THE  VILLAGE SURGERY

CARERS  NEWS

Introduction
If you care for, or help  someone with an illness or disability, whether this is a partner, friend or  even a neighbour, then you are a carer.   Here at the surgery we are trying to put together a register of our  patients who are caring for others.  Once  compiled this register will help us acknowledge your needs as a carer and help  us provide you with further information and support.  Please complete a carer's form on line from  this website or collect one from the surgery reception desk.

Carers News is published and regularly updated on the website. It is designed to give carers  in and around Southwater as much local support information as possible.

We welcome all feedback and  would be delighted to feature any relevant news items in the next issue.  Please speak to Janice Doyle on: 01403 730016  to discuss in further detail.

Did  you Know?

• In Horsham & Chanctonbury, out of a population of 122,088 there are 11,598 carers ? 11.7% of the adult population.   
• Carers UK and  the Government estimate that carers provide ?57 billion of care per year  in the UK  ? equivalent to an entire second NHS! 
• There are 175,00 carers under the age of 18. 
• A survey found that 80% of carers said that caring had an adverse impact on their health. 
• Men make up 42% of carers.
  

Carers  Allowance
Carers are entitled to  receive a Carers Allowance and could also be entitled to other benefits from  the Government.  Unfortunately the  benefits system is complicated and claiming can be frustrating and time  consuming.  If you are not sure whether  you can claim, contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau on: 0870 126 4080.

Council  Tax Rebates
30% of people who could be  entitled to Council Tax Benefit don't claim!   Council Tax Benefit could help pay towards some or all of your Council  Tax bill if you are on a low income, even if you own your own home, and whether  or not you work.

Your council can work out if  you qualify for help, taking into account your individual circumstances,  including your age and whether you live alone.

For more information contact  your local council, or visit the following website: www.dwp.gov.uk

St  Cuthman's Coolham
This beautiful house has an  interesting background.  Of Jacobean  origin it is set in extensive grounds with views across the lake to the South Downs.  Funds  have been made available from the Carers Fund to subsidise the cost of a stay  for carers to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. 

For further details send an  SAE (marking St Cuthman's at the bottom left hand corner) to: Carers Support  Service, The Tree, 103 High Street,  Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1DD

Free  Breaks in Somerset & Yorkshire
The Family and Carers Trust  have two caravans located in Somerset & Yorkshire (Haven Holiday  Parks).  They will let free of charge to  people with disabilities and carers for holidays.

You can contact them via  their secretary: Stewart Foulds, Family & Carers Trust, 3 Larch Walk,  Torquay, TQ2 7HG

Going  to the Pictures?
The Cinema Exhibitors  Association card is a national scheme that will allow a carer to accompany the  person they care for to the cinema free of charge.

For an application form  contact your local cinema or visit their website at www.ceacard.co.uk

Breathing  Space
The organisation Impact  Initiatives has volunteers who can help older people to take up or maintain an  interest or hobby, which they are no longer able to do independently.

Would this give your relative  or friend and added interest in their life, and give you some free time?

For more information contact  The Dingemans Centre, Steyning.  Tel:  01903 879297

Useful  Contact Numbers