Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton

Supporting Unpaid Carers in Merton
October 2012
IN THIS ISSUE:-
Pages 2-6 Regular Activities and events
listings
Page 7: Support our fundraiser Gary
Bellinger
In August several carers visited
the fan museum in Greenwich.
Everyone enjoyed the day as well
as sampling a superb cream tea.
Page 8-9: Focusing on Mental Health
Page 10-11: Merton Mencap News
Back Page: Meet the Team!
Hello and
welcome to
this edition of
carers news.
This years AGM is going to
focusing on the work that we
undertake with our carers of
those that have mental health
problems. There will be a
presentation from both our
adult service team and our
young carers team on new
projects that we are working on.
We will also be showcasing our
new DVD for professionals
helping them identify young
carers who are living with
someone with mental health
problems or substance misuse.
The event will be attended by
the Mayor of Merton David
Williams and many local
councillors and professionals.
At the end of the meeting
everybody will have the
opportunity to connect and ask
questions with other attendees.
Our buffet is being provided by
Merton Mencap’s cafe
Your invite is enclosed with this
newsletter and we hope that you
can join us.
Take Care
Debbie
If you use twitter please follow our new account @MertonCarers where you can keep
up with the latest events and carers issues

M
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N
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What and When
Pilates for Carers
Held every Monday until 17th December (not 10th October)
From 10.30-11.30am (unless otherwise advised by the teacher)
Come along and join us or for more information phone Susan Bowman on 0208 646 7515
Donation: £3.00
MACS Carers Groups for those affected by Drugs and Alcohol
Held every Monday 1.00pm to 2.30pm
If you have not previously attended this group please contact Lorna Nunn on 020 8417 1960
Alzheimer's Support Group
Held on the third Monday of Every Month 10.30am—12.30pm
Monday 15 th October , Monday 19 th Nov,
Come and join us for a cup of tea and join our group where carers can support each other
with tips and ideas about their caring role. For more information contact Shelley Lynch on
0208 646 7515
Where
The Vestry Hall
London Road
Mitcham
CR4 3UD
The Wimbledon
Guild
Worple Road
SW19 4EF
St Helier
Community Centre
Hill House
Bishopsford Road
Morden
SM4 6BL
Wimbledon Guild Drop-in Carers Group:
Held on the 2nd Monday of every month 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Monday 8 October: Information on Personal Budgets
Daniela Meloni will explain what personalisation will mean for carers and the person they care
for, and will answer any queries.
Monday 12th November: First Aid for Carers
A Red Cross trainer will demonstrate techniques to deal with emergencies that may arise
when caring for someone.
Cost: By Donation
The Wimbledon
Guild
Drake House
44 St George’s
Road
SW19 4ED
T
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Aromatherapy Massage
Every Tuesday at 2.00pm and 2.50pm—By appointment only
To book Contact Susan Bowman on 0208 646 7515
Donation £5.00 (£3.00 on means tested benefit)
Carers Cafe - For those caring for someone with Mental Health Problems
Evening groups are held 6.30pm -9.00pm
23 rd October, 20 th November; 18 th December
Join us and meet other carers in a supportive environment. Have a brief respite and enjoy a
hot or cold snack or light tasty meal at no cost as well as tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweets.
For more information contact Margaret Whittle on 0208 646 7515
The Vestry Hall
London Road
Mitcham
CR4 3UD
Lantern Cafe
Raynes Park
Methodist Church
Worple Road
Raynes Park
SW20
T
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S
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Womens Group
Held on the 1st Thursday of every month 1.30pm—4.30pm
Thursday 4th October– Fan making with Linda West
Thursday 1st November-Avon Calling! With Debbie Kilby
All female carers are welcome to come along to our meetings and enjoy some refreshments,
the company of other female carers and take part in a regular activity.
Contact Susan Bowman for more information 0208 646 7515
Donation: £3.00
The Vestry Hall
London Road
Mitcham
CR4 3UD
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE Email REMINDERS ABOUT FORTHCOMING EVENTS
PLEASE FORWARD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO : debbie@csmerton.org
(This does not mean that you will receive the newsletter by email , you can still choose
to receive by post)
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T
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Mens Group
Held on the 3rd Thursday of every month 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Thursday 18th October—Speaker to be advised
Thursday 15th November—Speaker to be advised
All male carers are welcome to come along to our meetings and enjoy some refreshments,
the company of other male carers and take part in a regular activity.
Contact Susan Bowman for more information 0208 646 7515
Donation: £3.00
The Vestry Hall
London Road
Mitcham
CR4 3UD
F
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Carers Cafe - For those caring for someone with Mental Health Problems
Daytime groups are held once a month on Friday 12.30-3.00.
5 th October; 2 nd November; 14 th December
You can enjoy a light lunch with friends in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. There’ll be
tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweet things to tempt you.
For more information contact Margaret Whittle on 0208 646 7515
The Vestry Hall
London Road
Mitcham
CR4 3UD
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS PLEASE
CONTACT SUSAN BOWMAN( unless otherwise stated) ON EITHER:
Tel: 0208 646 7515 susan@csmerton.org
Wednesday 3rd October
Tuesday 9th October
Depart from
Wimbledon at
11.00am
Cost £11.50
The Vestry Hall
11.00am –12.30pm
BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, W12 .
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the most famous television
centre in the world. People have been inviting the BBC into
their homes for many years and now it’s your turn to visit them.
Have an exclusive look at the BBC newsroom and the famous
studios, and see memorabilia from well-known programmes
such as EastEnders and Dr Who. Venture into the dressing
rooms or green rooms that have hosted many famous guests
over the decades.
Please do not send any payment at this time.
Sutton and Merton IAPT—Workshop 1
Living Positively with Long Term Conditions:
Do you care for someone with MS or another long-term,
significant health condition? Our experienced therapists from
Sutton and Merton IAPT will offer help understanding, together
with techniques for managing loss, mood and aspects of care in
daily life for carers of people with long term illnesses.
To book your place please contact Debbie Kilby on 0208 646
7515 email debbie@csmerton.org
Tuesday 16th October
Vestry Hall
11.30am-1.00pm
Book Circle If you enjoy reading why not consider joining our
book circle? We are currently reading “The Mill House” by
Susan Lewis, published in Arrow paperback price £7.99,
Thursday 18th October
The Vestry Hall
5.30pm—7.30pm
Carers Support Merton — AGM
Tuesday 23rd October
The Vestry Hall
11.00am –12.30pm
Sutton and Merton IAPT—Workshop 2
Living Positively with Long Term Conditions:
(see 9th October for full information)
3

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS PLEASE
CONTACT SUSAN BOWMAN( unless otherwise stated) ON EITHER:
Tel: 0208 646 7515 susan@csmerton.org
Wednesday 24th October
Thursday 25th October
Meet 10.00am Morden
Station
Cost: Entrance is free,
£5.60 for a guided tour
The Vestry Hall
2.00 pm—5.00pm
Cannon Hill Common
10.30am
(meet at the entrance on
Cannon Hill Lane, on bus
route 164 or 493)
THE BRITISH LIBRARY:
“ONE OF THE UGLIEST BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD”
The British Library has been called “one of the ugliest buildings
in the world”, but inside this ultra modern building on Euston
Road are galleries full of over 200 literary treasures from Magna
Carta and the Lindisfarne Gospels, through the Gutenberg Bible,
Leonardo’s notebooks and Shakespeare First Folios to original
Beatles lyrics. In addition there is an excellent shop and high
quality café. WHEN BOOKING PLEASE SAY IF YOU WOULD BE
INTERESTED IN THE GUIDED TOUR.
WORKSHOP 1 Managing your Personal Budget when
you use Direct Payments
This Workshop will cover:-
What you can and can’t use Personal Budgets for
How to keep track of your spending
Value for money
Pooling Direct Payments with other Direct Payments’
users
To book your place contact Debbie on 0208 646 7515 or
email Debbie@csmerton.org
Walking Group
An autumnal stroll around Cannon Hill Common. The walk
will last about an hour and will be on a mixture of made up
paths and rougher ground, so please wear suitable
footwear. Afterwards we shall have refreshments at Linda
West’s house.
Tuesday 6th November
The Vestry Hall
11.00am—12.30pm
Sutton and Merton IAPT—Workshop 3
Living Positively with Long Term Conditions:
(see October 9th for full information)
Thursday 8th November
To find out more or to attend this years carers summit and
make for voice heard for all carers in the UK visit :-
Www.carersuk.org or call 020 7378 4999
Wednesday 21st November 10.00am-1.00pm
WORKSHOP 2 Managing your Personal Budget when
you use Direct Payments
This Workshop will cover:-
What you can and can’t use Personal Budgets for
How to keep track of your spending
Value for money
Pooling Direct Payments with other Direct Payments’
users
To book your place contact Debbie on 0208 646 7515 or
email Debbie@csmerton.org
Friday 30th November
Carers Rights Day
4

Friday 7th December 2pm—5pm WORKSHOP 3 Managing your Personal Budget when
you use Direct Payments
This Workshop will cover:-
What you can and can’t use Personal Budgets for
How to keep track of your spending
Value for money
Pooling Direct Payments with other Direct Payments’
users
To book your place contact Debbie on 0208 646 7515 or
email Debbie@csmerton.org
Tuesday 11th December
The Vestry Hall
12 noon to 3.00pm
All carers and their cared-for persons are invited to our annual
Christmas party. There will be plenty of food and drink, a visit
from Father Christmas, carol-singing by the children of Benedict
School, and a raffle with lots of high-quality prizes.
Thursday 13th December
10.15am Wimbledon
Station
Visit the German style Christmas market – 60 wooden chalets
situated on the Southbank in front of the Royal Festival Hall and
the London Eye, selling amber and silver jewellery, hand crafted
toys, glass ornaments for the Christmas tree, candles and other
seasonal gifts. There are also food and drink stalls, and we
shall start our visit with tea and coffee in one of the restaurants
on the Southbank.
This year’s pantomime
at the New
Wimbledon Theatre
will be “Snow
White”. This is advertised as a “dazzling
fairytale… ..guaranteed to melt everyone’s heart”.
Watch as Snow White and her seven friends
attempt to thwart the deadly plans of the Wicked
Queen. Will Snow White live long enough to meet
her handsome prince? This pantomime has
spectacular sets, sparkling costumes, side splitting
comedy and lots of fun for everyone to enjoy.
It is proposed to take a group of carers and the
people they care for to see “Snow White “on
Tuesday 8 January 2013 at 1.30pm. There is a
seniors (ie 60+) special matinee price of £15 per
ticket sitting in the stalls. The group rate for people
under 60 is £24.50, although the theatre is
prepared to be flexible if people are approaching
their 60 th birthday. If you would like to join us
please contact Susan Bowman on 0208 646
7515 by Monday 15th October indicating if
you require a wheelchair space for your cared-for
person. If you are under 60 please state whether
you would be prepared to pay the full price of
£24.50. Please do not send any money at this time.
Please note that once the tickets are booked you will be
liable for payment even if subsequently you are unable to
attend.
SOUTH West London Recovery College
TELLING YOUR STORY
An opportunity to reflect on and make sense
of things that have happened.
Using a range of creative approaches
including: writing, collage, drawing
Date and time: Friday 5 th October, 10.00 a.m.
to 12.00 for 10 weeks
Location: Cheam Resource Centre
What previous students said about the course:
“an amazing course that has given me better self unders
tanding and enlightenment .”
“The course had many benefits and was one of the best
I have ever been on ”
“The course…has helped me to better understand and
reconnect with who I am, what I want from life.”
“I initially saw the title of this course and I said to myself
- I am not a storyteller or a writer, I have nothing to say
or anything interesting to contribute. To my surprise I do
have something to say.”
“This course has been a good way to explore my hidden
thoughts and fears, to express out loud my hidden fears
and hopes and dreams.”
“ …listening to others,I dont feel too alone now”
For more information about this and other
recovery college courses or to register please
ring : 0203 513 5818
Or email: recoverycollege@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
5

Wimbledon Cancer Friendship Group
Are you, or is someone you are caring for, affected by cancer?
Wimbledon Cancer Friendship Group offers confidentiality, a listening ear, emotional
support and encouragement, factual information, practical help, advice on finding
professional assistance and useful contacts.
There are two Thursday meetings per month: Evening talks are on the second Thursday of the month
from 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. Afternoon drop-in meetings are on the fourth Thursday from 3.15 – 4.30
p.m. both at the Social Centre Lounge (occasionally Drake House), Wimbledon Guild, 30/32 Worple Road
SW19 4EWF; all meetings are free to attend. For more information call 07948 767 936 or email
wcfg@live.co.uk Website www.wimbledoncancerfriendship.blogspot.com
The Group’s Autumn Programme is as follows:
11 October Evening Talk by Suzanne Ruggles from St. George’s Complementary Therapy Team;
25 October Afternoon Drop-in
8 November Evening Talk by Sue Batley, Adult Services Manager from Carers Support Merton;
22 November Afternoon Drop-in.
13 December Annual Social Event, 12.30 – 2.00 p.m.
In addition, as part of our informal partnership we are fortunate to have Elizabeth Stewart from the Group coming to
our monthly Carers Support Merton Drop-in at Drake House, Wimbledon Guild on Monday 14 January 2013, to talk
to carers about the Cancer Friendship Group – please see Diary for details of our Wimbledon Guild Drop-in events.
Sometimes it’s hard to keep
going when you’re a carer…..
If you are caring for someone it can be hard to
think about your own needs. You may have a
specific issue or immediate problem to work
out, or want help to think about your worries
and feelings more generally.
Our Counselling Service can provide the structure and reflective
space you need. Following an initial assessment meeting with the
counsellor to discuss your needs and whether counselling is right for
you, you’ll be offered regular, confidential sessions lasting 50 minutes.
These will normally be weekly for a minimum of 6 sessions, and may be
extended up to a maximum of one year as agreed between you and
your counsellor. We understand that as a carer your life can be
unpredictable, but successful counselling depends on regular contact so
we ask that you make a commitment to attend on a regular basis, apart
from unavoidable emergencies.
You can make a positive difference to your life as a carer by
taking the chance to share your concerns and experiences with
someone who can help you make sense of them. All our counsellors are
qualified or on recognised training courses that comply with the BACP
Code of Ethics and Practice. We’ll provide further details and discuss
our Counselling Agreement with you at your initial session.
If you’re interested, please contact Susan Bowman with any further
questions and if you want to go ahead, she will be able to match you
with an available counsellor. Susan can be contacted on 020 8646
7515, or email susan@csmerton.org
Action for M.E. has launched a
new online carers forum,
specifically for those caring for
someone with M.E.
If you are caring for a child,
partner, parent or other
relative or friend with M.E.,
take part at
www.actionforme.org.uk/
forums
We would like to welcome our new
volunteer Alan who is helping us
raise funds through ebay.
If you are a regular ebay user you
can donate to us direct through
your ebay account whenever you
sell or buy anything by choosing us
as your supported charity.
We would be happy to hear from
you if you have any items that you
can donate for us to sell.
Please call Debbie on 0208 646
7515 if you can help
6

Support Our Fundraiser
A big THANK YOU to Gary
Bellinger who is raising
money for Carers Support
Merton and Deafness
Research UK by taking part
in two events.
On the 28th October he will
be running the London ‘Run
to the Beat’ half marathon
which is sometimes known
as London's music half
marathon because it has
music playing along the
route from start to finish
On the 1st December he will be cycling from Brighton
& Hove Albion's Amex stadium to Crystal Palace's
Selhurst Park stadium in time to see the game
between the two clubs kick off.
You can sponsor Gary for as much or as little as you
can- every penny is really gratefully received.
Falls Prevention
Information
Sometimes the side effects of the
medication that you are taking
may increase the risk of a fall or
have adverse side effects . There
may be alternative medicines that
you can use or the dose of your current
medication could be lowered or stopped all
together.
If you want to know more about the medicines
you are taking, what they do and how to get the
most out of them book FREE appointment with
your local pharmacy. You could find their details
on the label of your dispensed medicines or just
visit your local pharmacy and book an
appointment
If you are affected by Autism,
Dyslexia, ADHD or other special
needs join Celina O’Briens
facebook page for support and
information from other members
Celina is a carer herself and
understands the difficulties that carers face.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
https://www.facebook.com/
groups/269858456423425/
Carers Walk on Mitcham Common led by Jovita Kaunang
On Monday 16 July, I led a nature walk on Mitcham Common with Susan Bowman and two carers from
Susan’s walking group. Two other local naturalists joined us, Graham Collins and Derek Coleman. Derek is
one of the Mitcham Common Conservators. We met in the car-park outside the Ecology Centre in Windmill
Road and crossed over to Mill Hill, which is the highest of the artificial hills on the Common created from
rubbish tipping in the 1950s. Despite the rain, we soon saw a Meadow Brown butterfly and a lone Swift
which is a bird we only have during the summer. Mill Hill had large patches of flowers and we looked at how
the Ragwort plants were covered in yellow and black striped caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth. The
caterpillars’ warning colours indicate their unpleasant taste due to the poisons derived from Ragwort. We
didn’t see the adult moth, but with better weather it is easily seen during the day on the Common and is
black with red markings (see photo). After coming down Mill Hill, we passed Seven Island Pond, but didn’t
stop as I was keen to take the group to an area near Cedars Road where White Bryony grows. This is a
climbing plant with white flowers that uses the trees on the Common for support and has a ladybird that was
new to Britain in the late 1990s – the Bryony Ladybird. We eventually found one of these large, orange-red
ladybirds along with their larvae. At this point we decided to head back, going round the back of Seven
Island Pond, stopping briefly to watch a Green Woodpecker on the ground.
I’m glad we didn’t let the poor weather stop us going out, as we still had an
interesting time and a memorable occasion. All parts of this walk can be
reached by walking from any of the 118 bus stops on Commonside East.
For more information about Carers Support Walking group Contact Susan
Bowman on 0208 646 7515
7

Focus on
Mental Health
Welcome to Margaret!
This autumn we are delighted to announce that
Margaret Whittle, our Mental Health Carers
Support Worker, has become a full-time
member of staff in the Adult Carers Service.
Margaret, whose post has been funded for
two days a week by Lloyds TSB since
December 2011, has increased her hours from
10 September with funding from NHS Sutton and
Merton Primary Care Trust
AGM
To celebrate the Lloyds TSB and
new NHS funding and the official
launch this Autumn of the Big
Lottery funded AYCES (Action for
Young Carers’ Education &
Support) Project, our AGM this
year will focus on the needs of
mental health carers of all ages,
and the ways in which we at CSM
can support them, together with
our NHS and community partners.
AYCES Project Worker at CSM,
Esme Crowden, will join Margaret
Whittle in presenting the work of
the new services and from South
West London & St.George’s NHS
Mental Health Trust we are
fortunate to welcome Mark
Clenaghan, Sutton & Merton
Service Director and Deborah
Wright, Associate Director and
Carers Lead for Merton, to tell you
about service developments
involving carers. Please come
along and be a part of it!
Thank you to our funders for enabling
us to extend and develop this vital
work.
Caring During Hospital Admission
At Carers Support Merton we know how difficult it can be when someone you
care for is admitted to hospital. To help carers we now hold a regular support
session on Jupiter Ward at Springfield Hospital on Friday mornings from 10
am – 12 pm. This coincides with the Care Planning Review Meetings (Ward
Round) on the ward. We will also be running a similar evening session on
Jupiter Ward on Thursday evenings (excluding the first Thursday of the
month) from 6:30 pm – 8pm. This service will enable working carers/parent
carers to access our support services. CSM staff will be available to support
you as carers whilst the person you care for is in hospital. This could include
representing or supporting you at meetings, negotiating with staff,
introducing you to the services that CSM can offer to carers, signposting you
to other relevant services, or giving you emotional support during times of
difficulty.
If you would like to meet with Margaret & Marcella (Friday support session)
or Donna & Marcella (Thursday evening session), please contact CSM to
book an appointment on 020 8646 7515 email margaret@csmerton.org or
donna@csmerton.org. Alternatively you can contact the ward direct on 020
3513 6267/8 and ask for an appointment to be booked (Friday mornings
only).
TRAINING
Recently our collaboration with the Trust’s Recovery College has provided an
opportunity for Merton carers to receive training locally, about how best to
understand the issues they face when caring for someone with mental illness. Topics
covered have included ‘problems in caring and how to tackle them’ and ‘dealing with
crisis and getting through the mental health system maze’. This has also informed
carers about the work of the Recovery College where users, carers and staff can
benefit from a wide variety of courses that promote knowledge about mental ill
health and strategies for coping. More to come!
Calling All Mental Health Carers!
Can you help to co-produce our training for carers of people with long-term or life-long serious mental
illness?
Co-production is gaining increasing recognition as an effective approach to working with service users and carers. It
means involving carers and people who use services in the design and delivery of social care as equal partners, rather
than as passive recipients. The key difference between participation and co-production is a move from service users or
carers being consulted and brought into work by staff that is already underway, to being co-creators.
At CSM we have agreed with Catherine Gamble from South West London & St. George’s NHS Mental Health Trust that
we will co-produce with mental health carers, a draft plan for the content and delivery of Recovery College training that
specifically addresses issues involved in caring for someone with a long-term or life-long serious mental illness. This is
in response to many requests from carers, that the Recovery College offers a course to address these needs.
Currently we have a small but loyal band of carers who are working with us to co-produce a
draft plan, but as a group we would love to have more of you – you do not need any special
skills! Just the benefit of your experience, and a willingness to share it in order to explore the
most significant features of long-term mental health caring so that together we can construct a
useful and meaningful plan. If you are interested, would like to be involved or to know
more, please come to our next meeting at Vestry Hall on Thursday 25 th October
2012 from 6.15 – 7.45 or contact Margaret Whittle or Sue Batley at CSM on 020
8646 7515;
email margaret@csmerton.org or sue@csmerton.org
8

Triangle of Care
T
he launch by Carers Trust (formerly Princess Royal Trust for Carers) in July 2010 of a new ‘Guide to Best
Practice in Mental Health Care’ was the culmination of years of research into the information and support
that mental health carers need from service providers.
Entitled The Triangle of Care, Carers Included:
the Guide is a valuable tool for:
bringing together all mental health service providers
sharing best practice and building on current practice
self-assessing existing service provision
offering support and encouragement to mental health
providers to deliver best practice consistently
The Triangle (in reference to the relationship between service users, professionals and carers) is based on
6 principles that mental health trusts can use to include and support carers. It explores what each principle
means in practice and provides good practice examples.*
The 6 key principles:
1. Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter.
2. Staff are carer aware and trained in carer engagement strategies.
3. Policy and practice protocols re confidentiality and sharing information are in place.
4. Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place.
5. A carer introduction to the service and staff is available, with a relevant range of information across the acute care
pathway
6. A range of carer support services is available along with a self-assessment tool.
* Adapted from The Triangle of Care Project Update, Carers Trust April 2012
Carers Support Merton: closing the Triangle of Care
Late last year we were pleased to extend our alliance with Sutton Carers Centre and with the South West
London & St.George’s NHS Mental Health Trust, specifically to work towards closing the ‘Triangle of Care’ and
improve collaboration and partnership between carers, staff and service users. Work is still ongoing and there
is much to do. Building on the progress made so far, we will be strengthening links with wards and working with
the Trust as it develops Triangle of Care standards further over the coming months and undertakes the selfassessment
process.
Progress to Date:
The information leaflet for carers visiting the ward has recently been updated.
We are pleased to report that there are now two identified Carers Leads on the Ward:
they are Ruth and Prince.
Carers are now approached at an early stage when their relation or loved one is admitted:
wherever possible within one week of admission.
They are also encouraged to meet with appropriate members of the staff team on the ward at the
Care Planning Review Meeting.
We at CSM have been visiting the inpatient ward at Springfield Hospital for Merton carers
(Jupiter Ward) since January 2012, and have now established at least one weekly presence on the
ward when CSM staff are available to meet with carers.
9

MERTON MENCAP CONTACT DETAILS:-
David’s Story
By Pauline Stanley
A few years ago, I made a
poster of my son's achievements, mainly to inspire
new mums of babies with disabilities. This was seen
by Mencap Head Office who contacted me to say
they would like to nominate David to Lloyds TSB to
carry the paralympic torch. I had to write a story
about David in no more than 150 words which told of
David being born with Downs Syndrome and being
the eldest of 3 siblings. He watched his younger
brother & sister grow up and surpass him in
academia and achievements and always aspired to
copy them. Fearing for his safety due to his disability,
he was often denied opportunities and his younger
brother & sister would also say 'Mum give him a
chance' and every time he was given the chance - he
surpassed our expectations.
He represented our borough swimming competitively
in the London Games for people with learning
disabilities, featured in a DVD teaching people with
Learning disabilities how to travel independently and
works in the Merton Mencap Cafe, features in
magazines promoting information & services for
people with learning disabilities, has fund raised,
independently quad biked, parasailed and jumped off
cliffs into the sea. He is also known for helping
others, especially staff and those in wheelchairs at his
Day Centre.
David's nomination was successful and he was to
take part in the 24 torch torch relay that ended in the
stadium. His time slot was 3.03am and he had to
meet in thelovely Bushey Country Golf Club where
refreshments awaited. As people arrived we chatted
and David met his team and the judges who chose
his story. The volunteers gave the torches and a
briefing of how the flame would be carried & passed.
News came that
the torch was
running late and I
wondered
whether he would
stay away but the
atmosphere was
buzzing. At
about 4.30am,
we went outside
to await the
previous torch
bearers. Some
locals who had gone home at 3am had returned and
we including family and friends anxiously awaited the
flame with our torches and lanterns to light up the
route.
Then, in the distance we saw blue flashing lights
appear, the police motorcade approached and
excitement grew. More lights then a huge truck lit up
the night bearing TV cameras followed by escorts and
then the flame bearers. Loud cheers erupted with no
regard for the sleeping residents and we followed the
flame up the road with cheers and shouting
encouragement to the bearers. Each team of 5 had
to carry the torch for half a mile, each bearing the
flame for approx 160 meters. When my son was
born 30 years ago, I never thought he would achieve
some of the things he has done, let alone be
recognised for it. He had the chance to do
something his brother & sister could not do. A night
we'll remember for the rest of our lives and we gave
David a paralympic Tea party so his friends could
come and see the occasion which we filmed and
projected at his party.
Forthcoming outings for 2012:
Friday 26 th October.
10.15am: Tour of Diamond Riding Centre, Carshalton. Meet at Civic Centre, Morden. Transport is provided or carers can meet
us there if they wish to make their own way.
Phone Lisa on 020 8687 4657 to book a place.
Merton Mencap is a local, registered charity which provides services for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and their family
carers living in Merton. We are affiliated to the national Mencap Society, which reflects our shared values.
Main office - for all enquiries between 9am and 5pm, Monday- Friday: 020 8646 0965 and email at info.merton@swlondonmencap.nhs.uk
Lisa Gallacher, Carers Community Advisor - for enquiries relating to our services for carers of adults: 020 8687 4657 and
cca@swlondonmencap.nhs.uk
Projects Manager (adults) – for enquiries about our services for adults with a learning disability: 020 8646 0965 and email at
pma@swlondonmencap.nhs.uk
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Merton Shared Lives Scheme.
What is it and who is it for?
This scheme is for adults aged 18 and over, with a learning disability or a mental health issue. It is an
accommodation based service for people who need some support in their lives. A Shared Lives carer, who
has been recruited by Merton, will help people with: keeping healthy, money management, self care,
completing forms and reading letters, learning new skills, having the opportunity to access hobbies and
activities. A person using this service may be sharing the Shared Lives carers home or they may receive
floating support from them in another property. The scheme is affiliated to Shared Lives Plus and is
monitored and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) yearly. Shared Lives carers will receive
training and Shared Lives officers are in regular contact with the carer.
What is the referral process?
If you are interested in this scheme, you need to speak
to your social worker or care manager who will need to
make a referral.
If you would like to find out more about the scheme or
are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer by
letting out a spare room and providing support to a
vulnerable adult in Merton, please contact:
Tel: 0208 545 3900 or
www.merton.gov.uk/shared-lives-scheme
Carers Partnership Group:
This meets the first Tuesday of the month at High
Path Community Resource Centre, 63 High Path,
South Wimbledon SW19 2JY. If you’d like to know
more about the group or chat before coming along to
a meeting, contact Sally Burns on 0208 542 9081 or
at sallyjaneburns@hotmail.com.
NB: Next meeting is Tuesday 2 nd October 2012 from
10am to 12pm.
Merton Mencap Carers Group trip to BBC Television Centre:
Thursday 26 th July 2012.
On Thursday 26 th July, 18 carers along with Donna and Lisa travelled to BBC television
centre, Shepherds Bush. As you can see from the pictures, it was a lovely day and we
all had a great time. Once we had all passed through security, we were led around the
building by 2 expert guides, who explained about the history of the building. They
showed us the BBC news in action and Jean tried to present the weather in the
interactive studios, which was not as easy as it looks on TV. The BBC television centre
has 8 studios and we saw inside studio one which is the second largest TV studio in
Britain and this is where Strictly Come Dancing has been filmed. Our guides showed us
into a dressing room and regaled us with stories about the demands of certain
celebrities. She said Lady Gaga asked for a couple of fridges to put her wigs in and
Madonna once asked for a life-size replica of the pope and Madame Tussauds helped
out by providing one of their old waxworks from storage. We saw props from
Eastenders, which included Pat’s earrings and Pauline Fowler’s apron from her days in
the launderette. Once the tour was finished, carers had the option of looking around
the gift shop and also Westfield shopping centre, which is directly opposite.
Pauline Fairbrother
Merton Mencap is
saddened by news that
Pauline Fairbrother died
on 4 August 2012. Many
local people know Pauline
who, with great energy
and determination,
campaigned tirelessly for
a better life for people
with a learning disability
and their families.
Pauline’s work and
achievements are an
important part of Merton
Mencap and we send
Pauline’s family all our
best wishes at this time.
If you would like to know
more about Pauline’s life,
you can find details kindly
provided by one of
Pauline’s daughters, Ruth
Sharratt, on the latest
new page of the Merton
Mencap web site
www.mertonmencap.org.
uk
Replica of the Match of the Day set.
(L to R) Sally, Betty, Elizabeth, Pauline and Ashy.
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The Carers Support Merton Team
Melanie
Monaghan
CEO
Karin
Sensier
Office
Manager
Hazel Daniell
YC Project
Manager
Anne
Webster
Finance
Manager
Sue Batley
Adult Services
Manager
Debbie Kilby
Administrator
Denise
Whitelocke
Book Keeper
Saloni
Suntokee
Ayces Admin
Moira Clews
Administrator
Mariya
Petrova
Volunteer
Paul Murphy
Volunteer
Dorothy
Mellor
Volunteer
Alan
E-Bay
Volunteer
Shelley Lynch
Adult Carers
Support Worker
Daniela Meloni
Adult Carers
Support Worker
Margaret
Whittle
Mental Health
Worker
Donna Perkins
Adult Carers
Support Worker
Opal Lindsay
Family
Support
Worker
Susan
Bowman
Adult Activities
Rachelle
Jones
Play
Co-ordinator
Joe Collins
Youth
Co-ordinator
Tom Lambert
Family
Support YC
Esme Crowden
Family Support
Worker
Toni Richards
Chair
John Williams
Treasurer
Adrian Mullins
Trustee
Zoe Penny
Trustee
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP
CSM would like to raise awareness about
domestic violence and how carers are affected.
Lesley
Carlton-
JonesTrustee
Betty
Redpath
Trustee
John Davey
Trustee
Trevor Blair
Trustee
Derek Chalkley
Trustee
If you would like to speak to someone in
confidence please call:-
Donna Perkins on 0208 6467515
Carers Support Merton
The Vestry Hall
London Road
Mitcham
Surrey
CR4 3UD
Tel: 0208 646 7515
Email: info@csmerton.org
www.csmerton.org
Supported by
Carers Support Merton is a Company Limited by Guarantee (England) Reg No. 4164966
Registered Charity No: 1085761
OUR MISSION
Carers Support Merton values and listens to unpaid carers of all ages from our diverse
community and provides high quality services and advice .
OUR VISION IS:
We want unpaid carers of all ages to have real choices to improve their quality of life and to
receive the respect, support and recognition they deserve.
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