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South Devon Carers' Consortium

"Identifies, values, supports and promotes carers"

Get the picture?

There is to be an exhibition of paintings by Kelvin Halloran at the Ariel Centre, King Edward V School, Totnes, from 17-28 March.

Kelvin is a carer for his twin sons who have Williams Syndrome, and some of the images he has produced are the result of his frustration at trying to get the support and help necessary to cope - which was recommended but not there.

The exhibition comprises his earlier "Green Theme" - a collection of emotive, powerful images - and his later works, which are a series of paintings which depict able-bodied people and their worst fears of disability. In Kelvin's own words, these are "not easy viewing"! This section of the exhibition is accompanied by photographs and letters from high profile and everyday people. Please go along to see the paintings and meet the artist.

Kelvin has been sponsored by the Federation for Sports and Art, and Artshare in Exeter, to enable him to continue his work.

For peace of MIND

Run by MIND, Mindinfoline is a mental health information service offering help both to distressed carers and to people suffering from a mental illness.

They also provide information about mental health issues to other members of the public with a need or an interest..The line is open Mon - Fri, 9:15 - 4:45. Tel (0345) 660 163.

Carers on the World Wide Web

South Devon Carers' Consortium now has a presence on the internet in the form of its own web site. It is intended to be an information resource for carers, professionals or other interested people. Covering topics from local support groups to national bodies, the information is mainly broken down into local districts for easy reference.

The site is part of the Consortium's strategy to make information more readily available, especially as all Doctor's Surgeries should have access to the internet by the end of this year. If you have access to the internet, or know somebody who does, it is well worth a visit. You can leave your comments in the Guest Book on the Contact page. The web address is www.sdcarers.org.uk.

Support for epilepsy

The Torbay Branch of the British Epilepsy Association meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, at 7:30pm, in the Medical Centre, Torbay Hospital. Carers, as well as people with this condition, are very welcome to go along. There is a programme of interesting talks and social activities planned for the year. For further information call Patrick Reilly on (01803) 856735 or Roy Moir on (01803) 859873.

A break in the big city

The Kiloran Trust run a small hotel in London for carers who want a break on their own. The hotel, with 4 ensuite bedrooms and a south-facing garden, is located in Shepherds Bush, within easy reach of the main attractions. It is run by people who are sensitive and understanding of what carers go through, and is recommended by local carers who have stayed there.

The Consortium has a 10-minute video for loan featuring the hotel and how the Trust was started, with some guests describing their experiences. Let us know if you would like to borrow the video, or contact the Trust directly at The Kiloran Trust, 157 Blythe Rd, London, W14 0HL (tel 0171 602 7404).

Heart problems need not be a headache for carers

New scare stories about heart disease often hit the headlines, causing anxiety for both patients and carers. Most of the information available is aimed at patients, but now a new book has been published which offers information and practical advice about looking after someone with a heart problem. Called "Caring for someone with a heart problem", you can buy it by sending a cheque or postal order for Ł6.99 to Mail Order Dept., Age Concern England, 1268 London Rd, London, SW16 4ER (p&p free).

Living with dementia

Living with someone who is changing because of their dementia raises many questions and issues for carers. The Alzheimer’s Disease Society (Torbay & District Branch) is inviting carers who look after someone who has dementia to attend a support group.

For carers living in the Bovey Tracey area, a group meets monthly, on a Monday, at the Methodist Church Hall, 2-3pm. For carers living in the Ashburton and Buckfastleigh areas, a group is starting on 31 March, meeting monthly on a Wednesday, at Ashburton Hospital, 2-3pm.

These groups are for carers of people with any type of dementia. There are no magic answers, but sharing with others ideas for coping day to day can help. For some, a support group may be the only opportunity they have to stop and think about how they are feeling, and what skills they really do have.

To talk to someone about the groups, contact Jo Hill on (01803) 856399.

Benefit Bulletin - Disability Living Allowance

Amongst proposed changes to some of the benefits is one to extend the higher rate of the DLA mobility component to 3 & 4 year old disabled children. This will provide an extra Ł35.85 as well as access to the Motability scheme.

'Challenging Arthritis'

This is the name given to Arthritis Care’s self-management course which is designed to enable people with arthritis to manage their lives more effectively, so potentially easing the strain on their carers.

Delivered by people with arthritis it tackles the myths about the condition, introduces relaxation techniques, helps sufferers work out exercises, and improves communication with health professionals. Taking place over 6 sessions, participants practice the techniques they learn between the sessions, so extending control over their lives.

Courses are being planned throughout the year across South Devon, so for information about one taking place near you, contact Marjorie Nicholson, Project Co-ordinator, on (01803) 762352. Visits to talk to groups can be arranged.

A peep over the fence...

Exeter Carers Focus is an independent group of people working for better services for carers. They ensure that information for carers is accessible, they are involved in raising the awareness of professionals using their own video, and they encourage support groups, amongst other things. The contact is Elise Harding, Carers’ Development Worker, on (01392) 202055.

Needs Must Campaign

‘Needs Must’ is a national group of organisations, including the Carers National Association, which has got together to put pressure on the Government to increase budgets to Social Services. They hope that by raising public awareness of the crisis in Social Service provision due to lack of funds, the Government will make changes so that people can expect to receive community care when they need it.

‘Needs Must’ are wanting to gather information from people who have experienced difficulties because their services have been cut. They are asking people to fill out a short 2-page form and return it by early 1999. Members of the Consortium and others who receive this newsletter directly will have received this form enclosed. If anyone else would like to fill one out, please contact us and ask for one.

'Eight hours a day and taken for granted'

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has published a research report focusing on those for whom caring is a full-time concern. Copies are available free from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Freepost LON 2278, London, EC3B 3PS (tel 0171 480 7788).

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