Carers Parliament & Summit, Hospitals and proper support

Hi guys, I've been busy again this month and it's been all go!
Hospital hopping...

This week we managed the Ayrshire hospital hop tour - Ayrshire Central with my Dad and then a hop across to both University Ayr and Crosshouse hospitals with Coo. I'm hoping to just stay away from them for a wee while now we've done the tour! Sometimes caring just all comes together with a rush of clinical appointments and so it was this week!

I had to cancel meetings and rearrange care but thankfully we got there in the end!

Sometimes forward planning goes right out the window but working together usually pulls things back on track and proper support makes all the difference in the world as it enables some choice and control so I don't feel overwhelmed by it all and that's changed days!
Carers Parliament...
The Carers Parliament went well.
It's probably the only time where carers from all over Scotland get to come together, speak to those in power who can really make changes (Joe FitzPatrick MSP) was the speaker this time. Carers also share good practice, find out what's happening other places and generally go back and push for better services in there own area! What's not to like?
SDS (self directed support)...
SDS being in place means I can take off up to Edinburgh, stay over and join with other carers at the Parliament knowing Coo is well cared for and just fine at home, previously I just wouldn't have been able to go at all!
The uptake of SDS in relatively low and that's a shame considering all the positives as when it's implemented as intended, really person centred, it can be totally life changing!
Carers Scotland Summit...
Tom Arthur MSP co-convenor of cross-party on carers was the speaker this time.

It seems there's a lot of good work happening but it's not well known by carers in general so we'll need to push for more information filtering through if this is going to work more effectively...so we did...push I mean!
I truly feel it's only by working together we can really change things for carers!
Stay strong friends
((hugs))
Maz.

Still caring, challenging and carrying on...

Hi guys, it's been months since I blogged!
I guess I kinda fell off the radar a bit when my mum died, I kept going throught the motions caring for Coo and picking up the support for my dad too and I guess, something had to give!
I don't think I really dealt with my grief, well how do you, where do you even begin? especially whist caring for someone else already and taking on even more caring responsiblities!
Carer Health
I suppose it's just taken some time to regroup but I'm doing ok!
My own health took a bit of a tumble with everything that's happened.

My Rheumatiod issues have continued and I'm swallowing pills daily (more than Coo - which I never even thought possible!) and jabbing a Metoject pen every week - but I think I'm coming back up at last!

Self Directed Support
Our SDS has enabled me to have much needed support, timeout to grieve and just enable me to find my way again and keep going and for that I'm eternally thankful. I wish it were so for all carers but sadly, it still seems a bit of a post code lottery where SDS is concerned but I'm still hopeful this will change moving forwards!

Carer Challenges 
Even during this difficult time, I've needed to stay involved with Carers Scotland and my local Health & Social Care Partnership I like to make sure #carers voices are heard and wherever possible I do! lol

I'm so heartened Scotland's shiney new Social Security is shaping up to be a more caring agency than the one we have prevously endured with DWP (Department of Work and Pensions).

I have never agreed the best way forward was Austerity, sigma and fear and with a strap line of Dignity, Fairness and Respect, this has to be a major improvement and that being said, I've been interviewed for The National newspaper, on the new Carers Allowance Supplement coming to those carers in Scotland who currently receiving Carers Allowance. Whilst this is a huge step in the right direction, there remains so much to still be done - Carers work...and they work really hard, with very little support with the main 3 H's...Help - Health - Holidays!
Let's start making them a priority for all our Carers!

Keep strong as will I
((hugs))
Maz x

Carers, Self Directed Support, Parliament and 'the bucket man'

Hi guys I've not blogged much recently.
My fingers still hurt pretty badly with the rheumatoid issues and I've not found software that works for me - I guess they software companies haven't mastered understanding the Scottish west coast dialect...yet! lol
So just what's been happening? 

Well, Coo took a bit of a tumble last month, he had some major seizure activity, his blood drug levels were off the scale again and in the end a chest infection was to blame!
We dug out the hard hats and flak jackets, waited out the storm and just hung on in there and after a week back in anti-bio-land, things slowly improved...yeah, he's back on the up and it was just in time!

The Hydro and the Bucket man...
Thanks to our SDS (Self Directed Support) care package, Coo and I managed to cross something big off our bucket list! We were so excited about this one and it couldn't have come at a better time! We had both been so poorly recently and it was a bit touch and go but there was no way we were gonna miss the chance to see Jean Michel Jarre on his one night only spectacular show at the Hydro in Glasgow (bet he's not been called a bucket man before!
What a night! What music! What a show!
We had an awesome time! Can you tell? Ok, we had to take things easy, plan and prepare and build in some rest times too but we did it! woo hoo!
Care & Support North Ayrshire

 SDS is so brilliant! When it works, it works really well and has the potential to transform lives. Things that previously were just not possible and seemed far out of reach become that much more achievable and can make lives meaningful again - it can truly be the difference between existing and living!

So just how else does SDS support both Carer and people with disabilities? 
Well, on to my wee jaunt up to Edinburgh for the Carers Parliament, our SDS funding covers the cost of replacement care and effectively frees me up to go and do things that are important to and for me!

Like speaking at the Carers Parliament, presenting at a conference and joining with others at Carers Scotland or even a wee day away on my own for a bit of respite and if it's possible to make sure our Carer voices are heard too...then job's a good 'un!

I truly believe it's only by really working together we can ever get things right for Carers and Self Directed Support is only the first step but it can be a big leap in the right direction!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

still hanging on in there...

Hi guys, I've not been posting much recently we've had health hassles on all fronts!
Coo is still poorly so we're living quietly for the moment and my wrist/arm/shoulder pain is rumbling on and I gotta say, I'm now getting just a tad fed-up with the whole thing!
I tried to chase up my Rheumatology appointment  (I was referred in December), just to say I'd accept a cancellation and guess what?

I have no referral -apparently it got lost in transit! Here in Ayrshire & Arran, Consultant referrals are paper based -or snail mail to you and I!- between our two local hospitals Crosshouse & Ayr and mine? well, it got lost!
I have to say I'm not impressed with this latest development and I took to twitter and said so with a #unimpressed too!
I'm  hopeful, now I've alerted them to the fact it is indeed 'lost' they will get on and sort it out and an appointment will arrive soon! I guess we shall see!

Carers Scotland...
Health issues aside, I've still been busy with the Carers Scotland Committee, especially now Scotland's new Carers Bill  is at last making it's mark in the parliament!

This bill has the potential to make things so much better for Scotland's Carers!
We just need to be strong and make sure it delivers!


Health & Social Care Integration...
Isn't it ironic, I'm so committed to our Health and Social Care Partnership here in Ayrshire & Arran that I sit on the board and always speak out strongly for our Carers and...my own recent NHS experience has been so very less than expected?!? Disappointed? Yes...but not down and out...yet!

Stay strong friends!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

SIB, Toolkit & Carers Scotland Summit...

Hi guys, it's been a busy few days, with meetings galore!

SIB...
Thursday's North Ayrshire Shadow Integration Board meeting, went really well. There were both interesting and thought provoking presentations on the day and opportunities for questions too.
Unfortunately the meeting over-ran and I had to leave early - typical Caring responsibilities, respite and transport issues this time, sometimes things just get in the way don't they!

Carers & Service User Reference Group...

I'm content the SIB director has taken forward my concerns surrounding our Carer and Service User reference group - sadly it's been drifting for a few months- but I'm confident, this group will now continue in some shape or form and it doesn't really matter which, the important thing is that Carers and Service Users voices continue to be heard and at a level where they can influence policy!
It's only when we work together, things improve!
I'll follow closely and just see where this goes!

The other big event this week was...
' The Carers Scotland Summit'

I travelled with members of Three Towns Carers, from the coast up to Stirling for our Annual Carers Summit. It's where Carers from all over Scotland meet, share information and discuss the issues that are important. Just what is (and isn't working for that matter), for Scotland's Carers. It's where we share good practice, input on Legislation and influence new policy too - so it's a big deal!
I'm glad we made the trip, it was an interesting day and...
Carers Scotland launched...

 'The Carers Toolkit'

I'm taking it a little quieter for this week as both Coo and I got our flu-jabs today and going on previous experience, we'll need a few days at home so I'll be cooking, crafting and harping for a bit instead of gallivanting out to meetings!

We're ok and I hope you're doing ok where you are too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

SIB, Blustery days, woolly hats & Carer Flu-Jabs...

Hi guys, winter has arrived here!

Just how do I know?
Well... I've been chasing panels from my greenhouse all around the garden and I feel a bit like Piglet in Winnie the pooh and the blustery day and I've a feeling this is just the start!

Last week, some of my wee Carer group (Three Towns Carers), were missing in action. I think this time of year brings added stress and struggle for Carers, everything seems just that bit more difficult in the grey days of winter and I honestly think, grey days make for greyer moods and with coughs and sneezes all around, it's so hard to avoid the dreaded sniffles!

While a cold is a pain in the neck for most people this time of year. For most Carers it means, addition struggles coping in an already leaky boat and a dread they'll be ill themselves!

Speaking of which...NHS, Carers and Flu Jabs!

All being well, we're off for our flu-jabs this Saturday. Remember Carers get free flu-jabs too - see you're Doctor now! Don't just get a flu-jab for the person you look after but...get one for you too!
Trust me, the flu jab isn't really as big as this one! lol You won't feel a thing - well, not really!


Am I slowing down for winter? Heck no!
 I've a SIB (Shadow Integration Board for Health and Social Care) meeting on Thursday in Irvine and the Carers Scotland Summit in Stirling on Friday - I like to keep busy and I'm so grateful for the SDS (Self Directed Support) that makes it possible for me to stay actively involved with things that are so important to me!

Well, it's definitely 'woolly hat and wellie wearing weather'! so...keep strong,keep cosy and splash in a puddle too - it's good for you!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers Parliament, challenges and positives...

Hi guys, I've been busy this week, speaking out for Carers - I do try!lol On Tuesday, with other Carers, I made the trek from the coast up to Edinburgh for the third Carers Parliament!

Just who was there from our government?
Carers Scotland delivered the day and Alex Neil - Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing and Michael Matheson - Public Health Minister, were the speakers. They both spoke well and shared lots of information relevant to Carers but the most powerful part of the day was where Carers shared their own stories, their issues and the struggles they had experienced trying to seek out proper care and support! No-one got angry, it was dignified and controlled but the pain and struggle was all so tangible in the room - we'd all been there at some point or were still struggling on now!

We need to speak out and just tell it how it is!
I used a Respite day to go and I'm lucky, our SDS (Self Directed Support) care package, gives me the support I need to have a time out, some Respite and be able to continue doing things that are important to and for me but I know it's very different for lots of other Carers.
Fifteen minutes networking when we arrived at the parliament, showed that SDS is working well in some areas like mine and...how shall we put it? Far less impressively in other areas around Scotland! I challenged the minister on why it's been interpreted so differently by the local authorities, there's no consistency and he agreed!

He assured the Carers present, our government is on the case, they are closely monitoring and reviewing all the local authorities in Scotland and just how they are (or are not!) implementing SDS and I hope they do sort this out!

When SDS works, and I mean really works, it can be so wonderful!
Really opening doors for Carers, doors that have previously been shut tight! - Respite, time out, equipment, help at home, even just time to think, draw breath and regroup for the next onslaught. It really can be the difference between, coping and continuing and giving up.
Caring on alone is a scary place. Having to make decisions for someone else, all the time, when you don't really know what the best course of actions are, is really scary too and a helping hand, a bit of support and a little kindness along the way makes all the difference in the world!

I'm glad I got to go to the Carers Parliament and speak out - it's important for Carers to come together like this, to talk, share experiences both good and bad and to challenge our government when necessary!
It's only by working together will we ever have a chance to change things!

Keep strong!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Shared Colds, Sleep and SDS...

Hi guys, it's a Caring sharing kinda thing - Coo shared his cold with me! Cheers!

What a time, it's been!
Thankfully, Coo began to improve before I came down with it and that made things a whole lot easier!

so... after gallons of hot drinks and sooky sweeties and a week virtually hiding under a wee cosy blanket - I'm back good as new..yeah!
Thank goodness for our SDS (Self Directed Support)- Gone are the days of struggling on alone and so dreadfully tired! At least, this time, I was able to timetable in some proper sleep and I really think that is what helped kick that awful cold sooner rather than later!

This week, I felt better and I even made it up to Glasgow for my meeting with Carers Scotland. It's always a productive meeting there as the Advisory Group has Carers from all over Scotland. It's good to network, find out just what is working (or not for that matter!) all over Scotland!
If something is working well for Carers anywhere in Scotland? Well, we want to know and we want share it too don't we!

I sure hope that's me finished with coughs and sneezes, well, for a wee while at least and I'm sure glad the sun's made an appearance again so...we're ok and everything's rosy! lol

Hope things are a wee bit rosy where you are too!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Update: Coo's foot, Carers Scotland, CareNA & SDS Event...

Hi guys, what a week...again!
Coo's foot...
It's been a bit quieter here this week, Coo's foot is still broken - no surprises there! 
The problem is, he can't rest it properly, each time he has a seizure all the limb jerking just makes things worse and with 10-15 seizures a day that's a real tough break - pardon the pun! The hospital did say it'd take four to six weeks to heal so I guess it's just going to be a slow process and on the whole we're coping ok so things could be worse!

SDS...
Thanks to our SDS (Self Directed Support), even with Coo poorly, I still managed to get out to my meeting this week. It's kinda rare now, that I need to cancel things - what a change from the 'flying by the seat of my pants' lifestyle that used to be the norm!  I'm glad that's changed, it was always so very stressful trying to organise care just to get out and I sure don't miss that!
Carers Scotland...
Anyways, I made it up to Glasgow as planned and it was an interesting meeting too. The government are evaluating the Carer organisations they give funding to and that's fair enough but it was good they asked 'Carers' who are involved and benefit from these charities, what they do, how they've helped and just what they're really like!

Care and Support North Ayrshire...

Tonight's the night for the community portal & website that along with my local authority, I was involved in setting up!
Here's a wee link...CareNA
Will they win? I hope so!
It's a great resource for Carers and the wider community too so fingers crossed!

SDS Event...
I'm taking another few days quietly with Coo for now as next week I'm really busy! I've a wee meeting with Three Towns Carers and our Carer Champion Councillor Steel, on Monday and I'm out training and contributing to a two day event on SDS later in the week.

I think it's important to keep active, involved and to share good practice where I can.
All-in-all it should be an interesting week!
As my granny always said ' it's a good life if you don't weary' so...
Here's to not wearying!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers Rights Day...

Hi guys, Carers Rights day is almost upon us again, it's on Friday!

I guess, it's the right time to look back and see if, for Carers, anything has really changed!
Are we still fighting the same fight and struggling on alone or have we Carers gotten a better deal?
I really feel, that kinda depends on where you live and if your local Authority has embraced SDS (Self Directed Support) or not!

Coo and I have been lucky!

Where I live in Ayrshire, the Local Authority has been very pro-active and supportive so SDS is a reality here for over 50 families who agreed to test the water and try it on for size! The word from the Carers I've been in contact with? Well, it seems most have had a positive experience and this new way of providing care and support for both the disabled person and their family has worked well!

I've definitely found SDS a positive experience and to be totally honest, it's the most effective support Coo and I have ever had! Just the comfort in knowing help and assistance is there when we need it, not having to worry all the time about where funding will come from or even if there will be enough in the pot, has relieved a lot of pressure and stress. The flexibility that has allowed us respite breaks when things have been at their most difficult too, have made things a lot less stressful and easier to manage.

It's not so everywhere though! In fact it's really a bit of a mixed bag and that dreaded postcode lottery comes into play. On my Carers Scotland Committee team, I know Carers in Highland and in central areas, who have moved to SDS and are having a good experience too but too many Carers in other areas are still struggling on alone!

I've found the biggest strain this year has not been from the usual sources, neither health, caring nor disability - it's been from our own government and media! Just how sad is that!


The people we elected and trusted to support and care for the most vulnerable in our society have let us down! Their aggressive 'War on Welfare', their attempts to dismantle the much needed support and funding from our Welfare State system, has by far been the greatest struggle currently faced by Disabled people and their Carers!

Our Government and media seem to forget, we Carers are 'working' at least thirty-five hrs every week and we're paid £59 Carers Allowance,
(just over £1 an hour!) but we Carers save the government as much money as they'd need to fund another NHS!
Please try to remember this before you attach the horrid 'Benefits Scrounger' label!
Carers need support not scorn!

Keep faith in better days and keep strong!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers Summit, Campaigning and keeping strong...

Hi guys, I've been busy...again!
I've been a member of Carers Scotland's Advisory Committee for the last 3 years and on Friday, it was our 'Annual Summit'.
I set off early with some of the Three Towns Carers group who made the trip up to the big city! We like to make sure the Carers in our area have their say and raise both good practice, positive stories and any issues we have too!

I love Glasgow, it's a great place for a visit - all that hustle and bustle always makes me feel 'up' and excited! lol

The Summit went well!
The speakers were interesting and Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, had a good question and answer session.
As expected, the issues raised by most Carers were:
***The struggle with Welfare Reform,
***ATOS - Disability Assessment process issues
***Bedroom Tax!
***Social Services - Cuts/Contributions to Care Packages (some Local Authorities are doing better than others!).
I guess it's not surprising people were angry and upset. It's a worrying time for Carers and disabled people, who feel they're under scrutiny and unfair criticism from Department of Work and Pensions & ATOS, also general public and the media too!

All the scrounger's and striver's rhetoric has really hurt the genuine disabled and their Carers. - it's a horrid state of affairs and all so unfair!

Lord alone knows where it'll all end, one things for sure, it's hurting our most vulnerable citizens most!
We must stay strong, continue to campaign and speak out for a better deal for Carers and just help one another where we can!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers Scotland today...

Hi guys, I've been busy today!

It was 2013's first meeting of the Carers Scotland Committee so it was a wee trip upto Glasgow! Pity there's never time to actually visit the city though but....business is business! lol
It was great to catch up with the other Carers, share new information and work through the latest issues surrounding Carers.

Well, just what did come up today?

Welfare reform and the so called 'Bedroom Tax' - There's lots of Carers struggling to get to grips with these two! Scotlands next Carers Parliament, SDS, Respite (or lack of it as the case may be!) and the usual business of the day for a busy charity - a bit of everything really!

I think it's important Carers get the chance to be part of the process and are right in there at the beginning, when the strategies are written. I'm glad too, our wee group are able to travel from all over Scotland to share their views and help things along their way!

I guess, we gotta support one another and just keep at it!
Slowly the barriers are being chipped away and Carers are finding proper support and respite. In an ideal world it shouldn't be this way, but while it is...we've all got to stay strong and just keep knocking down those barriers where we can!

Stay strong my friends - we'll get there!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Thoughts on the first Carers Parliament...

Hi guys, I was asked for some thoughts on the recent Carers Parliament so I'm going to share my them here...

 

Thoughts on Scotland’s 1st Carers Parliament…

I’m glad I got a place!

Others were not so fortunate so it made it more important to speak out if given the chance!
Coming from the coast, it was agreed the Carers from our area would travel up together so we left the night before and stayed the night in Edinburgh. This was a good idea, it gave us time to get to know one another a little bit too.

I felt nervous and excited on the actual day, I also felt a responsibility to try and raise the issues I knew were important to Carers across Scotland! We, the lucky ones who got a place, really needed to hold our nerve and find our voice - tell it how it really is for Carers!

There was a buzz about the place, people were excited and there was an air of expectancy too. People really didn’t hold back, they wanted to share their stories and highlight what does and doesn’t work for Carers in today’s Scotland.

I think the greatest impact of the day came when Carers not only asked their questions in the chamber but shared a little bit of their life, the struggles but also the triumphs when things worked well.

I struggled on alone for over twenty years before accessing some help and respite – it was a difficult time. Meeting other Carers at the Parliament, those who are still struggling on alone with little respite or assistance brought it all crashing back to me. Just how isolating and life limiting long term, things can be, for Carers themselves.

I came away with a feeling of satisfaction, we were listened to, ministers did respond positively.

This was tempered with a feeling of bitter-sweet, I’m no longer in the unsupported dark days in my caring role, I have help now but other Carers are still struggling in darkness with little help or respite, that left me incredibly sad, there’s still such a long way to go.

 

It was a wonderful day. It raised awareness of Carer issues and hopefully opened the door for further changes that will benefit all Carers.

 

Maz x

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/55355.aspx

Carers Parliament...

Hi Guys! A wee update on the Carers Parliament...

I think October 1st was a good day for Carers. Over 180 Carers went to the Scottish Parliament and shared the Carers story. They spoke of the issues they had just managing to live and continue to cope day to day in most cases.

Carers at Parliament 1st October 2012

Here's the link to the debate: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/55354.aspx

It's published on  he Scottish Parliament website and I'm at around 40 -50 minutes in (debating chamber part 1).
I was in the morning debate, I explained that I'd been at both ends of the spectrum, being totally unsupported and struggling on alone for over twenty years, then through the long journey to where we are now with our Direct Payment and SDS to a feeling of value and support being in place.

I hope my message was clear, we need legislation!
It's not fair and should never be based on how supportive your Local Authority is or even your postcode! All Carers need effective support and access to respite on a regular basis and it should be their right!
I hate the way Carers usually have to fight for everything and at a time when they're feeling under pressure and really low it's just not acceptable they are left floundering around searching for help!

I saw some Carers I met a little over three years ago, when we held the last 'Carers Poverty Protest' in Edinburgh. Worryingly, where things had improved for me and Coo with our Direct Payments and SDS set-up, things had not improved at all for them and they were still struggling on alone even now three years on!

The lasting impression I came away with from the first Carers Parliament is...

• While things are improving for some Carers, myself included, there remains so much more to be done!
• The vast majority of Carers attending on the day did not have adequate support in place or any access to regular respite, or even any respite at all!
• Infact some Carers admitted, if the Scottish Parliament had not paid for replacement care for the day, they would not have been able to attend and speak out at all!
• Respite is still out of the majority of Carers reach!

We really still have a ways to go don't we  and we must keep the pressure on that's for sure!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers Parliament...

Hi guys, guess what? I'm going to Scotlands first ever Carers Parliament!

It will be held in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on the first of October and Carers will get a chance to pose questions to ministers. It's going to be televised on the Parliament Channel too so it should be good!

Having had such a positive experience so far, first with our Direct Payments and more recently with our SDS personalisation care package, my question is...

***When will we see the promised Direct Payment for Carers in their own right? This funding will enable Carers to purchase much needed support and respite and this alone could make such a massive difference! A wee bit of additional funding can relieve a lot of pressure and make everything just that little bit easier to manage!

It'll be interesting to see what other Carers ask and more importantly what the ministers answer will be!
I've time to submit some other questions too so please leave a comment if you've a question you'd like posed on the day!

I honestly think it's only by working together and supporting days like this, even if they only succeed in raising awareness of Carer issues, that Carers will ever really get the support they need!

Lastly, if you are one of the lucky ones who are there on the day maybe I'll see you!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

On BBC Radio today...

Hi Guys, I've been busy!
It's Carers Week and to help raise awareness...I've been on the...radio!

Carers Scotland asked if I would share what it's like being a Carer, mainly to raise awareness of Carer issues and how it really is and...of course...I did! lol
It was the CallKaye show. It's a  BBC Radio Scotland show with Kaye Adams, who's a well known journalist here in Scotland.
...and the topic?

Who Cares for Scotland's Carers?

Well, I thought about it, I'm concious Coo doesn't really like me sharing too much of our lives, but... on balance and with a topic like that, I had to be involved didn't I!

It went well, I was only on the air for the last few minutes but I did pack a lot in! and I'm glad I did decide to do this as it really helps raise the profile of Caring issues in general and, in my book,  that can only ever be a good thing!

I hope by keeping up the pressure and speaking out for Carers, one day, we can all get a better service and the support we so desperately need!

Keep fighting the good fight and don't lose heart, surely better days must be coming soon!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers Conference 2011

Hi Guys, it's been a bit of a busy week this time around!

On Wednesday I left the coast and travelled up to Glasgow for the annual Carers Conference.

It's always a good chance to meet other Carers and hear just what's happening to services in their areas and it seems cuts to day-care service in particular is being hit really hard here in Scotland.
***Now, that is a big worry!
Every Carer I know, desperately needs the precious few hours respite just to help them keep going!

In our caring situation, we don't use day-care services at all so I was not really aware how under threat this service is but I'm going to find out!

Carers Scotland...

I was elected last month so...for the very first time, I'm a fully fledged member of the Carers Scotland Committee! There's a lot of experience and also a lot of enthusiasm and passion within the group so I'm hoping we can successfully channel it all and help Carers get a better deal and make sure their voices are heard! We so deserve it don't we!

Wish me luck!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carers Scotland...

Hi Guys, I've been elected!
It's to the Scotland board of Carers Scotland!

I've been at a few of their conferences and as you know, I've been campaigning for Carers rights for a while now too so I'm looking forward to this new challenge!

I just found out so I'll post more details when I have them!

(((hugs)))
Maz

Getting involved with Carers UK...

Hi guys!

I'm considering joining the committee of Carers Scotland the scottish section of CarersUK.
I recieved a letter from them with details on voting for their new committee and after speaking to a friend, I'm considering joining the committee myself!

I guess I got the bug from the:
Carers Poverty Protest March in April
- check me out in the tartan and hi-vis fashion ensemble! LOL

Then again...maybe it was the T.V. interview in June for Carers Week! LOL
Who knows but what I do know is...

If you speak out for what you believe in, you feel better about things and if anyone else listens well, that's just a bonus isn't it!

Upwards and onwards eh
We all gotta fight for those who can't!

As it says in my header...

'We are all in the same boat so we each must take turns to paddle!'

I guess, maybe, it's just my turn at the oars!

A feeling kinda militant, maz! LOL xx

Carers Conference Glasgow...

Hi guys, I was up in the big city yesterday!
It was the annual Carers Scotland conference so up I went with 3 other Carers.

To be fair it was a real cold, frosty day but my gosh it was so cold inside the building the speakers put their gloves back on!
Now come on, I know there's a credit crunch but holy Moses, it was like sitting in the...



I felt, my fingers had frozen like captain Birdseye's and my nose was turning out as red as Rudolfs! LOL

Thank God at the break time there was some warming soup!

Back to business!

Suitably warmed from the soup, it was easier to listen to what was on offer as there was a speaker from TUNSTALL.
This company offer some help to support people living in their own homes for as long as they can.
Well, you might ask, what's so different about that?
Well, the solutions are all using Technology! you know, alarms and sensors and fancy pill boxes that let you know when it's time for meds.

I was quite impressed with some of their gizmos and gadgets so I'm going to have a looky-see for myself on there website.
Once we'd tried out some equipment and heard what Carers Scotland had been up to for the last year, it was time for some...pampering!

I had the choice of either going for a massage or trying some art therapy. You know me, I'll try anything once - well almost anything!LOL so I decided on the art therapy and it was BRILLIANT!

Glass Painting rules!!! LOL

It's so much fun and it's relaxing and best of all...you get something to take home at the end of it!
How cool is that?

I bet you're wondering what I painted....picture window, fancy urn....large vase?
Nope! itty bitty tea light holders! LOL
They are by no means masterpieces but they are kinda cute and I made them!LOL
Well it was an enjoyable pass time I'd kinda like doing again so who knows, they say practice makes perfect!

On the way home, there was a German Market set up in the town!

It was just getting dark at this point and everything looked so pretty all lit up.
Bearing in mind how cold it was, I couldn't resist buying a new pink hat, the one I chose has a long section you wrap around as a scarf! Ha Ha I think it's a new version of buy one get one free! LOL

Anyways, Coo was fine while I was out, he and Looby spend a wee while in the park and went for a coffee!
I'm glad I went as I needed a bit of a break,the last few nights have been a bit hard going as Coo has a cold and we all know what that means - hard hat and flap jacket time!

Next up is our panto visit on Saturday, I hope I can keep Coo awake!
I think he'll be fine as in 'Pantoland' there's usually a lot of shouting and singing so even he would find it hard to sleep, well you'd think so, anyway here's hoping!
Fingers crossed!

Love
maz x