Richmond Carers Centre

Welcome to the Richmond Carers Centre Winter 2023 update, covering November and December 2023 and January 2024.

In the following pages you will find information on our face-to-face and digital services for adult and young carers, as well as local news and information, upcoming training workshops for carers, opportunities to get involved and services offered by the Richmond Carers Hub Service, and other local organisations.

For further information on our services visit our website www.richmondcarers.org

• Carers Support Line Our support team provides carers with advice, information and emotional support by telephone, email, in-person at the centre and via Zoom. If you need someone to talk to call our Carers Support Line on 020 8867 2380.
• Counselling for carers Our counselling sessions are being delivered remotely, email support@richmondcarers.org to join the waiting list.
• Telephone and email support to complete funding applications for items you need to support you in your caring role. Call 020 8867 2380 or email support@richmondcarers.org
• Our Workshops and Learning, and Activities programmes offer a mixture of online and in-person sessions/opportunities. 
• Quarterly information updates by email.

Adult Carer Activities

Call 020 8867 2380 or email support@richmondcarers.org to register your interest in any of the activities below.

Registering your interest is essential. Priority will be given to newly registered carers and carers that have not attended an activity before.

Yoga
Our Yoga sessions offer a chance to stretch your body, improve flexibility, strengthen your muscles and improve overall wellbeing by including different breathing and relaxation techniques. You should leave the sessions feeling energised, relaxed and better equipped to face the day. The sessions are for any ability with options to modify certain poses and use props to allow them to be more accessible and accommodate any injury or physical restrictions.
10.30am-11.45am
Wednesdays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th November; 6th and 13th December
Venue: Eel Pie Island

Lush Bath Bombs
Join us for a bath bomb making workshop, with additional pampering and skincare tips and advice with Lush. Carers will be able to take home the bath bombs they made during the workshop.
11am-1pm
Tuesday 7th November
Venue: Twickenham Green

Coffee Mornings
Join us for a hot drink and friendly conversation with fellow carers.
10.30am-12noon
Wednesdays 8th November and 13th December 2023; 10th January 2024
Venue: Twickenham Green

Art Club
The workshops will explore a range of art mediums in a relaxed environment. November’s workshop will focus on the decoupage technique on wooden boxes. December has a seasonal feel as carers design and paint their own Christmas baubles. January’s workshop will develop carers’ artistic skills as they are taught to use acrylic paints on canvas.
11am-1pm
Thursdays 9th November and 7th December 2023; 18th January 2024
Venue: Twickenham Green

Christmas at Kew – NEW DATES ADDED – Places are limited
Join us at Kew and enjoy a festive evening following the magical light trails through the gardens. This activity is for carers only. Tickets are non-refundable and spaces are limited.
6pm-finish
Wednesdays 22nd November and 6th December 2023; Thursday 4th January 2024
Venue: Kew Gardens

Cupcake Decorating for Young Adult Carers
Spend time with other young adult carers (aged 18-25) whilst learning cake decorating skills from an experienced teacher.
1-2.30pm
Thursday 23rd November
Venue: Cake Box in Hampton

Christmas Wreath Making – NEW DATE ADDED – Places are limited
Join us to make your own beautiful Christmas wreath using festive foliage and decorations, ready to decorate your home for the holiday season.
11am-1pm
Tuesdays 28th November and 12th December
Venue: Twickenham Green

Coffee Mornings for Parent Carers and Young Adult Carers
The coffee morning for parent carers and young adult carers aged 18-25 meets in the beautiful setting of Marble Hill House and Gardens. In November’s Coffee Morning we are joined by the Family Matters team from Ruils. It can explain the support it offers to Parent Carers and how to access this support.
10.30am-12noon
Wednesdays 29th November and 20th December 2023; 24th January 2024  
Venue: Marble Hill

Christmas Social Evening
Come and join us for the Christmas social evening where you will meet other carers to enjoy a mince pie, mulled wine, nibbles and other festive treats.
5-7pm
Thursday 14th December
Venue: Twickenham Green

Nail Salon for Young Adult Carers
Relax and get your nails painted by a professional nail technician in time for Christmas. This will be followed by a coffee and a chat with other young adult carers.
12-2pm
Tuesday 19th December
Venue: Twickenham

What would you like to see in our programme?

Appointments with an Adult Carer Support Worker

If you would like to arrange an appointment with an Adult Carer Support Worker, please contact us on 020 8867 2380 or email support@ richmondcarers.org. We offer appointments face-to-face at the Centre, on the telephone or online by email or video conferencing. To find out more about our services and for information relevant to your caring role, please visit our website at www.richmondcarers.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We offer workshops and learning opportunities in person and remotely on Zoom. Please keep an eye on our service update emails for more information. To register your interest in any of the workshops below, please call Richmond Carers Centre on 020 8867 2380 or email support@richmondcarers.org

Each year, Carers Rights Day (Thursday 23rd November 2023) ensures carers are aware of their rights, informs carers about where to get help and support and raises awareness of the needs of carers. We have tailored November’s training sessions to offer everyone opportunities to learn more about carers rights and the support available.

Training Programme
November, December 2023 and January 2024

Carer's Assessment and Carer’s Emergency Card Workshop – Jayne Ayris, Carers Champion and Social Worker at Richmond & Wandsworth Adult Social Care
This workshop focuses on the Carer’s Assessment and the Carer’s Emergency Card. It will provide you with an overview of their purpose, the process of getting them, and how they can benefit you. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions. This workshop is specifically for carers who are caring for an adult.
10.30am-12noon
Thursday 16th November 
Venue: Online or face-to-face at Twickenham Green 

Know Your Rights Workshop: Understanding the Care Act and Carer’s Rights – Jill Pay, Carers Rights Trainer and Facilitator at Not a Care in the World
This workshop will explore the law and how it is designed to protect carers. It will provide an overview of your rights and entitlements as a carer as well as offer a better understanding of the Care Act.
11am-12noon 
Tuesday 21st November
Venue: Online or face-to-face at Twickenham Green 

Dementia Carers Information and Support Session – online via Zoom
When someone is diagnosed with dementia their partner and family often have a lot of questions. The Carers Information & Support Sessions aim to give a space for family members, carers and friends to find out more about what dementia is, how dementia affects people and your needs as a carer.

These sessions are just for carers, family members and friends of people newly diagnosed with dementia so that you have space to talk and learn freely and ask the questions you want to ask. Sessions are one-off/stand-alone – you are welcome to attend more than one session but the topics covered at each will be the same.

The sessions are run jointly by a Clinical Psychologist from Richmond Memory Service and a Carers Support Worker from Richmond Carers Centre.
1-3pm
Thursdays 16th November and 25th January 2024

Ruils Family Matters: One-to-One Advice sessions 
Ruils Family Matters parent support service provides practical support, advice and information to families with children with disabilities and/or additional needs who are experiencing difficulties. Parent carers can attend a one-to-one advice session with a Family Matters advisor.
10.30-11.20am, 11.30am-12.20pm and 12.30-1.20pm
Thursday 30th November and Tuesday 5th December 
Venue: Twickenham Green 

Aromatherapy Blending for Relaxation
A workshop that provides an introduction to what essential oils are, their therapeutic properties and how they can be used to promote wellbeing. The group will make up an essential oil blend to support relaxation which can help to manage stress or anxiety. You will take home a pulse point roller and relaxation blend for a diffuser.
11am-1pm 
Tuesday 23rd January 2024 
Venue: Twickenham Green

Print Making Workshop 
This workshop will be run by a professional printmaker. Discover the diverse forms of printmaking and create personalised mini- zines (zine — a small, self-published booklet or magazine) that capture the essence of what "home" means to you. You will be encouraged to experiment and craft your own unique visual narrative using imagination, storytelling, and printmaking to explore your feelings and memories associated with home. You will learn various printmaking techniques, including stencil making, linocut and monoprinting.

No prior experience in printmaking or zine-making is necessary. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any personal items or mementos that can be incorporated into your zine. Join us for a fun and creative workshop that celebrates the art of printmaking.
10.30am-12.30pm 
Thursday 11th January 2024 
Venue: Twickenham Green

Workshops on ‘Managing Challenging Behaviour’ in young people with SEND
These sessions, facilitated by the Ruils Family Matters service are split by age. Both workshops will be run by autism and diversity trainer Helen Eaton, MSc, PGSE, BA. Helen has over ten years' experience as Director of a Training Company, and twenty years' experience as an Associate Trainer. Over recent years she has delivered well over five hundred training sessions on Neurodiversity and Autism to workplaces, charities, schools, families and Neurodivergent individuals.

Early years and primary age children – 7th November
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-matters-managing-challenging-behaviour-in- early-and-primary-years-tickets-680712999907?aff=oddtdtcreator
Secondary age children – 24th January 2024
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-matters-workshop-managing-challenging- behaviour-secondary-years-tickets-740673533477?aff=oddtdtcreator

Traditional Christmas Day Lunch with The Churches in Teddington
The Churches in Teddington are again inviting the elderly and those who are alone to join them for a Christmas Day meal. There will also be entertainment, mince pies and other refreshments, plus a chance to join in carols and other activities. Transport can be provided if required.

If you would like to attend or volunteer to help then please contact Colin on 020 8977 8000 or email CTTChristmas23@gmail.com

Friendly Parks for All's Winter Programme is available now
Spend time outside to benefit your health and wellbeing and explore the beautiful parks in Richmond. As part of the Friendly Parks for All project there are free weekly activities held in one of the Friendly Parks. The Richmond Council Parks Team is working to improve the impact, reach and quality of access to parks and open spaces in the borough to residents who experience barriers to access.

All Ability bike sessions are being run in Kneller Gardens. There are also monthly accessible wellbeing walks held in association with local charities Ruils and Richmond Borough Mind.

Find out more online at https://www.richmond.gov.uk/friendly_parks_for_all or contact Frances Bennett by email at outdoor.learning@outlook.com

Wandsworth Council Lifelong Learning Course Guide published for 2023/24
Wandsworth Council’s Lifelong Learning team (WCLL) is offering a wide range of both online and in-person courses to benefit the community. Working in partnership with several other organisations, WCLL offers an extensive range of learning courses, apprenticeships and other accredited qualifications. This includes personal development and employability courses, management qualifications, apprenticeships in administration, management, health and social care and becoming a teaching assistant.

Many courses are open to anyone living in a London borough – not just Wandsworth. General guidelines are:

• You live in a London /Greater London Borough
• You are not in full time education
• You have not achieved this qualification before you are aged 19 or older on 31st August 2023
• Have permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months and your visa is valid for the duration of the course (some exemptions apply)

Take a look at the latest Lifelong Learning Guide 2023/24 to find out more about the wide range of courses or visit the WCLL information webpage https://sway.office.com/JMb0ygsPimYu9nII for more information  Alternatively, you can email edlifelong@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Festive online Zoom sessions with Historic Royal Palaces
Sensory Palaces is a wellbeing programme for people living with dementia and their carers. Sensory Palaces bring the history of its heritage sites to life through sensory storytelling. These sessions are hosted by the wonderful presenter Jon Sleigh with the aim to make them as warm and interactive as possible.

Chocolate Court
Join Hampton Court for a special sensory tour of the historic Chocolate Kitchens at the palace. Learn all about the artistry and importance of the chocolatier and the etiquette of chocolate consumption then warm up by sampling some homemade Georgian hot chocolate.
10:30am-12:30pm and 2-4pm
Thursday 2nd November
Venue: Hampton Court Palace – Ground floor 

A Christmas Story 
Open the mince pies early and join the team for a celebration of all things food from Tudor feasts to modern day turkey dinners as we warm up for the festive season together. To add some sensory elements, you might like to gather some objects ahead of our session together: a hot drink (hot chocolate or Christmas spiced tea), nuts, mince pie, orange or similar. This sensory storytelling session takes place on Zoom and carers can use the link below to join the session on 5th December.
11am-12.30pm 
Tuesday 5th December 
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99663096194

Christmas at the palace
Celebrate the festive season in this interactive session where you will discover how Christmas has been celebrated at Hampton Court Palace throughout the ages and experience the sights and sounds of Christmas at court.
10:30am-12:30pm and 2-4pm
Thursday 14th December
Venue: Hampton Court Palace – Ground floor 

To book your places email the Community Team at Communities@hrp.org.uk

Tablet and Smartphone Workshop in partnership with eBay – Age UK
Age UK, in partnership with Ebay, is hosting a two hour technology workshop. Bring your mobile phone, laptop or tablet and their friendly techies will help you with any questions or problems.
11am-1pm
Thursday 2nd November
Venue: Central Richmond
Cost: £5 (for refreshments)
Please book on the online ticketing website Eventbrite or contact Ebru Ozsavasci on 0208 744 1965 or email connecttotech@ageukrichmond.org.uk

If you are 65+ and living in Richmond upon Thames, Connect to Tech can help you get online and get connected. You may be new to the world of IT and computers, or you may be looking to develop your existing skills. There are lots of benefits to being online. 

Age UK’s Connect to Tech services include:

• Tablet Loan Scheme 
• One to one support at community locations 
• Weekly drop in club 

New platform launch – Free Digital Resource for Carers
Carers UK are excited to announce the launch of the new Digital Resource for Carers platform, which delivers Carers UK’s expert resources for carers with a cleaner look and easier navigation. More improvements, updates and new content are planned in the coming months.  

NHS England are giving all unpaid carers in England free access to Carers UK’s Digital Resource for Carers, an online platform that hosts a wealth of information and advice for carers to help them build resilience in their caring role. This means that across the London region, carers have practical support once they have been identified.  

The resources can help to deliver on the NHS Long Term Plan Commitments to unpaid carers. The Carers UK platform includes e-learning, guides and comprehensive signposting, access to MyBackUp, a simple contingency planning tool for what might happen in an emergency, and Jointly, Carers UK’s care co-ordination app which also includes contingency planning features.  

To use the Digital Resource for Carers, visit https://carersdigital.org/login/. You will need to create an account using the Free Access Code: DPCN9365.  

Council publish their guide for safeguarding carers 
The Richmond and Wandsworth Safeguarding Adults Board has published guidance for safeguarding carers. 

Safeguarding means protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of adults at risk, enabling them to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. Sometimes we experience situations in which we feel unable to protect ourselves from the action of others. Safeguarding is a way of helping people with care and support needs over the age of 18 so they can protect themselves from abuse by others. Carers have a range of roles in relation to safeguarding – they can be the person who raises the concern; can themselves be vulnerable to harm and abuse or can be abusers themselves.

Download the full guidance document from https://bit.ly/44OWoq1 

For more information around safeguarding, identifying abuse and how to report it, visit the safeguarding pages on the Council’s website here: https://bit.ly/43HzCPt 

For a range of services available to carers, please visit https://bit.ly/3rHCI8D