Richmond Carers Centre

Welcome to the Richmond Carers Centre Summer 2023 update, covering May, June and July 2023.

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. You will also find our programme of activities and workshops planned for Carers Week 2023.

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.
10.30-11.45am
Wednesdays 3rd, 17th and 31st May; 7th and 21st June; 5th and 19th July
Venue: Eel Pie Island

Horse Grooming
The horse grooming group activity is an opportunity to spend time with the horses at Park Lane stables. Being in contact with a horse can be very therapeutic. The session will include equine therapy, grooming and stable yard activities.
11am-1pm
Thursday 4th May
Venue: Petersham

Coffee Mornings
Join us for a hot drink and friendly conversation with fellow carers.
10.30am-12noon
Wednesdays 10th May, 14th June and 12th July
Venue: Twickenham Green

Tai Chi Classes
Tai Chi sessions for carers will continue in a new location. Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practised for defence training, health benefits and meditation.
11am-12noon
Mondays 15th and 22nd May; 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June; 3rd, 10th and 17th July
Venue: Richmond (please note the change of venue)

Art Club
The workshops will explore a range of art mediums with the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and connect with other carers in a relaxed environment.
11am-1pm
Thursday 18th May
Venue: Twickenham Green

Around the World in 80 Days at Richmond Theatre
Based on the novel by Jules Verne and adapted and directed by Juliet Forster, the play features a band of travelling circus performers embark on their most daring feat yet – to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world. But this is a telling of two tales; fact meets fiction as we learn the incredible true story of American journalist Nellie Bly who emulated the character of Phileas in her record-breaking trip around the world.
7.30-9.40pm
Thursday 18th May
Venue: Richmond Theatre

Garden Club
Our friendly group enjoys growing plants from seeds or cuttings and tending to our garden. Anyone is welcome to come along to help, learn and chat over tea and coffee. As the weather gets warmer, the garden club will gather outside in the garden at the Centre. In May we will be sowing herbs and potting on sweet peas and tomatoes. In June we will be planting in the garden at the Centre and potting on Cosmos seedlings. In July we will be upcycling a small pot for planting.
10am-12noon
Tuesdays 23rd May, 20th June and 18th July
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.
10.30am-12noon
Wednesdays 24th May and 28th June
Venue: Marble Hill

Lush Bath Bombs making for Young Adult Carers age 18-25 NEW
An opportunity to meet other young carers and have a chat while having fun making bath bombs using skin friendly ingredients.
Tuesday 13th June
11am-1pm
Venue: Kingston

Plant a Salad Box to Grow NEW
Come and plant your own salad box with the garden team at Marble Hill. All materials will be provided.
11am-1pm
Tuesday 27th June
Venue: Marble Hill

Archery NEW
An opportunity to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, covering standing positions and technique outdoors.
1.30-3pm
Thursday 6th July
Venue: Ham

Woodland Skills NEW
A chance to study the environment and how best to adapt to it, this immensely variable activity has a focus on survival skills as well as environmental knowledge. Typical activities include: fire lighting, nature walks, cooking, cordage and tool use in creating various objects (mallets, pencils, whistles).
3-4.30pm
Thursday 6th July
Venue: Ham

Walk and Talk in Bushy Park – Walking Group
This circular walk in beautiful surroundings is a chance to enjoy friendly conversation and a group walk around Bushy Park. In July the walk will include a visit to Water Gardens.
11am-12.30pm
Thursday 20th July
Venue: Bushy Park

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.

Mindfulness Course – online via Zoom
Mindfulness practice can help relieve stress and anxiety. This course includes sitting, standing and walking meditations, mindful eating and breathing exercises. Mindfulness is not about sitting with the eyes closed and making the mind go blank. The mind is always busy thinking but when we learn to be mindful, we can see the coming and going of thoughts and emotions so we can let go of them.
5pm-6pm
Thursdays 4th May; 15th, 22nd and 29th June; 6th July

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 11th May and 13th July

Aromatherapy Blending for Relaxation NEW
This workshop 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 16th May
Venue: Twickenham Green

Moving and Handling Workshop
The moving and handling workshop covers information around manual handling, risk assessment and principles of safer manual handling. During the workshop you will learn about assisting a patient:

• to move forward/backward in a chair
• to move from sit to stand and stand to sit
• with a standing transfer from a chair or bed

As well as learning about:

• assisted walking
• raising the fallen person, and
• use of appropriate handling aids.

10am-2pm
Tuesday 23rd May
Venue: Richmond

Caring for Someone with Dementia – Pathways Through Dementia
This workshop covers planning ahead for dementia, paying for care, key principles of the Mental Capacity Act and Care Act and frequently asked questions on the Pathways Through Dementia help line.
11am-12.30pm
Wednesday 24th May
Venue: Twickenham Green

Carpentry Workshop – Richmond Furniture Scheme NEW
In this carpentry activity, delivered by the Richmond Furniture Scheme, you will learn and use carpentry techniques to make a cheerful wooden window planter.
11am-1pm
Thursday 15th June
Venue: Twickenham

Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit and Employment information for unpaid carers
This workshop will cover key information around Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit and will then focus on employment topics including employment rights for unpaid carers at work and entitlements for unpaid carers at work.
11am-12.30pm
Thursday 29th June
Venue: Online or face-to-face at Twickenham Green

Connect to Tech Workshop – Age UK
In this workshop for over 55 year olds, carers have the opportunity to get support for using any type of device – smartphone, tablet or laptop – in a one-to-one session with an IT tutor. You bring your device to the workshop and have one-to-one support on how to use it for email, Zoom, using the internet or anything else that you would like to know a bit more about. If you don’t have a device, these can be provided for you to have a go.
11.30am-1.30pm
Wednesday 12th July
Venue: Twickenham

Mosaic Tile Workshop
In the Mosaic Tile Workshop you will have the opportunity to make a beautiful photo frame, coaster or mirror using mosaic tile techniques. This very therapeutic activity allows you to focus your energy on something creative and, at the same time, make a lovely object to keep.
11am-1pm
Thursday 13th July
Venue: Twickenham Green

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

Registering your interest in activities is essential. We will confirm your place in plenty of time before the event. We will try our best to give everyone an opportunity to participate in activities during Carers Week from 5th-9th June and the Wellbeing Day on 5th July.

Carers Week Activities

Health Checks by Pharmacists from NHS Pharmacy
Even though you may be feeling great, if you’re over 40 years old you may be at risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes or dementia. Free NHS Health Checks are available to people aged between 40 and 74 years. They can help assess your risk of developing these common conditions, as well as help you adjust your lifestyle to reduce these risks.
30-minute slots between 10am-2.30pm. Please book to schedule your slot.
Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Massage
Unwind and relax with a back, neck and shoulder massage.
25-minute massage slots between 10am-1pm. Please book to schedule your slot.
Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Tai Chi taster session
Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practised for defence training, health benefits and meditation. Everyone welcome.
2-3pm
Tuesday 6th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Social Evening
Our social evening will celebrate Carers Week with the opportunity to meet other carers for an evening of friendly conversation, drinks and cream tea.
5-7pm
Wednesday 7th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Perfume Making
To celebrate Carers Week an artisan perfumer will deliver a workshop giving carers the opportunity to make their own fragrance for men or women. 10am-12noon
Thursday 8th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Art Club
This art class offers the chance to learn a range of techniques that will enable you to paint a forest-themed canvas with acrylic paints.
1-3pm
Thursday 8th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Pottery Class
Come and explore your creative and artistic skills at a local pottery café. Paint your own piece that you will be able to take home to keep.
12noon-2pm
Thursday 8th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Boat Trip on the River Thames for Carers Wellbeing Day
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip and explore a stunning stretch of the river Thames in a small Classic Georgian style boat. Refreshments will be provided on board.
Three separate launches: 10-11.30am, 12noon-1.30pm and 2-3.30pm
Tuesday 4th July
Venue: Launching dock at Teddington Lock

Carers Wellbeing Day
A social opportunity for carers to come together and have a sit-down lunch and enjoy music from the band, the Riverside Trio.
12noon-2pm
Wednesday 5th July
Venue: York House

Carers Week Learning and Workshops

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

Registering your interest in workshops is essential. We will confirm your place in plenty of time before the event. We will try our best to give everyone an opportunity to participate in activities during Carers Week from 5th-9th June.

Know Your Rights – Understanding the Care Act and Carer’s Rights
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 a better understanding of the Care Act.
11am-12noon
Monday 5th June
Venue: Online or face-to-face at Twickenham Green

Oral Health run by Oral Health Practitioner Come along for free and informal advice on looking after your oral health. Receive advice on tooth brushing, diet and oral health, how to find a dentist and denture care.
12noon
Monday 5th June
Venue: Twickenham Green

Carer’s Assessment and Carer’s Emergency Card – Jayne Ayris, Carers Champion and Social Worker at Richmond and 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.
1-2.30pm
Monday 5th June
Venue: Online or face-to-face at Twickenham Green

Carers Week Special Online Mindfulness Course – online via Zoom
Mindfulness practice can help relieve stress, anxiety and the letting go of negative emotions. Join our online workshop for an introduction to Mindfulness. Everyone welcome.
5-5.45pm
Thursday 8th June

Legal Talks
The legal talks will provide information on Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Wills. Following the workshop, there is the opportunity for a 20-minute follow-up call for further guidance if needed.
11am-12.30pm
Thursday 6th July
Venue: Online or face-to-face at Twickenham Green

RBG Kew – Community Open Week 2023
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will be hosting their next Community Open Week from 10th-14th May 2023. 
 
This is a free event open to groups and individuals who may face barriers to visiting Kew independently, so that they can connect with the wonder of Kew’s science, gardens and collections. Participants will have the opportunity to meet Kew scientists and horticulturists, engage with artists and take part in a fantastic range of hands-on workshops, talks, tours and games suitable for all ages. 
 
The events on offer include: 

• Dementia Friendly Health Walk
• Sensory Tour (designed for those with visual impairment, dementia, or autism spectrum disorder)
• Painting with plants
• Sculpture workshop and exhibition 
• British Sign Language tour
• Interactive science games

Most activities operate on a drop in and take part basis, but a few are designed for specific audiences, or have a limited capacity, so pre-booking is required.
 
To see the full programme of activities, book your free entry tickets and register for any activities that require pre-booking, please visit the Community Open Week pages of Kew’s website here https://www.kew.org/learning/community-and-access/community-open-week.

Good Fridays – A Place to Shine
Organised by the local charity Shepherd’s Star, Good Fridays is a social pop-in hub on the border of Twickenham Green. You can join them for fun, food and friendship. Bring along a craft or a board game or two, learn a skill and make new friends! All welcome.
Every Friday 12noon-3pm
Venue:  United Reformed Church, First Cross Road, TW2 5QA

Carers can claim foodbank vouchers
Richmond Carers Centre is delighted to announce we are now a network partner of the Richmond Foobank scheme. We are authorised to distribute Foodbank vouchers to any carer who is struggling to pay for food during the current cost of living crisis.

The scheme will continue to run throughout the year. The only condition is that carers must be registered with us. We can provide vouchers either electronically or by post.

Email support@richmondcarers.org or call 020 8867 2380 to claim your vouchers today.

Community Equipment Service – change in provider
Following the conclusion of a tender exercise, Richmond Council has appointed a new company NRS Healthcare to deliver the Community Equipment Service. NRS takes on the responsibility of providing this contract from the current provider Medequip from 1st April 2023. 
 
The community equipment service provides short- and long-term loans of equipment provided to people with an assessed health or care need to support residents to live safely and independently at home for longer. Items such as profiling beds, chairs, hoists, grab rails and walking and bathing equipment is delivered, installed and collected from resident’s homes. NRS also services and repairs any equipment that is being used.
  
NRS Healthcare is one of the largest companies of its kind in the United Kingdom. It is expert in providing equipment with a focus on delivering a high quality and responsive service. The new contract will operate 24/7 with standard operating hours of 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday and the Out of Hours service operating in the evenings, Sundays and Bank Holidays. The new telephone number for the service is 0300 100 0253. 

Should residents call the current Medequip number, they will be diverted to NRS Healthcare who will deal with their call.
 
For more information about NRS Healthcare, please visit www.nrshealthcare.com.
If you have any further questions, please contact NRS Healthcare on 0300 100 0253 or email enquiries@london.nrs-uk.net. Alternatively, please email the Council at communityequipment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Mortlake Community Hub – previously the Warm Soup Club
Mortlake Community Association has changed the name of the Warm Soup Club to Mortlake Community Hub, which they feel better represents what they do. It is now serving a different menu.
Every Wednesday between 12noon to 3pm
Venue: Mortlake Hall, 30 Mullins Path, SW14 8EZ

Sensory Palaces sessions at Hampton Court and Kew Palaces

Exploring the Wilderness Garden at Hampton Court Palace
Meet some of Hampton Court Palace’s smallest residents with the Royal Parks learning team for this special session going on a bug hunt in the glorious Wilderness Garden at the palace.
10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm
Thursday 25th May
 
Health and happiness at Kew Palace
Explore the story of George III in this special session focusing on the health, happiness and wellbeing of the Georgian royal family at Kew Palace.
10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm
Tuesday 13th June
 
Dressed to impress! – online via Zoom
Join for a sensory exploration of the fascinating fashions, huge hairstyles and wonderful beauty treatments of the Georgian court at the royal palaces.
11am-12.30pm
Tuesday 27th June
 
A Kitchen Tour at Kew Palace
Find out where and how the royal family’s meals were prepared in this special sensory storytelling session in the great Georgian kitchens and the bountiful kitchen garden.
10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm
Tuesday 4th July
 
To book your places email Sarah Fairbairn at sarah.fairbairn@hrp.org.uk

Knitting Nature at Kew Gardens
Join Kew’s Community Learning team for some fun and creative knit and natter workshops at Kew gardens. These free sessions usually take place on the first Wednesday of the month; all abilities are welcome and materials are provided. Please note these sessions are for adults only and booking is essential.

Email communitylearning@kew.org to find out more.

Art Therapy for Carers NEW
This six-week programme of art therapy offers an opportunity to have some time for self-care, as well as expressing yourself and your creativity through making art alongside others. It also allows space to reflect on your artwork and your experiences, to share thoughts and feelings, and receive emotional support. You don’t need to have any experience in art.
Booking is essential as places are limited.
11am-12.30pm
6-week programme starting Monday 15th May
Venue: Richmond Library Annexe

All Ability Cycling in Kneller Gardens
Richmond Council Friendly Parks for All and RISE (Richmond Inclusive Sport and Exercise) have partnered with Bikeworks. They are inviting carers and/or their dependents to their free All Ability Cycling Sessions this spring. After being shown how to use the cycles, they are offering the chance for a short ride to explore the park and linked green spaces.

When

Where

London Ambulance Service launch a new Learning disabilities and Autism zone webpage
The London Ambulance Service has now published their resources for people with a learning disability and autistic people. It is hoped the resources will be used pre-emptively so people are more comfortable in accessing the service and knowing what to expect if they ever do need ambulance support.

The resources can be found on their new website page under “What to expect when an ambulance visits you” https://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/calling-us/learning-disabilities-and-autism-zone/