April information pack.2014

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| Edition 21 | April 2014 | www.|| EEddiittiioonn 2211 || AApprriill 22001144 || wwwwww..hhhooommmeeegggrrrooouuuppp...ooorrrggg...uuukkk |||
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MHCarerService@homegroup.org.uk
www.facebook.com/HomeGrouphousing
www.twitter.com/homegroup

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Send your photos, stories &
artwork to us at…
Stonham
Birmingham Mental Health
Carers Support Service,
Unit 3, Holt Court North,
Heneage Street West,
Birmingham Science Park,
Aston, Birmingham
B7 4AX
Stonham Carers Support Service
would like to ensure that our
Carers are at the heart of
everything we do.
If you would like to receive this
pack in another format e.g.
translated, large print, on tape or
in Braille, please contact the
Gateway Team on
0121 380 4949, or email
annette.lewis@homegroup.org.uk
Our packs are also available to download at:
https://bhammhcarer.homegroup.org.uk
2 Contact Us & Contents Of This Pack
3 PALS Contact Details & Information
4 International Dance Festival
5 Positive Mental Health Group Poster
6 Freedom Programme Leaflet
7 Stonham Walking Group Dates Poster
8 What Is A Carers Support Plan
9 Health Exchange Information
10 Carers Assessments
11 Community Mental Health Services
12 Clinical Depression
13 1. What To Do In A Crisis. 2. Self Harm
14 FIS Plus (Family Information Service)
15 Weekly Benefit Rates 2014 Poster
16 LGBT - Counselling & Psychotherapy
17 Face 2 Face Information Leaflet
18 Birmingham LGBT Pride 24 & 25 May
19 Birmingham Crisis Centre
20 The SWEET Carers Group Poster
21 Victim Support Poster
22 BRAVE Victim Support Information
23 Jointly App For Carers By Carers UK
24 Stonham—Creative Support Group
25 Stonham—Longbridge Group
26 Stonham—Carers In-patient Group
27 T.R.U.S.T Poster
28 1. Carers Week. 2. Katherine D’Souza
29 The Rest House Bournville Open Day
30 How Many Carers In The UK?
31 Headway West Midlands
32 Peer Support
33 Postnatal Depression - Impact For Dads
34 Stonham Carers Groups
35 Stonham Carers Groups Continued
36 Stonham Carers Groups Continued
37 Fire Safety Checks Poster
38 To Report A Hate Crime
39 Carers Feedback Sheet

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PALS customer relations
(Patient Advice & Liaison Service)
Can provide information on a
range of mental health matters,
and liaison with all Trust
services.
Monday to Friday
8am to 8pm
Contact
0800 953 0045
Text
07985883509
Email
pals@bsmhft.nhs.uk
Website:
www.bsmhft.nhs.uk
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PALS TEAM
IS NOT A MEDICAL TEAM. IF YOU
HAVE AN IMMEDIATE HEALTH
PROBLEM PLEASE CONTACT NHS
DIRECT (0845 46 47) OR YOUR GP.
The Patient Advice and
Liaison Service (PALS)
Works in partnership with patients
and staff to help improve services for
our patients.
PALS is part of our commitment to
give high standards of care and
support to everyone who uses our
services.
As a patient, relative or carer,
sometimes you may need to turn to
someone for on-the-spot help, advice
and support.
The service aims to:
• advise and support patients, their
families and carers;
• provide information about NHS
services and the options available
to you;
• listen to your comments,
compliments, concerns,
suggestions or queries;
• help you resolve any problems or
concerns you may have, as quickly
as possible;
PALS acts independently when
handling patient and family concerns,
liaising with staff, managers and,
where appropriate, relevant
organisations to negotiate immediate
or prompt solutions.
THE SERVICE OFFERED BY PALS
IS FREE, INFORMAL, IMPARTIAL
AND CONFIDENTIAL.

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International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014
International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014
• One of Europe’s biggest dance festivals returns for the
fourth time
• More theatre shows than ever before
• 5 world premieres and brand new commissions
• www.idfb.co.uk
The award-winning International Dance Festival Birmingham, one of
Europe’s biggest dance festivals, returns to the city from 24th April
2014 - bringing the theatres, streets and squares of Birmingham to life
with four consecutive weeks of dance. Following three previous
successful festivals in 2008, 2010 and 2012, this biennial event, co-produced
by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome, once again
features an eclectic and jam-packed programme bursting with world-class
performers, unique international collaborations, premieres, new
commissions and a range of participatory opportunities in venues
across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
In an exciting new relationship for IDFB 2014, the festival will work for
the first time with Birmingham’s renowned Symphony Hall to create
an ambitious reimagining of Duruflé’s Requiem performed by
Birmingham-based choir Ex Cathedra alongside Québécois dance
company Cas Public and a talented cast of over 50 UK musicians and
dancers. This unique production on Friday 2 May will combine
incredible live music with evocative dance to create an ethereal,
haunting atmospheric spectacle, transforming Symphony Hall as never
before.
As in previous festivals, IDFB 2014 brings many of the city’s premier
arts organisations and venues together to work in partnership and
celebrate the region’s collective and vibrant cultural scene. These
venues include Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Repertory
Theatre, BRB, Warwick Arts Centre and the Crescent Theatre. Less
conventional venues will host social dance events throughout the
festival, with the festival culminating with a four night outdoor finale –
B-Town in Victoria Square. This world premiere features International
and award winning street dance and music performers in a b-boy
dance spectacle, each battling across multiple stages in the heart of
the city.
Following the success of their IDFB 2012 performances, Birmingham
Royal Ballet will kick off the 2014 festival with two mixed bills
featuring world premieres of new works by young, emerging
choreographers and heritage pieces by one of the choreographic
greats of the twentieth century. The new works, Kit Holder’s Quatrain
and Alexander Whitley’s Kin. will be performed alongside Sir Frederick
Ashton’s Le Rendezvous and Façade between 24 and 26 April at the
Crescent Theatre.
IDFB 2014 performance highlights at Birmingham Hippodrome include
Swiss Company Alias’ mesmerising Sideways Rain and Vancouver’s
Kidd Pivot led by Crystal Pite, who will perform the Shakespeare
inspired Tempest Replica. Much loved and familiar names returning
here for the festival include the legendary Sylvie Guillem, Sadler’s
Wells’ Breakin Convention and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s new work
m¡longa, a contemporary take on Argentine tango. Finally,
internationally acclaimed New Adventures and RE:Bourne bring a new
production of Lord of the Flies to the Hippodrome featuring a cast of
young performers from the Midlands.
In DanceXchange’s studio theatre The Patrick Centre, Luca
Silvestrini’s Protein explores themes of identity in Border
Tales, Mickael ‘Marso’ Riviere presents a brand new double
bill working with Egyptian and Lebanese artists; and South
Asian dance artist Aakash Odedra also premieres a
collaboration with one of the world’s leading digital arts
organisations Ars Electronica from Austria.
Elsewhere in the city and wider region Birmingham Repertory
Theatre hosts the astonishing Canadian circus company Les 7
Doigts de la Main’s new show Séquence 8, and Irish company
Fabulous Beast perform their own version of The Rite of Spring
& Petrushka at Warwick Arts Centre. This year, the festival also
includes the opportunity to celebrate the best of the Midlands’
youth dance companies at MY (Midlands Youth) Dance
Festival in Ruddock Performing Arts Centre at King Edward’s
School, Edgbaston.
Also new for IDFB 2014 is a weekly opportunity to ‘paint the
town red’ with a series of social dance events open to all – in a
range of styles including swing and lindy-hop, tango, capoeira,
jazz fusion and house. Spaces across Birmingham will throw
open their doors to host weekly public gatherings such as a
Brazilian street party, a midnight tango milonga and a footwork
fusion dance night.
As part of his international residency for IDFB 2014
choreographer Corey Baker from New Zealand, will work with
members of the public and professional dance artists to
perform a ‘Haka day out’, based on the traditional Māori war
dance.
Concluding this year’s IDFB will once again be a major free
outdoor performance in Birmingham’s Victoria Square – B-Town.
International and pioneering performers from the
worlds of street dance and music unite to present a b-boy
dance spectacular battling across multiple stages in the square.
Artistic Director of DanceXchange and Co-Artistic Director of
IDFB 2014, David Massingham said “This IDFB will continue to
build on the successes of our previous three festivals, reaching
wider and new audiences for dance by presenting work in
innovative ways and creating new opportunities to participate.
IDFB 2014 will showcase some of Birmingham’s finest venues,
and gives DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome the
opportunity to present a wide range of innovative and
entertaining dance.”
Stuart Griffiths, Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome
and Co-Artistic Director of IDFB 2014 added:
“We are very pleased that once again we have the support of
funding partners at Arts Council England, Birmingham City
Council and the European Union. The wider economic benefits
of arts activities such as IDFB are significant. We feel certain
that this high quality festival programme and broad range of
participatory opportunities will again deliver strong
engagement and draw international attention to the city.”
For more information on International Dance Festival
Birmingham 2014 visit www.idfb.co.uk – which together with
2014 Festival Listings also features a full video and
photographic archive of previous years.

We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the Month, 10.30am - 1.00pm
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10th April – Lightwoods Park, Adkins Lane, Bearwood, Smethwick,
B67 5DP. Meet in the public car park near the park entrance
and near the Bearwood Bus Station.
8th May – Brueton Park, Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3HW.
Meet in the car park.
12th June – Brookvale Park and Lake, Park Road, Erdington,
Birmingham. Meet Park Road entrance.
10th July – Sheldon Country Park, Ragley Drive, Church Road, Sheldon,
B26 3TU. Meet in the main entrance car park off Ragley Drive.
14th August – Moseley Bog – Yardley Wood Road, Birmingham.
Meet in car park on Windermere Road.
11th September – Sandwell Valley, Salter’s Lane, West Bromwich,
B71 4BG. Meet In main car park
9th October – Northfield Eco Centre and Victoria Park , 53 Church Road,
Birmingham, B31 2LB. Meet in the car park.
13th November – Gas Street Basin. Meet in the café in the ICC
11th December – German Market. Meet in the café in the ICC
Contact Safia Sawal on 07713 387325
Alternatively you can call our Gateway Team on 0121 380 4949
if you require any further Information.

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What is a Carer’s Support Plan?
A Carers Support Plan can make life easier for Carers. It is a written
document that looks at the care you are providing and your ability
and willingness to provide that care. It is the first step in finding out what
services might be available to help you in your caring role.
Why should I get a Carer’s Support Plan?
Services (and in some cases, the money to purchase services) can be
made available to Carers who have a Support Plan. Services can
include such things as complementary therapies, respite, day care, short breaks,
support groups, training and more, depending on your needs and the needs of
the person you care for.
How do I get a Carer’s Support Plan?
Contact the Gateway Team on 0121 380 4949. They will ask you a few
questions and arrange for someone to come out and visit you.
What happens after I have asked for a Carer’s
Support plan?
A Support Worker will visit you and discuss your caring role with you.
The worker will help you to find appropriate support to help you. The Support
Plan is a written document that you will see and discuss with the worker. You
will get to keep a copy for yourself.
What if my support needs have changed?
The Support Plan can be updated if you tell your Support worker
that your circumstances or how you feel about things have changed.
For example, you may feel able to cope well at first, but after some time you
may feel that things are getting to be too much for you.
Where can I find out more?
Contact the Gateway Team on 0121 380 4949.
If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in
another language or format, (on occasion, only a summary of the
document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by
contacting the Gateway Team on 0121 380 4949.

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The Health Exchange Hub
Health Exchange Hub in Central Library
The new Health Exchange Hub is the centre of activity to support a larger programme to deliver
information, advocacy, advice and guidance on health and healthy lifestyles in Birmingham
communities. The Health Exchange is a growing partnership organisation that has been founded
by Heart of Birmingham (NHS) Teaching Primary Care Trust and Birmingham Libraries.
The Health Exchange Hub offers facilities and resources to both individuals seeking help and to
voluntary organisations which have a remit to health amongst the individuals they support. There
are growing numbers of local organisations such as libraries, Sure Start centres, community
centres and cultural centres that are building new partnerships with the Health Exchange to
provide access to quality health information and to improve informed choice in health.
The Health Exchange is starting up at nine places, the central "hub" is in Central Library, the eight
local sites are as follows:
UK Asian Women's Centre 23 Hamstead Road, Hockley B19 1BX
Afro Caribbean Millennium Centre 339 Dudley Road, B18 4HB
Women's Help Centre 321 Rookery Road, B21 9PR
Handsworth Library Soho Road Birmingham B21 9DP
Spring Hill Library Birmingham B18 7BH
Sure Start City 42 Cape Street, B18 4LE
Children's Centre Benson Road, Community Resource Centre, Benson Road, B18 5TD
Sure Start Children's Centre Handsworth and Winson Green, Louise Road, B21 0RY
Treatment Centre at City Hospital
Soho Road Health Centre Lousie Road, Handsworth B21 9RY
Nishkam Centre Soho Road, Handsworth B21 9BH

Carers Assessments How do I get a carer’s assessment?
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You can ask them for a carer’s assessment by
contacting the relevant team below.
If the person you care for is over 65 or under 65 with
dementia, you should contact our Older People’s
Access Service.
• Older People’s Access Service 0121 303 1234
• Learning Disability Services 0121 303 1234
• Physical Disability Service 0121 303 1234
• Visual Impairment Team 0121 464 9455
• Hearing Impairment Team 0121 246 6100
• Mental Health Team South: 0121 678 2830
North: 0121 685 7988
Central: 0121 303 5188
If you are not sure which number to phone, please
phone our Birmingham Carers Centre on 0121 271
0707.
If the person you care for or plan to care for goes into
hospital, a hospital social worker will discuss with you
what help you will need to care for them once they
come home.
In an emergency...
In an emergency, for example if you cannot cope any
longer, you should contact any of the teams above.
They will make appropriate emergency arrangements
to support you.
If you cannot care for someone because of an
emergency and our office is closed, you can phone our
Emergency Duty Team on 0121 675 4806.
What happens next?
After the assessment, if they have assessed the person
you care for as having ‘substantial’ or ‘critical’ needs,
they will receive an individual budget.
An individual budget is money that you and the person
you look after can use to buy support. The support you
choose has to meet the needs of the person you care
for, as well as your needs.
An individual budget allows the person you support to
choose how and when they receive care.
They can also tell you about our other services which
are available to everyone. These include giving you:
• advice;
• contact details about other organisations that may
be able to support you;
• information about health care;
• information about leisure activities; and
• information about our Carers Emergency Response
Service (CERS).
If you want a carers assessment through Birmingham
Council please contact birmingham.gov.uk to ask for an
assessment. This assessment can enable you to access
services to support you
They can assess your needs at the same time as they
assess the needs of the person you look after.
What happens in an assessment?
They will talk to you about the care that you are providing
and the effect this is having on you, because they
understand that caring for someone can be difficult and
tiring.
By taking a step back from the day-to-day demands of
caring, you will have a chance to think about your own
needs and what you want. Together they will look for
ways to give you the support you need to carry on caring,
if that is what you want to do.
An assessment will take into account:
• the effect caring is having on you
• whether you feel you are able to continue caring.
Can I get a separate carer's assessment?
You can ask them for a separate carer’s assessment if you
are providing substantial care or regular care. Providing
this amount of care means your caring may affect:
• your health;
• your ability to look after your home;
• your ability to keep a job; or
• your social life.
You can also ask us for a separate carer’s assessment if
the person you are looking after does not want an
assessment, or you feel you cannot talk freely in front of
them.
Can I have someone to support me in the
assessment?
You can have a relative or a friend with you to support
you in the assessment meeting.
During your assessment, your social care worker will ask
for your permission to share the information you give
them with other people.
But, if they think someone is at serious risk, they may
have to tell other people such as the person’s social care
worker. They will talk to you before they do this.
How long does it take?
They will aim to carry out the carer’s assessment within
28 days of you asking for one. In an emergency, we will
try to start the carer’s assessment and give help within 24
hours.

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Community Mental Health Services
Have your say - Improving Children and
Young Adult Community Mental Health Services
across Birmingham.
Birmingham South Central Clinical Commissioning Group, (CCG),
Birmingham CrossCity CCG, Sandwell and West Birmingham
CCG and Birmingham City Council are working together to
improve the Community Mental Health Services provided to
children and young adults within the Birmingham area.
From speaking to service users both present and past we are
aware that the current services can be fragmented, difficult to access and confusing for the people to use.
We want to completely change the way we deliver Community Mental Health Services for 0-25 year olds
and we think we can do this by buying services that:
reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
are young people friendly.
support children and young people as they get older.
enable children and young people to be healthy.
support children and young people to live a full and independent life.
We are holding a consultation
between January and April 2014
to seek people’s views on the
design of the new service.
This will include your views on:
How you would like the services to be
joined up?
What services should be included?
What the services should look and feel
like?
We really want to hear from everyone,
especially children and young adults. We will
also be talking to patients, carers, providers of
services, clinicians and the general public.
Get involved now.
Complete our survey available at...
www.surveymonkey.com/s/CAYAMHSBHAM and at
your local health services
Follow our hashtag(#) on Twitter #0to25yrsMHS
Come along to one of our open events:
Email us at cayamhsbham@nhs.net This email
address is being protected from spambots. You
need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Write to us at...
0-25 Mental Health Procurement Team,
c/o Maternity, Children Young People’s
Commissioning Team,
Bartholomew House,
142 Hagley Road,
Edgbaston,
Birmingham
B16 9PA

Clinical Depression
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When to see a doctor
It's important to seek help from your GP if you
think you may be depressed, especially if you’ve
been feeling low for more than a few days.
Many people wait a long time before seeking help
for depression, but it's best not to delay. The
sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on
the way to recovery.
Sometimes there is a trigger for depression.
Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing
your job or even having a baby, can bring it on.
People with a family history of depression are also
more likely to experience it themselves.
But you can also become depressed for no obvious
reason.
Depression is quite common and affects about one
in 10 of us at some point. It affects men and
women, young and old.
Depression can also strike children. Studies have
shown that about 4% of children aged five to 16 in
the UK are affected by depression.
Treatment
Treatment for depression involves either
medication or talking treatments, or usually a
combination of the two. The kind of treatment that
your doctor recommends will be based on the type
of depression you have.
Living with depression
Many people with depression benefit by making
lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise,
cutting down on alcohol and eating more healthily.
Self-help measures such as reading a self-help
book or joining a support group are also beneficial
and worthwhile.
Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy
or fed up for a few days.
We all go through spells of feeling down, but when
you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks
or months, rather than just a few days.
Some people still think that depression is trivial and
not a genuine health condition. They're wrong.
Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and
it's not a sign of weakness or something you can
snap out of by pulling yourself together.
The good news is that with the right treatment and
support, most people can make a full recovery.
How to tell if you have depression
Depression affects people in different ways and can
cause a wide variety of symptoms.
They range from lasting feelings of sadness and
hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you
used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people
with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling
constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite
or sex drive, and complaining of various aches and
pains.
The severity of the symptoms can vary.
At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in
spirit, while at its most severe depression can make
you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth
living.
Most people experience feelings of stress, sadness or
anxiety during difficult times. A low mood may
improve after a short time, rather than being a sign
of depression.

What To Do In A Crisis?
Sometimes the condition of the person you care for may
suddenly deteriorate or worsen. This may have been
anticipated by the professionals involved with the person
you care for but, even if it hasn’t, talking through the
possibility with these professionals can help to calm your
fears and provide a plan of action if things do worsen.
If someone you know is having a mental health crisis the
most important factor is to get help and support as soon as
possible, regardless of whether or not this is the person’s
first mental health crisis or a relapse of an existing mental
health condition. If the emergency happens in normal
working hours, you should get in touch with the GP, Social
Worker or Community Psychiatric Nurse involved with the
person you care for. They should be able to immediately
advise on what to do.
If the person you care for is known to the Community
Mental Health Team (CMHT) and you believe that the a
crisis is developing during normal office hours then the first
point of contact would be to call the persons Care
Coordinator, if they are unavailable it may be possible to
talk to the Duty Worker on 0121 675 4806.
If you care for a person with mental health problems and
they are on the Care Programme Approach (CPA), you
should have an action plan which details who to contact if a
crisis arises. It may be useful to:
• have a list of contacts and telephone numbers of who
1133
to call in a crisis
• have information about early warning signs of a
persons potential relapse.
You and the person you care for may notice the early
warning signs that indicate that their mental health is
deteriorating and it can be useful to try and get support at
this stage to help prevent a possible mental health crisis;
although this is not always possible.
What should I do if the person in crisis is not known to the
CMHT or if the crisis occurs outside office hours?
If the person you are concerned about is not known to
mental health services, then the first port of call would be
the persons GP; if you phone and the surgery is closed there
should be a recorded message giving you an emergency
contact. Alternatively you can call your local social services
Emergency Duty Team on 0121 675 4806.
If there is a crisis and the persons physical health is also at
risk i.e. because of an overdose, injury, then go to your
nearest Accident and Emergency Department or dial 999 for
an ambulance if necessary. If there is a risk of physical
violence, or if the person is at risk of self harm or of causing
harm to someone else, it may be necessary to contact the
police.
Advice For Carers Friends Of
People Who Self-Harm...
If someone you love and care about is self-harming, it
can be very difficult to cope with your own feelings of
shock, anger, guilt, grief, and helplessness. You may
be afraid of what might happen. Although it is
important not to break someone’s confidence, you
also may need to get some help or advice. You could
talk to a trusted friend or relative, or a professional,
for support.
Although you may feel helpless, what you do, or
don’t do, can make a lot of difference. If you pay
attention to self-harmers' injuries, you affirm that
they and their bodies are worth caring about. But
don’t just focus on the injuries. It is important that
you try to appreciate how difficult your friend or
relative is finding life. Showing this person that you
want to understand will matter a great deal.
You can begin by gently encouraging a self-harmer to
examine his or her feelings and to talk to someone
about why he or she self-harms. You may find what
he or she says things which are difficult to hear. If you
find this overwhelming, help the self-harmer to find
someone else to talk to. Allowing the person to talk
about how he or she feels is the most important thing
you can do for a victim of self-harm. Just feeling that
someone is listening and that they are finally being
heard can really help those who self-harm.
Good listening is a skill – always let a person finish
what he or she is saying, and while you listen, try not
to think about the next thing you are going to say.
Don’t expect change to happen quickly. Don’t hold
onto any expectations that your friend or relative can
stop self-harming just because you want it to stop. It
is important not to ask a person who self-harms to
promise not to do it again; It may well happen again;
the person who self-harms then feels guilty about
breaking that promise. It takes time for people who
self-harm to learn that their feelings won’t destroy
them, and learn better ways of dealing with their
emotions. It is important you resist the temptation to
constantly step in and try to solve the problem. In the
end, individuals must draw upon their own strengths,
and find their own resources, to cope with emotional
pain.

15
BEREAVEMENT ALLOWANCE
Aged 45—54 33.36—103.42
Aged 55—pension age 111.20
BEREAVEMENT PAYMENT (one off) 2,000.00
CARER’S ALLOWANCE 61.35
Adult dependant 36.10
Child dependant (first child) 8.05
Earnings disregard 100.00
EPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE (contributory)
Assessment Phase aged under 25 57.35
Assessment Phase aged under 25 and over 72.40
Main Phase basic allowance 72.40
Work-related activity component 28.75
Support component 35.75
INCAPACITY BENEFIT
Short term (under pension age) Lower rate 78.50
Higher rate 92.95
Child dependant 8.05
Long term 104.10
Age addition under 35 11.00
Aged 35—44 6.15
JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE (contribution based)
Aged under 25 57.35
Aged 25 and over 72.40
MATERNITY ALLOWANCE (standard rate) 138.18
Earnings threshold 30.00
SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE 73.75
Age addition aged under 40 11.00
Aged 40—49 6.15
Aged 50—59 6.15
STATE RETIREMENT PENSION
Category A 113.10
Category B spouse’s / civil partner’s 67.80
WIDOWED PARENT#S ALLOWANCE 111.20
Child dependant (first child) 8.05
STATUTORY ADOPTION, MATERNITY AND PATERNITY PAY 138.18
STATUTORY SICK PAY 87.55
Earnings threshold 111.00
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
Lower rate 54.45
Higher rate 81.30
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE
Care component lower rate 21.55
Middle rate 54.45
Higher rate 81.30
Mobility component 21.55
Higher rate 56.75
GUARDIAN’S ALLOWANCE 16.35
INDUSTRIAL INJURIES DISABLEMENT BENEFIT
(20—100% DISABLED) 33.20—166.00
PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT
Daily Living Component standard rate 54.45
Daily Living Component enhanced rate 81.30
Mobility Component standard rate 21.55
Mobility Component enhanced rate 56.75
WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS PER WINTER
Aged Pension Credit age—79 200.00
Couples/lone parents (weekly benefit) 500.00
Couples/lone parents (monthly benefit) 2,167.00
Single (weekly benefit) 350.00
Single (monthly benefit) 1,517.00
CHILD BENEFIT
1st child 20.50
other child(ren) 13.55
INCOME SUPPORT JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE (income based)
PERSONAL ALLOWANCES
SINGLE
Aged under 25 57.35
aged 25 and over 72.40
Lone parent aged under 18 57.35
Aged 18 and above 72.40
COUPLE
Both aged under 18 57.35/86.65
One aged under 18 57.35/72.40/113.70
Both aged 18+ 113.70
dependent children-some pre 2004 claims 66.33
PREIUMS: CARER 34.20
PREMIUMS: DISABILITY
Single/couple 31.85/45.40
Disabled child 59.50
PREMIUMS: ENHANCED DISABILITY
Single person/lone parent 15.55
Couple 22.35
Disabled child 24.08
PREMIUMS: FAMILY 17.45
PREMIUMS: PENSIONER
Single (JSA only) 75.95
Couple 112.80
PREMIUMS: SEVERE DISABILITY (per qualifying person) 61.10
EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE (income related)
Single/lone parent 72.40
Except if lone parent aged under 18s/single person
aged under 25 and in assessment phase 57.35
couple 72.40/113.70
work-related activity component 28.75
Support component 35.75
(Carer, Enhanced Disability, Pensioner and Severe Disability
Premiums paid at the same rate as Income Support/JSA (income based))
PENSION CREDIT
Minimum guarantee
Single 148.35
Couple 226.50
ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS
Severe disability (per qualifying person) 61.10
Carer 34.20
SAVINGS CREDIT
Threshold—single 120.35
Couple 192.00
maximum—single 16.80
Couple 20.70
HOUSING BENEFIT
PERSONAL ALLOWANCES
As Income Support/Pension Credit rates except for:
Single person/lone parent aged 65 and over 165.15
Couple both under 18 86.65
Couple one aged under 18 113.70
One or both aged 65 and over 247.20
PREMIUMS: DISABLED CHILD PREMIUM 59.50
PREMIUMS: FAMILY—LONE PARENT RATE 22.20
LOCAL COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT
Variable-contact local authority
LOCAL WELFARE PROVISION DISCETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENTS
Variable-contact local authority
SOCIAL FUND SURE START MATERNITY GRANT
One off-first child only 500.00
SOCIAL FUND COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS 25.00
WORKING TAX CREDIT ANNUAL RATES
Basic element 1,940.00
Couple/lone parent 1,990.00
30 hours element 800.00
Disabled worker element 2,935.00
Severe Disability element 1,255.00
CHILDCARE COSTS (70%)
1 child (weekly rate) (maximum) 175.00
2 and over children (maximum) 300.00
CHILD TAX CREDIT ANNUAL RATES
Family element 545.00
Child element 2,750.00
Disabled child element 3,100.00
Severely disabled child element 1,255.00
TAX CREDIT INCOME THRESHOLDS ANNUAL RATES
1st threshold child tax credit only 16,010.00
Some working tax credit payable 6,420.00
Taper 41%
Income increase disregard 5,000.00
Income decrease disregard 2,500.00
UNIVERSAL CREDIT MONTHLY RATES
Standard Allowance
SINGLE
Aged under 25 249.28
COUPLE
Both aged under 25 391.29
At least one aged 25 and above 493.95
Elements
Child Element
1st child 274.58
Other children 229.17
Additional Disabled Child Element lower 124.86
Additional Disabled Child Element higher 362.92
Housing Costs Element variable
Limited Capacity for Work Element
124.86Limited Capacity for Work-related Activity Element 311.86
Carer Element 148.61
Childcare Costs Element (70%)
Maximum 1 child 532.29
2 or more children 912.50
BENEFIT UNDER PENSION CREDIT AGE PENSION CREDIT AGE
(£6,000 or £10,000) / £16,000
n/a
£6,000 / £16,000
£10,000 / £16,000
(note no upper limit if in receipt
of guarantee credit)
n/a
£10,000 / no upper limit
£1 (£4.35 monthly) for every £250
above lower limit
£1 for every £500
Above lower limit
Income Support/JSA (income based)/ESA
(income related)/Universal Credit
Income Support/JSA (income based)/ESA
(income related) - Universal Credit (Care
Homes)
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit (including Care
Homes)
Tariff Income rules
£6,000 / £16,000 n/a

16
Holloway Circus, Birmingham, West Midlands B1 1EQ - 0121 643 1160
Healthy Gay Life Counselling
Are offering their service from the LGBT Centre. The
service has a long history of providing free
counselling to gay, bisexual and trans men . Now we
can offer the same high quality service to lesbian,
bisexual and trans women in Birmingham. This could
be as individuals or with their partner(s) whether HIV
negative, positive or untested.
The service now provides care at two levels:
1. Counselling: This is shorter term work and looks at
one or two very specific issues.
2. Psychotherapy: This is longer term and looks at a
verity of issues.
Our Counsellors are all qualified or in the process of
being qualified to first degree level.
Our Psychotherapists are all qualified or in the
process of being qualified to MSc/ MA level.
All receive regular supervision and further training
through HGL and are bound by professional codes of
ethics.
Flexible appointment times
To make accessing our counselling or psychotherapy
service as easy as possible we offer appointments
from early morning to well into the evening. There is
usually quite a demand for these early and late
appointments but we’ll fit you in as soon as a suitable
time becomes available.
What we can offer you
A place where you can refer yourself. Sometimes a
doctor or social worker refers people to our service.
Most people refer themselves to us through after
seeing one of our adverts, picking up a leaflet or
though a personal recommendation.
The choice to see a male or female
counsellor/ psychotherapist
Some of the people who use our services have a
preference over the gender of the counsellor they
see. Wherever possible we will try to accommodate
this but all our counsellors/ psychotherapists are
widely experienced and knowledgeable.
We can also offer a variety of different therapeutic
approaches.
A welcoming safe environment
We aim to offer counselling and psychotherapy in the
best circumstances we can to maintain a relaxed and
confidential space for you to work through your
issues.
Other Organisations
Sometimes during counselling it becomes apparent
that clients could benefit from using other
organisations to meet some of their needs. We can
offer referrals and support to clients in accessing
these if necessary.
What we ask of you
Counselling and psychotherapy are not one way
processes and for the client to gain most benefit we
ask that they adhere to some basic conditions in the
form of a ‘contract’. This includes: 1. That you attend
your sessions regularly, understanding that the
process can take a number of weeks or sometimes
months to resolve issues. 2. That you agree with your
counsellor/ psychotherapist the terms for
confidentiality of your issues. 3. That you let us know
if we can improve or develop our service in ways we
might not have considered.

18
The biggest 2 day LGBT party in the
UK returns on Sat 24th Sun 25th May
Birmingham Pride is a weekend long LGBT festival held annually in the Gay Village
on Hurst Street. It is uniquely the largest LGBT two day festival in the UK - and
features a Carnival Parade through the city centre, plus the Main Pride Festival Site
features the Nightingale Main Stage, dance arena, cabaret marquee, funfair,
community village green, central market street, and the friendliest street party.
Birmingham Pride isn’t just about the celebration of LGBT life or a party - it’s also
about community, and supporting the organisations that help people in everyday
life. Pop by the market and community stalls over the weekend and see what the
various community groups are up to.
You’ll also be able to pick up a bargain from the numerous market stalls. Whether
it’s a t-shirt, rainbow flag or hat you’re after, you’re bound to find something you’ll
love.
Please visit www.birminghampride.com for more information.
Stonham Mental Health SSStttooonnnhhhaaammm MMMeeennntttaaalll HHHeeeaaalllttthhh CCCCaaaarrrreeeerrrr SSSSuuuuppppppppoooorrrrtttt
SSSSeeeerrrrvvvviiiicccceeee wwwwiiiillllllll bbbbeeee tttthhhheeeerrrreeee,,,, llllooooooookkkk oooouuuutttt ffffoooorrrr oooouuuurrrr ssssttttaaaallllllll!!!!

19
Birmingham Crisis Centre, PO Box 3634, B19 1ET — Fax: 0121 554 4305
Email: enquiries@birminghamcrisis.org.uk
www.birminghamcrisis.org.uk

Jointly is an innovative mobile and online
app designed to support carers.
It makes your caring a little easier, less stressful
and a lot more organised by making
communication and coordination between those
who share the care as easy as a text message.
How does Jointly work?
With Jointly you can create a circle of care for the person
you are looking after. Once you have set up your Jointly
circle you can start using Jointly to organise care.
You can use it on your own or you can invite other
people to join you and share the care.
Jointly works on iPhone, iPad, Android devices and on
most modern web browsers (home computers, laptops,
smartphones, tablets, etc.)
Key features:
• Simple, intuitive group communication: Communicate
23
with everyone in your Jointly circle at a touch of a
button! Simply post a message or upload an image.
• Tasks/lists: Keep organised and on top of things by
using tasks and task lists. Simply create a task and
assign it to any member of your Jointly circle, including
yourself, and monitor its status.
• Calendar: Create date/time specific events and invite
anyone in your circle. You can also use the field
provided to invite people outside your Jointly circle.
• Profile page: Store useful information about the person
you are looking after and have it available to access any
time at a click of a button!
• Medications: Use Jointly's Medications feature to keep
track of current and past medication of the person you
are caring for. You can also upload an image to quickly
recognise a medicine. Contacts list: Jointly allows you to
store more useful contacts so that you can access their
details anytime, anywhere!
Who is Jointly for?
People who share the care with others
People who juggle work and care
People with smartphones, tablets or access to the
web
Organisations who employ them or deliver services
to them
How can I access Jointly?
Jointly is available to download as a mobile app from Apple
and Google Play stores. Available online at
www.jointlyapp.com
A PC/Laptop version is
also available from
www.jointlyapp.com
Sharing care is easier when you do it
Jointly...
We're launching a new mobile and online app
designed by carers, for carers.
Jointly is designed to make caring a little easier, less
stressful and a lot more organised. Once you’ve
invited others into your Jointly circle, co-ordinating
tasks becomes as easy as sending a text message.
Even if you have no-one to share care with, you can
use Jointly’s care organisation tools to help you stay
on top of things.
Do I have to pay for Jointly?
You can visit www.jointlyapp.com or download the
app for free and access the Jointly video,
Jointly user guide and Jointly FAQs in order to find
out more about Jointly.
Jointly works with circles of care. You can purchase a
Jointly circle with a ’one-off’ payment of £2.99,
either through the Apple or Google Play stores or at:
www.jointlyapp.com.
Once you have purchased a Jointly circle for the
person you are looking after you can invite as many
people as you want to share the care with you. There
is no additional cost for you or the people you invite
to join you. Alternatively, you can use Jointly on your
own to organise the care around someone. In this
case you will still need to buy a Jointly circle.
Jointly by Carers UK:
www.carersuk.org/jointly

26
Newbridge House
In-patient Carers Group
Carers with patients
in hospital
Runs last Wednesday
of each month
Daytime evening
groups
30th April
28th May
2 – 4pm 6 –8pm
Contact:
Mick Brown
07713 385893
Newbridge House, 130 Hob Moor Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 9JH

About Deeds not Words
100 years ago suffragettes in Birmingham were campaigning for
women to be given voting rights. Their slogan was ‘Deeds Not
Words’ and they did things such as paint graffiti on the
cathedral and set light to the Handsworth Park boat house and
Northfield Library. A few of these little known incidents from
Birmingham’s history feature in a new novel by local author
Katharine D’Souza.
Katharine has lived and worked in the city for over twenty years
and says, ‘The actions of the suffragettes sound shocking, but
they felt they needed to do something extreme to make
themselves heard. This story looks at how their actions
influence a Brummie in the present day to defend a cause she
believes in.’
Deeds Not Words features Caroline, a museum curator, who
begins to uncover secrets from the past which stir up trouble.
She has to decide whether to act or to take the easy option of
staying silent. As Katharine says, ‘I wanted to explore how
someone might be heroic in the present day, especially if they
were inspired by something a relative had done in the past.’
28
Carers Week 2014
9 – 15 June
Carers Week is a UK-wide annual awareness
campaign which is taking place from Monday, 9 June
to Sunday 15 June. The aim is to improve the lives of
carers and the people they care for, by reaching out
to thousands of people who are currently missing out
on services that could help them in their caring role.
This year, the week will see the launch of the Carers
Week Quest – an exciting, new initiative to encourage
organisations and individuals in local communities to
work together to reach out to carers.
In support of the Quest, the Trust’s Carer Support Team
is organising two events for carers this year.
Monday 9 June: the team will launch Carers Week by
holding their annual walk for carers at Cannon Hill Park.
All carers who would like to put their best foot forward
are invited to meet in the courtyard (park-side
entrance) of the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) at
10.30am for an 11am start. The walk will be followed by
a gentle exercise activity provided by the Health
Exchange inside the MAC between 12pm and 1pm. A
member of staff from the Podiatry Service will also be
available to talk to carers about foot care.
Thursday 12 June: the Carer Support Team has joined
forces with the Trust’s membership team to reach out
to our known and unknown
carers who support our
service users. Carers are
invited to attend the event
to be held at the MAC in the performance studio
from 10.30am-12.30pm (doors will be open at
10.00). Brunch will be served at 10.30am and there
will be an opportunity to visit information stalls,
receive support and advice, and offer comments and
opinions on the Birmingham Community Healthcare
new carer’s charter.
The MAC is located at Cannon Hill Park Birmingham,
B12 9QH.
If you would like to attend the event on Thursday,
12 June, or know a carer who you think might like to
attend, places are limited so please book early by
contacting the membership team on 0121 466 7023
or by email ft@bhamcommunity.nhs.uk. Please
note that you do not need to book onto the event
on Monday, 9 June.
For further information on the events or the
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust
carers support team please contact:
Tel: 0121 466 4314/9
Email: carers@bhamcommunity.nhs.uk
For more information on carers week visit:
www.carersweek.org
Katharine D'Souza visits Birmingham Libraries
Birmingham based writer talks about her latest novel 'Deeds not Words'
The industries, museums and libraries of Birmingham form the
book’s backdrop, and readers might also recognise parts of
Edgbaston, Harborne and the city centre.
‘I wanted local readers to feel a sense of familiarity about the
story,’ Katharine said. ‘While the book can be enjoyed by people
from anywhere, Brummies will get an extra bit of fun from being
able to recognise where the action is taking place.’
The story follows Caroline as she runs into an old flame, becomes
embroiled in rivalry at work and finds her family’s expectations a
burden. As well as including references to suffragette history, the
plot looks at how Birmingham’s artistic and industrial heritage
remains important today.
Deeds Not Words author Katharine says, ‘I’m currently working on
my third book set in Birmingham in which I turn my attention
towards the jewellery trade and feature a hospital in Selly Oak
and chocolate making in Bournville.’
For more details go to www.katharinedsouza.co.uk.

29
Proceedings will commence at 11am, with a carillon recital by
Boudewijn Zwart, of the Netherlands—and the Centenary will be
marked, at noon, by a special ceremony on the Village Green.
Later, Trevor Workman will give a demonstration of the
carillon, and you will have opportunity to tour some of
the Green’s other historic buildings—including the
Friends Meeting House. Ruskin Hall and Selly Manor
Museum—before a carillon recital by the
City Carillonneur of Bruges, Belgium,
Frank Deleu, at 3pm
Boudewijn Zwart, Frank Deleu, and local guest artisans
Claire Vaughan and Laura Godwin, will be joined by
Bournville Carillonneurs Trevor Workman and
Charlotte Barber, and the choirs of Bournville
Junior School and St. Francis School.
Tickets are on sale now from the Rest House,
Bournville Village Trust, Selly Manor Museum
and ‘Louise of Bournville’ (the toy shop),.
Please purchase early to avoid
disappointment.
For more information please visit
The “Rest House” Bournville Green
and
Bournville Carillon Visitor Centre
Open Monday to Saturday
10am until 4.30pm
Stocking a wide range of Crafts produced
by local artisans.
A large selection of Gift Ware and
Bournville Carillon souvenirs.
Bookings for Carillon visits on Saturdays at
12 noon and 3pm can also be made.
Contact us by calling 07986 552770 during
opening hours.
Please note that we are able to accept
payment by cash, credit or debit cards.
Bournville “Rest House” is operated on a voluntary
basis By The Friends of Bournville Carillon, a
registered charity No. 1084093.

It is estimated that there are up to 1.5 million people in the UK
caring for a relative or friend with a mental health problem.
Hence, 1 in every 40 people is a mental health carer.
These figures include over 50,000 children and young people
looking after someone with a mental health problem in the UK.
What proportion do mental health carers represent of the total
carer population?
Mental health carers make up to 25% of the estimated 6 million
carers in the UK; 1 in 4 carers are mental health carers.
There were also 175,000 young carers (ages up to 18) identified
in the 2001 Census. Of that number, 29% (just over 50,000)
care for a family member with mental health problems.
How many mental health carers are seen by the Trust?
The total number of mental health carers known to The Princess
Royal Trust for Carers Centres is 27,603 (06/07 figures). 9% of
all carers seen by the Carers Centre network are mental health
carers.
Of this number, 2048 are young carers. Out of all young carers
seen by our Centres, 13% are caring for someone with a mental
illness.
What are the most common mental health conditions amongst
the people cared for?
Our Carers Health Survey 02/03 found that over 50% of carers
were caring for someone with learning disabilities (e.g. autism),
functional mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia), or organic mental
illness (e.g. dementia). This would put the UK figure for carers
of people with mental illness or learning disability at over 3
million carers. A separate study by Keeley Clarke estimated
that “40–50% of all carers provide care for another family
member or friend with a mental health problem” or learning
disability.
This is divided into:
11% caring for people with dementia,
7% caring for people with psychosis, schizophrenia or
30
depression
8% caring for people with both mental and physical illness or
disabilities
14% for people with learning disabilities or an autistic-spectrum
disorder.
What are the key issues facing mental health carers?
Risk of suicide of the person cared for – particularly for carers
of people who experience depression or psychosis, there is a
fear and risk that the person cared for will make suicide
attempts. Preventing these attempts, or dealing with the
aftermath of unsuccessful suicide attempts, places greater
emotional strain on mental health carers.
Unpredictability of caring for someone with mental health
problem – the nature of mental illness often means that carers
are faced with unpredictable (and in a minority of cases,
violent) behaviour and personality changes in the people they
care for, and need to deal with a “hidden” illness which makes
it more difficult to understand.
Certainly, the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ of certain conditions often
mean that the physical capabilities of the person may be
‘normal’ while their mental capabilities and emotional state may
vary greatly. This means that it is hard to plan for the future
when caring for someone with a mental health condition.
Stigma of mental illness – due to common prejudices and
misunderstandings around mental health, carers are less likely
to discuss caring with friends and family who may be in a
position to offer support and help. Mental health carers may
well end up isolated trying to cope on their own. This can also
act as a barrier to seeking professional support and help.
Increased financial burdens – given that carers may be unable to
remain in employment when caring for someone with a mental
health problem. Carers’ financial situation may be particularly
severe when caring for someone who is spending uncontrollably
(as with many severe cases of bipolar disorder, for example).
This can result in increased financial strain or even poverty for
mental health carers.
Confidentiality and information-sharing issues –mental health
carers often experience problems in obtaining sufficient
information about the service users’ condition to care
effectively. This leaves them under supported. Carers are
frequently marginalised by health and social care professionals
who may use patient confidentiality as a reason to ignore them,
and their experience and expertise. In The Princess Royal Trust
for Carers’ brief survey of mental health carers in 2007, 86% of
these carers had been offered no services in their own right
before contacting a Carers Centre.
Lack of specialised respite – conventional ‘sitting’ services are
often not appropriate or trained to work with mental
health service users. There is a marked lack of understanding of
how to work with families to provide appropriate respite when
mental illness is involved. As a result, mental health carers have
less time off from caring, which impacts on their own physical
and mental health, and their capacity to care.
Impacts on carers’ mental and physical health - given the above
issues, it is unsurprising that mental health carers spend an
average of 60 hours per week on caring tasks. Indeed, carers of
people with physical and mental problems are “more likely to
report high levels of neurotic symptoms than those caring for
people with physical problems or old age”, 28% compared with
14%. Isolation from family and friends as a result of the stigma
of mental health caring can also lead to depression and anxiety
for these carers.
However, this is not exclusive amongst mental health carers;
many carers report that their caring role affects their own mental
health. From The Princess Royal Trust for Carers’ Health Survey in
2004, among carers who responded:
38% reported suffering stress/nervous tension
28% reported suffering from depression
27% reported suffering from anxiety
This was in addition to other health problems reported, such as
high blood pressure or back injury. In this way, an element of
mental ill health will be involved in the vast majority of all caring
situations, given the stresses and responsibilities involved in
caring.

31
We welcome you to join us! An opportunity to meet with
other carers. You are also welcome to bring along people
you care for to any of the events if you wish.
Tuesday 1st April 7-9pm
Address: Elwood Centre, Erdington B26 6DE
Carers: Decorating and potting up plant pots.
Allsorts: Bingo, Fish and Chips for Brain injured people.
Tuesday 8th April 7-9pm
Address: 2 The Fairway Centre, Kings Norton B38 8XJ
Carers: Decorating and potting up plant pots.
Allsorts: Curling for Brain injured people.
The above activities are organised activities for both Brain Injured Clients and their Carers.
Friday 11th April 10am until 2:30pm
Trip out to The Jinney Ring Centre, Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4BU .
If you require a lift in the Mini Bus collection points will be from the MAC Centre at Cannon Hill
Park outside the entrance at 10am and Outside entrance to Morrison's at Rubery Great Park at
10:30am or if you would like to make your own way there meet us in car park of the Jinney Ring
Centre at 11am. Returning by 2:30pm.
Please let Gill know in advance if you are attending due to spaces on the Mini Bus.
Monday 28th April 12 midday until 2pm
The Cambridge, Hungry Horse, Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2US
Join us for a meal, drink and chat.
Please inform Gill for a place as booking will be required for a table. Thank you
Please contact Gill Davis CST Co-Ordinator for further information or to book a place,
Tel: 0121 457 7541
Mobile: 07552 167 073
Email: cstco-ordinator@headway-wm.org.uk
Headway (West Midlands) Ltd, Leighton House, 20 Chapel Rise,
Birmingham Great Park, Rednal, Birmingham B45 9SN

32
Peer support
Talking about your worries and problems can be a very good way of releasing some of the stress that can
build up when you’re a carer. Your family, friends and the medical and social work team can all listen to
your concerns.
But sometimes it's best to talk to someone who knows exactly what you’re going through, because it's
happening to them too. Other carers can offer kindness, sympathy, understanding and advice, and they
can make you feel less isolated.
How to meet other carers
A number of carer’s organisations, such as Stonham Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service
(0121 380 4949), Carers UK (0808 808 7777) and Carers Trust (0844 800 4361) have local groups around
the country. Some organisations for specific conditions, such as the MS Society (020 8438 0700) and
Macmillan Cancer Support (0808 808 0000), also have local groups. Macmillan supports more than 900
cancer self-help and support groups across the UK. If the person you care for has a condition or illness for
which there's a supportive organisation, check if that organisation has a group in your area.
The facilities and services offered can vary from group to group. Stonham’s Carer’s Gateway Team (0121
380 4949) can tell you what's available in your area for carers of people with mental health conditions.
These are some of the services you could find at support groups near you:
• regular meetings where members can get together, make new friends and share interests;
• relaxing treats for carers, such as complementary therapies, for example, reflexology or massage (these
may be subsidised);
• Guest speakers;
• social activities.
Local councils also often support or run independent support groups. Contact your local council’s social
services department to get details of groups near you (0121 303 9944).
Carer's tip
I sometimes attend a local special needs group, which is a great support. Carers can pool their
knowledge, borrow various specialised books, learn new things or just have a coffee and a chat
Support for black or ethnic minority carers
Many carers find that mixing socially with other people in a similar situation provides them with a welcome
break from the stresses and strains of caring and stops them feeling isolated. This can be difficult for black
and minority ethnic carers who may face cultural or language barriers when seeking help.
There are many groups that specialise in supporting the needs of black carers and carers from ethnic
minorities (or carers who look after people who are black or from an ethnic minority). These groups can
help you to find services that are better suited to your particular community, culture, diet or faith needs.
They can support you, for example, by helping you to find resources in your language if you have difficulty
with English.
Often these groups offer support in a local area where a specific cultural community is concentrated.
However, the National Black Carers and Carers’ Workers Network brings many of these groups together on
a national level, and it can sometimes put you in touch with a relevant organisation if there isn't one near
you. The network is hosted by the Afiya Trust (0207 803 1180), which aims to reduce inequality in health
and social care provision to black and minority ethnic groups. It also produces guidelines for people
working with black and minority ethnic carers.

Acacia Family Support announces...
33
POSTNATAL DEPRESSION
THE IMPACT ON DADS
A free afternoon conference
www.acacia.org.uk
Who should attend?
• Staff working in Children’s
Centres
• Staff working with families
in community settings
• Staff working in primary
mental healthcare settings
• Anybody with a
professional or personal
interest in the mental
health of new fathers
Further information
and bookings…
Administrator
Acacia Family Support
5a Coleshill Street
Sutton Coldfield
B72 1SD
0121 301 5990
kerrym@acacia.org.uk
Geoff Allcock
Fathers’ Postnatal Support
Co-ordinator
Acacia Family Support
geoff@acacia.org.uk
When?
Wednesday 7 May 2014| 1pm to 5pm
Where?
Centre for Professional Development
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
Including…
• Fathers, families and children: the impact of depression
Dr Paul Ramchandani, Imperial College, London
• Setting up and running a support service for fathers
affected by postnatal depression: Acacia Dads
Geoff Allcock, Acacia Dads
• Evaluation of Acacia Dads
Dr Jonathan Ives, University of Birmingham
• A father’s personal experience of postnatal depression
Lee Plummer
• Perinatal Mental Illness: don’t forget dad
Dr Giles Berrisford, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist,
Perinatal Mental Health Service, National Centre for
Mental Health, Birmingham
POSTNATAL
DEPRESSION
THE IMPACT
ON DADS
A free afternoon conference
Wednesday
7 May 2014
1pm to 5pm
Centre of Professional Development
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT
To book a place contact kerrym@acacia.org.uk

34
Group Frequency Venue
Address
Type of
Group
When Contact
Springhill
Library
Carers
Group
Monthly
2nd Monday of
each month
Springhill Library,
Springhill,
Hockley,
Birmingham,
B18 7BH
Mixed
Carers
Reading
Social
Group
14th April
12th May
2 – 4pm
Safia Sawal
07713 387325
Acocks Green
South
B’ham District
Carers Group
Monthly
1st Tuesday of each
month
South Yardley
Library, Yardley Rd
Birmingham
B25 8LT
Mixed Carers
Group
1st April
6th May
12.30—3.30
Phyllis Proctar
Eileen Skidmore
admiral1805@blue
yonder.co.uk or
0121 624 6770
Computer
Group
Our Place
Community Hub,
1-2 Farthing Lane,
Sutton Coldfield,
B72 1NR
Mixed Carers
Group
Ward End
Library Group
Monthly
4th Tuesday of
each month
Ward End Library
Westwood Heath Rd
Ward End
B8 2HF
Mixed Carers
Group
Group looking for new
members, all ability ranges
welcome.
Please register your interest
by calling 0121 380 4949
22nd April
27th May
11—1pm
Mick Brown
07713 385893
Phoenix
Centre
Carers Group
Weekly
each Wednesday
Phoenix Centre,
Harrison Road,
(off Erdington High
Street)
Erdington B24 9AD
Mixed Carers
Group
2nd, 9th,
16th, 23rd,
30th April
11 - 1pm
Mick Brown
07713 385893
Small Heath
Carers
Group
Monthly
1st Wednesday of
each month
Small Heath Health
Centre
42 Chapman Rd
Small heath
B10 0PG
Mixed Carers
Group
2nd April
7th May
2 – 4pm
Safia Sawal
07713 387325
Women Carer
Creativity
Group
Monthly
1st Wednesday of
each month
8 Heathfield Rd,
Kings Heath,
B14 7DB
0121 464 6717
Women's Art
Group
2nd April
7th May
7pm—9pm
Janet Summers
07713 385888
Chinese
Carers group
Monthly
2nd Wednesday of
each month
Chinese Community
Centre
99 Bradford Road
Digbeth B12 0NS
Chinese Carers
Only
9th April
14th May
10.30-12.30
Safia Sawal
07713 387325
...If anyone has any problems contacting the numbers above, please contact the
Gateway Team on 0121 380 4949, or to find out more information...

35
Address
Type of
Group
When Contact
Northfield
Carers Group
Monthly
1st Wednesdays of
each month
Creative Support,
88 Bristol Road
South, Northfield,
B31 2NS
Mixed Carers
Group
2nd April
7th May
2—3.30pm
Janet
Summers
07713 385888
Longbridge
Carers Group
Fortnightly
Alternate
Wednesdays
Longbridge Health
Community
Centre,
10 Park Way,
Rednal, B45
Mixed Carers
Group
9th 23rd
April
7th, 21st
May
11 -1pm
Janet
Summers
07713 385888
Quinton
Carers Group
Monthly
2nd Wednesday of
each month
Quinton Health
Centre,
Quinton Lane Health
Centre,
B32 2TR
Mixed Carers
Group
9th April
14th May
9.30-12pm
Office
0121 380 4949
Carer for
Carers Group
Monthly
3rd Wednesday of
each month
Zinnia Centre
100 Showell Green
Lane
Sparkhill
B11 4HL
Mixed Carers
Group
16th April
21st May
1 – 3pm
Safia Sawal
07713 387325
Newbridge
House
In-patient
Carers Group
Monthly
Daytime Evening
Last Wednesday of
each month
Newbridge House
130 Hob Moor Road,
Small Heath,
Birmingham,
B10 9JH
Carers with
Patients in
Hospital
30th April
28th May
2 – 4pm
6 –8pm
Mick Brown
07713 385893
Maypole
Carers Group
Monthly
Last Wednesday of
each month
Residents Common
Room, Bradshaw Cl.
Housing Complex,
Maypole B14 5NW
Mixed Carers
Group
30th April
28th May
10.30-12.30
Safia Sawal
07713 387325
Stechford
Carers Group
Monthly
2nd Thursday of
each month
The Stechford
Club
7 Victoria Road,
Stechford
Mixed Carers
Group
10th April
8th May
7 - 9pm
Mick Brown
07713 385893
New Heights
Art Group
Weekly
Every Thursday
Morning
New Heights St Johns
Centre Warren Farm
Road, Kingstanding
B44 0QN
Mixed Carers
Group
3rd, 10th,
17th, 24th
April
10 - 12pm
Asha Hussain
07713 387324

36
Address
Type of
Group
When Contact
Carers
Walking
Group
Monthly
2nd Thursday of
each month
The Barber Institute,
University of B’ham,
Edgbaston, B’ham, B15
2TS. Car parking
available at the
University’s south car
park on Edgbaston Park
Road
1-3 hrs £3, 3-5 hrs £4
Meet inside the main
entrance.
Mixed Carers
Walking Group
10th April
8th May
Meet 10.30
to walk
10.45
10th April
8th May
12th June
10th July
14th Aug
Safia Sawal
07713 387325
To see all
walking group
dates venues
see poster on
page 7 for
details
Parent Link
Group
(Carers of
Children)
Monthly
3rd Thursday of
each month
The ARC,
Moseley School,
Springfield Road
Entrance,
Moseley
B13 9NN
Mixed Carers
Group
17th April
15th May
10—12pm
Office
0121 380
4949
Stirchley
Carers Group
Monthly
3rd Thursday of
each month
Hazelwell Street
Stirchley
Birmingham,
B30 2JX
Mixed Carers
Group
17th April
15th May
11—1pm
Janet
Summers
07713 385888
Sutton
Carers Group
Monthly
Last Thursday of
each month
Our Place Community
Hub,
1-2 Farthing Lane,
Sutton Coldfield,
B72 1NR
Mixed Carers
Group
24th April
29th May
6–8pm
Mick Brown
07713 385893
Kinmos
Carers Group
Monthly
1st Friday of each
month
Kinmos Centre
1 High Street
Kings Heath
B14 7AR
Mixed Carers
Group
4th April
2nd May
10 – 12pm
Janet
Summers
07713 385888
Take a Break
Carers Group
Monthly
Last Friday of each
month
Creative Support
64 Water Street
Digbeth
B3 1HN
Mixed Carers
Group
25th April
30th May
1 – 3pm
Safia Sawal
07713 387325

To Report it Dial: 999, 101, 0800 555 111, or
38
To Report a Hate Crime
West Midlands Police are please to certify that
Stonham Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service
is an
Official Third Party Reporting Centre for Hate Crime
Have you or someone you know been a victim of a hate crime or hate incident?
Follow us on Twitter - @true_vision_hc
'Like' Our Facebook page –
www.facebook.com/acpotruevision
www.report-it.org.uk
On this website, you can:
Find out what hate crimes or hate
incidents are.
Find out about the ways you can report
them.
Report using the online form.
Find information about people that can
help and support you if you have
been a victim.
Reporting makes a difference – to you, your
friends, and your community. By reporting
hate crime when it happens, you can help stop
it happening to someone else. You will also
help the police to better understand the level
of hate crime in your local area, and improve
the way they respond to it.
Hate crimes and incidents come in many
different forms. It can be because of hatred on
the grounds of your race, religion, sexual
orientation, transgender identity or disability.
Hate crime in any form is wrong. That is why it
is important that if hate crime happens to you
or someone you know, that you report it.
True Vision is here to give you information
about hate crime or incidents and how to
report it.

39
Stonham Carer Support Service
Unit 3, Holt Court North
Heneage Street West
Birmingham Science Park,
Aston, B7 4AX
Please use for your
comments, feedback or
complaints return to…

April information pack.2014

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