Carers Leeds January 2021 update

January e-news bulletin

Hello and welcome to our first newsletter of 2021!

In this edition we're shining the spotlight on our connections service which has been finding fun and exciting ways to help carers stay connected. We also take a look at some of our events taking place next month and tell you about the brilliant pilot scheme happening in Leeds to provide free PPE to carers. Take a look...

Service spotlight

When you're looking after a loved one, it's easy to become isolated and lonely. Over time carers may lose contact with friends and family and find it difficult to leave the home.

Our Carers Connections service is there for any carer aged over 50 who feels lonely or isolated.
Whether you'd like to build the confidence to try new things or perhaps your loved one has moved into a care home and you'd like to increase your social activities, we can help. We work with you to find a way for you to get connected and feel less lonely.

Take a look at what we've been doing during the last few months and see how you can access this support: www.carersleeds.org.uk/service-spotlight-carers-connections/

Events

My mental health

Self care workshop

Support group for carers who look after an adult living with Autism

Wellbeing workshops for carers aged 16 - 25

Digital support for carers

Top tips for staying well this Winter

Better Lives Leeds share top tips and really helpful links to help us stay well this Winter.
They've included videos to help you stay active, tips to eat well and contact info for Leeds organisations who can help keep your home warm.

COVID-19 information for carers in Leeds

Leeds City Council is taking part in a 2 month pilot with the Department of Health and Social Care to provide unpaid carers with PPE. If you need masks, gloves or other equipment to help you in your caring role, apply online here.

Vaccine information

Carers are included in Priority Group 6 which means if you haven't already received your invitation, you will be invited at the same time as adults under 65 years with long term conditions.

Your NHS Patient Record can identify you as a carer – and it is these records that are used to coordinate both the COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccination programmes.
We would encourage you to inform your GP Practice that you care for someone who cannot manage without your help due to a health condition, disability or substance misuse.
Given the current circumstances, your GP surgery is likely to be very busy prioritising those that need medical assistance, so register online or by e-mail if possible. You can also request a Carers Yellow Card from your GP Practice or by calling Carers Leeds.

Remember, the vaccine is free and provided by the NHS. It is advisable to be wary of any schemes suggesting that paying is necessary.

Meet our friends

Age UK Leeds Help at Home provides a reliable and tailored service, which will enable you or your loved one to continue to enjoy living at home.

The service costs £17 per hour and can be used on a regular, short term or ad hoc basis. They can help with things such as:

Respite support for carers
Support to make a light meal or snack
Light cleaning and organising your home
Laundry and ironing
Shopping

This service is not restricted to older people, all support workers have enhanced DBS checks and they currently provide support in LS5-13 and LS16-20 plus LS28.

If you would like more information or to arrange some help at home, contact Julie Skelton, Help at Home Service, Age UK Leeds by phone (0113 389 3000) or by e-mail (helpathome@ageukleeds.org.uk).

Staying active

Leeds based community organisation Your Back Yard have a range of online fitness classes that you can access whenever suits you.

The classes are on their YouTube channel and range from beginners chair yoga to impact training for those looking for more of a challenge.

This short video shows you what we do and how we support carers in Leeds.

Remember, we are here for you.
Our carer support team is here to help you. Get in touch for confidential advice, support and information. We're all in this together.