FIFE CARERS CENTRE
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Sunday in the Marketplace

FASS

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​Fife Alcohol Support Service is a leading provider of counselling and psychotherapy for people in Fife with alcohol-related problems. We help people deal with addiction, excessive regular drinking and binge drinking.
We also have extensive self-help resources for anyone looking to cut down or stop because of worries they may be drinking too much.
Our other projects include the Community Drug Service which offers outreach support in the community for people with drug-related problems.
Our ADAPT service can advise, guide and support you into the best help and treatment that is available in Fife.
Finally, our Curnie Clubs help people, suffering social isolation, find their way back into community life.
To get in touch call 01592 206200 or email enquiries@fassaction.org.uk and take a look at the website for more information https://www.fassaction.org.uk/

DAPL

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​DAPL offers one to one counselling, support, information and advice to individuals and families who are affected by substance use and live within Fife. The service is free and confidential and offered by experienced workers.
You can contact DAPL by calling 01333 422277 or emailing enquiries@dapl.net and find out more by looking at their website here https://www.dapl.net/

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs

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Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is a national charity that supports anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland. We give information and advice to many people and help them with confidence, communication, general wellbeing, and we link them into local support. We also help people recognise and understand the importance of looking after themselves.
When we say family, we mean who you see as your family. It could be your spouse, your parent, your sibling, your partner, your friends, your friend’s family, your colleagues, your neighbours, and anyone we may have missed.
It doesn't matter where you are in Scotland they will do their best to support, inform and listen.
To contact them call the helpline on 08080 101011 or email info@sfad.org.uk
https://www.sfad.org.uk/

Womens Wellbeing Club

​We posted earlier in the week about Andysmanclubs and here's some news about the talking groups for women
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​Saturday in the Marketplace

The Sanctuary Garden

​Grant Stewart is a carer and understands the therapeutic power of being out in nature and growing plants. He's set up The Sanctuary Garden. The Sanctuary Garden is aiming to do two things; Offer mental health and wellbeing by growing vegetables as part of a community and donating the produce grown. It’s not a hippy or ‘weird’ place, just a garden run by a friendly and enthusiastic organic gardener who learns every day.
Hiding depression behind a ‘jolly’ exterior works for most people however Grant's mother recently said “my demeanor has improved since I’ve been gardening.” Gardening is cathartic, it allows an escape from the world and gives me purpose. The entire process, from a dusty seed, seedling and ultimately harvesting is immensely satisfying. Trying out different ways to cook, store and preserve vegetables is interesting and has his mouth watering.
It’s also a place of learning, especially for those who know nothing about gardening; you’ll be shown, helped and encouraged. There will be plants you can take home to grow in your garden or on a window sill. We aim to collect seed from the plants that do well and taste delicious. There will be tasting sessions where you can compare the taste of five different varieties of potato, for example. Of course you can pop a cherry tomato in your mouth as you work. The entire place is organic; no pesticide or synthetic fertilisers. We will make compost, with the help of hens, compost teas, organic soaps and sprays like Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN). A tincture of garlic, ginger, cinnamon, liquorice, turmeric and angelica root is sprayed to prevent aphids and thrips, molds and mildews and it tastes nice too.
At the moment, there is one poly tunnel, but we could have a lot more in the two acres. Everything on the site is provided; the seed, compost, raised beds, tools and poly-tunnels.
The site offers a few vehicle parking spaces, although easy access can be made by walking or cycling. You can see Queen Margaret Hospital. There is a public transport hub at Queen Margaret Hospital and Station, less than a mile away and an upgraded footpath to Kingseat that runs past the entrance to the farm. There is also a path through the woods from Townhill that is a pleasant walk.
Watch the video to hear Grant talking about his project and you can also find out more at https://thesanctuarygarden.co.uk/

Sporting Memories ​

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Sporting Memories 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 online or community-based Clubs may be isolated, or living with depression, 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. If you care for someone who might enjoy coming along to a Sporting Memories Club you can find out more here https://www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/
While our Clubs are suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, we offer structured online sessions – along with guidance for getting online.
Carers of those who attend Sporting Memories Clubs are just as important to us as our Club participants and also experience many benefits.
Visit our Find a Club page for details of all our Clubs, including online sessions. We hope to see you soon!

Carers Guide to Fire Safety

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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have a publication about fire safety aimed at helping carers keep themselves and the person they care for safe from Fire.
Do you have fire safety concerns about someone you care for?
Things that might make you worry may include burn marks found within the home, cooking regularly being left unattended, poor housekeeping or an accumulation of possessions that restricts escape routes. Having an alcohol dependency, suffering from mobility issues or due to health reasons they are less able to react or understand a situation.
Many of us know a friend, relative, neighbour or client, often living alone, who could be vulnerable from fire. If you know someone who could be at risk from fire, please tell them about Home Fire Safety Visits and submit a referral. We will work with you to make sure that the person is safe in their own home.
Request a home fire safety visit for the person you care for
When referring and answering “How did you hear?” please quote “Personal Plan”
call 0800 0731 999
text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile phone
call your local fire station
https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/
You can find a Carers Guide to keeping safe from Fire here
Carers Guide to Fife Safety

​​Improving the Cancer Journey

​Improving 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.
Find out what to expect, hear from people’s experience of the service and meet the ICJ team by watching the video here.

Maggies Fife

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If you are caring for someone with a cancer diagnosis you will find relevant information and support at Maggies. 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.We are lucky to have a Maggies Centre in Fife, at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy or you can contact them by phone on 01592 647997 or online at https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-fife/
You'll find guidance for adult carers here https://www.maggies.org/.../support.../support-adult-carers/
and there is also a page for young carers of people with cancer.

Friday in the Marketplace

Nourish

​Nourish are a registered charity based in Kirkcaldy. We provide support for families who have additonal 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'll find out more on their website https://www.nourishsupportcentre.com/ and in our video interview with Lynne.

Families affected by Autism (FABA)

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We are a parent led support group who wish to raise awareness of autism and help families through our own experiences and knowledge. Our main activity is our family support group held on a Sunday from 1-3pm. This gives a whole family the opportunity to socialise together and meet others experiencing similar situations. Parents must remain with their children throughout the session but can talk to other parents and enjoy various activities with their child in an autism friendly environment. We have tried to create an environment where everyone can relax, be themselves, develop friendships and gain support and understanding to help them and their loved ones affected by autism.
The group provides a variety of activities including arts, crafts, lego, role play, board games, sensory den, sensory lights and equipment, therapy balls, scooter boards, relaxation, sensory activities, outdoor garden and play area with nest swing, tower, slide, sand and much much more.
We try to organise special trips and activities during holiday periods and in the past we have visited Inchcolm Island, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Craigencalt Ecology Centre, Scottish Deer Park, Almondvalley Heritage Park, Jupiter Wildlife Garden in Falkirk, Balmule Trout Fishery.
We also have a Facebook Page Families Affected By Autism where we post info about group as well as a variety of information from others ie Scottish Autism, Motorvate, Sensory Integration Project, Additional Support blog, Enquire, Enable and more.
We can also provide advice and information about school and health/social care meetings, coordinated support plans, education plans, child plans, DLA, Blue Badges and other related issues. A few of our families have benefited from support over the past 3 years.
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.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/158875021621794

ENABLE

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ENABLE Scotland is here for you and your family
We 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.
Fife has several ENABLE projects available and you can find out more here https://www.enable.org.uk/interactive-map/

​Autism Rocks (Fife)

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Autism Rocks main purpose is to provide peer support and information through our Facebook Group Page (this is a private group which means that you can be assured that only people in the group can see and respond to any queries) We also want to provide opportunities for the children/adults on the spectrum and parents/carers to socialize which is why we have Family Days .
We now have our first drop in centre in Buckhaven, called Kaleidoscope. We are open on a Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday from 10am till 2pm for our drop in sessions where everyone is welcome. We have our home education group on a Monday from 10am till 1pm. We also have a youth group every Thursday from 5.30pm till 7.30pm for 5 years old to 12 years old. We have a teen and adult social group on a Friday evening from 6pm till 8pm for 13 years old and upwards. We have family days every Saturday, and a pool party once a month.. We also have an Autism Friendly trampoline session once a month on a Wednesday as well as many various social events where we can.
Family Days: We hold our family days on a Saturday at Kaleidoscope in Buckhaven Parish Church Hall on Randolph Street in Buckhaven from 10.30am am till 1.30pm. This gives families a chance to come along, lets the kids have fun and lets the parents meet others going through the same processes.
Pool Parties: are held at various pools throughout Fife that cater for us.
You can find out more by visiting the website here http://autismrocksfife.org/ or by contacting them by calling them on 01592 569438 or emailing autismrocksfife@outlook.com

Includem

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Includem 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.
We work with social services, schools and criminal justice services to identify which young people could benefit from our support. We then engage with the young person and their family or carer to develop a package of support, tailored to their specific needs.
All our work is backed up by 24/7 helpline that can be used for additional support at any time by the young person, their family or carer, or anyone with an interest in their wellbeing.
You can find out more and make contact here https://includem.org/

Thursday in the Marketplace

Age Scotland's Veterans Project
Age Scotland is working alongside partners in the Unforgotten Forces consortium to boost the health and wellbeing of veterans in Scotland aged 65 and older. A minimum one day’s paid service in HM Armed Forces as a regular, reserve, national serviceman or in the merchant navy could entitle you to extra help and support. Find out more here:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/.../age-scotlands-veterans-project/#


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SSAFA
Our 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.
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

Homelands Fife
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.
Homelands re opened on 26th April 2021 in line with government guidance. We take the safety of our guests, staff and contractors very seriously and in order to ensure their wellbeing in the post Covid 19 era we will be implementing a number of operational changes at Homelands. For more details of these changes and how they may affect you please visit our Covid 19 update page. Covid-19 updates. Take a look at the website to see more about the beautiful lodges and their surroundings.
https://www.homelands-fife.co.uk/
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Badaguish Outdoor Centre
Badaguish is an exciting yet sheltered environment, which people of all abilities can enjoy.
The Centre provides twenty four hour respite care for unaccompanied individuals and groups of up to ten people with learning and multiple disabilities.
Activity Holidays for those with special needs -- April to the end of October, Monday – Friday. Flexible dates are available over the winter period.
Badaguish has an extensive range of full day, half–day, evening activities to suit all abilities and ages.
Activities include mountain biking, archery, canoeing, indoor climbing, rock climbing, abseiling, scrambling, hill–walking, problem solving, zip wiring and a high ropes course which offers ‘challenge by choice’ and team–building opportunities.
All activities are run by qualified, experienced instructors who enjoy helping people to make the most of their time.
There is also self catering accommodation in well equipped lodges, wigwams and camping. Suitable for families, adult groups, school, youth groups and special needs groups.
Badaguish is a resource centre for adults with learning disabilities.Support may be provided within the Day Centre or in the community. The centre works to enable and support clients to achieve skills necessary for social integration and independence, through education, recreational, cultural opportunities and working in partnerships with other services and individuals.
Referrals to the centre usually come from Social Work Services.
Badaguish is committed to providing a user led service delivering a needs led and outcome focussed service to each individual service user.
Further information and contact details
Street Address: Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Glenmore, Aviemore, Inverness, PH22 1QU
Telephone: 01479 861 285
Fax: 01479 861 258
Email: info@badaguish.org
Website: www.badaguish.org

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The Rings
​The rings are passionate about providing accessible holiday accommodation to allow people to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Through their own personal family experience, they know the benefit a holiday can bring to refresh and reinvigorate those who have additional needs and those that have caring responsibilities for them.
Their  dream with the Rings started with just a small cottage with a ceiling tracking hoist. It has now grown to include a 16 bed cottage, 6 cabins and wilderness camping.
Find out more about the fantastic resources for holidaying at The Rings here https://therings.co.uk/

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PAMIS
PAMIS support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, PMLD - their families, carers and professionals.
Their 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 recognised.
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.
find out more about how PAMIS can help you here
https://pamis.org.uk/

Wednesday in the Marketplace

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SAMH
Whether 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 the dedicated information hub - you'll find it here https://www.samh.org.uk/.../coronavirus-information-hub

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Samaritans
There's a reason everyone knows about Samaritans, it's because this service is effective. Every day, Samaritans volunteers respond to around 10,000 calls for help.
We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, we’re taking action to prevent the crisis.
We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.
We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.
That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.
Find out more or contact Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland

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Mood Cafe was set up to produce and collate information and resources relevant to various common psychological problems. If the mood takes you, why not check out our resources, browse the self help guides and visit recommended websites. There are ideas for helping young people and children manage their mental well-being, ideas for coping with the Corona virus pressures and you'll find a dedicated tab with help ideas for carers and a range of different types of organisations available to help when your mental health is feeling under strain. You'll find the website here https://www.moodcafe.co.uk/

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Fife Families Support
Fife Families Support offers support to mental health carers across Fife to cope with the emotional impact of caring through one to one support, telephone & email support and access to groups.
Fife Hearing Voices Network is a Fife-wide outreach service delivering one to one support, group sessions and telephone & email support to people experiencing psychosis.
Information and Resilience is a recovery focussed service offering drop-in, crisis support, information about mental health/illness, group work and one to one support.
You can contact Fife Families Support and find out more about their services here https://www.fifeservices.org.uk/Index.asp?MainID=27960

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SHOUT
Lot's of us find it difficult to talk to someone about our mental health and but may find texting makes it easier to be open and honest about how we feel, Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. We launched publicly in May 2019 and we’ve had more than 500,000 conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. As a digital service, Shout 85258 has become increasingly critical since Covid-19, being one of the few mental health support services able to operate as normal at this time.
You can find out more about SHOUT and how it works here
https://giveusashout.org/get-help/how-shout-works/

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Our Frontline
So many of us have been frontline workers during the Covid pandemic and it has taken its toll. Our Frontline is here to provide 24/7 emotional support, by call or text with trained volunteers, or online resources, to all the workers who have been on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can find out more https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ourfrontline/

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ANDYSMANCLUB
ANDYSMANCLUB started off as one group in the small, northern town of Halifax. That first night 9 men turned up and spoke. There was a magic in that room that everyone knew had to be shared.
We knew other guys across the country needed this same experience. We have worked tirelessly through Andy’s memory to grow our clubs. We now have over 45 groups, and still growing, across the UK.
These Andysmanclubs are talking groups for men who have either been through a storm, are currently going through a storm or have a storm brewing in life. They're 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.
There are Andysmanclubs in Dunfermline, Glenrothes and St Andrews and some covid safety restrictions are in place to help everyone be safe and well. Find out more about where you or the man in your life can join in here https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Tuesday in the Marketplace

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Playlist for Life
Playlist for Life is a charity founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother, Mamie, who had dementia.
Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personal playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist. Personal playlists can:
  • reduce anxiety
  • improve your mood
  • make difficult tasks more manageable
  • evoke memories that can help families and carers connect.
Playlist for Life harnesses the powerful effects of personal music to help anyone who is affected by dementia, their families and carers. Whether it’s the music from a first dance, lullabies from childhood or a theme tune from a favourite TV show, music has the ability to take us back in time and remind us of our past, giving you that flashback feeling. Sharing your songs and memories can help people living with dementia connect with family, friends and carers.
"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/

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FIFE SHOPPING & SUPPORT SERVICES is 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. Their purpose is to provide assistance to vulnerable elderly people and adults unable to carry out daily living activities and tasks.
They currently provide services across Fife assisting with shopping, pension collections and housework and are developing new supports as client’s make individual requests.
To fund the service they ask clients to pay a charge towards the costs of the service depending on the level of service they receive. As a registered charity they also raise funds through fundraising with the intention of keeping charges to clients as low as possible. As the number of clients using the service increases and funds are raised they will use the increased income to reduce the overall charges to all their clients.
It is their intention that the service develops into a low cost provider to vulnerable people across Fife. Their managers and staff are checked with the police and other registered authorities to ensure they are fit people to provide services to vulnerable client’s in their homes providing clients with the assurance that they are in safe hands.
Their experienced trained staff will visit your home to collect your shopping lists, cash and where applicable pension or other post office transaction documents and carry out your shopping and transactions returning shopping, change, cash and receipts the same day. They also help with housework where it is requested.
You can get in touch with them by email to lynne@fifeshoppingandsupportservices.co.uk or call Lynne Ogilvie on 01592 653344

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Shared Care Scotland
Shared Care aim to improve the quality and provision of short breaks in Scotland. To do this they offer services including events, publications and research reports, and an online directory of short break services. As one of seven National Carers Organisations they also contribute to the development of policy and best practice for carers. Their vision is for a Scotland where everyone who receives support or provides unpaid care can live a full and satisfying life, with the assistance they need to take regular, quality breaks from the everyday demands of their caring routines. In Scotland it is estimated there are over 650,000 people who care for a family member, partner or friend, who may be ill, disabled, or dependent on drugs or alcohol. Short breaks provide a much needed release from the physical and emotional demands of the caring situation and help promote health and wellbeing.
As part of Carers Week, Shared Care Scotland is hosting two short break Q&A events – covering ‘Everything you wanted to know about short breaks, but didn’t know who to ask’! Join us on Tuesday 8 June between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, or on 10 June between 11am and 12noon, for a coffee and a chat!
The event is free and open to everyone to attend, just register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../short-breaks-q-a-with...
https://www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk/.../shortguides/

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​Creative Breaks Fund
Fife 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.
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/carers.asp
Guidance Notes (PDF file)
Application Form (PDF file)
You can apply at any time - there are no deadlines as long as there is funding available. 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
Unfortunately, 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

Monday in the Marketplace

Welcome to Carers Week!
Thanks to Scott Fissenden the Change & Improvement Manager for Fife Health & Social Care for this information.
Learn more about the support that Link Living offers to carers  in Fife
Circles Network have a new project supporting carers of people with no or declining capacity to learn more about Power of Attorney and Guardianship - Learn more here
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