Wendy Chamberlain MP
CARER’S LEAVE BILL SUCCESS
Wendy spoke about the successful passage of her Carer’s Leave Bill through parliament. Next year, because of this legislation, unpaid carers will become entitled for the first time to take additional unpaid leave from work to help balance caring responsibilities.
CARER’S LEAVE BILL SUCCESS
Wendy spoke about the successful passage of her Carer’s Leave Bill through parliament. Next year, because of this legislation, unpaid carers will become entitled for the first time to take additional unpaid leave from work to help balance caring responsibilities.
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Information Bulletin 13/02/23
The Scottish Government’s Social Security Programme is currently working on developing new carer’s benefits in Scotland, and they are looking to speak to carers to help them design the new benefits offering.
So far the team have spoken to over 160 carers about their experiences and taken their feedback on board, but they would like to reach more carers across Scotland.
If you would like to take part, go to mygov.scot/carers-survey and complete a short online form to register your interest.
Earlier this week Scottish Government announced that they will introduce a pilot for Carer Support Payment by the end of this year, and this new payment will be available nationally from Spring 2024.
Carer Support Payment will replace Carer’s Allowance for new applications and will provide support to individuals providing regular and substantial care to someone in receipt of a disability benefit. To be eligible the individual must be 16 or over, spend at least 35 hours a week caring, and earning less than less than £139 a week (from April 2023).
At present, carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance also receive top-up support through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement and this top up will be maintained when Carer Support Payment is launched.
New support will also be delivered as part of Carer Support Payment for those caring for more than one disabled person (currently known as Carer’s Additional Person Payment).
Further details about the rollout of the new Carer Support Payment will be announced in due course.
You can read the Minister’s speech in full here and you can download the Social Security Programme Business Case here.
Carer Support Payment will replace Carer’s Allowance for new applications and will provide support to individuals providing regular and substantial care to someone in receipt of a disability benefit. To be eligible the individual must be 16 or over, spend at least 35 hours a week caring, and earning less than less than £139 a week (from April 2023).
At present, carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance also receive top-up support through the Carer’s Allowance Supplement and this top up will be maintained when Carer Support Payment is launched.
New support will also be delivered as part of Carer Support Payment for those caring for more than one disabled person (currently known as Carer’s Additional Person Payment).
Further details about the rollout of the new Carer Support Payment will be announced in due course.
You can read the Minister’s speech in full here and you can download the Social Security Programme Business Case here.
Information Bulletin 17 June 2021
Hope you are finding Covid safe ways to enjoy a little bit more freedom and the opportunity to meet with family and friends indoors, as I am writing this whilst watching the rain bouncing hard outside, I know I'm certainly grateful for this!
FIFE CARERS CENTRE - WORKING TO SUPPORT CARERS IN FIFE
Fife Carers Centre are continuing to work within the Covid restrictions guidelines to keep the Carers we support and our staff as safe and well as possible. With that in mind we are still not opening our centre for drop in and wherever possible appointments will be made using the safest and most appropriate means. Like everyone else we don't know how long this will go on for but in the meantime give us a call if you need information, help or support in your caring role and we will find the best way possible to work with you. We can help with Benefit enquiries and applications as well as grant applications, Emergency Planning, Planning for the Future, dealing with manyaspects of your life as a carer, Advocacy, Carers Groups and much more. Call us on 01592 205472 or email centre@fifecarers.co.uk or refer yourself using our online referral form here https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/referral-form.html
Referral Form - FIFE CARERS CENTRE
Fife Carers Centre, 157 Commercial Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2NS Telephone: 01592 205472 Email: centre@fifecarers.co.uk Company Number 282309 Scottish Charity No. SC029466
www.fifecarerscentre.org
RECRUITING FOR FIFE CARERS CENTRE
We are fortunate to have some funding to recruit some additional staff to work with carers in Fife. We have 2 full time posts and 2 part time posts. It's really important to us that we find the right people to join our team and we hope you can help us to do that. Please spread the word! You'll find out all about the posts available and the application forms here https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/work-with-us.html
Work With Us - FIFE CARERS CENTRE
Fife Carers Centre, based in Kirkcaldy, is a well regarded and well established organisation who have been supporting family and unpaid carers throughout Fife for over 24 years. We work with adult...
www.fifecarerscentre.org
COVID VACCINATIONS FOR CARERS
The dedicated website for registering as a carer for your Covid vaccination is now shut. All carers wishing to register for the vaccine must do so by telephone using the Helpline number 0800 030 8013.
To help keep you and those you care about safe it is recommended that everyone should carry out periodic Lateral Flow tests - you can order your free home test kits here https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/order-lateral-flow-kits/condition
CURRENT COVID RESTRICTIONS
It was lovely to be able to give my Mum a hug this morning in the comfort of her home! Keeping her safe is really important to me and whilst I'm not a huggy person, she is, so it meant a lot to her.
Here's some helpful advice to keep those hugs as safe as possible https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57083571 and to find out what the rules are for Fife from today 17th May, take a look here https://www.gov.scot/check-local-covid-level/#!/KY12NS
CARERS WEEK BLANKET
As part of Carers Week 2021 we are inviting carers and those who care about carers to contribute a knitted or crocheted square for our Carers Week blanket.
This project has been inspired by a Carer Jamie and her mother. Jamie cares for her mother who can no longer see to knit and sew and had a wee yarn and haberdashery stash. Jamie asked if we would like the materials for our crochet group, run by Martina Forsyth. Seeing the wool which would have been loving made into jumpers and cardigans over the years, inspired Martina think of a unique way of representing the caring relationship between Jamie and her mum and making caring more visible.
We would like to invite you to make a square from yarn, crochet or knit, no more than 13cm or 5”, which represents you and the person you care for. Martina will join all the squares together to make our Carers story blanket. If you have yarn but are unable to make a square, we can also arrange for a square to be made for you. Martina runs a Carers online crochet and chat group every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 pm. If you are interested in joining the fun please contact Martina - she's also planning another beginners class so you have no excuse!
For an instruction pack on making your square or to join the crochet and chat group, email Martina, martina.forsyth@fifecarers.co.uk or call her on 07849 846499
CARERS ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT
It's nearly that time of year again! Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance on a particular date.
Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid 2 times a year. From April 2021 the rate will be £231.40 per payment.
The next 2 rounds of payments are:
Exact payment dates will be provided nearer the time.
To find out if you are eligible to receive Carers Allowance take a look here https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility or get in touch with us on 01592 205472 or email to centre@fifecarers.co.uk
TAKE A BREAKThe Take a Break short breaks fund is open for applications from 12 noon on Monday 10 May to 5.00pm on Monday 21 June 2021. Take a Break is Scotland’s short breaks fund for carers of disabled children, young people and their families. Take a Break grants can be used for a break away, towards leisure activities or outings; sports equipment and much, much more. Find out if you may be eligible to apply and how to make an application by going to the website here - https://takeabreakscotland.org.uk/ . The rules are fairly stringent so make sure you look at the eligibility criteria. If you need a hand to complete the application get in touch with us on 01592 205472 or email centre@fifecarers.co.uk
CREATIVE BREAKS FUND
The Creative Breaks fund is open again under its normal rules and applications can be made for up to £300 by completing the Application form you will find here https://www.fva.org/carers.asp#breaks If you need a hand to complete the application get in touch with us on 01592 205472 or email centre@fifecarers.co.uk
Carers in Fife
Fife Voluntary Action is a Registered Company in Scotland No. SC203613 and Registered Scottish Charity No. SC028457. Registered Office: Caledonia House, Pentland Park, Saltire Centre, Glenrothes, KY6 2AL.
www.fva.org
FIFE CARERS CENTRE - WORKING TO SUPPORT CARERS IN FIFE
Fife Carers Centre are continuing to work within the Covid restrictions guidelines to keep the Carers we support and our staff as safe and well as possible. With that in mind we are still not opening our centre for drop in and wherever possible appointments will be made using the safest and most appropriate means. Like everyone else we don't know how long this will go on for but in the meantime give us a call if you need information, help or support in your caring role and we will find the best way possible to work with you. We can help with Benefit enquiries and applications as well as grant applications, Emergency Planning, Planning for the Future, dealing with manyaspects of your life as a carer, Advocacy, Carers Groups and much more. Call us on 01592 205472 or email centre@fifecarers.co.uk or refer yourself using our online referral form here https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/referral-form.html
Referral Form - FIFE CARERS CENTRE
Fife Carers Centre, 157 Commercial Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2NS Telephone: 01592 205472 Email: centre@fifecarers.co.uk Company Number 282309 Scottish Charity No. SC029466
www.fifecarerscentre.org
RECRUITING FOR FIFE CARERS CENTRE
We are fortunate to have some funding to recruit some additional staff to work with carers in Fife. We have 2 full time posts and 2 part time posts. It's really important to us that we find the right people to join our team and we hope you can help us to do that. Please spread the word! You'll find out all about the posts available and the application forms here https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/work-with-us.html
Work With Us - FIFE CARERS CENTRE
Fife Carers Centre, based in Kirkcaldy, is a well regarded and well established organisation who have been supporting family and unpaid carers throughout Fife for over 24 years. We work with adult...
www.fifecarerscentre.org
COVID VACCINATIONS FOR CARERS
The dedicated website for registering as a carer for your Covid vaccination is now shut. All carers wishing to register for the vaccine must do so by telephone using the Helpline number 0800 030 8013.
To help keep you and those you care about safe it is recommended that everyone should carry out periodic Lateral Flow tests - you can order your free home test kits here https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/order-lateral-flow-kits/condition
CURRENT COVID RESTRICTIONS
It was lovely to be able to give my Mum a hug this morning in the comfort of her home! Keeping her safe is really important to me and whilst I'm not a huggy person, she is, so it meant a lot to her.
Here's some helpful advice to keep those hugs as safe as possible https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57083571 and to find out what the rules are for Fife from today 17th May, take a look here https://www.gov.scot/check-local-covid-level/#!/KY12NS
CARERS WEEK BLANKET
As part of Carers Week 2021 we are inviting carers and those who care about carers to contribute a knitted or crocheted square for our Carers Week blanket.
This project has been inspired by a Carer Jamie and her mother. Jamie cares for her mother who can no longer see to knit and sew and had a wee yarn and haberdashery stash. Jamie asked if we would like the materials for our crochet group, run by Martina Forsyth. Seeing the wool which would have been loving made into jumpers and cardigans over the years, inspired Martina think of a unique way of representing the caring relationship between Jamie and her mum and making caring more visible.
We would like to invite you to make a square from yarn, crochet or knit, no more than 13cm or 5”, which represents you and the person you care for. Martina will join all the squares together to make our Carers story blanket. If you have yarn but are unable to make a square, we can also arrange for a square to be made for you. Martina runs a Carers online crochet and chat group every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 pm. If you are interested in joining the fun please contact Martina - she's also planning another beginners class so you have no excuse!
For an instruction pack on making your square or to join the crochet and chat group, email Martina, martina.forsyth@fifecarers.co.uk or call her on 07849 846499
CARERS ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT
It's nearly that time of year again! Carer's Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carer's Allowance on a particular date.
Carer's Allowance Supplement is paid 2 times a year. From April 2021 the rate will be £231.40 per payment.
The next 2 rounds of payments are:
- £231.40 from June 2021 - you'll get this payment if you're getting Carer's Allowance on 12 April 2021
- £231.40 from December 2021 - you'll get this payment if you're getting Carer's Allowance on 11 October 2021
Exact payment dates will be provided nearer the time.
To find out if you are eligible to receive Carers Allowance take a look here https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility or get in touch with us on 01592 205472 or email to centre@fifecarers.co.uk
TAKE A BREAKThe Take a Break short breaks fund is open for applications from 12 noon on Monday 10 May to 5.00pm on Monday 21 June 2021. Take a Break is Scotland’s short breaks fund for carers of disabled children, young people and their families. Take a Break grants can be used for a break away, towards leisure activities or outings; sports equipment and much, much more. Find out if you may be eligible to apply and how to make an application by going to the website here - https://takeabreakscotland.org.uk/ . The rules are fairly stringent so make sure you look at the eligibility criteria. If you need a hand to complete the application get in touch with us on 01592 205472 or email centre@fifecarers.co.uk
CREATIVE BREAKS FUND
The Creative Breaks fund is open again under its normal rules and applications can be made for up to £300 by completing the Application form you will find here https://www.fva.org/carers.asp#breaks If you need a hand to complete the application get in touch with us on 01592 205472 or email centre@fifecarers.co.uk
Carers in Fife
Fife Voluntary Action is a Registered Company in Scotland No. SC203613 and Registered Scottish Charity No. SC028457. Registered Office: Caledonia House, Pentland Park, Saltire Centre, Glenrothes, KY6 2AL.
www.fva.org
Information Bulletin 5 April 2021
I hope you are well and have been able to have your Covid Vaccination, some of you may already be on to your second one! Although the rate of infection is still significant in Fife the impact of the vaccination programme is beginning to show. It is very difficult to keep going with the restrictions, but we have already seen how easily the virus can get hold again. For those of you struggling with feeling isolated and alone please take a look at our carers groups and befriending project information. It's not the same as meeting your pals for a cup of coffee or going for a meal in the pub but it does help to keep you connected and meeting with new folk.
ARE YOU STILL A CARER?
It became apparent when we contacted the carers on our database to let them know about the vaccination for carers that some are no longer in a caring role. If you are no longer a carer we will take your details off our database but can only do this if you let us know. We also aim to do it if we have had no contact with you for more than three years.
If you are no longer a carer or no longer wish to get information from us relating to carer's issues, please email lesley.childs@fifecarers.co.uk to tell me - Thank You!
INFORMATION WORKSHOPS FOR CARERS OF PEOPLE WITH LIMITED, REDUCING OR NO CAPACITY
We are going to be running some information workshops for carers covering information about making decisions within a legal framework for Adults with Incapacity. This will cover Power of Attorney and Guardianship in particular. We will be running them separately for
They will be free to attend and will take place online in the first place with plans to hold them in person once restrictions allow.
If you would like to attend please get in touch by emailing lesley.childs@fifecarers.co.uk and I will add your name to the interest list. I will then contact you when we have firm dates and times.
CARERS VACCINATION
If you are caring for someone and have not already have your vaccine you can check your eligibility and register online https://nhsinform.scot/carersregister or by calling the Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013. If you are a carer and having problems registering for your vaccine please let us know and we will try our best to help.
SCOTLANDS COVID RESTRICTIONS
Hurrah! from today Hairdressers, Garden Centres and non-essential Click and Collect can reopen! There are still a high level of restrictions in place and you can keep track of what they are on the government website here https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/ , it will still be a couple of months before we are able to meet with friends or family in our homes. If you are visiting someone living in a care home there are updated rules pertaining to that.
BEFRIENDING FOR CARERS
Caring for someone can be a lonely and isolating experience. Sometimes as time goes on carers lose confidence and become less likely to seek out activities and join in. In situations like that having someone to accompany you and be there beside you can really make a difference. Fife Carers Centre Befriending project does just that. Our volunteer befrienders are currently able to offer telephone befriending and meeting outside but are looking forward to the days they can meet for coffee too!
If you are a carer and think you would benefit from having someone to "chum" you for a while until you find your feet again, please get in touch with our Befriending Coordinator Sylwia Nadolny who will explain more about the project and how it works. you can contact Sylwia on sylwia.nadolny@fifecarers.co.uk or call her on 07736 909692.
CARERS GROUPS
Each Week we have a selection of eleven carers groups for you to join in with and enjoy. They take place online at the moment and have a few different formats and purposes. We have a Male Carers Group, a Book Club, a Mental well-being Facebook Group, a WhatsApp Group, a Befrienders Group and so on. If you would like to know more or to join in take a look here to find out more https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/carers-groups.html
CARERS WEEK 2021
I know it seems a bit early but let's start thinking about Carers Week 2021 which is from the 7th to 13th June! This past year has been a different, special, difficult, challenging one and as carers we have been through experiences we had never imagined. As carers we have helped someone to live their life as fully and safely as they can and, in the process, have become less and less visible and supported by society and services. We understand that during lockdown and restrictions the way we had previously been supported was, by necessity, reduced or withdrawn but we are ready for that to change for the better. When things begin to resume, we do not want to remain invisible, we want to be recognised and supported and the work we have done to keep people safe and well acknowledged.
The theme of Carers Week 2021 is "Make Caring Visible and Valued" so let's have a big think about how we can do that in Fife.
Last year we were unable to meet in person for Carers Week, so it was all done online, and we learned a lot from it. This year we hope to be able to combine online activities with in-person activities but will have to wait and see how things pan out. We'd like to have a mix of informative, social, fun, thought provoking and inclusive activities that make everyone see and appreciate carers.
We have a few ideas on the go to develop but we would love it if you thought of anything that you would like to do for carers week - get in touch and let us know about it. In the meantime for a bit of fun have a look at one of last year's short entertainments by our Carer Support Worker Andy Brogan https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/carers-week-2021.html
CARERS WEEK BLANKET
This project has been inspired by a Carer Jamie and her mother. Jamie cares for her mother who can no longer see to knit and sew and had a wee yarn and haberdashery stash. Jamie asked if we would like the materials for our crochet group, run by Martina Forsyth. Seeing the wool which would have been loving made into jumpers and cardigans over the years, inspired Martina think of a unique way of representing the caring relationship between Jamie and her mum and making caring more visible.
We would like to invite you to make a square from yarn, crochet or knit, no more than 13cm or 5”, which represents you and the person you care for. Martina will join all the squares together to make our Carers story blanket. If you have yarn but are unable to make a square, we can also arrange for a square to be made for you. Martina runs a Carers online crochet and chat group every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 pm. If you are interested in joining the fun please contact Martina
For an instruction pack on making your square or to join the crochet and chat group, email Martina, martina.forsyth@fifecarers.co.uk or call her on 07849 846499
ARE YOU STILL A CARER?
It became apparent when we contacted the carers on our database to let them know about the vaccination for carers that some are no longer in a caring role. If you are no longer a carer we will take your details off our database but can only do this if you let us know. We also aim to do it if we have had no contact with you for more than three years.
If you are no longer a carer or no longer wish to get information from us relating to carer's issues, please email lesley.childs@fifecarers.co.uk to tell me - Thank You!
INFORMATION WORKSHOPS FOR CARERS OF PEOPLE WITH LIMITED, REDUCING OR NO CAPACITY
We are going to be running some information workshops for carers covering information about making decisions within a legal framework for Adults with Incapacity. This will cover Power of Attorney and Guardianship in particular. We will be running them separately for
- parent carers of children who will not be able to make decisions and will need support with managing their lives into adult hood because of learning disability or mental or physical illness
- carers of adults and older people who have limited, reducing or no capacity and need support with managing their lives because of learning disability or mental or physical illness
They will be free to attend and will take place online in the first place with plans to hold them in person once restrictions allow.
If you would like to attend please get in touch by emailing lesley.childs@fifecarers.co.uk and I will add your name to the interest list. I will then contact you when we have firm dates and times.
CARERS VACCINATION
If you are caring for someone and have not already have your vaccine you can check your eligibility and register online https://nhsinform.scot/carersregister or by calling the Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013. If you are a carer and having problems registering for your vaccine please let us know and we will try our best to help.
SCOTLANDS COVID RESTRICTIONS
Hurrah! from today Hairdressers, Garden Centres and non-essential Click and Collect can reopen! There are still a high level of restrictions in place and you can keep track of what they are on the government website here https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/ , it will still be a couple of months before we are able to meet with friends or family in our homes. If you are visiting someone living in a care home there are updated rules pertaining to that.
BEFRIENDING FOR CARERS
Caring for someone can be a lonely and isolating experience. Sometimes as time goes on carers lose confidence and become less likely to seek out activities and join in. In situations like that having someone to accompany you and be there beside you can really make a difference. Fife Carers Centre Befriending project does just that. Our volunteer befrienders are currently able to offer telephone befriending and meeting outside but are looking forward to the days they can meet for coffee too!
If you are a carer and think you would benefit from having someone to "chum" you for a while until you find your feet again, please get in touch with our Befriending Coordinator Sylwia Nadolny who will explain more about the project and how it works. you can contact Sylwia on sylwia.nadolny@fifecarers.co.uk or call her on 07736 909692.
CARERS GROUPS
Each Week we have a selection of eleven carers groups for you to join in with and enjoy. They take place online at the moment and have a few different formats and purposes. We have a Male Carers Group, a Book Club, a Mental well-being Facebook Group, a WhatsApp Group, a Befrienders Group and so on. If you would like to know more or to join in take a look here to find out more https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/carers-groups.html
CARERS WEEK 2021
I know it seems a bit early but let's start thinking about Carers Week 2021 which is from the 7th to 13th June! This past year has been a different, special, difficult, challenging one and as carers we have been through experiences we had never imagined. As carers we have helped someone to live their life as fully and safely as they can and, in the process, have become less and less visible and supported by society and services. We understand that during lockdown and restrictions the way we had previously been supported was, by necessity, reduced or withdrawn but we are ready for that to change for the better. When things begin to resume, we do not want to remain invisible, we want to be recognised and supported and the work we have done to keep people safe and well acknowledged.
The theme of Carers Week 2021 is "Make Caring Visible and Valued" so let's have a big think about how we can do that in Fife.
Last year we were unable to meet in person for Carers Week, so it was all done online, and we learned a lot from it. This year we hope to be able to combine online activities with in-person activities but will have to wait and see how things pan out. We'd like to have a mix of informative, social, fun, thought provoking and inclusive activities that make everyone see and appreciate carers.
We have a few ideas on the go to develop but we would love it if you thought of anything that you would like to do for carers week - get in touch and let us know about it. In the meantime for a bit of fun have a look at one of last year's short entertainments by our Carer Support Worker Andy Brogan https://www.fifecarerscentre.org/carers-week-2021.html
CARERS WEEK BLANKET
This project has been inspired by a Carer Jamie and her mother. Jamie cares for her mother who can no longer see to knit and sew and had a wee yarn and haberdashery stash. Jamie asked if we would like the materials for our crochet group, run by Martina Forsyth. Seeing the wool which would have been loving made into jumpers and cardigans over the years, inspired Martina think of a unique way of representing the caring relationship between Jamie and her mum and making caring more visible.
We would like to invite you to make a square from yarn, crochet or knit, no more than 13cm or 5”, which represents you and the person you care for. Martina will join all the squares together to make our Carers story blanket. If you have yarn but are unable to make a square, we can also arrange for a square to be made for you. Martina runs a Carers online crochet and chat group every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 pm. If you are interested in joining the fun please contact Martina
For an instruction pack on making your square or to join the crochet and chat group, email Martina, martina.forsyth@fifecarers.co.uk or call her on 07849 846499
Jamie’s square is the is the first square of our Carers blanket
Information Bulletin 15 February 2021
COVID 19 VACCINATION FOR CARERS
The most recent information that we have about the unpaid carers vaccinations is as follows
FREE WEBINAR
Community & Dementia: Creating Better Lives in Fife
Thursday 25 February 2021, from 10:00 – 12:45
The Life Changes Trust in partnership with stakeholders from across Fife, want to inform and inspire those attending by providing an opportunity to learn from initiatives and evidence from across Fife and support local areas to think more deeply about how communities can uphold the human rights of people with dementia and unpaid carers. To book your place in the audience just click on the link below:
Community & Dementia:Creating Better Lives in Fife
CENSUS SCOTLAND 2022
You might have seen some advertising on the TV etc about the 2021 Census and wondering about your forms arriving. It has been announced by the Scottish Government that the Census normally due to take place in March 2021 will be delayed until 2022. England and Wales will be going ahead in March 2021. You can read more about the Census in Scotland here:SCOTLAND'S CENSUS
CREATIVE BREAKS FUNDING
There is still some of the money announced by the First Minister to help carers have a break from thier caring role available to apply for. It is administered through the Creative Breaks Fund overseen by Fife Voluntary Action. You can apply for up to £300 to buy something that will help give you a break from your caring role. Obviously going away for a break is not possible now so you will have to think about other ways to have a break. Some of the things other carers have bought with their grants have included Garden Sheds, Fitness equipment including bicycles, Items for hobbies, Kindles, Tablets or laptops with earphones so you can watch your own programmes, or you could think about food delivery from companies such as Gusto or Hello Fresh to explore new ideas in your cooking or even deliveries of takeaway food to have a break from cooking. Think out of the box about what gives you a break from your caring role.
This funding is available just now and must be spent before the end of March. At the moment some of the normal rules have been suspended to enable as many carers as possible to access it quickly so if you are caring for a child under 21 you can apply (normally is for carers of adults over 21) and if you had a Creative Breaks Grant last year (it's normally only available every two years) you can apply. An application form is attached to this email for you to complete and email to the email address on the back page of the form to make your application.
Carers Befriending Group
Our volunteer befrienders are starting up on Monday 22nd February. The group is for carers who would like to meet up with other carers and befrienders for social interaction and fun. You can find out more about it by click this link here: CARERS GROUPS
The most recent information that we have about the unpaid carers vaccinations is as follows
- We have now passed one million first dose vaccinations in Scotland.
- Second appointments for those who received their first vaccination at the beginning of the campaign are also underway.
- Around 75,000 more people have been vaccinated than originally anticipated in Scotland’s deployment plan which is due to higher take-up rates of vaccine than anticipated and that is very welcome. But this all has had an impact on our available vaccine supply and we must therefore ensure enough vaccine for second doses when they are due.
- Scotland continues to follow the JCVI advice on prioritisation – to protect those most at risk.
- Unpaid carers, who continue to be prioritised as part of group 6, will be called forward as soon as vaccine supplies allow, both through letters to those on relevant benefits, and through a national marketing campaign signposting them to the forthcoming self-referral portal.
- More details on timescales for unpaid carers will follow shortly.
FREE WEBINAR
Community & Dementia: Creating Better Lives in Fife
Thursday 25 February 2021, from 10:00 – 12:45
The Life Changes Trust in partnership with stakeholders from across Fife, want to inform and inspire those attending by providing an opportunity to learn from initiatives and evidence from across Fife and support local areas to think more deeply about how communities can uphold the human rights of people with dementia and unpaid carers. To book your place in the audience just click on the link below:
Community & Dementia:Creating Better Lives in Fife
CENSUS SCOTLAND 2022
You might have seen some advertising on the TV etc about the 2021 Census and wondering about your forms arriving. It has been announced by the Scottish Government that the Census normally due to take place in March 2021 will be delayed until 2022. England and Wales will be going ahead in March 2021. You can read more about the Census in Scotland here:
CREATIVE BREAKS FUNDING
There is still some of the money announced by the First Minister to help carers have a break from thier caring role available to apply for. It is administered through the Creative Breaks Fund overseen by Fife Voluntary Action. You can apply for up to £300 to buy something that will help give you a break from your caring role. Obviously going away for a break is not possible now so you will have to think about other ways to have a break. Some of the things other carers have bought with their grants have included Garden Sheds, Fitness equipment including bicycles, Items for hobbies, Kindles, Tablets or laptops with earphones so you can watch your own programmes, or you could think about food delivery from companies such as Gusto or Hello Fresh to explore new ideas in your cooking or even deliveries of takeaway food to have a break from cooking. Think out of the box about what gives you a break from your caring role.
This funding is available just now and must be spent before the end of March. At the moment some of the normal rules have been suspended to enable as many carers as possible to access it quickly so if you are caring for a child under 21 you can apply (normally is for carers of adults over 21) and if you had a Creative Breaks Grant last year (it's normally only available every two years) you can apply. An application form is attached to this email for you to complete and email to the email address on the back page of the form to make your application.
Carers Befriending Group
Our volunteer befrienders are starting up on Monday 22nd February. The group is for carers who would like to meet up with other carers and befrienders for social interaction and fun. You can find out more about it by click this link here: CARERS GROUPS
Information Bulletin 1 February 2021
CREATIVE BREAKS FUNDING
The money announced by the First Minister to help carers have a break from their caring role is now available to apply for. It will be administered through the Creative Breaks Fund overseen by Fife Voluntary Action. You can apply for up to £300 to buy something that will help give you a break from your caring role. Obviously going away for a break is not possible now so you will have to think about other ways to have a break. Some of the things other carers have bought with their grants have included Garden Sheds, Fitness equipment including bicycles, Items for hobbies, Kindles, Tablets or laptops with earphones so you can watch your own programmes, or you could think about food delivery from companies such as Gusto or Hello Fresh to explore new ideas in your cooking or even deliveries of takeaway food to have a break from cooking. Think out of the box about what gives you a break from your caring role.
This funding is available just now and must be spent before the end of March. At the moment some of the normal rules have been suspended to enable as many carers as possible to access it quickly so if you are caring for a child under 21 you can apply (normally is for carers of adults over 21) and if you had a Creative Breaks Grant last year (it's normally only available every two years) you can apply. To find the application form and apply take a look at the Fife Voluntary Action website here - FIFE VOLUNTARY ACTION CREATIVE BREAKS
COMMUNITY AND DEMENTIA: Creating Better Lives in Fife
The Life Changes Trust is hosting an online Community and Dementia conference. The conference will allow attendees to learn from initiatives and evidence from across Fife and support local areas to think more deeply about how communities can uphold the human rights of people with dementia and unpaid carers. This event is aimed at people living with dementia, unpaid carers caring for someone with dementia, health and social care staff, those working in the voluntary and independent sectors, planning and policy officers, and anyone with an interest in dementia.
To find out about the Conference's programme, and to book a place take a look here - COMMUNITY AND DEMENTIA CONFERENCE
As part of the gathering of stores and experiences for the event there is also a session for unpaid carers of people living with dementia to share experiences about life caring for someone in Fife. This session can be done online, or if you prefer, by telephone.
This session, facilitated by the Village Storytelling Centre (VSC), will allow you to describe your thoughts and experiences of being an unpaid carer of someone living with dementia in Fife. It is also open to people who cared, unpaid, for a person with dementia, but no longer do. They are using storytelling methods to make it easier for people to talk about dementia in a way that doesn't feel too personal. By using stories and characters they can find new ways to tell our own stories. you can find out more here - STORYTELLING FOR CARERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
CARERS CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS AND CROCHET GROUP
We have another online group for carers starting this week. Martina Forsyth will be leading 3 online sessions that will take you from being a complete novice to being able to crochet and create. So if you have always wanted to learn now's your chance. In addition there will be a crochet and chat group starting for seasoned crocheters to take part in. Learn more here - LEARN TO CROCHET
COVID - 19 VACCINATION SCAMS
There is always someone willing to take advantage of people and play on peoples worries. There are a number of SCAMs around COVID 19 to be aware of and to not fall prey to. As scam calls and emails related to the Covid-19 vaccine continue to be reported, the NHS has again warned people to be wary of fake email invitations which include a link to 'register' for the vaccine. No registration for the real vaccination is required. The Covid-19 vaccination is free. The NHS will NEVER ask for your bank details or for a payment and they will not ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as passports. NHS Scotland advise that your local health board will be in touch with you to arrange your vaccination appointment when you are eligible. If you are unsure about a message you have received in relation to Covid-19, call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013. Find more information about the delivery of the vaccine in Scotland at nhsinform.scot - you can read more about SCAMs to watch out for here - SCAM SHARE BULLETIN
The money announced by the First Minister to help carers have a break from their caring role is now available to apply for. It will be administered through the Creative Breaks Fund overseen by Fife Voluntary Action. You can apply for up to £300 to buy something that will help give you a break from your caring role. Obviously going away for a break is not possible now so you will have to think about other ways to have a break. Some of the things other carers have bought with their grants have included Garden Sheds, Fitness equipment including bicycles, Items for hobbies, Kindles, Tablets or laptops with earphones so you can watch your own programmes, or you could think about food delivery from companies such as Gusto or Hello Fresh to explore new ideas in your cooking or even deliveries of takeaway food to have a break from cooking. Think out of the box about what gives you a break from your caring role.
This funding is available just now and must be spent before the end of March. At the moment some of the normal rules have been suspended to enable as many carers as possible to access it quickly so if you are caring for a child under 21 you can apply (normally is for carers of adults over 21) and if you had a Creative Breaks Grant last year (it's normally only available every two years) you can apply. To find the application form and apply take a look at the Fife Voluntary Action website here - FIFE VOLUNTARY ACTION CREATIVE BREAKS
COMMUNITY AND DEMENTIA: Creating Better Lives in Fife
The Life Changes Trust is hosting an online Community and Dementia conference. The conference will allow attendees to learn from initiatives and evidence from across Fife and support local areas to think more deeply about how communities can uphold the human rights of people with dementia and unpaid carers. This event is aimed at people living with dementia, unpaid carers caring for someone with dementia, health and social care staff, those working in the voluntary and independent sectors, planning and policy officers, and anyone with an interest in dementia.
To find out about the Conference's programme, and to book a place take a look here - COMMUNITY AND DEMENTIA CONFERENCE
As part of the gathering of stores and experiences for the event there is also a session for unpaid carers of people living with dementia to share experiences about life caring for someone in Fife. This session can be done online, or if you prefer, by telephone.
This session, facilitated by the Village Storytelling Centre (VSC), will allow you to describe your thoughts and experiences of being an unpaid carer of someone living with dementia in Fife. It is also open to people who cared, unpaid, for a person with dementia, but no longer do. They are using storytelling methods to make it easier for people to talk about dementia in a way that doesn't feel too personal. By using stories and characters they can find new ways to tell our own stories. you can find out more here - STORYTELLING FOR CARERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
CARERS CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS AND CROCHET GROUP
We have another online group for carers starting this week. Martina Forsyth will be leading 3 online sessions that will take you from being a complete novice to being able to crochet and create. So if you have always wanted to learn now's your chance. In addition there will be a crochet and chat group starting for seasoned crocheters to take part in. Learn more here - LEARN TO CROCHET
COVID - 19 VACCINATION SCAMS
There is always someone willing to take advantage of people and play on peoples worries. There are a number of SCAMs around COVID 19 to be aware of and to not fall prey to. As scam calls and emails related to the Covid-19 vaccine continue to be reported, the NHS has again warned people to be wary of fake email invitations which include a link to 'register' for the vaccine. No registration for the real vaccination is required. The Covid-19 vaccination is free. The NHS will NEVER ask for your bank details or for a payment and they will not ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as passports. NHS Scotland advise that your local health board will be in touch with you to arrange your vaccination appointment when you are eligible. If you are unsure about a message you have received in relation to Covid-19, call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013. Find more information about the delivery of the vaccine in Scotland at nhsinform.scot - you can read more about SCAMs to watch out for here - SCAM SHARE BULLETIN
Information Bulletin 18 January 2021
Nicola Sturgeon's Statement 18 January 2021
First Minister announced £750,000 funding to support carers throughout, to "give them a bit of a break". At the moment we don't know much about this funding but it is likely to be part of the Time to Live fund which in Fife is administered by Fife Voluntary Action. Carers can currently apply to the Creative Breaks fund (part of the Time to Live funding) for grants of up to £300 towards something that helps them have a break from their caring role. You can read more about it and find the application form for the Creative Breaks fund by clicking here - CREATIVE BREAKS FUND
PPE FOR CARERS
PPE has been provided for carers in Fife since the first lockdown period. There is currently a commitment to continue to provide it until the end of March to carers who meet the eligibility criteria. This will be reviewed to determine when the provision will reduce. It may be that carers should look now at how they can source the at which time the provision will be reviewed. You can read more about it and find the eligibility criteria by clicking here - PPE PROVISION
CARERS ONLINE AND VIRTUAL GROUPS
It's very difficult to have any kind of face to face social contact under the current level of restrictions and so embracing what technology helps us to offer is something we have all had to learn to do. Fife Carers Centre is now able to offer carers a range of ways of meeting other carers and sharing time together. As well as eight carers groups of various sorts we also have a Befriending Project. You can find out more about the groups and the befriending service by clicking here - ONLINE CARER GROUPS
HELPING HAND SERVICE
As a result of the current lockdown restrictions, Fife Voluntary Action have decided to re-open the Helping Hand service to anyone who requires help and support to get them through this period.
If you require any help or support throughout this lockdown period, please contact the helpline at 0800 389 6046 or you can read more about the service by clicking here - HELPING HANDS
CARERS COVID-19 VACCINATION
The National Carers Organisations have published answers to some of the frequently asked questions by carers in regard to the Covid-19 vaccine, including the current priority groups classification and scheduling of vaccinations. You can find the publication by clicking here - CARERS VACCINATIONS FAQs
First Minister announced £750,000 funding to support carers throughout, to "give them a bit of a break". At the moment we don't know much about this funding but it is likely to be part of the Time to Live fund which in Fife is administered by Fife Voluntary Action. Carers can currently apply to the Creative Breaks fund (part of the Time to Live funding) for grants of up to £300 towards something that helps them have a break from their caring role. You can read more about it and find the application form for the Creative Breaks fund by clicking here - CREATIVE BREAKS FUND
PPE FOR CARERS
PPE has been provided for carers in Fife since the first lockdown period. There is currently a commitment to continue to provide it until the end of March to carers who meet the eligibility criteria. This will be reviewed to determine when the provision will reduce. It may be that carers should look now at how they can source the at which time the provision will be reviewed. You can read more about it and find the eligibility criteria by clicking here - PPE PROVISION
CARERS ONLINE AND VIRTUAL GROUPS
It's very difficult to have any kind of face to face social contact under the current level of restrictions and so embracing what technology helps us to offer is something we have all had to learn to do. Fife Carers Centre is now able to offer carers a range of ways of meeting other carers and sharing time together. As well as eight carers groups of various sorts we also have a Befriending Project. You can find out more about the groups and the befriending service by clicking here - ONLINE CARER GROUPS
HELPING HAND SERVICE
As a result of the current lockdown restrictions, Fife Voluntary Action have decided to re-open the Helping Hand service to anyone who requires help and support to get them through this period.
If you require any help or support throughout this lockdown period, please contact the helpline at 0800 389 6046 or you can read more about the service by clicking here - HELPING HANDS
CARERS COVID-19 VACCINATION
The National Carers Organisations have published answers to some of the frequently asked questions by carers in regard to the Covid-19 vaccine, including the current priority groups classification and scheduling of vaccinations. You can find the publication by clicking here - CARERS VACCINATIONS FAQs