‘Care’philly News - Edition 21 June 2024

Headlines

“Care”philly Fest returns! After the success of last year’s carers’ festival, we are hosting another! On Sunday 16th June from 12-6pm, we welcome all carers and their families to Blackwood RFC for fun, food, music, entertainment and most importantly, a good time. As this date is also father’s day, every dad will receive a small gift to celebrate their special day.

Previous activities

We thought you’d like to see some of the lovely things we’ve been able to arrange over the last few months. We’ve had our Carers Rights pamper and information day, our Christmas Ball, evening meals, a ghost tour and climbing at Rock UK Summit Centre. We’ve also organised craft sessions, which have been really popular, so we have tried to do more of this sort of activity over the coming months.

We know that everyone has their own individual situation, and therefore we would love some suggestions as to different activities for the future.

There is a list of upcoming activities contained in this edition of the newsletter, however we do book more things as they come up, so this is another plea to those of you to get signed up by e-mail or join our Facebook groups. (E-mail us on carers@caerphilly.gov.uk or sign up by searching for “Caerphilly County Carers Group” or “Caerphilly County Young Carers Group.) Of course, we understand that not all of you are online, and so you are welcome to call us at any time to see if we have more booked.

Young Carers Stories

Well done Angel!

Young carer Angel Morgan attended the Young Carer First Aid sessions, as she wanted to learn how to support her dad who is epileptic and diabetic. Angel enjoyed it so much, her mum Karen contacted First Aid Badgers to see how she could join, as she was eager to support others if the need arose, without being nervous or scared. Angel has loved being part of Badgers and in September, is hoping to progress to Cadets. She can also develop her Welsh speaking with the First Aid Trainer/Paramedic, Leighton.

If any adult or young carers are interested in the first aid training, please contact one of the team to add your name to the waiting list.

Heolddu Young Carers’ Action Day

Young carers and the young carer lead, Mrs Alison Lavelle, celebrated the day in style! It was supported well at Heolddu Comprehensive School, who held a bake sale to raise awareness and raised £140 which will be used on trips and treats for young carers.

They also achieved their award for supporting young carers in schools, which was presented during an assembly on young carers by Head Teacher, Nerys Davies. Rosie Richmond, from the Care Collective made her final presentation before the Care Collective closed at the end of March 2024.

Don’t give up!

At the age of six, Jaylee Maylin Coles became a young carer for her four-year-old brother and at 12, was taken into care. The strain made it hard for her to engage with school.

Jaylee said the disruption and stress made her “rebellious and rude”. She was devastated being separated from her brother and mother and “angry with the world”. “I didn’t choose to become a young carer. I tried my best to help look after my siblings, especially my youngest brother, by cooking food, packing lunches, and ensuring clothes were clean. I had a lot of responsibility to deal with at home.

Jaylee was excluded from 3 schools and expelled from Coleg y Cymoedd.

Jaylee said “It felt like everyone around me saw me as a nasty person. I was angry and depressed. Schools wanted to support me, but I did not want that help.

Jaylee “took a year off” before college agreeing to re-admit her on a business course. She was offered help and said she had grown up enough to accept it.

Jaylee is being supported by the college’s wellbeing officer and carers lead, Laura Wilson who has helped Jaylee develop a more flexible working pattern which supports her studies and the caring role she still has at home.

As a wellbeing advocate and learning ambassador for Coleg y Cymoedd Jaylee has hosted talks at the Nantgarw campus, attending open days and events meeting and helping guide other young carers facing hurdles when considering college.

Since turning her life around, Jaylee is determined to go to university and is working with the college’s ‘Reaching Wider Project’, with Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales, which helps young carers and “under represented individuals” with applications to Welsh universities.

Young Carer of the Year 2024 – Congratulations to Dewi Miles

Dewi Miles was entered for the award, after coming from the Young Carers programme, Caerphilly Youth Forum project group and cabinet, where he is the new fundraising officer.

Neil Griffiths from Youth Forum said, “by gathering all the information, it became evident to put Dewi forward for this award and recognise the extra duties he undertakes, and to give him the recognition he deserves, being a young carer.”

Youth Forum were made aware of Dewi’s caring duties from Caerphilly Carers Team and mum, Tammy, learning how Dewi offers daily support for his siblings.

The award ceremony took place at Newbridge Memo, with Dewi helping to set up ready for the event. When the winner was announced Dewi said “I was shocked, as I didn’t know there was an award, but I was happy”. Dewi added, “Most of the time it can be quite difficult, as I would like to go out with my friends more, but this is my role as a big brother to look after them."

Dewi added that his mum is proud of him, as she has the joy of knowing he is helping someone. Dewi aged 12, is determined to do well in school, planning to take A levels, attend university and become a counsellor so that he can help people.

Carers’ Groups

This is your chance to speak to us and others who have experience of a caring role. Even though each group meets for an hour and a half, please just feel free to drop in for as long as you want, and stay on for as long as you like afterwards! More details can be found on our Facebook group, or contact us.

Bargoed group

Murray’s (Upper High Street, Bargoed) on the first Monday of the month from 11am to 12:30pm.

Blackwood group

McKenzie’s Cafe on the last Tuesday of the month from 10:30am to 12 noon.

Caerphilly group

The Old Library, Caerphilly on the third Friday of the month from 2pm to 3:30pm.

Risca group

The Coffee Mill, Risca on the second Thursday of the month from 12 noon to 1:30pm

If any of these dates fall on a bank holiday, we will usually move to the following week on the same day, but if you are unsure, check on Facebook, or contact the team.

Young Carer ID Cards

We are still able to provide young carers with an ID card, which is designed to help young people with a caring role in education and health settings. To apply for one, please e-mail us on carers@caerphilly.gov.uk for an application form.

Carers’ Activities June to September 2024

Please contact us to request places on any of the activities below and we will enter you into a random draw. We will then let you know only if you have been successful.

Adult Carers

  • Wed 5th June from 12 noon – Afternoon tea at the Coffee Mill, Risca.
  • Mon 10th June from 1pm – Spa day for 6 carers at Bryn Meadows. Food served at 4:30pm
  • Mon 10th June from 12 noon – Fish and chips collection from Fish Kitchen 1854, Maesycwmmer
  • Fri 14th June from 8pm - Comedy night at Blackwood Miners’ Institute.
  • Sat 15th June 12-2pm – Paddle boarding at Cwmcarn Forest lake.
  • Sat 22nd June at 10:30am – Breakfast for two at Murray’s, Bargoed.
  • Mon 24th June from 12 noon – Day at Chepstow races. Pick ups/drop offs to be confirmed.
  • Thu 11th July – Day trip to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire
  • Tue 16th July from 9am – Spa day for 6 carers at Bryn Meadows. Food served at 12:30pm
  • Sat 20th July at 7pm – Curry buffet at Bengal Cymru, Risca.
  • Wed 14th August from 1pm – Spa day for 6 carers at Bryn Meadows. Food served at 4:30pm
  • Mon 26th August – Sun 1st September – Cinema week at Maxime Cinema, Blackwood.
  • Mon 26th August – Ten afternoon tea boxes for two, collection from Hancox’s Pies, Caerphilly
  • Sat 31st August at 2pm – Two course meal at Casa Mia, Caerphilly.
  • Sat 7th September – Tour and food at Tiny Rebel, Rogerstone.
  • Sun 15th September at 12:30pm – Sunday lunch at Islwyn Bowls Club.

Young Carers

  • Sat 8th June – Caving with Caerphilly Adventures, including travel and food.
  • Sun 30th June at 5pm – Tickets for Madagascar at the Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre
  • Fri 19th July – Beth’s Bakes delivery for 10 households (one per house).
  • Mon 22nd July from 10am–3pm – Firefighter for a day with Caerphilly Fire Station. Spaces for up to ten young carers between 11-25 years of age. Lunch not provided.
  • Tue 30th July from 2-4 pm – Skateboarding session at Lansbury Skate Park.
  • Wed 31st July – Thorpe Park trip.
  • Tue 6th August from 10am to 12 noon - Woodwork and pyrography with Salvaged Creations at Cefn Hengoed Community Centre. Fifteen spaces available.
  • Friday 9th August pick up at 8:30am, leaving Swansea at 4pm – Trip to Plantasia, Swansea, Workshop, travel and lunch included. Space for 14 young carers.
  • Tuesday 13th August 10am to 1pm – Falconry experience with photos for 15 at Cefn Hengoed Community Centre.
  • Wed 14th August – Legoland trip for young carers and their families. £5 deposit per person required.
  • Mon 26th August – Sun 1st September – Cinema week at Maxime Cinema, Blackwood.
  • Sat 14th September – Beach day with Caerphilly Adventures at Porthcawl, including travel.

All these activities are paid for to say thank you for being the wonderful unpaid carers you are. Please sign up to receive e-mail updates and join our Facebook group as more activities and events are added all the time. Our activities are added to Facebook around a month before they take place.

If there is something that you feel would be good for carers to do that we haven’t thought of or tried, we’re all ears, just let us know!

Training

We have partnered up with exciting new restaurant Geshmak in Caerphilly, to provide some basic cooking sessions for young and adult carers in the coming months. If you would be interested in attending, please get in touch for more details and to register your interest. The dates are provisionally booked for Sunday 9th June (adult carers) and Sunday 23rd June (young carers).

We also have an incredible offer from New Tredegar Police, who are able to offer a week long course for young carers, including three days of confidence building, followed by two day trips to Ninja Warriors, Cardiff and Oakwood. Lunch will be included and the dates are Monday 12th to Friday 16th August. Please contact us to register your interest.

Leisure Memberships

Any young carers aged up to 16 are able to get a free Active Kids membership. To do this, all they will need to do is let us know their name, address and Smart Card number and we will arrange for a year’s membership to be applied.

The Active Kids membership entitles them to unlimited swimming, gym and certain children’s classes. Unfortunately, you have to be 11 years old and up to use the gym.

Carers’ Small Grant Scheme

You are probably all aware by now that the Care Collective, who were responsible for administering the funding we provide for carers’ small grants, have ceased trading. Arrangements are in the pipeline for another organisation to take over the grants scheme, so fear not, it will continue! At time of going to press, the final details are still being worked out, but we will provide updates as we find them out.

Carers’ Assessments

A carer's assessment is your opportunity to tell us about your situation. You can tell us what you do, how caring affects you and what help you would like.

Sometimes, carers worry about talking to us because of loyalty, guilt, fear of not coping, or pride. Please don't let these feelings stop you contacting us. By letting us know your situation, we can make sure you receive information and advice that could be helpful to you.

A carer’s assessment can:

  • Provide information, advice and assistance that may help with the caring role.
  • Offer emotional support to the carer.
  • Start a “what matters?” conversation.
  • Provide information about what practical support may be available to the carer.
  • Talk about the carer’s strengths and help them find their own solutions to problems and situations.
  • Open a door to a network of other carers, providing more support and advice.
  • Offer support groups and social opportunities.
  • Help with applications to the Carers Small Grants Scheme for things like household items, driving lessons, courses to enable the carer to continue with their caring role, a break.
  • Discuss any training needs that would assist with the caring role and try and source access to this training.
  • Offer one off breaks or very short term breaks from caring.
  • Provide information about care organisations if the person wants to pay for support privately.
  • Provide a Carer’s Emergency Card so that a carer can be identified as a carer should they have an accident or emergency.
  • Signpost on to other organisations or teams that may be able to assist.

A carer’s assessment cannot:

  • Be used as a replacement for an assessment of the cared for person’s needs.
  • Provide ongoing “respite”.
  • Put in an ongoing care package (via funding from Social Services).

You can request a carer's assessment by calling the Information, Advice and Assistance Team on 0808 100 2500 or by e-mailing iaaadults@caerphilly.gov.uk.

If you’ve previously had an assessment, and would like this to be reviewed (maybe your caring role has changed) please let us know.

Caerphilly Carers’ Team

In case you are new to us, the team are:

Hayley Jenkins, Carers Support Worker – 01495 233218 or 07808 779367 or e-mail jenkihl@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Stacey Turner, Carers Support Worker – 07872 418927 or e-mail turnesr@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Leanne Gallent, Carers Support Worker – 07449 710996 or e-mail gallel@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Hannah Hawkins, Carers Support Worker – 07849 700386 or e-mail hawkih@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Helen Jones, Carers Support Worker – 07849 700387 or e-mail joneshd1@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Becky Forward, Carers Support Worker – 07395 357189 or e-mail forwab@caerphilly.gov.uk.

Geraldine Powell, Carers Coordinator - 01443 864658 or 07713 092795 or e-mail powelg4@caerphilly.gov.uk.

We have lots of ways for you to contact us, please get in touch by e-mailing carers@caerphilly.gov.uk, on Facebook, on X (@CarerCaerphilly) or at www.caerphilly.gov.uk/carers.

Resources

  • Carer’s Emergency Card – please get in touch on carers@caerphilly.gov.uk if you would like one.
  • Time Out from Caring – we may be able to help you with getting one off or short term breaks from your caring role. Contact us on carers@caerphilly.gov.uk to find out more.
  • We have a number of free My Max Cards available for those of you with children under 25 which offer discounts and concessions on days out and activities. More details can be found here: http://www.mymaxcard.co.uk. Get in touch if you would like one.

Save the date!

We are thrilled to be bringing the Christmas Ball back again this year. The date will be Thursday 21st November, so get that in your diaries. It’s the biggest event of the year!

Young and Young Adult Carers News

Young Carers Wales Festival 2024

We are extremely excited once again to be involved in this year’s YC Festival. It will be taking place from Tuesday 20th to Thursday 22nd August 2024 at the Builth Wells Showground. We have spaces for 13 young and young adult carers aged 11 to 25 to attend. We will have more information in the coming months, but if you would like to register your interest, please e-mail us on carers@caerphilly.gov.uk or call Geraldine on 07713 092795.

This year, we also have tickets for the UK wide young carers’ festival in Southampton. We have already filled some spaces with the young carers who attended last year’s Welsh festival, but if you are interested in attending, please contact Hannah Hawkins to register your interest. This festival takes place from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th June 2024.

And finally…

Our next newsletter will be coming to you via post or e-mail later in 2024, when we will have more news, activities and useful information for you. If you know of anyone who might be interested in receiving our newsletters, please let us know.

Also, if you are no longer a carer and want to be removed from the newsletter mailing list, just get it touch and we can take you off the list.