Welcome to the January 2012 email update from York Carers Centre.
Free art workshops for carers
Would you like a chance to meet other carers? Could you do with a break from caring for a few hours? We are running free art workshops for carers at Room One at Burton Stone Lane Community Centre, in Clifton, during January and February. They will be each Monday afternoon for 4 weeks, from 1.30 to 3.30pm, starting on Monday 16 January (last workshop Monday 6 February).
The workshops are a chance to try your hand at something creative, starting off with drawing during the first workshop. The workshops are open to all carers and don’t worry if you’re not very “arty” – just come and have a go. The room is accessible and tea and coffee with be available.
If you would like to book a place on the workshops please ring us on 01904 715490 and let us have your name and contact details. Ideally we’d like you to be able to attend all four workshops but do still get in touch if you can only come to three. Please book as soon as possible.
Have your say about changes to Support for Mortgage Interest
The Government is considering changing the way Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is paid. The SMI scheme helps unemployed people, including carers, by paying their mortgage interest. This benefit is currently paid indefinitely.
The minister for Welfare Reform is calling for evidence on whether new claimants on the scheme should, after a fixed period of time, only receive this help in exchange for a charge on their homes (which can be recouped when the house is sold).
There is a currently a consultation and you can find out more at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2011/support-for-mortgage-interest.shtml
New owners for Woodlands
Workshops for women carers
York Soroptimist Club have offered to run some workshops for carers in March. They are able to offer a wide range of activities but it would be really useful to know which of these you would be most interested in. Here is a list of suggestions.
- Crafts: cake decoration, card-making, jewellery making
- First aid
- Health and safety
- Health screening information
- Healthy eating and lifestyle
- Relaxation
- Colour analysis
- Self-Esteem
- Budgeting and debt management
If you have any preference please could you email us at enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk and title the email ‘March workshop for women’. This will not mean that you are booked on a workshop but it will mean we can get back in touch with you when we arrange the workshop to see if you would be interested.
Manifesto for change consultation event
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is hosting a major consultation event on Tuesday 17 January 2012 with disabled people’s organisations, third sector advice and support organisations and public sector organisations. The event, to be held in Manchester, will offer the opportunity for disabled people’s organisations to influence the development of public authorities’ action plans and have a say about what their priorities should be in tackling disability-related harassment. For further information visit: www.equalityhumanrights.com/dhfi
We are a network partner of the Carers Trust (formerly Princess Royal Trust for Carers).
