Carers Focus Newsletter: January 2019

Happy New Year from Edinburgh Carers Council!

We hope everyone had wonderful festive holidays and a great Hogmanay. We look forward to continuing our work with carers and warmly wish everyone a fantastic start to the new year. Please enjoy reading our first newsletter of 2019.

Carers Forum Update

Thank you to all who managed to join us for December’s Carers Forum! It was held in our offices of Great Michael House on 6th December 2018. We had a fun-focused forum in the lead up to the holidays, which included a quiz with prizes, lovely food and company. The next Carers Forum will be held in the same location, 14 Links Place (Great Michael House) on 28th February 2019 from 11am-2pm. Booking is not required but helpful to know for catering. Contact Rachael on 0131 322 8480 or email info@edinburghcarerscouncil.co.uk to book or for more information.

AGM Update

Our Annual General Meeting was held on the 30th of November 2018 at the Mews, from 11am—1:30pm. Our guest speaker Ben Macpherson, MSP for Northern and Leith Edinburgh, delivered a great speech around carers rights as our AGM fell on Carers Rights Day. We also heard from Trustees Brenda and Gwenne who shared their experiences of being on the Board. David Archibald & Jane Green were then elected to be on our Board of Trustees—Welcome Jane and David! Additionally it was a celebration of Edinburgh Carers Council’s 20th Anniversary. The cake we had was beautifully baked and delicious! Many thanks to our speakers, and everyone who came along to celebrate the organisation with us and all of the work we have accomplished over 2018.

CARED Scotland is an online resource for carers of people with Eating Disorder produced by CAMHS Edinburgh, BEAT, carers and those with Eating Disorders. On Wednesday, October 3rd 2018 CARED won the Self-Management Resource Award at the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland event. Leah MacGilp from ECC’s Board of Trustees was involved in producing the resource, along with other carers. Visit the website here: https://www.caredscotland.co.uk/

Prefer your newsletter emailed? Let us know by email or phone and we will update our records. If you no longer wish to receive our newsletter please contact us at info@edinburghcarerscouncil.co.uk

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Mental Health Information Station

The Mental Health Information Station is a first stop for all information and resources related to mental health. Feel free to drop by for a friendly, informal chat and a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. Here you can better learn to manage both your mental and physical health, and get advice on local services and activities in and around Edinburgh. All are welcome—no booking is required. We have recently opened a Carers Friends & Family table, so please come along and visit us if you like! The Information Station runs every Thursday, from 11am—3pm at Walpole Hall (next to St Mary’s Cathedral), Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5AW.

Guidance Updated on Carers & Confidentiality

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has recently updated a guide on their website to better help carers, families, and practitioners understand the procedures around the sharing of information for someone with a mental illness, learning disability, dementia, or other related conditions. It will assist carers in understanding their rights, and guide health and social care professionals who can find themselves in difficult situations regarding confidentiality. To view the guide, please visit the Mental Welfare Commission's website: https://www.mwcscot.org.uk

Tips for Keeping Well this Winter

During these cold winter months we must take extra care to keep ourselves safe and warm. Think about getting your free flu vaccination from your GP, remember you can phone NHS 24 on 111 for free health advice if you or your loved one is feeling unwell outside of GP hours, and make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked well with cold and flu treatments. Other things you can do to keep well include -

• Making sure your carers emergency plan is up-to-date and easily accessible
• Wear shoes with good traction in case of icy pavements, and take your time walking
• Ensure your home is well-lit and de-cluttered to prevent slips and falls
• In the event of a severe weather warning, visit http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/severeweather to know what to do