Young Carers Craft Club

A new live online craft club is up and running for young carers organised by Lakeland Arst and Carer Support South Lakes.

Young Carers Craft Club

A new weekly online craft club is underway for young carers in the South Lakes area.

Over the next six weeks, carers aged seven to 11 are getting together for a live online crafting session run by Lakeland Arts and staff from Carer Support South Lakes.

“It’s a chance to socialise with other young carers and to have a break from their caring roles”, explains Holly Cragg, from Carer Support South Lakes.

“Young carers have a huge responsibility resting on them, caring for others in their lives. So, they do need their breaks and it’s been even more difficult for them to get them during the Pandemic. They really value time spent with other young carers and doing things they don’t ordinarily get a chance to do. Before the Pandemic that would have included going out for meals, creative workshops and monthly meet ups. And that’s all gone.

“They’ve said balancing school work and caring is hard and, with everyone at home, there’re no breaks. They all miss going to school, seeing friends and socialising,” says Holly.

“So, it’s good news that the project is already benefiting our young carers,” she adds.

“They say it’s calming and therapeutic, gives them a break and makes them happy. And they loved getting their craft boxes.

“If the first live online crafting sessions are anything to go by it looks like we’ll have lots of fun. With the young carers experiencing a sense of investment and achievement. It’s a good time to natter and create,” says Holly.

Each young carer received a craft box full of items to use over the coming weeks supplied by Lakeland Arts. Holly Cragg hopes the work will be exhibited publicly next summer.

“For one of our young carers”, adds Holly “making things is something she already loves doing.

“Before Christmas, Becky and a friend made some bonny bobble hats with chocolates in them. The pair sold them to friends and family raising money for St John’s Hospice and £50 for Carer Support South Lakes. And we’re very grateful for that as all funds raised help us help the area’s unpaid.

One of five carer support charities in Cumbria, the Kendal-based Carer Support South Lakes provides services and support to 1,350 unpaid carers in South Lakeland, aged between six and 98-years-old.

Anyone who regularly helps someone to wash, dress and eat, does their shopping, takes them to appointments or keeps them company could be an unpaid Carer and there’s help on hand.

Find out more by visiting carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk or by calling 01539 815970.

And connect online with other Carers across Cumbria for support and information, around the clock. This safe and moderated online forum is for Carers of all ages, with groups for Young Carers, Adult and Parent Carers and those caring for loved ones with dementia. Carer-Connect is a social space with professional services and support built in.

For Carer Connect please email or visit www.carer-connect.org/

Win a 5 star luxury motorhome holiday

E S Hartley Motorhome - possible prize in the win a luxury motorhome competition

Travel in Style in 2021

Be in with a chance to win a 1 week holiday in a 5 star luxury motorhome for up to 6 people

You could be in with a chance of winning 1 weeks holiday in a 5 star luxury motorhome up to 6 people. E S Hartley have joined up with Europe’s largest rental company Touring Cars to offer a 5 star rental service, with all proceeds going to Carer Support South Lakes. All motorhomes include luxury interiors in a choice of categories with different layouts to suit you. All of our fleet are German manufactured Hobby motorhomes which are built to the highest quality ensuring you have a reliable motorhome and trip. We also offer a 24 hour helpline whilst you’re on holiday so you have total piece of mind. Touring Cars at E S Hartley are open 7 days a week and offer flexible collection and drop off times.

E S Hartley have all shapes, sizes and layouts to suit your needs. If you have specific requirements contact the rental desk and they can advise the best category for you. We have categories with large secure storage spaces for groups who have outdoor hobbies such as cycling or surfing, or categories perfect for rural driving in areas such as Wales and Scotland. Our dedicated team is on hand to help you pick the best motorhome for your trip.

Your rental will include:

The choice of any rental motorhome from E S Hartley (view link for website to see choice) www.eshartleygroup.co.uk/rental

Bike racks
TV/DVD
Satellite navigation
Fully stocked kitchen including all cutlery and crockery
Maintenance pack – hose pipe, toilet chemical, electric hook up cable, vehicle levelling blocks
Unlimited mileage
Free European travel
FREE UK stopovers (Brit Stops)
24 Hour Helpline
Flexible collection and drop offs 7 days a week

Ticket cost for a chance to win this amazing prize is £5 (+15p booking fee).

DRAW WILL BE MADE on FRIDAY 21st MAY 2021 at 12 NOON

About Carer Support South Lakes

Carer Support South Lakes is an independent charity based in Kendal, Cumbria. We provide services to support and enhance the lives of unpaid Carers of all ages throughout South Lakeland. All proceeds will go to Carer Support South Lakes.

Charity Number 1142184
Registered with SLDC No. SL030219 South Lakeland Carers

About E S Hartley

E S Hartley specialise in the sales of new and quality preowned motorhomes including popular brands such as Hobby, WildAx, Hillside Leisure, Carthago and Jobl Design. They have dealerships in the Lake District, Cheshire and Malaga Spain. The Cheshire dealership also has a luxury 5* motorhome rental service open all year round.

LOCATION
E S Hartley Limited
Rossmore Road East, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 3DD

fundraising event

Vital life line for unpaid Carers this Christmas

Vital life line for unpaid Carers this Christmas.

A new online forum, Carer-Connect, will provide a much-needed lifeline for unpaid Carers this Christmas says the charity behind the initiative.

Available 24/7, it’s predominantly a website based social space with professional services and support built in explains Debi Marsden from Carer Support South Lakes.

Adding that it’s a safe and moderated online forum for Carers of all ages, with young, adult and parent carer groups as well as one for those caring for loved ones with dementia.

Debi believes Carer-Connect is the first of its kind and that it could benefit an estimated 56,000 unpaid Carers in Cumbria including a group of male Carers in the South Lakes area.

Stuart has looked after his late wife and his mother-in-law and he now cares for his partner. Stuart’s been keeping the 20-strong male group in touch with each other since they stopped meeting in person at the start of the first pandemic lockdown in March. Stuart says Christmas is particularly tough this year for the group and many are exhausted. He explains that some are dealing with the loss of loved ones, others are adjusting to those they care for being moved into a care home, as well as continuing to shield and not being able to meet up with relatives.

Stuart says Carer-Connect could benefit male Carers, who are often reluctant to ask for help and talk to others about their needs.

Carers-Connect has been made possible by a grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by the National Lottery. The fund supports those most affected by the virus.

Carer Support South Lakes chief operating officer, Debi Marsden, explains why the timing of this project is so vital:

“COVID-19 has really highlighted the issue of acute social isolation and the importance of support and conversations for Carers, which is why Carer-Connect is needed right now.

“It’s place where people can seek individual support from carers with experience and the charity’s support workers. There are also wellbeing activities, such as yoga and mindfulness sessions, and Carers can contribute to campaigns that help inform statutory services.

People can find out more and connect with other Carers across Cumbria by calling 01539 815970, emailing or visiting www.carer-connect.org/

Carer-Connect

Charity launches innovative, online forum ‘Carer-Connect’ of support and information for carers and their families.

Carer Support South Lakes has launched an exciting new online forum Carer-Connect, where unpaid carers can connect with each other across Cumbria to get support and information, around the clock.

The charity believes Carer-Connect is the first of its kind for carers in terms of its scope and the way in which carers join the online forum.

Carers are sent login details and are able to access the forum via a user-friendly App or through the charity’s website. Carer Support South Lakes say it brings the traditional carer support model into the 21st century with a holistic approach to providing help, information and connections.

Carer-Connect could benefit an estimated 56,000 unpaid carers in Cumbria, made possible by a grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by the National Lottery. The fund supports those most affected by the virus and unpaid carers were identified as a community needing support.

One of five carer support charities in Cumbria, the Kendal-based Carer Support South Lakes provides services and support to 1,350 unpaid carers in South Lakeland, aged between six and 98-years-old. They think that’s a fraction of the number of people who could qualify for support.

Announcing the new initiative ahead of Carer’s Rights Day (Thursday 26 November), the charity’s chief operating officer, Debi Marsden, explains why the timing of this project is so vital:

“COVID-19 has really highlighted the issue of acute social isolation and the importance of support and conversations for carers, which is why Carer-Connect is needed right now.

“Available 24/7, it’s predominantly a social space with professional services and support built in. This safe and moderated online forum is for carers of all ages, with groups for young carers, adult and parent carers and those caring for loved ones with dementia.

“It’s place where people can seek individual support from carers with experience and the charity’s support workers. There are also wellbeing activities, such as yoga and mindfulness sessions, and carers can contribute to campaigns that help inform statutory services.

“Join in the conversation, connect with other Carers and access the information you need you to positively support you in your role as a Carer,” says Debi.

Debi says the online support groups are a safe space for carers to connect regardless of geographical distance, to share their common experiences and provide each other with understanding, encouragement and advice.

“If successful, and if further funding can be secured, it could be extended regionally and hopefully national,” added Debi Marsden.

Carer Support South Lakes hopes Carers Rights Day, and its theme of ‘Know Your Rights’, will help many thousands of people who do not currently identify as a carer. The charity urges carers to better recognise their caring role so that they can get the practical and emotional support they need. That includes a benefits check, finding out about practical support and connecting with others.

Debi Marsden asks people to contact the charity to find out more. Carer Support South Lakes can be contacted via their website, carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk or by calling 01539 815970.

Visit Carer-Connect >

Businesswomen put their best foot forward in aid of unpaid carers

Lakeland Businesswomen's Network Beth Curl

Businesswomen put their best foot forward in aid of unpaid carers

A networking group run by and for businesswomen in South Lakeland is fundraising for the area’s unpaid carers by walking, cycling and running around the Lake District.

Every two years members of the Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network (LBN) nominate a charity to support and until 2021 it’s Carer Support South Lakes (CSSL).

The Kendal-based charity provides services and support to 1,350 unpaid carers in South Lakeland.

The LBN chair, Carole Greenland says it’s incredible to think of carers as young as five, and others in their nineties, caring for loved ones 24 hours a day, seven days a week with many giving up income, education, employment prospects or pension rights to do so.

It seemed an important charity for the women to help, explains Carole, and they set about fundraising through a monthly raffle as part of their meeting raising £246.

But with restrictions to control the pandemic taking their meetings online they came up with a new way to fundraise. In October the LBN launched a new challenge, to walk, run and cycle 250 sponsored miles across the Lake District to raise an additional £250 for CSSL.

The group’s vice chair, Anne Clark, logged the first two miles and soon other members were out – from Kendal Castle and Morecambe Bay to Wastwater, Buttermere and Loweswater.
Between them they’ve clocked up 65.48 miles, raising £105 with more challenges planned.

Mike Seaton from CSSL’s says donations, whether large or small, make a huge difference and will ensure unpaid carers get the support they need.

Anyone wanting to support the LBN’s can visit their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lakeland-businesswomens-network

For more information about the LBN visit: www.lbn.org.uk/

Don’t forget to get your flu vaccination

Flu Vaccination

Hopefully you will have been called for your flu vaccination this year.

If you usually get your vaccination at your GP surgery the arrangements may have been different this year, but if you haven’t yet been contacted please check their social media or give them a call. You can also have your jab at your local pharmacy.

Deliveries of the vaccine are still underway, so if you haven’t been able to get one please be patient if you have to wait.

The national guidance says if you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, who may be put at risk if you became ill, you should be offered a free flu vaccination. You should also be offered one if you are receiving Carer’s Allowance. You can read more information here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

Call for unpaid adult carers to tell government what they need

Carer Support South Lakes is urging adult carers to make their views known. Credit nathan-anderson at unsplash

Call for unpaid adult carers to tell government what they need

Carer Support South Lakes is urging unpaid carers of all ages in the area to speak up about what support they need from government by filling in an online form.

The findings of the survey will help national lobbying body, the Carers Trust, in their campaign to improve future aid for carers.

Mike Seaton from the Kendal based charity, which provides support, guidance and services to 1350 unpaid carers, says the more carers that make their views known, the more powerful the findings will be when presented to government.

Carers Trust want the government to hear what support unpaid carers need to continue in their caring role and what sort of reform of the social care system will support carers most effectively.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability and mental health problems, or an addiction who cannot cope without their support.

“There are 12,000 unpaid carers across the county looking after loved ones who cannot look after themselves, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They need looking after too,” said Mike.

“It should take less than 10 minutes to complete the online survey which can be found on the home page of carers.org. It closes at 10pm on Sunday 18 October.

“Anyone who is not sure if they are a carer can contact us for an assessment. Being recognised as an unpaid carer opens the doors to lots of support, rights and help.

“We operate from a strength-based approach, looking at what carers are already accomplishing, what support networks they have and then filling in the gaps via a support plan.

“People can phone us on 01539 815970 or email to self-refer or go via their GP.

The Carers Trust survey is now live and will run up to Sunday 18 October at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/carerstrustautumn

Carer Support South Lakes is one of over 120 network partners of The Carers Trust making it the largest one across the UK specialising in the support and wellbeing of unpaid carers.

Carer Trust Carers Government

Incomplete challenge is a success

Eugene and Billy McGee posing before their feat of 100K of the Fundraiser Challenge

Incomplete challenge is a success

Brothers raise thousands for Carer Support South Lakes despite retiring from brutal challenge because of injury and exhaustion.

Although Eugene and Billy McGee were unable to complete their first ultra-marathon challenge as an awareness and fundraiser for Carer Support South Lakes, it hasn’t stopped kind-hearted people from making a donation. The brothers have doubled their fundraising target, which currently stands at over £2,200.

Eugene and Billy set off from Dalston on Thursday 3 September but an injury for Billy and exhaustion for Eugene meant they were unable to finish their 24hr, 100k Cumbrian Way challenge.

As Eugene explains:

“Unfortunately we had no option but to throw in the towel at 87km. Billy broke his foot on one of the fells, and he was rushed to Keswick Community Hospital by our support crew. I succumbed to exhaustion at midnight on the side of Coniston about 3km north of the Red Lion.

“Despite this, we’ve had a fantastic response from all our sponsors and the whole experience has still been hugely rewarding.

“We’re thrilled with the total we raised and the media coverage, hopefully this will not only help fund CSSL but also go towards increasing awareness of the cause.

“We’re both on the mend and back at work on light duties,” adds Eugene.

The brothers came up with the challenge when their Great North Run, scheduled for September, was postponed.

To find out more about their challenge and why the challenge meant so much to them, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thecumbrianway100k to find out their challenge.

Ultra marathon

With a second peak in coronaviruses it’s even more important to look after unpaid carers

As the government announces new restrictions to head off a second peak in coronavirus cases this autumn, charity officials say it’s even more important to look after unpaid carers.

“Carers that look after loved ones, around the clock and unpaid, make an enormous contribution to society,” explains Mike Seaton from Carer Support South Lakes.

“During the pandemic their caring role been made even more difficult as many of the respite and support systems are not available.

“We’ve adapted the way we work and we’re providing one to one support, guidance and information over the phone and doing assessments. Our counselling service is over the phone or via Zoom. And we’ve got lots of online advice too but we know this doesn’t replace the social contact that many carers appreciate alongside a break from their caring duties.”

One young carer who can usually access help from Carers Support South Lakes, is 17-year old Josh Marshall from the Cumbria, Lancashire border. He helps parents Darren and Lisa, look after 15-year-old Jacob who needs constant care because of a rare condition.

Lisa said:

“Over the last six months Jacob has been at home 24/7 and we’ve felt completely forgotten with no activities for Jacob. Jacob’s youth and after-school clubs weren’t open and neither was his school and this was a massive loss to him. Jacob loves contact with others and he’s had none of that. Things have improved with Jacob going back to school.

“It’s also been difficult for Josh, who’s missed out on contact with his peers via residentials and other groups events organised by Carer Support South Lakes, not being possible.

“With the threat of a possible second wave of coronavirus we’re worried that it will impact on us again. Jacob needs continuity, structure, lots of social interaction and we don’t want schools to close again. There are 500,000 unpaid carers in the UK, it’s one of the hardest roles anyone can undertake and extra support and recognition would really help,” added Lisa.

Mike Seaton from Carer Support South Lakes says the charity is working hard to find new ways to deliver their service to the unpaid carers of the South Lakes, such as support groups via Zoom, activity packs for young carers and advice and support on carers wellbeing.

Carer Support South Lakes is an independent charity based in Kendal providing services and support to 1,250 unpaid carers of all ages in South Lakeland.

A carer is anyone who volunteers to look after friends or family who are ill, struggle with disability or addiction and who cannot cope without their support. There are 12,000 unpaid carers across the county, many give up their income, education, employment prospects or pension rights to care for a loved one, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Carer Support South Lakes can be contacted by calling 01539 815970.

Carer Support South Lakes

Businessman and hotelier James Alexander joins board of trustee at carer’s charity

Businessman and hotelier James Alexander joins board of trustee at carer’s charity

Carer Support South Lakes welcomes a new trustee to its board, businessman and hotelier James Alexander.

He brings a wealth of experience and contacts that will help move the charity forward at a critical time says its chairman Paul Johnston.

Carer Support South Lakes is an independent charity based in Kendal providing services and support to 1,250 unpaid carers of all ages in South Lakeland.

A carer is anyone who volunteers to look after friends or family who are ill, struggle with disability or addiction and who cannot cope without their support. There are 12,000 unpaid carers across the county, many give up their income, education, employment prospects or pension rights to care for a loved one, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The board of trustees plays a vital role in making sure that the charity is run in the best interests of unpaid carers. It sets the strategic direction, manages performance and has overall responsibility for the governance of the success of the organisation.

Commenting on his appointment, James Alexander said:

“After many years of owning and managing hotels, both in the South Lakes and in Manchester, I am now taking a side-ways step and letting others take the reins. It means I have time aplenty and whilst I have hobbies, I love travelling and spending time in London with our grandchildren, that’s not enough for a once busy person.”

“Over the years I’ve been involved with Cumbria Tourist Board, our hotel consortium, Kendal College and Rugby Club, amongst others. When I was asked to take an interest in Carer Support South Lakes my reaction was, ‘let’s give it a go, it’s helping local people’.”

“Early last year I was invited to sit in as an observer at a board meeting, and I could see that I could in driving this essential local provider to achieve their goals,” explained James.

The appointment means James is now part of a group of seven volunteer non-executive trustees, headed up by chairman Paul Johnston, who bring a wealth of experience and community links.

“I have joined CSSL, or the Carer’s Carer, at a time when the economy is in freefall,” explained James. “Charities are struggling, and local council sponsorship is diminishing. Everything possible needs to be done to ensure our work continues. With my commercial background and my knowledge of local networks, I hope to move mountains by influencing movers and shakers to help.”

“Our big challenge is to keep our local profile in the public domain and by doing this both funding and donations will continue,” said James Alexander.

Chair of the charity Paul Johnston said:

“The energy, knowledge and creativity James bring will help ensure we achieve our bold vision for the future. His skills complement and strengthen an effective and committed board who want to make sure local carers, who quietly and tirelessly look after others unpaid, are also looked after.”

For more information about Carer Support South Lakes visit www.carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk/

James Alexander Trustee

Young Carers Craft Club

Young Carers Craft Club

Win a 5 star luxury motorhome holiday

Travel in Style in 2021

Be in with a chance to win a 1 week holiday in a 5 star luxury motorhome for up to 6 people

DRAW WILL BE MADE on FRIDAY 21st MAY 2021 at 12 NOON

About Carer Support South Lakes

About E S Hartley

Vital life line for unpaid Carers this Christmas

Vital life line for unpaid Carers this Christmas.

Carer-Connect

Carer-Connect

Visit Carer-Connect >

Businesswomen put their best foot forward in aid of unpaid carers

Businesswomen put their best foot forward in aid of unpaid carers

Don’t forget to get your flu vaccination

Flu Vaccination

Call for unpaid adult carers to tell government what they need

Call for unpaid adult carers to tell government what they need

Incomplete challenge is a success

Incomplete challenge is a success

With a second peak in coronaviruses it’s even more important to look after unpaid carers

With a second peak in coronaviruses it’s even more important to look after unpaid carers

Businessman and hotelier James Alexander joins board of trustee at carer’s charity

Businessman and hotelier James Alexander joins board of trustee at carer’s charity

Improving the lives of Carers of all ages

More Information

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