OCD Action

Nimrod
Key Master

The latest from Carers Week

1. A life of my own
We have received some very positive feedback already about our 2010 theme and are looking forward to seeing how you use and adapt it locally. This year Carers Week will highlight:
- why supporting carers is crucial
- how carers miss out on things we all take for granted
- what needs to be changed

The theme will enable carers to talk about many parts of life that most of us take for granted e.g. family occasions, going on holiday, a meal out, even just chilling out for an evening with no worries or responsibilities. Every carer's story is different but we expect that amongst the topics that carers will speak about during Carers Week will be:
- Access to relevant and practical information, to help them with their caring role
- The opportunity to take a break when they need it
- Support at times of crisis
- Financial support

2. Registration
Registration forms will be available on the Carers Week website http://www.carersweek.org at the start of next week, and we will also email you a copy.

3. National carers survey
The survey will be launched in the next couple of days, and as usual, will run for about six weeks. We always proudly proclaim each year that this is the largest survey of carers opinions and experiences in the UK; a target we can only achieve with your active support, so please do circulate details to all carers you are in touch with, and through all your methods of communication. I will be contacting you again with all the details very soon - as usual this is primarily an internet survey but we will also provide a PDF that you can also print off and distribute to carers who don't have access to the internet.

4. Booklet - Take part in Carers Week
You should receive this in the post in about 10 days time; further copies will be available on request, and a PDF will also be available.

5. Carers Week webchats
This year we will be holding monthly webchats for everyone organising events or activities during Carers Week. The purpose is to enable you to raise any questions you have, share your ideas, and generally act as a forum for everyone who works at local level. The first webchat will be held on Thursday 25 February at 11.30 am, and will last about an hour.

The webchat is kindly hosted by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, with whom you need to register at http://www.carers.org/user/edit-my-details.html After doing so they recommend that you then visit http://www.carers.org/chat/ to make sure your password works ok. If for any reason you can't take part but have items you want to raise with us, please don't hesitate to contact me at info@carersweek.org or on our hotline 0845 241 2582.

6. Media work
Please contact Carers Week media officer, Sushila Snell at sushila.snell@carersuk.org with any media questions or enquiries.

Best wishes.

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

_____________________________________
Add your voice for a fair deal for carers. Join Carers UK.

5th International Carers Conference Leeds 8-11 July 2010 Providing an innovative service? Implemented a new policy? Promoting social inclusion and equality for carers? Showcase your organisation's work to a global audience by submitting a workshop proposal or abstract by 31st December 2009 at http://www.neilstewartassociates.com/sh259/abstracts.php

Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097) Registered office: 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX. _____________________________________

Tue Feb 16 2010 20:43:08 #
Wombat140
Member

Are OCD-UK in on this? I think there was a bit of bad feeling about OCDAction not consulting them about the OCD Week stuff. Up to you of course.
Wombat140

Fri Feb 19 2010 17:54:29 #
Joel
Key Master

Thank you wombat140, carers week is organised by a number of big charities and we are promoting it as we feel that it is important to help get the message out about the work that carers do and to support carers who work with people with OCD.

Mon Feb 22 2010 9:56:08 #
Nimrod
Key Master

Welcome to the second weekly mailing.

1. REGISTRATION
You can now register for Carers Week at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/carersweek2010registration . We look forward to hearing from you!

2. NATIONAL CARERS SURVEY
The 2010 Carers Week survey was launched at the end of last week, and can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/carersweek2010 .

The survey follows our theme for 2010 - A life of my own - and asks carers about what they miss out on , especially those things that most people in society take for granted, and what needs to be changed. It should only take a few minutes to complete. This is primarily an internet survey but we can also provide a PDF that you can print off and distribute to carers who don't have access to the internet.

Please do circulate the website address and details to all carers you are in touch with, and publicise in every way you can - email, website, newsletters etc.

3. CARERS WEEK WEBCHATS
A reminder that the first webchat for everyone organising events or activities during Carers Week will be held this Thursday, 25 February at 11.30 am, and will last about an hour. The purpose is to enable you to raise any questions you have, share your ideas, and generally act as a forum for everyone who supports and takes part in Carers Week at local level.

The webchat is hosted by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, with whom you need to register at http://www.carers.org/user/edit-my-details.html After doing so they recommend that you then visit http://www.carers.org/chat/ to make sure your password works ok. If for any reason you can't take part in the webchat but have items you want to raise with us, please don't hesitate to contact me at info@carersweek.org or on our hotline number 0845 241 2582.

Best wishes.

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

Tue Feb 23 2010 9:42:19 #
Nimrod
Key Master

The latest from Carers Week:

1. TAKE PART IN CARERS WEEK
Our leaflet, Take Part in Carers Week, was posted out to local organisations on our database 10 days ago. If you didn't receive it, or would like further copies, just let us know. We can send you a PDF by email, or hard copies in the post.

2. REGISTRATION
Many thanks to the 330 local partners who have already registered for Carers Week. If you've not already registered you can join them at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/carersweek2010registration .

3. PARLIAMENTARY WORK
With the General Election due sometime before Carers Week we have started our parliamentary preparations early this year, and a very successful photocall was held last Thursday, attended by 110 MPs, who all had individual photos taken with GMTV presenter, John Stapleton.

This year we have 3 Parliamentary Ambassadors for Carers Week, Tony Baldry MP, Paul Burstow MP and Hywell Francis MP; more information about their roles in the Carers Week Newsletter, out later this month.

4. CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS
The first three celebrity supporters to sign up to Carers Week 2010 are Angela Rippon, David Jason and John Stapleton. Quotes and pictures of all our celebrity supporters will be sent to local partners each month, and they can be used to help publicise your local events and activities.

5. NATIONAL CARERS SURVEY
With three weeks to our closing date, we are delighted that over 2,000 carers have already completed the 2010 Carers Week survey.

The survey follows our theme for 2010 - A life of my own - and asks carers about what they miss out on , especially those things that most people in society take for granted, and what needs to be changed. It should only take a few minutes to complete. This is primarily an internet survey but we can also provide a PDF that you can print off and distribute to carers who don't have access to the internet.

Please do circulate the website address and details to all carers you are in touch with, and publicise in every way you can - email, website, newsletters etc. The survey can be completed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/carersweek2010 .

6. CARERS WEEK WEBCHATS
Lots of suggestions, ideas and questions at the first webchat for everyone organising events or activities during Carers Week held recently.

The next webchat will take place on Thursday, 18 March at 11.30 am, and will last about an hour. The purpose is to enable you to raise any questions you have, share your ideas, and generally act as a forum for everyone who supports and takes part in Carers Week at local level.

The webchat is hosted by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, with whom you need to register at http://www.carers.org/user/edit-my-details.html After doing so they recommend that you then visit http://www.carers.org/chat/to make sure your password works ok. If for any reason you can't take part in the webchat but have items you want to raise with us, please don't hesitate to contact me at info@carersweek.orgor on our hotline number 0845 241 2582.

Best wishes.

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

Sun Mar 7 2010 21:20:53 #
Nimrod
Key Master

Herewith the latest from Carers Week.

Have you registered yet? Registration is the only way to obtain a free pack and access to Carers Week materials, plus Superdrug vouchers. http://www.carersweek.org/newsroom_pr.asp?sub=211&id=8

If you have registered, you will have been sent a pack and order form. Please place your order as soon as possible to ensure you receive it in good time for Carers Week.

Carers can order Superdrug vouchers themselves at http://www.carersweek.org/carer_page.asp?id=153

Please encourage young carers to take part in our photography competition. Details and entry form http://www.carersweek.org/carer_page.asp?id=61

Would you like your event featured on the Carers Week home page? If so just send me a max of 100 words, preferably also a pic, or something I can adapt, such as a leaflet or poster.

Carers Week celebrity supporters. See http://www.carersweek.org/newsroom_page.asp?id=28 for quotes of those that are currently publicly available - more to follow. We will be sending registered organisations pictures that you can use on your leaflets / posters / websites.

If you need any further information please contact us on 0845 241 2582.

Caps

Wed May 5 2010 20:56:15 #
Nimrod
Key Master

The latest update:

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YET?
Still time to register if you're planning any events or activities during Carers Week and want access to our free and subsidised resources. Registration is the only way to obtain a free pack as well as access to free Carers Week materials, plus Superdrug vouchers - just complete the form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/carersweek2010registration Avoid last minute panics, do it now! Thank you to the 1,000+ organisations who have already registered.

YOUNG CARERS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Please encourage young carers to take part in our photography competition; closing date is 31st May. Details and entry form at http://www.carersweek.org/carer_page.asp?id=61

CARERS WEEK CHAMPION APPOINTED MINISTER
Carers Week parliamentary ambassador, Paul Burstow MP, has been appointed as Minister for Care Services in the Department of Health.

Speaking to Community Care, the Liberal Democrat MP said ""Coalition government offers probably the best chance in a generation to start fixing the system so it serves the interests of people who need care and support." The new Minister has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the Carers Week parliamentary reception.

WANT TO ATTEND THE PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION?
A limited number of places are available to local partners to attend the reception, which takes place at Westminster on Wednesday 16th June. If you would like to be considered please email events@carersweek.org with your name, job title and organisation name and address. We will respond by 2nd June at the latest,

HELP WITH YOUR MEDIA WORK
We know many of you have already accessed this via the website but as a reminder please find attached the updated template release for you to adapt and use to publicise your events and activities. Any questions, queries or assistance needed with media work please email media@carersweek.org

SUPERDRUG VOUCHERS
Carers can order Superdrug vouchers directly at http://www.carersweek.org/carer_page.asp?id=153

If you need any further information please contact us on 0845 241 2582.

Best wishes.

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

Thu May 20 2010 9:24:54 #
Nimrod
Key Master

More from Carers Week

CARERS WEEK MATERIALS

We have processed all orders received up to a couple of days ago, and will continue to dispatch new orders received as quickly as possible. Attached is a supplementary order form - if you’ve not placed an order, or want to order more items. Please note we no longer have any banners remaining; there are limited stocks of all other items. Your completed order form should be posted to Carers Week, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX or faxed to 020 7378 9781.

ESTHER RANTZEN

With Carers Week fast approaching we are delighted to announce that we have arranged a webchat for all carers with Esther Rantzen - next Wednesday, 9th June, from 7-8pm. Please publicise this to all carers in your networks.

Esther has been in the public eye for many years, having first made her name in the BBC consumer programme - That’s Life! Innovative programmes such as Trouble in Mind (on mental health) and Childwatch followed, and Esther subsequently set up ChildLine, a free 24-hour counseling service for children and young people.

Esther has been a long-term supporter of Carers Week - she was the very first celebrity to support the new partnership formed in 2001 - having cared for her husband Desmond, until he died of coronary heart disease in 2000. Whatever your question for Esther, back in the news last month as an independent candidate in the General Election, we are sure it will be an interesting 60 minutes.

To take part in the webchat you need to first register with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers - the hosts for the event - at http://www.carers.org/user/edit-my-details.html Once you've registered, it is recommend that you visit the chat room http://www.carers.org/chat to familiarise yourself with the surroundings. If you have any difficulties, please email web@carers.org

IS YOUR MP SUPPORTING CARERS?

MPs from four different parties have come together to put forward one of the first motions in the new UK Parliament. Proposed by the MP for Banbury, Tony Baldry, the other lead sponsors were his Conservative colleague, Lee Scott; Hywel Francis and Rachel Reeves from Labour, Tim Farron from the Liberal Democrats and Eilidh Whiteford from the SNP.

To see the motion, and find out who has signed it so far please go to http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40928&SESSION=905
Please urge your MP to sign the motion - EDM 14 - you can contact your MP via the Parliament website at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/

Best wishes.

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

Thu Jun 3 2010 20:06:12 #
Nimrod
Key Master

The latest from Carers Week

Please pass information in this message on to all carers in your networks.

ESTHER RANTZEN

With Carers Week fast approaching we are pleased to confirm that the webchat for all carers with Esther Rantzen takes place this Wednesday 9th June from 7.00-8.00pm. Esther has been in the public eye for many years, having first made her name in the BBC consumer programme – That’s Life! Innovative programmes such as Trouble in Mind (on mental health) and Childwatch followed, and Esther subsequently set up ChildLine, a free 24-hour counseling service for children and young people.

Esther has been a long-term supporter of Carers Week – she was the very first celebrity to support the new partnership formed in 2001 – having cared for her husband Desmond, until he died of coronary heart disease in 2000. Whatever your question for Esther, back in the news last month as an independent candidate in the General Election, we are sure it will be an interesting 60 minutes.

To take part in the webchat you need to first register with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers – the hosts for the event – at http://www.carers.org/user/edit-my-details.html Once you've registered, it is recommend that you visit the chat room http://www.carers.org/chat to familiarise yourself with the surroundings. If you have any difficulties, please email web@carers.org

IS YOUR MP SUPPORTING CARERS?
MPs from four different parties have come together to put forward one of the first motions in the new UK Parliament. Proposed by the MP for Banbury, Tony Baldry, the other lead sponsors were his Conservative colleague, Lee Scott; Hywel Francis and Rachel Reeves from Labour, Tim Farron from the Liberal Democrats and Eilidh Whiteford from the SNP.

To see the motion, and find out who has signed it so far please go to http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40928&SESSION=905
Please urge your MP to sign the motion – EDM 14 – you can contact your MP via the Parliament website at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/

MEDIA WORK – PHOTOS WANTED
We are looking for some family shots of carers and carees, with or without other family members at an event, maybe in the garden on a happy day - or from some other occasion - not so much posed as utterly natural. It would potentially be used for the Society Guardian pages - and we will make sure you know if your picture is indeedy being used. For an example of the kind of thing we/the Guardian are looking for have a look at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/gallery/2010/may/26/volunteering-voluntarysector

Please send your pictures (in jpeg form) with a description of the picture (s) i.e. who is in them and a few details to Carers Week Media Officer, Ann Smith at ann.smith@carersuk.org

Best wishes.

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

Tue Jun 8 2010 10:21:05 #
Nimrod
Key Master

CARERS WEEK STARTS ON MONDAY

1) Carers Week press release - embargoed until Monday 14th i.e. not in the public domain until then (see below). A regional version is available on request.

2) Carers Week newsletter (on the Carers Week website) - for yourself, all carers and everybody taking part in Carers Week

3) Order form for extra Superdrug vouchers (from the Carers Week website)
nb - if using this form we strongly recommend sending by fax to 020 7378 9781 - orders received by 3pm Friday will be despatched on Friday by 1st class post - make sure you include full delivery and invoice addresses.

Have a great Carers Week!

Best wishes.

Paul

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

020 7378 4955
paul.matz@carersuk.org
http://www.carersweek.org

CARERS WEEK PRESS RELEASE
Strict embargo: 00.01
14th June 2010

No life of my own: the fate of the UK’s carers

More than three-quarters (76%) of people looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role, according to new research issued to launch Carers Week (14-20 June).

The results show that huge numbers of carers are left isolated and lonely, missing out on opportunities that the rest of the population takes for granted. 80% have been forced to give up leisure activities or from going out socially since becoming a carer.

The majority of those surveyed can no longer rely on relatives for support either, as these relationships have suffered as a result of caring- 75% say they have lost touch with family and friends.

Theresa, 50 from Glasgow cares for 3 people - her 2 sons, one of whom has Down’s Syndrome, and her registered blind mother. Balancing full-time work with caring has meant sacrificing her life as she once knew it. She says:

“A life of my own is a daydream. Caring demands are relentless, and costs you your health, relationships and happiness. To have a life of my own, for just one day would be marvellous.”

Carers say they simply exist, are marginalised and invisible. Unable to socialise, to have romantic relationships, or even to consider having children, the impact on carers is emotional, mental, physical, and financial. 4 out of every 5 carers say they’re worse off while more than half (54%) say they’ve had to give up work.

Despite saving the UK economy £87 billion annually by relieving pressure on health and social services, carers are not being supported in the vital role they play for both their communities and society at large. Almost all carers questioned agreed a life of their own would be achievable if they received breaks, a decent income and were given support in times of crisis.

Carers Week celebrity ambassador, Arlene Phillips OBE, world renowned choreographer and TV personality, best known for her role in BBC 1’s Strictly Come Dancing, has shared her personal experience of caring. Arlene Philips says:

“I helped to look after my father when he was suffering from Dementia, so I know what a strain it can be, both physically and emotionally. You can feel so alone and isolated. Several million carers look after a parent, child, partner or friend, with love and dedication. Many do not receive the support and recognition they deserve. I'm supporting Carers Week, and all that it's doing to make carers aware of the many organisations ready to care for carers.”

Carers Week is organised by 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson’s UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. The week campaigns for greater recognition and support for the UK’s six million carers, and celebrates the contribution carers make to society. The charities are calling for major changes to help give carers a life of their own:

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager says:

“Carers need and deserve change. We need to see better access to advice and information, improved funding for breaks, and support and flexibility for carers at the workplace. Only then will carers get a real chance at a life of their own, and the opportunity to do some of the things that the rest of us take for granted.”

Other celebrities supporting Carers Week, all of whom have had experience of caring, include: Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Sir David Jason, Phyllida Law , Angela Rippon, Tony Robinson, Dr Chris Steele, John Stapleton and Miriam Margolyes.

- ends -

Fri Jun 11 2010 9:22:23 #
Nimrod
Key Master

A Message from the Manger of Carers Week

Thank you to everyone who supported carers during Carers Week, especially those of you who helped in any way to organise events and activities. With over 1,200 local partners this year, and an incredible 12,000 events and activities, Carers Week reinforced its position as the biggest local awareness week (by far!) in the UK.

DID YOUR LOCAL MEDIA SUPPORT CARERS?
Carers Week got off to a good start in the national media on Monday morning with some great coverage on GMTV. Stories and reports about carers began just after 6am, again at 6.15, again at 6.30, again at 7.00 and again at 7.15 (the last one being an interview with the new Carers Minister, Paul Burstow. I'm not sure about the times after that as I left for work... During the week we also saw, and heard about, lots of tv coverage, especially this year on most ITV regions, with lots also on some BBC regions and of course quite on BBC local radio

PLEASE HELP us assess the national, and especially local media coverage, by letting us know of anything and everything you saw about carers on the tv, radio and newspapers throughout Carers Week and indeed follow-up coverage this week as well! Either email us at media@carersweek.org or send newspaper cuttings to Carers Week, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX. The more detail and information you can provide the better.

PICTURES FROM EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Equally important are pics from Carers Week events and activities; please email me at manager@carersweek.org or, if its easier post pictures or disks to Carers Week, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX.

PARLIAMENTARY & POLITICAL
As well as various other activities we had two big events with MPs and Ministers at the House of Commons. At the second event we were pleased to welcome Paul Burstow MP and surprise guest, Cilla Black. Pictures available on request, please email me at manager@carersweek.org

Thanks once again for all your help. The next Carers Week will take place from 13-19 June 2011....

Best wishes.

Paul Matz
Carers Week Manager

Wed Jun 23 2010 7:56:08 #