1. Carers Information Pack
Stonham
Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service
| Edition 4 | November 2012 | www.homegroup.org.uk | https://bhammhcarer.homegroup.org.uk
Information for Carers
E-mail: MHCarerService@homegroup.org.uk

2. Birmingham Mental Health
Carers Support Service.
Be Involved
Have your Say, Join us at our client involvement meeting, which regularly meet up to bring
ideas together, working together, for a better service. Do you want to add ideas to our
monthly newsletter, or bring something else to the table, do you have ideas about bring
carers together, then let us know, by contacting 0121 380 4949.
Contribute articles.
Poems
Photographs
Art Work
Or anything you would like to see appear in these pages.
Stonham Home Group would like to ensure that our clients are
at the heart of everything we do.
If you have any ideas contact.
By Phone:
0121 380 4949
By Email:
Balkar.Shoker@homegroup.org.uk
Annette.Lewis@homegroup.org.uk
MHCarerService@homegroup.org.uk
Or by Post
Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service.
Unit 3, Holt Court North,
Heneage Street West,
Aston Science Park,
Birmingham,
B7 4AX.

3. Carers UK
2012
The theme this is:
This year’s theme – 'Getting help in Tough Times'
Carers Rights Day 30 November 2012
Focusing on helping carers
Find Financial Support
Get a Helping Hand
Make the most of technology
Carers Rights Day is organised by Carers UK, an organisation that works closely with the DWP to
ensure that carers receive the advice, benefits and the services that they are entitled to.
Carers Rights Day is a UK Wide Event, organised by Carers UK.
The recession has hit hard, and during a time of rises in the cost of living, salary freezes, and Job cuts
and loses, many families are struggling across the UK.
Caring however does not stop through these hard times, and families that are affected by illness and
disability are sometimes the hardest hit. Struggling with the additional cost of caring, and lost
earnings, they now face the risk of cuts to essential services and benefits.
There has been a lot changes, and through these tough times it is more
Important for carers to know their rights and
access the support that they are entitled to.
For more information about carers rights day please follow the link below:
http://www.carersuk.org/get-involved/carers-rights-day

4. Carers Rights Day
A North Birmingham Inter- Agency Event at the:
10:30am to 15:00pm
30th November 2012
Welcome by Helen Clarke from Carers UK
All events are free
A concept from Edrook day centre,
Free relaxation sessions
Raiki
Emotional freedom therapy
Free nail services.
Manicure
Pedicure
Join in a Tai Chi class.
Information and advice from Cancer Support, Age Concern, Birmingham Carers Association,
Carers UK, head way, Sutton Coldfield neighborhood Office, Mencap, Stroke Association,
Carers Emergency Response Service, YMCA, JOB CLUB, and the Carers Centre.
Contact Us:
For more information please contact:
0121 355 1006
Venue Address:
Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church,
1 Brassington Avenue, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AA
Carers UK, Birmingham is based inside Sutton Coldfield Community Hub.
Carers can also come to the hub to have free therapy sessions,
Between 10am – 1400 Monday and Thursdays, there is a lift.
You can also contact our information and referral line for more information on
0121 380 4949

5. PROGRAMME
CARERS RIGHTS DAY
‘GETTING HELP IN TOUGH TIMES’
30TH NOVEMBER 2012
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
SUTTON COLDFIELD
10.30am – event opens
10.45am – Welcome by Helen Clarke – Carers Week Manager, Carers UK
11.00am – Concert by the students of Ebrook Day Centre
11.30am – Tai Chi Lesson with Graham
12.00 Noon – Presentation from a Dementia Care Nurse
12.30 pm – 1.30 pm – Lunch to be provided by Oasis Café
1.30pm – Presentation by Paul Kelly – Chair of the North Birmingham Carers
Forum
2.00pm – Presentation by James Barker from Creative Workshops
2.30pm – Presentation by Sutton Cancer Support Services
3.00pm – Event Closes
There will also be manicures, pedicures, Reiki and Emotional Freedom
Therapy sessions FREE to carers
Raffle
Ebrook Day Centre staff and service users will be attending to sell a range of
goods and plants produced by the centre

6. Meet Your Social Work Team
Wednesday 27th November 2012
1030am to 1400pm
For all carers in Central Birmingham
Heart of Birmingham
Venue
Norman Power Centre,
Skipton Road,
Ladywood,
Birmingham,
B18 8JJ
Birmingham Carers Association in partnership with Birmingham
City Council, are hosting a new type of carers event,
Where you will be able to:
Talk to council members about some of the services
that they provide
Get feedback on the commissioning strategy for carers to 2026
consultation that took place between March and June 2012.
Talk to your social work team, including senior managers.
For More Information
BIRMINGHAM CARERS’ ASSOCIATION
1st Floor, Pitmans Building,
159- Street,
159-161 Corporation Street,
Birmingham
B4 6PH
Contact
Enid Said
Tel – 0121 675 8176
Email: Bhamcarers@gmail.com
www.b-c-a.org.uk
Office Hours: Monday to Friday.

7. Atos Healthcare Health Professionals
How they Assess Capability
Work Capability Assessment
According to Atos Health Care the aim of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is to assess
the effects of an individual’s health condition or disability on their ability to carry out a range of
everyday activities.
This includes areas of functional capacity
Such as mobilizing,
Standing and sitting.
And
Learning tasks and awareness of hazards which are relevant to work.
Illnesses and disabilities affect people in different ways, and to different
degrees, which is why the focus of the assessment is on capability, rather
than diagnosis.
Atos Health Care Professionals do not:
Diagnose conditions or offer advice on their treatment,
Atos Health Care Professionals review the information available about
what each person is able to do.
This information may come from the claimant, as part of the questionnaire
that is completed, or through discussion at a face to face assessment. It
may also come from the claimant’s treating health care professional.
All of the people at Atos Health employed to carry out WCA assessments
are trained, fully registered doctors, nurses or physiotherapists.
In addition to their existing clinical expertise, they have all received
specific training to become disability analysts, to provide WCAs in
accordance with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) legislation.
Following training, each Atos healthcare professional must demonstrate
their competency to the Department for Work and Pensions before
gaining their approval to produce WCA reports.
http://blog.atoshealthcare.com/2012/10/

8. Carers and the Work Capability Assessment
According Atos Health Care
“Carers can play an essential important supporting role as part of the
Work Capability Assessment we carry out on behalf of the Department
for Work and Pensions (DWP).”
How carers can help before a Work Capability Assessment:
“Many Carers can play an important supportive role before a Work
Capability Assessment by helping the people that they care for who are
applying for Employment and Support Allowance to complete and post the
questionnaire. Atos Health Care will send out the Questionnaire on behalf of
Job center plus.”
Carers help a great deal by helping those individuals that they care for, by
talking to their families doctor or health professionals, collecting information
and evidence, which according to Atos Healthcare, helps their professionals
decide whether a face to face assessment is needed.
Other ways carers can help before a Work Capability
Assessment:
“According to Atos Health Care, if a face to face assessment is required,
carers can help in the preparation for an assessment by making sure the
customer brings along.”
Their appointment letter.
Their passport or three other different types of identification, such as a
birth certificate, a driving license or a utility bill.
Any hospital appointment or admission letters.
Any tablets or other current medication, such as inhalers.
Any medical aids, such as walking aids, hearing aids, glasses and
contact lenses.

9. Atos Health Care: Links.
If you are a carer looking to find out more about the Work Capability Assessment,
Please read Atos Health Care Blog on what to expect before, during, after and about
work capability questionnaire, please see below:
Before a work capability questionnaire.
http://blog.atoshealthcare.com/2011/11/before-your-work-assessment/
During a work capability questionnaire.
http://blog.atoshealthcare.com/2011/11/during-your-work-assessment/
After a work capability questionnaire.
http://blog.atoshealthcare.com/2011/11/after-your-work-assessment/
For More information you can also follow the DWP Website using the Link Below:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/healthcare-professional/guidance/atos-healthcare/

10. Free support for mothers
Acacia Family Support provides free support services for
Mothers and their families affected by pre or
postnatal anxiety and depression.
How we can help you:
Telephone Helpline:
07944900499
Weekly Postnatal Support Sessions
Acacia provides three weekly drop-in support sessions across Birmingham during Term Time.
Mondays is in Kingstanding at Elim Pentecostal Church,
Thursdays at St.John's Church in Walmley
Fridays at Adderley Children's Centre in Saltley.
Please call 0121 301 5992 for further details.
This one to one service offers a listening ear with a trained befriender encouraging
emotional offloading within the strictest of confidential boundaries.
Acacia Dads
Is a free support service for Fathers.
And other family members
Who feel they may need some extra help and support
After the birth of a child or help
In finding ways to support their partner
Who may be experiencing Postnatal Depression.
You can call our Acacia Dad’s Project Coordinator
On
07928486144
Or Email
acaciadads@acacia.org.uk
Our team of befrienders offer a flexible support service that aims to fit in with family life. Alternatively you
may wish to attend one of our regular drop in support sessions with a wife or partner.
For more details on how Acacia Dads can help you, click here
http://www.acacia.org.uk/uploads/acacia%20male%20leaflet.pdf

11. Filter.me.uk (Children, Young
People and Family Events)
Filter.me.uk (Children, Young People and Family Events)
Start Date: 19 June 2012 03:46 PM
End Date: 31 March 2013 03:46 PM
www.Filter.me.uk is the one-stop-shop website to search for events and
activities for children, young people and families in Birmingham. Filter
the city your way, find the things you want to do and when and where
they are happening.
For further information email info@filter.me.uk or contact
Birmingham City Council Culture Commissioning Service
on 0121 464 6166
www.birmingham.gov.uk/arts
Venue Information
Various venues in Birmingham
Address:
West Midlands
UK

12. Youth Space
Youthspace.me is the forums for young people to learn,
share and talk about some of the things they often don’t know how to talk
.
about.
The media is always giving messages about how young people are
scary, anti-social or out of control.
Good mental health is a basic right and should
be something we all know how to use.
Emotions, difficult life experiences and the pressures of fitting in are things
we all have to cope with at some stage. Youthspace is backed by experienced
staff from professional local Youth organisations,
Youthspace is a partnership led by young people working to challenge the stigma
and myths about what goes on inside your head. With up-to-date information, real
life experiences and a sense of humour.
YOUTHSPACE.ME IS AN ESSENTIAL KIT. SAVE IT WITH YOUR TOP SITES
AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHERE YOUR HEAD'S AT...
Youthspace programme aims to support a preventative approach to youth
mental health difficulties and targets the 14-25 year age group.
Youthspace offers advice and information from clinicians, professional
staff and young experts on all aspects of mental health & emotional
wellbeing. Please see
http://www.youthspace.me

13. The Youthspace team Youthspace
Aims to:
Involves a lot of young people and works closely with a Encourage personal
variety of agencies across the West Midlands,
responsibility for
Offering their knowledge and expertise and providing mental health by
correct and up-to-date information.
understanding 'how it
Youthspace believes that all young people should be works.'
aware of mental health issues and have the skills with
which to look after their own emotional well-being. Encourage people to
support and
Youthspace believes increasing the knowledge and
coping skills of young people, as early as possible, can motivate each other.
help prevent the likelihood of problems developing by
giving them the right tools to cope. Promote a wider
awareness &
YOUTHBOARD understanding of
mental health &
Birmingham Youthspace is directly guided and
illness.
supported by the Youth Board.
Offer up-to-date
The youthboard meets monthly and comprises of information about
approximately fifteen young people and staff
members from both Birmingham Youthspace and maintaining
Fairbridge West Midlands. emotional
wellbeing and self-
The board meets to discuss and give guidance on
the development and design of Youthspace confidence.
projects and events, Provide useful help
and advice to
Including how a new clinical youth service will
best serve the needs of young people; anyone in distress.
Provide general links
The youthboard also looks at how the
and resources for
Youthspace website can best inform young
people of mental health issues which are relevant people wanting more
to them; information.
The youthboard also looks at how young people Reduce negativity,
can make a real contribution to new service prejudice and
developments and design of educational stigma through
materials.
increased
To find out more follow the link below: understanding.
http://www.youthspace.me/contact/Contact.
aspx

14. Individual Budget
Individual budget is money that you can receive if you have had an
assessment that shows you need social care support. You can use the
money to buy the services and Support you need. You will know how
much money you have to spend and you will be able to choose how you
want to spend it.
Direct Payments
Having Direct Payments can give you more choice and control over the
support you need to meet your care needs. You can choose how to spend
the money and you can have more say in the services you buy. You can
choose, plan and arrange the care for yourself if you want to. You can
choose to receive payments (called Direct Payments) to buy the services
you require to meet your needs. This is instead of receiving the services
direct from your local council.
Direct Payments can be made to:
• Disabled people aged 16 or over (with short or long-term needs)
• Disabled parents for children's services
• Carers aged 16 or over (including people with parental
responsibility for a disabled child)
• Elderly people who need community care services
•
Come along to the awareness session at Beechcroft Day
Day
Centre
Monday
Monday 19thNovember 2012 from 3-4pm
3-
For more information contact
Robina Parvez
Khidmat Centre,
2a Heather Rd,
Rd,
Small Heath
Birmingham, B10 9TA
0121 773 8619/07794255135

15. Improve your health &
wellbeing
Laughter
Yoga
Here at
Beechcroft Slade Road
Thursday 29th November 2012
11.15am till 12pm
Improves brain function
Reduces pain
Reduces stress
Alleviates depression
Lowers blood pressure
Improves immune system
No yoga ability required
“Never did I have an enjoyable afternoon like that. It was
brilliant! Never laughed so much in my life.”
Chrystalla Loizides, IT tutor Southgate College
www.lifebulb.org
Email: charlotte.eaton@lifebulb.org
Telephone: 07828 413 484

16. FATHER CHRISTMAS AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER TO
SATURDAY
SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER (WEEKENDS ONLY)
11AM-4PM SATURDAY
12.30PM-4.30PM SUNDAY
No child’s Christmas would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas. The ticket price includes a
small gift and you are welcome to take photographs. Only £3 per child, accompanying adults free.
Find out more on 0121 303 2834 or www.bmag.org.uk
Venue Information: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham,
West Midlands, UK, B3 3DH, Facilities: Cafeteria.
FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET: BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE.
MARKET:
The largest outdoor Christmas Market in the country.
Venue: Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square & Chamberlain
Square
Date: 15th November – 22 December
Time: 10am – 9pm
Tel: 0121 303 3008
Christmas Craft Fair
Located right next to Birmingham's famous Frankfurt Christmas Market, the Craft Fair gives visitors the
chance to browse an entirely different selection of items crafted by local artisans, as well as goods imported
from all over the world by local traders.
Venue: Chamberlain and Centenary Squares
Date: 15 November - 22 December 2012
Time: 10am-9pm

17. Is an online encyclopaedia of medicine that provides a trusted immediate reference
resource for clinicians in the UK and internationally.
It is updated regularly, and the database consists of over 26,000 pages of information; fast
and reliable, many doctors use GP notebook during their consultations.
http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/homepage.cfm
My Personal Best is about young people inspiring and supporting each other to be the best
they can. My Personal Best is a national project ran by Beat, the UK's campaigning eating
disorder charity. The My Personal Best project has created a young-people led, web based
community focusing on promoting well-being and positive self-esteem. The website has
been developed and managed by volunteers across the UK, who have conducted research,
built a range of resources; leaflets and downloads, video clips and
podcasts. Please see the website below:
www.mypersonalbest.org.uk
Positive Mental Health Group
Thursday 29th November 2012
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Thursday 13th December 2012
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue;
Friends Institutes,
220 Moseley Road,
Highgate,
Birmingham,
B12 0DG
Bus route 50 runs every few minutes from Birmingham City centre

18. Nhs Direct:
0845 46 47
http://www.nhsdirect.n
hs.uk
NHS Direct a 24, 365 days
a year.
PALS customer relations A national health line,
providing expert health
(Patient Advice and Liaison advice, information and
Service) reassurance, using our
world-class telephone and
digital services and website.
Can provide information on a
range of mental health matters,
and liaison with all Trust
services
Carers Emergency
Monday to Friday Response
Service.
8am to 8pm
The CERS team provides
Contact emergency support for carers in
Birmingham.
0800 953 0045 The CERS team will work with the
Carer and the person they care
Text for to put together a Contingency
Plan detailing what they want to
happen in an emergency, for use
07985883509 in the event of an emergency.
Email In the event of an emergency
affecting the carer, CERS will put
pals@bsmhft.nhs.uk the plan into action.
Website: You have to be registered to
access the service.
www.bsmhft.nhs.uk
For More Information and to
Please note that the PALS Register Please Contact:
0845 468 1338 or email
team is NOT a medical team. info@cers.org.uk.
If you have an immediate
health problem please contact The service is free of charge.
NHS Direct above or your GP

19. Client Involvement For more
information or if
you need advise
about
Carers Services
within
Birmingham.
Birmingham Mental Health Carers Client If you want to
Involvement Group make a
self-referral.
This Group is an opportunity for carers who currently or have
formerly accessed the carers service and would like to have an
impact on how the service develops, lead on client activities and
You are able to
share their experiences with other carers. contact our.
Topics up for discussion will include:
Information
• What carers want from one on one support sessions and Referral
What carers would like from peer group meetings
•
Line.
• Clients activities and fundraising
• Client involvement opportunities
• Promotional events 0121 380
As well as many more key areas of the service. 4949.
The involvement of carers is crucial in helping us to deliver
exceptional services that are designed around what you, our Please ask for
customers want now and in the future. Balkar Shoker
Or Annette Lewis
The group meets regularly and everyone is invited. Staff from the
service will facilitate this meeting and lunch will be provided. Or will be able to
assist you further.
Venue - Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service,
Stonham Regional Office, Unit 3, Holt Court North, Aston Science
Park B7 4AX
If you would like more information about this event, please make
contact either by phone on: 0121 380 4900 or email:
MHCarerServive@homegroup.org.uk
annette.lewis@homegroup.org.uk
balkar.shoker@homegroup.org.uk

20. Stonham Birmingham Carers Service
List of Stonham Carers Groups in Birmingham
Group Venue Type of Frequency When Contact
Address Group
Kinmos Centre
Carers Group 1 High Street Mixed 1st Friday of 9th November Karen Deamer
Kings Heath Group Every Month 2012 0771 338
B14 7AR 12 – 2pm 5888
Handsworth Fire 15th
Station 41 Rookery Carers Twice a Month November, Samantha
Hear for Road Handsworth 6th and 20th
Group Bricknell
You B21 9QU December
0771338589
2012
10am – 12.30
Hazelwell Street 15th
Stirchley Stirchley Mixed 3rd Thursday November, Karen Deamer
Birmingham of Every Month and 20th
Carers Group Group 0771 338
B30 2JX December
5888
11am – 2pm
Wellbeing Carer’s Centre 198 13th
Information Corporation Street, Carer’s 2nd Tuesday of November Samantha
and Birmingham – group Every and 11th Bricknell
Guidance (venue to change) December
Month 07713385892
W.I.G 1pm – 3pm
Stechford The Stechford Club. Social Last Monday of 26th Joanne Davies
Carers Group 7 Victoria Street, Group Every Month November 0121 380 4949
2012
Stechford
7pm to 9pm
Ladies Sure Start Centre, 80 Last Tuesday Samantha
Active Anthony Road, Alum Female of Every Month th
13 and 27 th Bricknell
Rock, Birmingham Group November, 07713385892
Focus
and 18th
December
L.A.F Group 10.30 to 12.30
Newbridge 130 Hob Moor Road, For Carers Last 28th
House Small Heath, with Wednesday of November Mick Brown
Inpatient Patients in the month 2012
Birmingham 0771 338 5893
Group Hospital 6.30pm to
8pm

21. Group Venue Type of Frequency When Contact
Address Group
29th Mick Brown
Sutton Community Hub Mixed Last Thursday November 0771
Carers Group Farthing Lane, Sutton Group of Every Month 2012 338 5893
Coldfield 6pm to 8pm
Art Group New Heights St Johns Mixed Weekly 8th, 15, 22nd
Centre, Warren Farm Group Every and 29th Joanne Davies
Road, Kingstanding, Thursday November
0121 380
Birmingham, Morning 2012 4949
B44 0QN 10am to
12pm
2 hours
Phoenix Phoenix Centre, Carers Weekly 7th, 14th, 21 Joanne Davies
Centre Harrison Road, (off Drop - In Every and 28th 0121 380 4949
Drop – In Erdington High Wednesday November
Street) 2012
11am – 1pm
2 hours
610 Group 610 Club Carers To Be To be Mick Brown
610 Kingstanding Group Re-launched Confirmed 0771 338 5893
Road, Kingstanding Soon
Community Hub
Carers Drop Farthing Lane, Sutton Coldfield Every other 2pm to Joanne Davies
In Group Tuesday 3.30pm 0121 380 4949
Time for You Stockland Green Joanne
Methodist Church Carers Weekly 11am to Davies
Slade Road, Group 12.30 0121 380 4949
Every Tuesday
Birmingham
B23 7JH

22. Birmingham Carers Service
Unit 3, Holt Court North
Please use for your Heneage Street West
Aston Science Park
comments, feedback or Birmingham, B7 4AX
complaints & return to …