Open daily during Carers Week
Carers Week Information Marketplace
Take a look around to see who is working to help support carers in Fife
We're going to try our best to have a good Carers Week 2020!
Every day this week we'll start with a recipe for a wee treat you can make to enjoy with an afternoon cuppa.
Each day you can have a look at our Information Marketplace, new information will be added daily so scroll down through the Marketplace Posts and find out more about the help that's available to carers in Fife. On Facebook the Marketplace will close at 3pm each day. (The information will be available on our Website continually during Carers Week)
Make time in the afternoon for you to have a cuppa and that wee treat you made yourself earlier on and take a look and listen at the entertainment we have for you each day. We have been really lucky to have had support from some lovely people who have recorded some music for us to enjoy something each day.
We'll also have some other bits and pieces through the week, some carers have written some pieces about their caring life in Lockdown and I'm sure you'll find some common ground there!
Watch out as well for a couple of challenges for you to have a go at!
We're looking forward to having you join us virtually during carers week!
Every day this week we'll start with a recipe for a wee treat you can make to enjoy with an afternoon cuppa.
Each day you can have a look at our Information Marketplace, new information will be added daily so scroll down through the Marketplace Posts and find out more about the help that's available to carers in Fife. On Facebook the Marketplace will close at 3pm each day. (The information will be available on our Website continually during Carers Week)
Make time in the afternoon for you to have a cuppa and that wee treat you made yourself earlier on and take a look and listen at the entertainment we have for you each day. We have been really lucky to have had support from some lovely people who have recorded some music for us to enjoy something each day.
We'll also have some other bits and pieces through the week, some carers have written some pieces about their caring life in Lockdown and I'm sure you'll find some common ground there!
Watch out as well for a couple of challenges for you to have a go at!
We're looking forward to having you join us virtually during carers week!
Scroll down to check out our Information Marketplace stalls - more information is added daily
Fife Carers CentreFife Carers Centre helps carers with all sorts of things from applying for welfare benefits to learning more about developing their caring role. We are still very much operational but by necessity work is done remotely. WE are working with other agencies to help carers with things like PPE equipment for those who are entitled to it.
We are available by calling 01592 205472 or by email to centre@fifecarers.co.uk and you can learn more about how we can help carers by going to our website www.fifecarerscentre.org Sunday in the MarketplaceSAMHWhether you’re living with a mental health problem or supporting someone who is, accessing information about a condition is vital. SAMH has developed a series of information resources for you.
Looking after your mental health in challenging times - It’s important to make sure we try to protect our mental wellbeing and do what we can to support the people we care about during these difficult times. As lockdown begins to ease in Scotland, it’s normal to feel worried or stressed about doing things that haven’t been part of your regular routine for some time, such as meeting up with loved ones from another household, returning to work or going outside more. Plus, social distancing can affect the activities you usually take part in to maintain your mental health. But there are still ways you can protect your mental health and wellbeing, even in these challenging times. Check out our dedicated information hub - you'll find it here https://www.samh.org.uk/ 
On your doorstep FifeA directory of organisations where you can search for community groups, organisations, information or support. Take a look on the website at https://www.onyourdoorstepfife.org/
Curnie ClubsCurnie Clubs are welcoming new members to join us in our on-line group activities. We have been supporting people through feelings of isolation and loneliness since 2016. We can also provide specialist 1-to-1 support and we are open to all adults in Fife. Our service is free to use and you will find yourself with like-minded people who support each other.
Curnie Clubs support people who are socially isolated. Our Club Members develop their social skills and confidence within the community and improve their quality of life. Club Members benefit from professional therapeutic group work that allows natural attributes, skills and abilities to emerge and be recognised. Members become self-sufficient and self-sustaining, enjoying personal development through peer support and new-found friendships. They achieve in ways they had not envisaged they could. Curnie Clubs are organised throughout Fife. Recent Clubs have run in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Leven. Our About and How it works sections have more information. If you wish to refer yourself or simply want to know more about Curnie Clubs then get in touch. Caring professionals may also refer their patients and clients to Curnie Clubs. Call: 07807 011951 Email: curnieclubsinfife@gmail.com 
Saturday in the MarketplaceENABLE ScotlandWe are a Scottish charity, working to make life better for people who have a learning disability – and their families. We believe in an equal society for every person who has a learning disability, and every day we campaign, fundraise and provide support to help make this a reality.
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. They tell us about the issues that matter most to them, and we support them to speak up and drive change wherever it’s needed. Whether you, a family member or someone you care for has a learning disability, ENABLE Scotland is here for you. We’re here to listen. We’re here to support. We’re here to help you speak up and be heard – wherever you are in Scotland. Go to the website for more information and contact details https://www.enable.org.uk/ 
Fife Macmillan Improving the Cancer JourneyImproving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) - provides a one stop shop for all your cancer support needs.Cancer doesn’t just affect your physical wellbeing, it can impact on every aspect of your life and the lives of those around you. But knowing where to turn for support isn’t always easy.
That’s why Fife Health & Social Care Partnership and Macmillan Cancer Support have launched the Improving Cancer Journey Service. Our Service is here to help people affected by cancer to get the support they need, whether it’s financial, emotional, medical or practical. If you are living in Fife and have been affected by cancer, our Improving the Cancer Journey Service is here to help you live as well as possible. To get in touch with us or find out more about how we can help contact 01592 578076 or email improving.cancerjourney@fife.gov.uk. or take a look here https://www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/icj/ 
Playlist for LifePlaylist for Life is a charity founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother, Mamie, who had dementia.
We want everyone with dementia to have a unique, personal playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it. More than 20 years of scientific research shows that listening to a personal playlist can make living with dementia easier and happier. Building a personal playlist means exploring someone’s lifestory to gather the tunes that are most deeply attached to memories and emotions. The soundtrack of your life. Join us! The website will help get you get started. Together we can change lives. Go to https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/ 
Friday in the MarketplaceCreative breaks FundFife Voluntary Action manages a small grants scheme which gives funding to carers to enable them to take a short break from their caring responsibilities.
Unpaid carers in Fife can get up to £300 to help them get a break from their caring commitments. What is the definition of an 'adult carer'? An adult carer is defined as a person who provides for another person - but not: (i) if this is only because of that person's age (where they are under 18); or (ii) if you are caring because you have a contract or as voluntary work. A carer can be caring for someone for any number of hours and does not need to be providing a substantial amount of care for someone on a regular basis. Source: Carer's Charter, Scottish Government (March 2018). Carers can decide themselves what would provide that ’break’ - be it a straightforward holiday somewhere special; driving lessons to support them getting out and about or the technology to help them keep in touch with relatives and friends - whatever works for the carer. Do you need some time to yourself, or time with the person you care for where you have the chance to break out of your normal routine? Is your caring role affecting your ability to enjoy life? Are you experiencing stress that is influencing your own mental wellbeing? Is your caring role fragile and at risk of collapse? Then you are eligible for Creative break funding of up to £300. The funding can be used to help with a range of costs associated with short breaks, including technology, driving lessons, courses, transport, accommodation, leisure activities and supported holidays. Decide for yourself what kind of break would suit you and your individual needs and then complete an application form and return it to us for consideration. Downloads You can download the following from the FVA website here https://www.fva.org/short_breaks_fund.asp Guidance Notes (PDF file) Application Form (PDF file) You can apply at any time - there are no deadlines, however this Fund is currently scheduled to end in September 2020. Priority will be given to caring relationships under strain and those carers whose wellbeing and health would benefit from a break. If you have any problems downloading the form or have any initial queries regarding the Time to Live Funding, please contact us at creativebreaks@fva.org or on 0800 389 6046. You can also talk to: Fife Carers Centre - 01592 205472 Fife Young Carers - 01592 786717 Crossroads - 01592 610540 Important: carers of children and young people under the age of 20 Unforunately, this fund is not able to support carers of children and young people under the age of 20. The Scottish Government has funded a separate programme called Better Breaks for this purpose. To find out more please call 01383 622462 or visit Fife Voluntary Action website 
HomelandsThe Homelands Trust-Fife (SCIO) (SC047615) is an independent. Fife based charity working to improve the quality of life of individuals affected by disability, people with life limiting conditions and their carers, through the provision of luxury holiday accommodation. Wheelchair accessible luxury self-catering holiday lodges and disability accessible lodges nestled in mature woodlands in the East Neuk village of Lundin Links. Recently built to the highest standard, all equipped with an extensive range of disability support equipment to help you unwind and enjoy a memorable stay.
As of 10th June Fergus Ewing, Tourism Secretary in the Scottish Government, has announced that tourism in Scotland will reopen on 15th July 2020. The re opening is conditional on moving to Phase 3 of the road map to recovery which is dependent upon continued improvements in the current situation. Homelands is therefore provisionally reopening on Friday 17th July, however, as per above this situation may change as advice from the government changes. If you are due to arrive with us before 17th July we will contact you as soon as we can to explain your options. If you are due to arrive on or after Friday 17th July normal terms and conditions will apply* . We will reopen our booking system for new bookings from Friday July 17th . To find out more, take a look at the facilities and plan your booking visit the website https://www.homelands-fife.co.uk/ 
Scottish AutismScottish Autism is an organisation dedicated to enabling autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. We provide a wide range of flexible and innovative support services for children and adults across Scotland, each with a focus on improving quality of life. Central to this is recognising that each person has a unique set of needs. We create personalised support plans which are based on an individual’s own strengths and motivations and on achieving outcomes which are meaningful to them.
to contact Scottish Autism and find out about the support available at the moment go to the website https://www.scottishautism.org/ Scottish Autism is an autism charity that exists to help those diagnosed with autism to lead full and enriched lives and become valuable members of the community they live in. 
Thursday in the MarketplaceNourishWe are a registered charity based in Kirkcaldy. We provide support for families who have additional support needs. We do this by running several groups throughout the week. These groups include a group for adults with additional support needs, family support groups, dads groups and more. You can find out more about where and when these groups happen on our website and our Facebook pagehttps://www.nourishsupportcentre.com/
Age Scotland Veterans Project Supporting Older VeteransWith around a quarter of a million military veterans in Scotland, and almost half of them aged 75 and over, we recognise the contribution of the veteran community and the extra support they need. Working in partnership with the Unforgotten Forces consortium, Age Scotland aims to boost the health and wellbeing of veterans in Scotland aged 65 and over.
Our Veteran's Project works to raise awareness of the extra help and support veterans are entitled to, and the fact that only one day's paid service in HM Armed Forces as a regular, reserve, national serviceman or in the merchant means someone may be entitled. The Veteran's team provide information and advice tailored specifically to veterans including 'The Veteran's Guide to Later Life' and 'Combating Sight and Hearing Loss - Advice for older people with a military service background' (produced in partnership with Action on Hearing Loss and Scottish War Blinded). The Veterans' Project also provides free training to older people's groups to boost their confidence and capability for working with and supporting older veterans and their families. Helping to reduce loneliness and isolation with older veterans by making community groups a welcoming place for veterans. You can find out more and contact them on their website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/…/what-…/supporting-older-veterans/ Find out more about how Age Scotland works to supporting Older Veterans across Scotland. 
Down's Syndrome ScotlandDown’s Syndrome Scotland (DSS) is a parent led charity which was established in 1982. We are the only charity in Scotland dedicated solely to supporting people with Down’s syndrome (Ds) and their carers.
Down’s Syndrome Scotland provides “all through life” support nationally across Scotland. We know that every person with Down’s syndrome is a unique individual, full of potential. We work to help people with Down’s syndrome reach their full potential by providing information and support to them, their families, carers and professionals at whatever age and stage of life. We also work to influence government policy to ensure that the society in which we all live reflects the needs of people with Down’s syndrome. You can find out more and contact Downs Syndrome Scotland on their website and Facebook page https://www.dsscotland.org.uk/ 
Wednesday in the MarketplaceCrossroads FifeWe are a registered charity operating across the whole of Fife, providing high quality person centred support to Carers who are caring for someone of any age with any disability or illness. Support is provided in the form of Short Breaks. To deliver this service we employ experienced, skilled and trained staff who either look after the cared for person (service user) in their own home or take them out, according to their individual assessed need, and of course, the need of the carer.
If you feel you would benefit from a Crossroads service, would like to purchase support from us or would like further information, please contact us. http://www.crossroadsfifecentral.org/ 
Maggie's CentreSupporting people living with cancer and their families. When someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer, you may feel shocked, upset and concerned. Whether you are a partner, family member, or friend, you’ll also recognise that your help may be needed.
The responsibilities of being a carer can feel both rewarding and worrying at the same time. There may be lots to sort out practically, and your own feelings and emotions can sometimes be sidelined. The information on this website will help you to find out more about managing as a carer and discover ways to cope with emotions and practical issues this raises. This includes details of how Maggie’s can support. https://www.maggies.org/…/supporting-…/support-adult-carers/ You can also find Maggies Fife on Facebook 
Fife Employability Access TrustFEAT provides a range of support to unemployed people who have experienced mental health problems and now feel ready to return to work, including personal development training and one-to-one guidance. To raise awareness of mental health issues with employers and the general public, through information displays and training.
You can find out more and contact them through their websitehttps://fifeemploymentaccesstrust.com/ 
Tuesday in the MarketplacePAMIS - Promoting a more inclusive societyWe support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, PMLD - their families, carers and professionals.
Our commitment is to ensure that: > people with PMLD are valued as contributors to the community > individuals receive all the support needed to participate fully in everyday life > choices, abilities and needs underlie all provision and policy affecting their lives > the knowledge and experience of family carers is recognise. To achieve this, PAMIS offers: > practical help, advice, training and information > individual support, and contact with other families > assistance with achieving better access to community resources, whether mainstream or specialist > the opportunity to significantly influence policy and services, both at local and national levels. More information including contact details for PAMIS can be found on their website http://pamis.org.uk/ 
CARE Making For GoodAn ongoing project between Fife Contemporary and Fife Carers Centre giving carers the opportunity to learn new and different creative skills and to take those to develop items to exhibit and sell. An online exhibition has been developed to celebrate the first collection of original gifts designed by Carers with Artists in Fife. Unfortunately due to the pandemic we have had to postpone any events and the development of the second collection, but wanted to showcase the success and celebrate the project so far. The project has been developed by Fife Contemporary in consultation with Fife Carer groups and began in September 2019.
To tour the online exhibition and learn more about the project visit the website at https://www.fcac.co.uk/exhibitions/care-making-for-good/ 
Disabled Persons Housing Service (Fife)We provide full independent *housing information, advice and support for disabled people in Fife, assisting them to find the right housing solution that meets their needs.
We can also advise you about adapting your current property no matter what type of property – rented, owned, private let, etc. Landlords are also welcome to use our service to find tenants for their specifically adapted or accessible properties. We will explore all your options with you and provide you with a full, independent, Housing Options Report so that you have an action plan to work with. Find out more on our Facebook page or our website https://www.dphsfife.org.uk/ 
|
Fife Health & Social CareFife Health and Social Care Partnership play a huge role in the lives of carers in Fife. Since the implementation of the Carers (Scotland) Act in 2018 they have been working in partnership with organisations in Fife to see changes and improvements to the support given to carers in Fife. Scott Fissenden from Fife Health and Social Care Partnership tells about some of the changes that Fife H&SCP have implemented to support carers in Fife and some plans for the future.
Go to https://www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/carers/carers-week-2020/ for more information SSAFAOur support covers both regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service. They are all entitled to lifelong support from SSAFA, no matter how long they have served.
Our recent research shows that service leavers aged 25-64 need more specialised support. The challenges they face are complex – from low income to life-changing injuries or hidden wounds, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Armed with this information, we are improving our services for younger, working-age veterans, and we will make sure they know we’re here when they need us. How we help SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though our focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care. Addiction, relationship breakdown, debt, homelessness, post-traumatic stress, depression and disability are all issues that can affect our members of our Armed Forces community. Many of these problems only become apparent when an individual has to leave their life in the Forces and join ‘Civvy Street’. SSAFA is committed to helping our brave men and women overcome these problems, and rebuild their lives. To contact SSAFA go to their website https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ or call them on 0800 731 4880 
Andy Mans Club DunfermlineThis group is open to any man over the age of 18 that may be going through a difficult time managing their emotional wellbeing and mental health. If you have had issues regarding mental health in the past or are looking to support like minded men please come along.
Normally the group meets every Monday at 7pm to have a cuppa and a chat to provide mutual support to one another. You don’t have to get in touch before attending just come along. If you feel you would rather make contact first pop a message through the Facebook page and we will reply to you. During the COVID -19 limitations we're meeting online. To find out more get in touch. Contact Details Email : info@andysmanclub.co.uk Website : https://www.facebook.com/Andys-Man-Club-Dunfermline-331058694261233/ Address : Erskine Building 4 Pilmuir Street Dunfermline KY12 7AJ Andys Man Club Dunfermline Community Service 
Kingdom Support and CareKingdom Support and Care CIC (KSC) is a Community Interest Company, a private company limited by shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of KHA. The company was created to ensure that the care and support services previously provided by KHA, continued to be delivered in the most effective way and to increase the viability of the service in the longer term. It became operational from 1 April 2017 and continues to provide all of the services previously provided by KHA.
Kingdom Support and Care (KSC) supports around 260 people throughout Fife and Falkirk, providing high quality and personalised support and care designed to meet individual needs and desired outcomes. We provide support to people with a range of needs in their own homes, including those with: learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder, complex needs, mental health issues, age related needs, homelessness, drug and alcohol addictions. Our aim is to support people to have a safe and secure home, to live as independently as possible in their own home, to live as full a life as possible and to be part of their local community. We provide flexible, responsive and person centered support which assists people to live their lives as they wish and to enable them to meet their desired outcomes. We put people at the heart of planning their support and listen closely to: help you to work out what support you need. help you to plan and organise your support. provide the direct support you need in a flexible way which meets your needs and desired outcomes. We support people’s right to be in control of their own lives and the right to make informed choices about their lives, including the opportunity for new experiences. We provide services to a high professional standard as set out in the National Care Standards. We have our own internal quality control system and we are inspected regularly by Care Inspectorate achieving grades of good and excellent throughout all of our services. We believe that great support leads to great lives. Visit our services: Self Directed Support Alcohol & Drugs Complex Needs Physical Disability Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevention of Homelessness Older People Young People in Transit Mental Health Positive Behaviour Support You can find out more and contact them through their website https://www.kingdomhousing.org.uk/abo…/kingdom-support-care/ 
HyperclubThe Hyperclub offer many activities/services for adults and children with disabilities/difficulties and health issues. We also offer activities and services for elderly people. We want the individuals and families we help to have a high quality of life.
We are a registered Scottish charity (SC046916). We have been running for 5 years. We support adults and children with disabilities/difficulties and health issues such as Autism, ADHD, ADD, Hypermobility, Tourettes, Down Syndrome and many more. We also support many elderly people. We help and support hundreds of families and individuals on a weekly basis. We have various, fun services available for people of different ages such as a karaoke disco, children's fun group, relaxing sensory room and many more. We are currently open on Tuesday's, Friday's and Sunday's in the Ballast Bank Community Centre located in Inverkeithing, Fife. We are solely run by amazing volunteers who give up their spare time to come and help those in need. All of the volunteers are PVG and police checked in order to keep our members safe. If you are interested in any of our services please contact either Suzie 07735588480 or Megan 07951812337 or you can email us via our Hyperclub email, hyperclub2012@gmail.com. You can also check out our website www.hyperclub.org.uk 
IncludemWe are a youth support charity that works with young people to help them transform their lives.
We provide intensive, bespoke support to young people and families in challenging circumstances. Our model of support is based upon building solid relationships of trust. Through this approach we are able to help young people make positive life choices and progress towards the type of future they want to live. We know that every young person has endless potential. With the right support, we can help them recognise this too. You can contact Includem here https://www.includem.org/contact/ 
Olivers Army Companion DogsBehaviour training for Dogs to enable them to work as trained and developed companion dogs. Contact is through Messenger on Facebook.
Canine Concern ScotlandCanine Concern Scotland Trust was formed in 1988 to help dogs and their owners, and to improve their position in present-day society. Its aims are to:
Provide an educational service to promote responsible dog ownership in Scotland by visiting schools to reach dog owners of the future, or to give talks, supply useful literature and advice to any interested Community Groups. Establish and manage a service to be known as "Therapet". Further the role and care of dogs in Scotland, either directly or in co-operation with Government, Local Authorities and other organisations in Scotland, whether charitable or not. Promote research into the therapeutic value of dogs to patients or others isolated from normal association with pets. Although the service is currently suspended at the moment due to COVID19 you can learn more about the service on their website https://www.canineconcernscotland.org.uk/ 
SDS OptionsSelf Directed Support Information, Advice and Support Service
Here to help you understand and explore your options, choose your own outcomes and support you to make your own decisions about self directed support (often referred to as SDS). We also share stories from people who are now in receipt of self directed support who share their experiences, their journey and how it has changed their life. Take a look at our Website for more information www.sdsoptionsfife.org.uk Phone us on 01592 803280 / E: enquiries.sds@dphsfife.org.uk 
Trading Standards Scam ShareIn our weekly Scam Share bulletin, we look at the latest phone, email and online scams affecting Scottish consumers. We publish a weekly Bulletin and in it we have listed some of the most frequently reported email, text, phone and cyber scams affecting Scottish consumers, along with general advice for avoiding scams. You can find the most recent Bulletin here and sign up to receive future ones direct in your email. https://www.tsscot.co.uk/campaigns-news/latest-scams/
Find out more about specific types of scams, such as doorstep scams, energy scams or the sale of counterfeit goods online through our Priority Area pages Report suspicious behaviour in your community to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency Report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or through their website. Scam emails should be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre via their new Suspicious Email Reporting Service. In the first two weeks of the service, 160,000 phishing emails were reported, leading to 300 scam websites being taken down. 
FIFE SHOPPING & SUPPORT SERVICESFIFE SHOPPING & SUPPORT SERVICES s a charitable, not for profit company
set up to provide frail and housebound elderly people and disabled adults in the community with support to maintain independence within their own homes. Fife Shopping & Support Services has been created following the closure of Fife Councils Shopping Delivery Service in September 2010. Any surplus profits that arise are used to develop the service and keep charges lower. Our purpose is to provide assistance to vulnerable elderly people and adults unable to carry out daily living activities and tasks. We currently provide services across Fife assisting with shopping, pension collections and housework and are developing new supports as client’s make individual requests. You can find out more and contact us through our website and facebook page http://www.fifeshoppingandsupportservices.co.uk/ 
Fife ForumFife Forum was established in 1990 as Fife Elderly Forum Executive. This was the umbrella organisation for elderly fora in Fife giving information and advice on older people's issues.
Over time we introduced an advocacy service. This assists people aged over 65 who are in hospital or resident in care settings. 2009 saw the introduction of User Panels. In 2011 we introduced Local Area Co-ordination for older people in Fife. With the commencement of the integration of health & social care this has been extended to include a service for adults. 2017 saw further expansion into some GP practices. During the lockdown period of the Coronavirus response Fife Forum is not open and there will be no face to face appointments. Our staff are able to offer people telephone and email support answering queries and having a point of contact when your feeling isolated and unable to cope. If you would like some help please call us on 01592 643743 and leave a message with your name and contact details and someone will be in touch as soon as possible. You can also contact us by email on info@fifeforum.org.uk To contact Fife Forum or to learn more about the help on offer from them go to their website https://www.fifeforum.org.uk/ 
Sporting Memories FoundationWe are Sporting Memories. We are dedicated to bringing together older adults to talk about and remember sport. We provide social and physical activities, too. At Sporting Memories Clubs, everyone finds fun, friendship and increased well-being.
The older adults who come to our Clubs may be isolated, or living with low mood, dementia or other long-term conditions. Everyone has one thing in common: a love of talking about and remembering sport! We also run campaigns and projects – and work in partnership with organisations. And of course without our dedicated volunteer teams, we could not do the work we do. To find out more and about how they are supporting their clients through the Lockdown you can contact Sporting Memories Foundation through their website https://www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/ 
Fife GingerbreadWe are a voluntary sector organisation that provides information, advice and support service to lone parents and families in need all over Fife.
Our aim is simple: to provide accessible, approachable and non-judgemental support, advice and information to lone parents. We are the only voluntary sector organisation in Fife with charitable status that has lone parent families as the primary focus. Based in Glenrothes, we cover the whole of Fife, providing a variety of services to lone parent families, in their local communities. We seek to empower lone parents and families in need to promote their wellbeing and opportunities. We offer holistic support through our various projects, working at the pace and timescale that is right for the parent to overcome barriers such as poverty, isolation and poor mental health. You can contact Fife Gingerbread through their website or find them on Facebook https://www.fifegingerbread.org.uk/ 
Fife Advocacy ForumThe Fife Advocacy Forum supports the development of advocacy across Fife and represents the views of local advocacy providers.
To help meet the needs of different people at different times in their life there are several different types of advocacy. We are really pleased that such a range of types of advocacy are supported by Fife Council and NHS Fife and are available to people in Fife. Our website explains the range of advocacy available to people in Fife and provides details about the organisations that provide these services and how to contact them. https://fifeadvocacyforum.org.uk/ 
Families Affected by AutismWe are a parent led support group who wish to raise awareness of autism and help families through our own experiences and knowledge.
We run a family support group on a Sunday 12.30-3.30pm at 46th Fife Scout Group Hall, Wemyss Street, Cowdenbeath. Once a month we will have an adult and teen support group. Cost is £5 per family per week. Adult and Teen Group is £3.50 per session (carer goes free). New members welcome. Come along and see what we offer. Further details from Linda Wilson 07599963719. You can find Families Affected by Autism on their Facebook Page 
Link Living Fife Carers Self Help project
|
Monday in the Marketplace
Autism RocksLiza Quin founder and chair of Autism Rocks tells us more about the work she and her team do to support families with autism present. They want to see Fife as a place where people with Autism and their families, are accepted as valued members of the community.
At their centre they promote and provide understanding, acceptance, inclusion, education and offer support to children and adults with autism, their families, the wider community, health professionals and educations. They opened Kaleidoscope in January of 2016 where we provide drop in sessions three days a week, a Friday evening teen and adult group, after school club every Thursday, family days on a Saturday and pool parties once a month. Also Autism friendly bowling and trampoline sessions once a month. Find out more about the help available from Autism Rocks on their website http://autismrocksfife.org/ |
Cosy KingdomMichael from Cosy Kingdom tells us how they can help carers to reduce energy costs and become more energy efficient - really helpful information at a time when every penny counts.
You can find out more about the work that Cosy Kingdom do and the help they can give you on their website https://www.cosykingdom.org.uk/ and you can contact them through the website. |
Shared Care ScotlandShared Care Scotland based in Dunfermline but with a Scotland wide remit help carers to find ways to take a break from their caring role. Just now and over the coming weeks it is inevitable that short breaks services will not be running as normal, if at all. All over the world organisations are looking at how they can deliver things differently and there are some fantastic, creative examples of how this is happening.
Shared Care Scotland have started to pull together a list of short breaks for strange times. These include everything from online courses, virtual museums, exercise programmes, read-alongs, and websites for children and young people, as well as support services that are delivering online. They’ll be updating this constantly so please keep your suggestions coming in. Email Kate.hogarth@sharedcarescotland.com, tag us in on Twitter and Facebook or give us a ring on 01383 622462 to let us know. You can find out more about Shared Care Scotland and the help they give carers in Fife on their website https://www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk/ 
Fife Young CarersFife Young Carers SCIO is a local charity committed to improving the support and information provided to young carers in Fife. Their purpose is:
To provide person centred support through group and one-to-one meetings. To provide information and signposting for young carers and their families. To provide an opportunity for young carers to have a break from their caring roles and build confidence. To support young adult carers to move onto adulthood To raise awareness of young carers and their support needs So if you have a young person in your family who is part of the caring role or you know a young carer you can find out more about the support available to them from Fife Young Carers SCIO on their website https://www.fifeyoungcarers.co.uk/ 
|
Supporting carers of people living with dementia in hospitalHospitals are never good places for people living with dementia to be and just now when family and friends can't visit them it's even more difficult. Trying to find ways of making things a little easier and to help families and friends stay connected has been the aim of a couple of hospital projects developed by Helen Skinner Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant. 1. Family Liaison iPads 60 new iPads are helping bring families and friends closer together in the face of restricted visiting arrangements at NHS Fife. Resilience measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus mean that visiting is suspended at all hospital sites across Fife, with a small number of exceptions. The new iPads are available in every ward at all hospital sites in Fife and allow patients to stay connected with loved ones throughout their stay using video calling software. They are funded by the Fife Health Board Endowment Fund, a registered charity which recently received a £500,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor. Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant, Helen Skinner, was the driving force behind the iPads. She said: “Initially I wanted to purchase iPads for older patients in hospital with dementia as I was concerned about the impact the restrictions on access would have on them. Being in a strange place, with strange noises, smells, people and routines can potentially be very distressing for people with dementia and not being able to have relatives visit can compound this. However, when I thought about it I wanted to do something that would help all hospital patients and alleviate some of the stress that the suspension of visiting brings in general. “The iPads give patients a way to stay in touch and mean we can connect people in hospital with their loved ones at home. Not only can they hear each other, but they can see each other too - and that is so important. Hopefully these iPads will provide reassurance, comfort, and a little bit of happiness for both patients and relatives or friends at what is a difficult time. “Special thanks must go to our e-health team who have turned this around so quickly. These iPads have to be specifically configured for use in our hospitals and their tireless work has been crucial in setting this up so quickly.” 2. NHS Fife supplying care boxes to patients during their stay in hospital A new team of healthcare staff and volunteers are now supplying items to patients in hospital who would might not otherwise have access to toiletries and other personal comforts. Patients are being encouraged to bring as little as possible into hospital. And as family, friends and carers are not allowed to visit who would normally bring these items in for patients, NHS Fife wanted to ensure we could provide everything patients needed. (Visiting across Fife’s hospitals was suspended on 24 March 2020 to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect vulnerable patients. This suspension remains in the majority of areas, with a small number of exceptions such as neonatal, maternity and children’s wards, or where a patient is receiving end of life care.) Hospital wards have previously retained small amounts of toiletries for patients in need. Thanks to the recent donation of £500k from an anonymous donor towards tackling covid-19 in Fife, the Fife Health Board Endowment Fund Trustees have been able to take the unprecedented step of purchasing a range of additional items for patients whilst visiting is suspended. Items such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturizers, body lotions, face wipes, lip balms, deodorants, shave foam, hand cream, mobile phones chargers and even underwear, pyjamas and reading glasses, are being supplied for patients who require them to make their stay in hospital more comfortable. Magazines and a selection of confectionery items will also be offered to all patients. The initiative is being led by Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant, Helen Skinner, who said: “We recognise the importance of making a person’s stay in hospital as comfortable as it can be – that is the case at anytime but is particularly pertinent in the current circumstances. “There has been such generosity from local businesses and charitable organisations, who have donated a whole host of items for both patients and staff, which have since been distributed to those in need. The recent donation of £500k to our Endowment Fund has enabled us to step this up considerably with our new care boxes to make patients stay in hospital that bit more comfortable.” Two distribution hubs have been established at Hayfield House in Kirkcaldy and Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and these are being run by staff redeployed from other areas of non-urgent care with the support of volunteers. Deliveries began on wards at Victoria Hospital and Queen Margaret Hospital, and now include all hospital sites in NHS Fife. A supply of these items will be readily available on each ward for distribution to patients as required. Healthcare staff will also be able to request specific items over and above those already provided as part of the initiative. If you are caring for someone living with dementia in Fife you can contact Helen Skinner by email to helen.skinner@nhs.net |