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus How to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus To protect yourself and other people:  wash your hands with soap and water often, do this for at least 20 seconds  always wash your hands when you get home or into work  use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available  cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze  put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards  try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell  do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 3

A focus on life after caring… We usually feature articles in the Carers Magazine about the support, services or practical help that is available to help people in a caring role. However, many Carers and former Carers have suggested that we look at the less talked about parts of caring such as considering residential or nursing homes for the person you care for, dealing with death and how to rebuild your life when your caring role ends. “There is nothing so stable as change .” - Bob Dylan This is certainly true in terms of being a Carer because your caring role will change over time as the needs of the person you care for change. This change could be because they recover and no longer need your care, their condition may get worse and their care needs increase meaning that they get to the stage where they can no longer be cared for at home or because they have died. Whatever the case, it will be difficult coming to terms with the change or loss of your caring role, particularly when it has been such a large part of your life. Whatever your situation, there is support available to help you deal with changes to your caring role. We have gathered as much information as we can to help guide you through these changes and some ideas to help you and your family prepare for the future. Considering residential or nursing/care home If the person that you care for has been reliant on the care that you need on a you to look after them, but for whatever reason, daily basis as well as social you are no longer able to provide the care that activities and outings. Nursing they need, you may be thinking about residential homes are similar but also or nursing care. You might have mixed feelings provide 24 hour nursing care if about this, including feelings of both relief and of you require it. guilt. Although you may feel that by considering residential or nursing care, you are letting the All care homes in Wales have to person you care for down or failing in your role as be registered with the Care Inspectorate Wales a Carer, it is important to remember that as a (CIW). You can contact them on 0300 7900 126 or Carer, you can only do so much to look after search their website for registered providers in a someone. It is better for you and the person you specific area and also to view the inspection care for to consider the options earlier on and have reports for the homes: https:// time to arrange the best possible care for them careinspectorate.wales/service-directory. This also rather than carry on being their Carer until you includes reports on agencies and individuals who reach crisis point. provide domiciliary services in your own home and childcare services. It is important to talk to the person that you care for about the decisions of their future care by looking Social Services Porth Gofal can also assist with at different residential care options as early as you finding a care home if the person you care for has can. If you are caring for someone with dementia, an assessment of their needs and Social Services it is particularly important to have this conversation agree that their needs are eligible for residential or early on in the diagnosis while they are still able to. nursing care. If you think the person you care for should have an assessment of their needs, please There are a wide variety of residential care homes telephone the Social Services Porth Gofal on available throughout the county with some 01545 574000. specialising in certain conditions. They can provide 4 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Thinking about and moving to a care home can be a scary experience so it is important that you get as much information as possible. The following organisations can provide information to help you make the decision: Carers UK Alzheimers Society Carers UK provide advice, information & The Alzheimer’s Society is a support covering all aspects of caring, charity providing help and support including considering residential care. to people living with any form of Advice line: 0808 808 7777 dementia and their Carers. They Website: https://www.carersuk.org/help- provide a useful guide to and-advice/practical-support/when-caring ‘Selecting and moving into a care -ends home’ which is available to download from their website or Independent Age can be ordered by telephoning: Independent Age are a 0300 303 5933. charity providing Helpline: 0300 222 11 22 advice and support for Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk people in older age. They have some Age Cymru Ceredigion useful information on Age Cymru Ceredigion are a charity what you should providing services and support to anyone aged 55 or consider when over living in Ceredigion as well as their families and choosing a care home. Carers. They can provide information and advice to Helpline: 0800 319 6789 people who plan to pay for a care home themselves Website: www.independentage.org (self-funding). Telephone: 01970 615151 or 01239 615777. Loss of the person you care for Although it is not a subject that is easy to talk about, your caring role may come to an end because the person you care for has passed away. Unfortunately, losing someone we love is something that we all have to learn to cope with at some point in our lives. In the following section, we look at the emotional side of losing someone you have cared for as well as the practical things that need to be thought about after a death. How we cope with grief is very different from one person to the next and there is no ‘normal’ or ‘right’ way to grieve. Even if you have known that the person is dying, there can still be a sense of shock when their death comes and if you have been caring for that person, the loss can be even greater. When someone close to you dies, there are a lot of practical things to do such as registering the death and arrangements to be made such as organising the funeral. People sometimes say that it is not until all practicalities are dealt with and the funeral has been that that they are able to truly grieve. As well as coping with your grief, as a Carer, you also have to come to terms with the loss of your caring role. You may feel guilty about feeling relief that you are no longer a Carer or you may just feel exhausted and alone in the knowledge that the professionals that have helped you along your caring role are now no longer at hand to support you. This may well be the case but now is the time to accept help and support from your close friends and family. Talking about the person who has died and what has happened can help you come to terms with their death. So if you feel able, talk to the people around you and let them know what you need from them and how they can help. Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 5

Ann’s Story My name is Ann Edwards and I am 54 years old. I have had two experiences of being a Carer, one as a Young Carer when I was around 11 years old, until I left home to get married, to my Mum who had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. And one later in life as my Dads full time Carer, until he died in September last year. What did you do before you became a Carer? night. This is Before I became a full time Carer for my Dad I was when things got a Healthcare Support Worker in the A&E very hard, being Department of Bronglais Hospital, I had been doing awake most of this for 21 years and loved my job! the night and having to be How long were you a Carer? awake during the Caring for my Dad snuck up on all of us. Dad had day too. Luckily been a widower for nearly 30 years and was a very Dad had a care capable man who didn’t need looking after until he package, 2 Carers 3 times a day, and whenever reached his late 70’s then slowly and gradually he they attended I tried to get some rest. This started needing more and more support. For continued until Dad passed away. example, going food shopping, paying bills, cleaning the house, going to the Drs and Hospital The total amount of time I was looking after Dad etc. By the time he was in his early 80’s I was the full time was 9 months, much shorter than I person who sorted everything out. This sort of thing expected and due to the fall, much shorter than it increased a lot more during the last two years of should have been. Dads life with his dementia becoming worse. With hindsight I realised that Dad had had dementia for a What were the problems you faced when your lot longer than I initially thought. He was very good Father died? at masking it. The biggest problem I faced when my Dad died was, obviously loss, and not having anything to do Once Dad’s health started to deteriorate he went any more, no staying awake at night, no feeding, downhill quickly needing 24 hour care, so I took an no personal care, my day was empty. Obviously employment break from work and moved back in the funeral arrangements occupied a lot of the first with him. We, as a family had the discussion about few days but I was still at a loss as to what to do Dad going into residential care and it was decided with the rest of my time. that he would have hated that. So I offered to give Another problem, for me, was money. When my up work and go and live with him, a decision I was Dad died my income died too. I hadn’t been able to proud to make and wanted to look after my Dad – save any money during the last 9 months as what I he would pay me his state pension as I would not was getting from Dad was half of what I used to have any other income. My brother was already earn when I worked. In the end I had to live off the getting the Carers allowance but he was unable to small amount of money Dad had left me in his will. do personal care and could not cope with Dads dementia. What preparations, if any, did you make in the event of the death of your Father? 4 months into being Dad’s full time Carer he had to My Dads death came quickly in the end which go into a residential home for respite as we needed didn’t give me time to make any preparations. We, to do urgent work on his bedroom to accommodate as a family, had already discussed the funeral the equipment he needed for his care. arrangements so that was pretty clear cut but as Unfortunately, during this time, he had a fall and for any other sort of preparations – there were broke his hip. I think that that the fall definitely none. shortened his life – he became very unwell as a We, as a family had previously discussed and result of the fall and ended up spending 9 weeks in arranged Power of Attorney etc. which was a very hospital. After he came home his whole condition important aspect. When Dad had lost capacity it deteriorated very quickly, his dementia became full was good to have the ok to make the necessary blown. He had been a night bird for a while but now decisions. he was awake and shouting for most of the Is there anything you wished you had prepared 6 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

for before he passed away? It took me nearly 4 months to return to work. My I don’t think that you can be fully prepared for the employment break policy stated that I needed to death of a loved one. Just make sure that things give a certain amount of time to request returning to have been put in place so that the person left work. As it was, I had decided not to return to my behind is looked after. Have that awkward original job, instead I got a different job within the conversation with your loved one before they lose trust. That took nearly 4 months to start due to capacity, find out what they would like when the necessary police checks etc. time comes for more intensive care. Speak to the I was glad that I had this time before I went back to extended family to make sure everyone work as I hadn’t realised how exhausted I was after understands and are happy with what will happen looking after Dad. It took me a good 3 months to get etc. Put your house in order so to speak. back into a normal sleeping pattern. Were there any financial issues you had to How did you feel about returning to work? deal with? Having given myself a good 3 months to recover I Regarding my Dad’s finances, no. He was lucky, was ready for the challenge of a new job and was he had a private pension and the state pension so excited about returning to work. It was good to have he was in the position where he could afford to be my days busy again. cared for at home. He had also made sure that there was money set aside to pay for his funeral What tips would you give to anyone caring for and any other costs that would arise. someone at end of life, to make life easier after It was me who had issues with finance – like I said the event? earlier, I had given up work to look after Dad and Take advantage of any external help. Rest, eat and although he was paying me his state pension, it try to relax a bit, as caring for someone at end of life was nowhere near what I used to earn. I still had is exhausting, it takes everything you’ve got to do financial commitments so my money didn’t go very what you have to do. The best thing you can do is far. I also didn’t have any savings. I was lucky to hold your loved one and tell them you love them. that Dad had left me a small amount in his will Just be there. which is what I ended up living off until I went back to work. Can you name one thing that has made a difference for the better through this process? How long after he passed away did you return Knowing that there is support out there for Carers. to work? Ask for it. And knowing that my lovely Dad is now at peace. The following organisations provide support to the bereaved CRUSE Bereavement Care Samaritans Offers bereavement counselling, advice, Can be contacted at any time, day or night and information and social contact. someone will listen and provide confidential and UK National Helpline: 0808 808 1677 non-judgmental emotional support. Email: [email protected] Telephone free any time, from any phone: 116 123 (English) or 0808 164 0123 (Welsh) Hywel Dda Bereavement Support Services If you are struggling to come to terms This service is for the relatives of patients who have died on with your loss, you can also go to your the wards within Hywel Dda University Board’s hospitals. GP who may be able to help you by Telephone: recommending a local counsellor or Bronglais – 01970 235151 ask to be transferred to the support group. required ward (the bereavement service is provided by the If you’re employed, your employer may respective ward) have an employee assistance Glangwili: 01267 235151 – Ask for the Bereavement Service programme which includes Prince Phillip: 01554 756567 – Ask for the Bereavement bereavement or counselling support. Service Check with your manager or human Withybush: 01437 772347 – Direct line to Bereavement resources department. Officer Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 7

Practical matters to consider following a death In the first few days after someone dies, you must get a medical certificate, register the death and start to arrange the funeral. Medical Certificate A medical certificate confirms the cause of death and is issued by the hospital, hospice or a doctor. Registering the death Usually, a death must be registered at the local registry office within 5 days. To register a death, someone needs to take the medical death certificate and any other necessary information to the local registry office. Death certificates cost £11 each, it is the same cost at the time of registration and afterwards. Many Carers have advised that it is best to get multiple copies and the cost can be recovered through insurance policies or the estate. For general registration advice and information or to request an appointment to register a death in Ceredigion, telephone the Ceredigion Registration Service on 01970 633580. Arranging the funeral Informing Government organisations After a loved one has died, you can contact a funeral director of your choice as soon as you feel ready to so that they can start You can use the Tell Us Once service making the initial arrangements on your behalf. Funeral costs to report the death to most can be quite high so it is a good idea to get quotes from more government organisations in one go. than one funeral director. When you register the death, the registrar will give you a unique Although most funerals are traditionally arranged by Funeral reference number to use the Tell Us Directors, you do not have to buy their services. You can actually Once Service online or by phone. The do it yourself which will save you money, but it will take more Tell us Once service will then notify: work and planning on your part. There are many different funeral options available nowadays and you do not have to agree to all  HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the extras that funeral directors are offering. Check out The to deal with tax and cancel Natural Death Centre website who provide free, impartial benefits advice on funerals: http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk/ , they also have a helpline: 01962 712690.  Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) to cancel benefits such as If you do not have the funds to pay for the funeral, you may be Universal Credit able to apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions. You may be eligible for this  Passport Office to cancel a British payment if you or your partner receive certain benefits such as passport, DVLA to cancel a Pension Credit or Universal Credit. The payment covers the cost driving licence of some of necessary items and services (eg burial fees) and up to £700 for other funeral expenses. Be aware, though, that the  The local council to cancel payment will not usually cover all the costs of the funeral, so Housing Benefit, Council Tax there may be an outstanding amount that you have to pay. You Benefit, a Blue Badge, inform council housing services and must claim the payment within 6 months of the remove the person from the funeral. For more information on the electoral register payment and to apply, visit https:// www.gov.uk/funeral-payments or  Public sector or armed forces telephone the Bereavement pension schemes to stop pension Service helpline on 0800 731 payments. 0469 (English) or 0800 731 0453 (Welsh). For more information, visit www.gov.uk/tell-us-once or phone 0800 085 7308. 8 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Benefits Wills and probate The benefits that you are eligible to claim may change When a person dies, their money, property after the person you care for dies. For instance, you will and possessions are called their estate. If no longer be eligible to claim Carers Allowance although they have left a will, it will determine how the payment does continue for 8 weeks from the Sunday their estate is divided up after their death. following their death. Power of Attorney, where someone has the legal right to manage someone else’s Bereavement Benefit money and affairs stops being in force as You may be able to get Bereavement Support Payment if soon as the person dies. If you have been you husband, wife or civil partner dies. granted Power of Attorney for the person you care for, you will not be able to continue You could be eligible if your partner either: to use their back account (unless you have a joint back account) or carry out business  paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 on their behalf. weeks If someone dies without leaving a valid will,  died because of an accident at work or a disease it is known as dying intestate. A ‘Grant of caused by work letters of administration’ has to be obtained When they died you must have been: from the Probate Registry so that the estate  under State Pension age  living in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits There are 2 rates of For more information on can be administered and Inheritance Tax Bereavement Support bereavement related settled. For more Inheritance tax Payment which can be paid for up to 18 months, the benefits that you may be information, (currently 40%) has to amount you receive also eligible for, please contact be paid if the depends on how long after the Bereavement Service contact The deceased’s estate is the death you apply for it. helpline on : Probate Registry You must claim within 3 0800 731 0469 for English of Wales on worth more than 02920 474 373. £325,000. months to get the full 0800 731 0453 for Welsh. amount. Twice a year (during March Cancelling utility services and October) local Solicitors Most companies have a dedicated bereavement team, to are supported by charities, cancel services or transfer account holder names contact such as Tenovus Cancer the service provider and ask to speak to their bereavement team. Care to write simple wills or update wills free of charge. The service is Helpful websites and helplines for people aged 55 and over. Check out the  MoneySavingExpert.com (Martin website for more information: www.freewillsmonth.org.uk. Lewis) - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/ what-to-do-when-someone-dies/  UK Government advice website: https://www.gov.uk/ Housing register-a-death If the person you were caring for was a council or  Bereavement Advice Centre, online advice and housing association tenant and you were living with Freephone helpline: 0800 634 9494 https:// them, you should contact www.bereavementadvice.org/ your local council or the  The Natural Death Centre (Independent Funeral housing association to find Advice) provides free, impartial advice on all aspects of out what happens to the dying, bereavement and consumer rights - http:// tenancy. www.naturaldeath.org.uk/ - helpline: 01962 712690 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 9

Nick’s story - Nick was a full time Carer for his Father, who lived at home and a part time Carer for his Mum who had dementia and lived in residential care. Nick’s father passed away in March 2019 and his mother died just eight weeks and one day later. Since losing his parents, Nick has been wading through a minefield of paperwork, cancelling bank accounts, dealing with utility companies, insurance policies, pensions and funeral costs. Nick is sharing his story with us, in the hope that other Carers and their families can prepare for when the inevitable happens. Deciding on the funeral add my name retrospectively and then cancel the account. This may apply to other utility bills as Both my parents had taken out a number of life well. You need to be a nominated person, on the insurance policies to cover funeral and other costs. account, in order to speak to as many However, none of these insurances would cover the organisations as possible. full costs of their individual funerals. Given my parents approach to life, “if it lives, it dies,” we opted I obtained three copies of death certificates as I assumed this would be enough! One of the to use a direct cremation company followed by a insurance companies was happy to take the celebration of life service. It was simple to organise, number from the certificate over the phone and cost effective (£1400 each) and done with speed and process the claim. All organisations (Bank, dignity. Insurance etc.) want an original death certificate. This could cause some delays if you don’t have The first hurdle enough copies as you are waiting for one company to post it back before you can send out When my father passed away, we discovered that his to another. will was null and void. The house and bank accounts were in joint names, so this meant everything My father had worked for the Civil Service and transferred to my mother. We discovered that if you had a pension, to which my mother was entitled to wish to leave part of a property to another relative a Widow’s Pension following his death. I made then the existing owners need to be tenants in the claim for this within a matter of days of my father passing away. During the process, I common rather than joint owners. received a letter to say they had the claim form and hoped to deal with the issue within 60 days. One problem after another… At around day 57, I received a letter requesting I had to cancel the telephone line which was in his name, but because I wasn’t a named person on the account, I had to jump through various hoops to Getting on with your life, what next? Whatever the reason that your caring role has come to an end, it can take time to get used to a life without the responsibilities of being a Carer. You have probably spent so long doing things for other people that you have not been doing the things that you enjoy yourself. You are likely to be feeling worn out and drained so now is the time to get some much needed rest and look after yourself. When you feel ready, you may find that you now have the time to do many of the things that you simply didn’t have time for when you were in a caring role, such as: Getting in touch and Getting involved with the Learning something new like a visiting family and local community; new skill or hobby, or more friends. formal training or education. volunteering with a local charity. Dysgu Bro offers a range of courses For more information on including essential volunteering skills course, leisure opportunities, contact: courses & IT courses. For more Ceredigion Association of information and details of the course Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) timetable, contact: Dysgu Bro Telephone: 01570 423232 Telephone: 01970 633540 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.cavo.org.uk Website: www.dysgubro.org.uk 10 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

their original marriage certificate. Having sent this moves you back in the grieving process. Even that off, I received another letter that they would now, each morning, we await the arrival of post in respond within 60 days. Around day 50, I the hope that Probate will be granted and feel received another letter… you can see where this deflated when there is nothing there. is going! It took eight months for this to be The future processed and only accomplished after I emailed Because I have the same approach to death as my the Head of the Civil Service – perhaps a parents, their deaths, although sudden were not coincidence? unexpected and we will cope with the grieving We completed the Probate forms in June for my process as it arises. However, if it is a partner who mother. You can go to a Solicitor who will do this has died, or if my mother had had to sort these for you but there is a fee of £400+, or, you can do it obstacles out herself, it would likely be a highly yourself on-line. It is a time-consuming process, in traumatic experience. As we approach the first total we completed about 15 forms. We sent the anniversary of my father’s death, it is only now that papers off with a cheque stapled to them. After I can relax and step away from what was my caring several weeks we received a letter from Probate role and life for three years and start to rebuild and saying they had the forms, and could we send the look forward to our own future. appropriate payment! Since this incident we have had to speak to at least four departments and have been passed from pillar to post. Be prepared for this process to be delayed, it took over 9 months for probate to be granted.  Direct Cremation Services Our experience has taught us that apart from the A direct cremation is different from a traditional cremation DWP, who have a specialist bereavement team funeral. The cremation takes place separately from a who were very efficient, every other insurance personal farewell service. The cremation company take your loved one into their care and perform the cremation type organisation that we have had to deal with with nobody present. You then receive the ashes and can have appeared to draw out the process. For my choose how you want to conduct your own special remembrance event. It is ideal for people who don’t like wife and I these protracted delays have funerals. lengthened the grieving process for us, and we are unable to put closure to my parent’s deaths. Each  ‘Joint tenants’ or ‘tenants in common’ time a letter arrives asking for more information The type of ownership affects what you can do with the property if your relationship with a joint owner breaks down, or if one owner dies. Visit the government’s website for more information about this and how to change your type of ownership: https:// Coleg Ceredigion provides vocational and www.gov.uk/joint-property-ownership academic education and training. For more information and to request a prospectus, contact: Telephone: 01970 639700 (Aberystwyth Campus) Aberystwyth University offers undergraduate, or 01239 612032 (Cardigan Campus) postgraduate and short courses. For more information and to request a prospectus, contact: Website: www.ceredigion.ac.uk Telephone: 01970 623111 Website: www.aber.ac.uk The Open University offers flexible part- University of Wales, Trinity Saint David time study, supported distance and open offers undergraduate, postgraduate and part learning for undergraduate and time courses with campuses in Lampeter, postgraduate courses and qualifications. Carmarthen & Swansea. For more information and to request a For more information and to request a prospectus, contact: prospectus, contact: Telephone: 0300 303 5303 (English) or 02920 471170 Telephone: 0300 500 5054 (Welsh) Website: www.uwtsd.ac.uk Website: www.open.ac.uk There are also over 900 FREE courses on the Open University’s Open Learn website: https://www.open.edu/ openlearn/ from ‘Beginners Welsh’ to ‘Forensics’, there are lots of subjects for you try out. Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 11

Returning to work If you are thinking about returning to work, but aren't sure what you would like to do, why not start by identifying the skills and interests you have? Think about what you have learned from:  any paid work that you have done  tasks and responsibilities involved in your role as a Carer, a parent, and running a home.  any other activities that you do, for example, voluntary work, committees. Then identify your interests; think about:  what you enjoy doing  how you would like to use your skills  things you miss doing that you once did. To help you think about what you would like to do, carry out a ‘Skills health check’ on the National Careers Service website, find out what job roles might suit you by completing quizzes and activities: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment Communities for Work+ Are you…  Age 16 or over?  Employed, self-employed or unemployed?  Looking for work, volunteering, work experience or free training? Examples of free training available Support available locally  Security Licence  Care Costs paid whilst training/volunteering  CSCS cards  Personal Mentor  First Aid  Help with CV’s  Food Safety  Job Applications  IT  volunteering  Chainsaw Training  Preparing for interview  Confidence Building  Paid Work Experience Phone: 01545 574193 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/jobs-careers/communities-for-work-plus/ For more information contact Prime Cymru Tom on 07956 056811 or email [email protected] Are you out of work? We can offer FREE support to…  Improve your skills  Secure a job  Gain confidence  Find training or volunteering opportunities  Start your own business 12 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Save and borrow for a brighter tomorrow For people, not profit. Join today, it’s so easy! Cardigan office: 36 Pendre Starting saving today with your local SAVEeasy Credit Union Cardigan will help you pay for the things you really want…your next SA43 1JS holiday, a new car or saving for Christmas. The choice is yours. Lampeter office: Call us today to find our more! Every Thursday (12pm - 4pm)  Low cost affordable loans with affordable payments to Victoria Hall suit you Lampeter SA48 7EE  Safe Savings Accounts with flexible payment methods  Junior Savings Accounts Phone: 01239 614868  Pre-paid Visa Debit Card: Load with your benefits, Email: [email protected] Website: www.saveeasycreditunion.co.uk wages or cash – great for online shopping STOP LOAN SHARKS – BITE BACK! The Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (WIMLU) is indefinitely, adding the government agency which investigates and extortionate interest prosecutes loan sharks. The unit is warning those and penalty charges. who may be finding it difficult to make ends meet Often loan sharks force not to make the mistake of turning to loan sharks, victims to hand over who are even worse than doorstep or payday post office or bank lenders. These illegal lenders operate without a cards and PIN numbers, so that they can control consumer credit authority, and prey on people who the victim’s finances. Threats, blackmail, violence, are vulnerable – whether because of poverty or kidnapping, sexual exploitation – these are just debt, or difficulties in their lives such as addiction some of the ways that loan sharks enforce the or health problems. With money getting tighter, we debt, and keep their victims paying. Victims need can all fall for the offer of ready cash. to know that if a lender is not licensed, it is likely that the loan will not have to be repaid. Loan sharks will rip off borrowers by charging extortionate interest (WIMLU says that 400,000% WIMLU is here to help and support victims of this APR is not unheard of!) and adding on penalty crime. Our dedicated hotline number 0300 123 33 payments as and when they want. “Sharks don’t 11 is answered 24 hours a day, every day of the give you paperwork explaining the terms of the year. A trained officer will take your call, whether loan, and you have to keep paying them back until you are a loan shark victim yourself, or a they decide you can stop. They may appear concerned friend, neighbour, or support worker. friendly when they offer the loan, and when you You can speak confidentially, and will be given pay - it’s when you can’t pay that you see the other immediate advice and assistance. You can make side of them”, the WIMLU team explains. And the call to WIMLU anonymously if you prefer. beware – many of the loan sharks prosecuted by WIMLU’s priority is always the safety and WIMLU are female. wellbeing of loan shark victims. Loan sharks often seem friendly to start To report a loan shark please call the with, but have a sinister purpose, and hotline: soon show their real intention, which 0300 123 33 11 is to get as much money as possible Email: [email protected] from their victims. A loan shark does not want a loan to be repaid – they want the victim to pay them back Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 13

Young Carer News When someone dies You may feel very lost if the person you are caring for dies, especially if you have had a big role in looking after them. You might be feeling all sorts of difficult emotions that can be hard to cope with on your own. Asking for help and talking to people you trust can help you through difficult times. Here is a list that other young people have said helped them when they lost someone special:  Spend time with people you feel comfortable with. Being around people who care about you can help. It’s okay if you don’t want to talk or if you do.  It’s normal and OK to feel angry but it’s very important that you do this in a way that is safe.  Try talking to someone – you may find it easier to speak to friends rather than family and that’s OK.  Try to distract yourself, do things that you enjoy and have fun – spend time with friends or pets, go outside, watch a good film or TV programme, play a computer game. You will have times when you don’t think about who has died and that is OK.  Write or draw about how you feel, what you’re thinking and your memories.  Find or create your own space, where you can feel safe or be alone.  Choose something that belonged to the person who died that you can treasure and keep with you.  Create a memory box where you can keep things that are special to you.  Listen to music that you and your special person liked and enjoyed together: make a special play list.  Try talking to other people who are in the same situation as you, this can help you remember that you are not on your own.  Ask for help. This can be anyone you trust, someone from home, at school or your doctor.  Try looking at websites that offer support or contact the organisations direct. See list of useful contacts below: Child Bereavement Winston’s Wish – Supports bereaved children, young UK people and their families Free phone: Free helpline: 08088 020 021 0800 02 888 40 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website and online Chat: Website: www.childbereavementuk.org/ www.winstonswish.org Sibling Support – run by Child Bereavement If you feel that you need to talk to someone urgently UK, helps you to cope with the death of your use Crisis Messenger: text WW to 85258 brother or sister. Hints and tips, stories and Hope Again – is the youth website of Cruse more. Bereavement Care. It offers a safe place where you Free phone: 0800 02 888 40 can learn from other young people, how to cope with Email: [email protected] grief, and feel less alone. Website: www.hopeagain.org.uk ‘Grief support for Young People’ is an app for 11 – Grief Encounter – Website, online chat and helpline 25 year olds who have lost offers support to bereaved children and young people. someone important to They also provide e-counselling services across the them. It can also be used whole of the UK. by friends, teachers, Freephone: 0808 802 0111 parents and professionals Website: who would like to know www.griefencounter.org.uk how to best support a young person. 14 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Ceredigion Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Service The service, run by Vikki Phillips and Olivia Draper-Jones, offers one to one support to children and young people between the ages of 8 to 25, who have a caring role or responsibility. They also provide breaks from your caring role, friendship, fun activities, community support groups and school drop-ins. Schools visited When If you would like to talk to Vikki and Penglais, Plas Crug, 1st and 3rd Thursday of Olivia, ask a teacher about arranging a meeting with them when they visit Penweddig and the month your school. Aberaeron 3rd Tuesday of the If you do not attend school or are over Llandysul, Cardigan month 18 you can contact Vikki and Olivia on Secondary, Cardigan 01437 761330 to find out how Action Primary and Llechryd for Children can support you. You can Lampeter and 2nd Wednesday of the also refer to the service on the same Newcastle Emlyn number or by visiting month www.afcwestwales.org.uk. * Speak to Vikki or check out the Ceredigion Young Carers Facebook page for any changes to Olivia dates ‘Apart of Me’ is an award winning mobile game that has been CONGRATULATIONS designed to help young people cope with the death of a loved one. In the virtual world, the primary aim is to train young players up to Well done Penglais School become ‘Guides’, where they can then provide support through the for achieving the silver level game to other young people in distress. Investors in Carers Award, a wonderful achievement which On the virtual island, there is: is well deserved. While being assessed, a member of the  a magical cave where young people can listen to ‘stories of love panel said that, “the passion of Karina (Shaw) for her role and loss’ from other bereaved young people from around the shines through the evidence world, reducing the sense of isolation experienced following a bereavement presented, I would like to have been a pupil at such  fireflies to be caught which teach about the different emotions associated with grief as well as evidence-based strategies to a school”. deal with them  a rockpool where young people can find some peace, listening to tailored mindfulness exercises  ‘quests’ that equip young people to have difficult conversations with loved ones  and bottles that wash up on the island containing ‘grief wisdom’ from real-world experts Download the app for free on the App Store or Google Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 15

() Supporting Carers in Ceredigion Monthly support groups Where When Borth Borth Family Centre, 10am – 12pm Clarach Road Borth SY24 5NL The first Friday of the month Tregaron Tregaron Memorial Hall, 2pm - 4pm Aberaeron Tregaron, SY25 6JL The last Thursday of the month Cardigan Aberaeron Memorial Hall, 10am - 12pm South Road, Aberaeron The first Wednesday of the month SA46 ODP 3:30pm - 5:30pm Maes Mwldan, Bath House The last Tuesday of the month Road, Cardigan, SA43 1JZ Support group news The Tregaron Carers Group have been busy, some members have joined the Tregaron time bank and are volunteering their time to help with the group. This means that we can get people from outside to come in and contribute to the group through the time bank scheme. The Tregaron group have also applied for funding through the Ceredigion Carers Fund to organise a trip to the National Botanical Gardens in June. There are 20 places available and any money left over will be put towards the cost of the entry fee which is £9.00 per person. The Aberaeron support group were visited by fire service recently, they gave lots of good advice about keeping our homes safe and had simple tips for everyone. Members have decided that they are going to bring in board games for a future session and we are looking at how the Aberaeron group could contribute to the Eisteddfod in Tregaron, through a possible creative project. Kate Naidoo from CAVO joined the Cardigan group at the end of February to tell us about the Being Kind project, we looked at how kindness is good for health and wellbeing. This links in with our theme of how we can develop a stronger peer support network for Carers in the South of the county. In February, the Borth Carers group had a visit Carers enjoy from the All Wales Forum, they came to talk to us Christmas lunch about Carers representation at a regional and national level. They have been travelling around Wales collecting information from different Carers groups. Members of the group were able to tell them about the issues that are important to them and how they affect their own caring roles. In March the Community Connector for the North of the county Sam Henly will be coming to tell the group about what a Community Connector does and how that might be useful for The groups have Carers. been busy making decorations Our groups are open to all Carers, over 18, please join us. 16 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Manual handling training for Carers Please choose one when booking Wednesday 17 June At the Independent Living Centre (Dementia) Unit 1, Aeron Valley Enterprise Park Tuesday 15 September Felinfach Tuesday 24 November SA48 8AG If you need replacement care in order to attend 10am - 1pm the training please let us know when you book . Bookings: 03330 143377 or [email protected] Does someone rely on you for help and support? What happens if something happens to you? Do you have a contingency plan? Many Carers like to manage alone without outside sudden illness. Social Care will hold your details so help, but worry about what to do if certain situations that help can be put in place, through your chosen arise. We never expect an emergency to happen, emergency contacts, for the person you care for. but when we are facing unforeseen circumstances it How does the service work? can turn our lives upside down and if someone You register with the service by completing a relies on you for help and support it can affect their registration/contingency plan form. This form holds information about you, the person you look after life too. What is an emergency? and the action that needs to be taken in the event An emergency could be an illness, personal crisis of an emergency. or event which happens suddenly or a very short Is it a safe? notice and results in you, the Carer, being The service is confidential. No personal details are held on the card, so that all identities are protected. separated from the cared-for person for a short or long term basis. The only means of identification is a serial number Creating an emergency plan, for you and the on the card. In an emergency, Social Care respond person you care for can help to ease your worries if by contacting your designated emergency contacts you are not able to look after the person you care so that they can assist the person you care for, for in the future. whilst you receive the attention that you need. To help make this easier for you, Ceredigion What is the benefit for me? County Council Social Care have an information The card can offer you peace of mind so that you booklet called ‘Being Prepared: A Carer’s Guide to feel less anxious and freer to go out. If something Planning for Emergencies.’ It is full of advice and happens to stop you from getting home, help can helps you to think about the safety measures you be found for the person that you care for. can take if something happened to you in the future. How do I apply? The booklet also includes an application to join the You can apply for the service by fully completing FREE Ceredigion Carers Emergency Card the registration/contingency plan form which is Scheme. included in the ‘Being Prepared’ booklet. You can What is the Carer’s Emergency Card? ask for a copy of the booklet from Social Services It is a credit-sized card that you, the Carer, carries (Porth Gofal) on 01545 574000, or visit https:// at all times. It is used as an instant source of www.ceredigion.gov.uk/media/2926/carers-guide- identification in case you suffer an accident or planning-for-emergencies.pdf to download a copy. Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 17

Sibling Carers All sibling relationships, including growing up with a brother or sister who is disabled or who has special educational needs, have much in common – loyalty, competition, disputes and having fun together. However, these feelings can be more intense if one of the siblings is disabled. Siblings want to have ordinary lives and they also want their disabled brothers and sisters to live ordinary lives too, getting the support they need. Siblings play a huge role in their brothers and sisters lives through caring, advocating and teaching new skills. These roles can be valuable to the siblings’ personal development, but can also come at a cost to the siblings’ wellbeing and education. Acknowledging your sibling child's feelings about their disabled brother or sister, or about family life and school, is one of the most important things you can do to support them. You may not be able to change what is happening at home, but you can respond to how your child feels about things in a way that makes them feel you really care and understand. UK Charity ‘Sibs’ supports people who grow up with or have grown up with a disabled brother or sister. It is the only UK charity representing the needs of over half a million young siblings and over one and a half million adult siblings. The Sibs website has lots of advice and information for adult siblings and parents of young siblings; you will find information and techniques on dealing with feelings, such as guilt, worries, embarrassment and anger. There is a dedicated website for young siblings ‘Young Sibs’ where children aged 6 – 17 can chat to each other and ask for advice from the Sibs team. Information on this website includes, dealing with difficult situations, like not being able to do your homework and doing too much care. There is lots of positive advice too with ideas for games and communicating. There is a really useful dictionary of disabilities which explains conditions and terms in an easy to understand way. Take a look, visit: www.sibs.org.uk and www.youngsibs.org.uk AMETHYST Project Parent/Guardian Workshop AMETHYST Project works with young people who are experiencing mental health issues. Join a one day workshop offering a supportive environment for parents and guardians. Amethyst Project will create a safe space to look for solutions and work through some of the issues and barriers parents and guardians face when caring for young people with anxiety, depression, low confidence, low self-esteem, self-harm etc. 19 April 2020 Booking essential Every Thursday 1pm - 4pm Deri Morgan (During term time) 01239 615952 [email protected] 10am - 1pm Drop in session Jig-So Children’s Centre Pwllhai, Cardigan, SA43 1DB 01239 615922 18 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Carers Allowance 2020/21 Carer’s Petition The government raised the Carers Allowance David Jones, a Carer from Llandysul, has started a earnings limit from £123 per week to £128 a petition to Government asking them to make changes week in April 2020. The 2020/21 rate payable to the current Carers Allowance benefit. David is for Carers Allowance is £67.25 (slight increase proposing that it should no longer be called ‘Carers in line with the Consumer Price Index measure Allowance’ and should be a ‘Carers Salary’. He also of inflation). says that a salary should be paid in line with that of paid care workers, £25,000 per year. To check if you are eligible for Carers Allowance and to apply, please David has already approached Ben Lake MP and visit the Gov.UK website: Councillor Catherine Hughes www.gov.uk/carers-allowance or who are supporting him. David contact the Department of is asking for your support too, Work & Pensions Carers please find his petition on Allowance unit on www.change.org/p/government- 0800 731 0297. get-carers-out-of-poverty where you can read more about it and sign his petition. A reminder Ben Lake MP is always willing to hear about the issues and concerns that Carers in Ceredigion are facing and if it’s appropriate he can raise individual cases and queries in the House of Commons through a parliamentary question. Ben is more likely to be able to help with problems concerning central government services such as:  Benefits, pensions, national insurance, and other matters dealt with by the Department for Work and Pensions; You can contact Ben through his constituency address:  Immigration and other problems dealt with by Bryndulais, 67 Bridge Street, the Home Office  Tax problems involving the HM Revenue and Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7AB Customs Tel: 01570 940 333  Problems with the Child Maintenance Service Or his Parliamentary address: Concerns regarding local authority services can be raised with House of Commons, London, local councillors, such as Carers Champion, Catherine Hughes: SW1A 0AA 01974 298700 or email [email protected] Email: [email protected] Twitter: https//twitter.com/BenMLake Every Penparcau Hub The Get Together Tuesday Cwrdd & Clebran morning FREE Mini bus service Are you a Carer for someone from The bus can pick you up from your door, with memory loss? 10am - 12pm drop you off to do your shopping and take We’d like to invite you both to a new group. you home again. They can take you to Morrisons, Tesco, A relaxed social group with creative activities, Lidl, Iceland or any other shop in home cooked lunch, Mondays teas, coffee and cakes. 10am – 12pm Aberystwyth that you need to visit. To find out more about it and arrange to be picked up contact: For more information contact Helen on 07896 616857 or email Clare Jackson at the Hub on [email protected] 01970 611099 or email Supported by Borth Community Council [email protected]. Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 19

New to Caring? - What you need to know Whether you are a husband, wife, son, daughter, friend or neighbour, if you are providing unpaid care to a friend or loved one you, need to recognise yourself as a Carer in order to seek the help and support you need. Here are some tips to assist you in your new caring role: Carers Needs Assessment You are entitled to a Carer’s assessment in your away from the person you care for, your own right that is separate from the assessment of assessment can be arranged to take place in the person you care for. You are entitled to this private, at a mutually convenient time and whatever your age and it must include whether location. you are able/willing to carry out the caring role, the outcomes you wish in daily life and whether This booklet explains the aims you work, or wish to work or wish to access of a Carer’s needs education, training or recreational activities. assessment and what happens during a Carer’s The purpose of a Carer’s assessment is for needs assessment. Ceredigion County Council to find out what your needs as a Carer are in case there are services or You can request a Carer’s support that you can access locally to support needs assessment and a copy your wellbeing while you carry out your caring of the assessment leaflet by role. contacting Social Services Porth Gofal. Phone: 01545 574000 Your assessment is usually carried out in your home. However, sometimes this can be difficult PLEASE NOTE: A Carers Needs Assessment is for certain issues to be discussed. If you feel that not an assessment of your ability to look after there are issues which need to be discussed the person you are caring for. Have you registered as a Carer at your GP Say ‘I’m Fine’… and surgery? Mean It! The Investors in Carers scheme works with GP surgeries and other The ‘Say ‘I’m places to help more Carers see themselves as Carers and be able to Fine’… and find out about the information and support available from a wide range Mean It!’ booklet of organisations in Ceredigion. Ask at the reception desk in your GP aims to help Surgery for information about registering as a Carer and finding out support Carers’ more about the help and support that might be available to you. mental health Perhaps you know of a relative, friend or neighbour in this sort of and emotional wellbeing. situation, you might be able to help them by passing on this information. This booklet is designed to be a quick read which, whilst we hope Gentle Reminder will be useful in its own right, will If you are already registered as a Carer at your GP point you in the right direction. surgery and there is a change in your circumstances it would be helpful to let your surgery know so that they can To request copies of these booklets or any others, or for keep their records up to date. further information, please contact Social Services Porth Thank you Gofal: Phone: 01545 574000 For more details about the scheme please contact Pennie Email: contact- Muir IiC lead, Hywel Dda University Health Board [email protected] [email protected] 20 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Carers Information Service Top tips for new Carers Join the Carers Information Service to receive:  Recognise yourself as a  Regular Carers Information Service magazines (by email or by post) Carer, if you think you maybe one then you are!  Useful information about services, support, the law, etc  Keep a list of contact names and  Information about the Carers Forum which useful phone numbers meets regularly to share support, information and friendship  Get yourself registered as a Carer at  Information about local events for Carers the GP surgery  Information about relevant training courses  Request a Carers Assessment for  Notification about consultations taking place yourself with Social Services on local and national issues  Request a needs assessment for the If you are new to caring or perhaps have not seen this magazine before, you can register with the person you care for with Social Carers Information Service to receive the above Services benefits. The Carers Information Service is FREE to join.  Make sure you are claiming all relevant If you would like to join the Carers Information financial help and benefits Service to receive the benefits listed, please contact us by phone, email or post. You can also  Make sure the person you care for has visit the website to download a registration form: all appropriate aids to make life easier Carers Unit Ceredigion County Council  Use pharmacy services such as blister Canolfan Rheidol Rhodfa Padarn packs, prescription ordering and Llanbadarn Fawr delivery services Aberystwyth, SY23 3UE  Find out what support groups may be Telephone: 01970 633564 Email: [email protected] able to help you Website: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/carers  Don’t suffer in silence and always ask questions  Keep a diary of symptoms, treatment, contacts, advice etc.  Recognise when you need outside help. It is not a weakness  If you are paying for outside help and it is unacceptable, change it!  Make sure you have some me time away from the person you care for Henrietta, Carers UK Forum Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 21

Useful Contacts The Alzheimer’s Society provides Carers UK: for expert help and support to people living information and advice about with any form of dementia and their caring. A number of information leaflets and booklets are available for Carers from Carers in a variety of ways. Carers UK. Telephone: 01269 597690 Advice line: 0808 808 7777 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk Website: www.carersuk.org The Citizens Advice Bureau provides free impartial WWAMH is involved in a broad range of and confidential advice on debt, benefit, activities to promote mental health and help ensure employment, consumer, housing, relationship and that everyone has access to independent and many other issues. impartial information. Telephone: 01267 245572 Ceredigion Helpline: Email: 01239 621974 [email protected] Website: www.wwamh.org.uk Age Cymru Ceredigion: Byw Adref Age Cymru Ceredigion provides services and We offer help and support with: support for anyone aged 50+, their families and household chores, laundry, ironing, Carers living in Ceredigion. shopping, etc. All for £13.50 per hour. Telephone: Aberystwyth: 01970 615151 Telephone: 01239 615556 Cardigan: 01239 615777 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/ceredigion/ Website: www.agecymru.org.uk/ceredigion Ceredigion Social Services Every day, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent offers quick and easy access Institution (R.A.B.I) is helping farming communities to advice and information in your area. We give out close to £2m per year in about the Department's grants and support around 2,000 families across services and the range of other Wales and England. resources available both locally and nationally. For further information go to: www.rabi.org.uk Telephone: 01545 574000 email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website:www.ceredigion.gov.uk FREEPHONE CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE: 0808 281 9490 Phone: 01545 574200 Email: [email protected] Here at Porth y Gymuned / Community Gateway, Ceredigion Family Information Service offers we have a team of community connectors who can free impartial advice and guidance on a wide range spend time with you, to help make sense of all the of childcare and family support related issues. services and activities available in and around your We provide information on: Local Childcare local community and importantly, talk to you about provision, Child-minders, After school clubs, Parent what matters to you and how you may become and Toddler Groups, Day Nurseries, Playgroups/ better connected with your community and Cylchoedd Meithrin, Holiday Clubs, Family Support, improve your well-being. Education and Training, Tax Credits, Financial and The service is for anyone of any age living in Legal Issues, Health and Wellbeing, Additional Ceredigion regardless of income or personal needs, Recreational Activities, Welsh Language circumstances. Services, Youth Support Services and Local Information. 22 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council

Useful Contacts Older Persons Service Home from Hospital Are you 50 or over and living in Ceredigion or North Pembrokeshire? This 7 day a week service is free of charge and If yes, did you know that you are eligible for help provides up to four visits a week for up to six and assistance from our support officers at no cost weeks. We can: to you. The aim of the service is to improve quality  Help you with shopping of life and assist individuals to be as independent as  Collect prescriptions possible in the home of their choice.  Help with light housework and laundry Telephone: 01239 712031 Telephone: 07931 462559 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hafal Ceredigion Cyfarfod Benefits Enquiries Befriending Service To claim Benefits - ON LINE or: 0800 055 6688 The Hafal befriending service works with individuals to help Primary Benefits & Signing Off 0800 169 0310 overcome isolation. For more information contact Universal Credit Service Centre 0800 328 9344 Ruth Wilson 01970 624756 Social Fund 0800 169 0140 West Wales Domestic Abuse Service Maternity Allowance 0800 055 6688 Aberystwyth – 01970 625585 Cardigan - 01239 615385 Bereavement Service helpline 0800 731 0469 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.westwalesdas.org.uk Carers Allowance 0800 731 0297 Disability Living Allowance 0800 121 4600 Attendance Allowance 0800 731 0122 Report benefit fraud 0800 854 440 Tax Credits 0345 300 3900 Child Benefit 0300 200 3100 Pension Service 0800 731 0469 Healthy Start 0345 607 6823 National Insurance Enquiries 0300 200 3500 Dewis Cymru is the place to go if you want Post Office Card Helpline 0345 722 3344 information or advice about your well-being – or Council Tax / Housing Benefit 01970 633 252 want to know how you can help somebody else. PIP -New Claims 0800 917 2222 PIP - General Enquiries 0800 121 4433 When we talk about your well-being, we don’t just mean your health. We mean things like where you live, how safe and secure you feel, getting out and about, and keeping in touch with family and friends. No two people are the same and well-being means different things to different people. So Dewis Cymru is here to help you find out more about what matters to you. We’ve got information that can help you think about what matters to you, and we’ve also got information about people and services in your area that can help you with the things that matter to you. www.dewis.wales Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council 23

Carer Buddy Scheme – Looking for Volunteers! Gofalwyr Ceredigion Carers are looking for people who have had experience of looking after a friend or family member who would like to volunteer as a “Buddy” to a carer who would like some support. As a Buddy, you would be someone for a Carer to talk to, a listening ear who perhaps has had similar experiences and understands. If you would be interested in signing up to the scheme as a Buddy volunteer please contact us on 03330 134477 or [email protected] for more information. COVID-19 Volunteers We are also looking for volunteers during the COVID-19 outbreak who would be willing to check in periodically with Carers who are isolating themselves at home. At the time of writing we are not sure how long people will need to be isolated for or who will be asked to stay at home but we would like to make sure that Carers know that someone will check in with them if they want. Ideally, you would have a current DBS. If you would like to be added to a volunteer list for this role please contact us on 03330 13 44 77 or [email protected] If you are a Carer and you would like someone to check in with you periodically to make sure that you are well, have what you need and to arrange to get help if you need it please let us know via the phone number / email above. Carers Forum news The Carers Forum is a friendship and support group, made up of Carers who are currently caring for someone who cannot manage without their help. Forum members come together to explore shared experiences, talk about the issues that are important to them and to provide mutual support for each other. The Carers Forum is open to all Carers of all ages, in all situations and caring responsibilities. As a member of the Carers Information Service you are already considered a member of the forum, you can choose to attend the forum meetings or keep up to date with what is happening by reading the forum newsletter which is sent out 3 times a year. All Carers Forum meetings are cancelled until further notice. We will still be sending out regular newsletters and magazines. The Carers Information Service Magazine was brought to you by: Susan Kidd: Co-ordinator Heather West, Sara Humphreys, Ros Woodcraft & Catherine Moyle: Editorial support The Carers Information Service Magazine is also available online: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/carersinformation The summer issue will be out in July 2020. We reserve the right to edit articles received. The information in this magazine is intended as guidance and opinions expressed may not be those of Ceredigion County Council or Hywel Dda University Health Board. Neither are any articles nor products given as recommendations on behalf of Ceredigion County Council, they are reported for the reader to consider and form a personal opinion. All sources/references are credited wherever they have been provided/made available. Thanks are further expressed to sources of information, which by being passed on through this magazine are beneficial to Carers in Ceredigion. 24 Carers Unit, Ceredigion County Council