Saturday 30 November 2013

Today meeting Director nursing (acute services ) NHSGGC Rory Farrely

Hi

Both Irene and I are meeting with Rory Farrely Director nursing (acute services ) NHSGGC today 

We / I (NHSGG ) have been partnering up over the last months to roll out the "getting to know me " initiative with weekly talks across NHSGGC acute services across all the hospitals connected 

Rory was also involved in producing the " no one ever asked " filmed interview for NHSGGC acute service training 

Looking forward to a productive meeting and hopefully looking at more ways to include Dementia CarerVoices and more Carers in awareness projects and engagement 

Tommy 


My filmed interview for NHSGGC "no one ever asked " acute service training


Getting to Know Me 


Getting to know the whole person, not just the patient and the illness, is the driving motivation behind a new, nationally developed  resource to improve the experiences of vulnerable adults and their carers in acute hospital settings.
The ‘Getting to Know Me’ document > developed by Alzheimer Scotland and The Scottish Government records personal information about the patient’s likes and dislikes, names of family and friends, and what may be worrying them while they are in hospital.
The information, which will be kept at the bedside during a hospital stay or when attending outpatient services, helps staff to build positive relationships with patients and their carers by allowing them to get a fuller understanding of their life story, preferred routines and specific pieces of information such as what helps them to rest or relax.
Con Gillespie, Lead Nurse, Emergency Care and Medical Services, said “We are confident that this will enhance care and if used properly will facilitate better care for an individual’s needs and reduce the risks of not addressing what they require.”
“It will be helpful if carers ask staff for a copy to complete when their loved one is admitted to a hospital ward, as staff will be able to supply these once wards are stocked with copies.”
Dementia Carer Voices Project Officer Tommy Whitelaw has been invited to participate in the rolling out of this programme across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Tommy will be sharing his experience of caring for his late Mother Joan with Lead Nurses and staff, to highlight the importance of ‘remembering the person’ and looking beyond an individual’s diagnosis.
Tommy said “Many people simply saw my Mum as a wee woman with dementia and used that as their starting point, failing to recognise the life she had led and could have continued to lead for as long as possible.”
 “‘Getting to Know Me’ is all about recognising each individual’s unique life story, abilities, likes and dislikes, so I am privileged to take part in its promotion in any way I can.”

To view the document, click here >. This can be printed off and photocopied.
     

Friday 29 November 2013

Carers Rights Day thank you to all who attended -a few photos



hi

with thanks to ALL who took time to attend our Dementia Carer Voices Carers Rights day event at the ALLIANCE earlier today

It was lovely to see some familiar face ,friends I have made along they way along with meeting new friends
was a great discussion with good Q&A

thank you to all who took time to attend ,THANK YOU  for caring

today's itinerary and some photos


·       Welcome/Introductions – Irene Oldfather, Director at The ALLIANCE

·       Rosie Ashworth and Catriona McNeil, (SDCRN) Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network

·       Tommy Whitelaw, Project Engagement Lead for Dementia Carer Voices – Film and Carer Experience


·       Jim Martin, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
      
         Q&A
                                                              
                                                                  Jim Martin, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
                                                    Irene Oldfather, Director at The ALLIANCE

                      Rosie Ashworth and Catriona McNeil, (SDCRN) Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network








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Wednesday 27 November 2013

Concert Letters Life & Love Stories a celebration of Caring January20thGlasgow Royal Concert Hall


CC Logo

Letters, Life and Love Stories Concert and Carers Reception

"Letters Life and Love Stories - A Celebration of Caring in Scotland” Gala concert will be held at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on 20 January 2014 as part of Celtic Connections programme.
The concert will pay tribute to the love and dedication of Scotland’s carers and the part played by the many professionals and volunteers who contribute during the carer journey.
This partnership event with Regular Music and Celtic Connections will celebrate the lives of many for the 660,000 carers in Scotland and those who support them.  
Tommy Whitelaw, who worked for twenty years in the music industry, spent the last five years caring for his mum Joan who had dementia. He started a campaign, ‘Tommy on Tour’ to raise awareness, gathering letters from carers across Scotland.  The concert 



is the result of Tommy sharing these letters with Mark Mackie of Regular Music and Donald Shaw, Festival Director of Celtic Connections and a desire to bring the stories to life through music.
The concert will be held on 20th January at 7.30pm in Glasgow Royal Concert Halls as part of Celtic Connections.
Latest Concert Press Release

Carers Reception 



The ALLIANCE will be holding a pre-concert reception in Glasgow Royal Concert Halls from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.
The reception will reach out to inspirational individuals and groups, asking them to tell us about their journey caring for a loved one, and the motivation behind their caring role.
Building on the musical theme, and as music is often such a powerful link to emotions, people or places, we are asking people to identify a song that resonates with their story or experiences.
By sending your story, you will automatically be entered into a ballot to win a a pair of tickets to the reception and concert. We have a total of 20 pairs of tickets to give away. For more information and details of how to submit your entry, click here to download the guidance for submissions.
At the reception there will be a range of exhibition stands from national and local organisations who engage with carers. These partners will each undertake their own project to collect and present the inspirational stories of those they support and represent in an innovative and engaging way.
More details will be released in the coming months. If you are a twitter user, follow #icarewecare > for the latest updates.
Age Scot Logo
DCV Logo
Carers Link Logo
Carers Scot Logo
Carr Gomm Logo
GCU Logo
NHSGGC Logo
Patient Opinion Logo
Sense Scot Logo
SA Carers Logo
Quarriers Logo
HIS Logo
AS Logo





NHS Grampian tour for Dementia Carer Voices last week in February

 
Hi with great thank you Heather TennantLearning and Development FacilitatorCarer Information Strategy and all at NHS Grampian for partnering Dementia Carer Vocies for a mini tour of the region last week in February 

I look forward to meeting people across Grampian ,learning more about the work they do along with new initiatives and doing a few talks 

We are still putting the tour together but have a  few talks already set up 

I will keep updating as we go along ,would be great to say hello if you are around 

Tommy 

25th of February -  NHS Grampian Board and several sessions at Aberdeen royal infirmary 
26th of February -  Elign in morning / Aberdeenshire in the afternoon
27th of February -  Robert Gordon University
 
Thank you Heather Tennant and all the team NHS Grampain 

Tommy 

A busy day productive day - One of those nights

Hi

It has been busy day today. I was off bright and early to Edinburgh to meet with NHS Scotland Community Hospital Improvement Network and then back to Glasgow to speak at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

The meeting with CHIN was great and we are looking at ways to connect and link up via both our sites.

Later I had my 8th of 8 talks to staff at Glasgow Royal, I have been there every Tuesday for the last month and over 4 weeks back in September.

Thank you to Sally Hughes for the opportunities and to all on the staff rota who took time to attend the talks and engage. A good day all in all.

I am still finding home life and away from my work a bit of a struggle now and again a social life is non existent and sometimes walking in this house when darkness has came leaves me with a sadness inside.

I miss my mum so much just now, I suppose as we get older and our parents pass away we lose a whole life time of having the people we can truly rely on there.

And I miss that I miss mum and dad they made sense of the days and nights I felt unsure of.

A wee photo of happier times with my beautiful mum and wonderful dad ,

Tommy




     

Monday 25 November 2013

Dementia promoting excellence at Alliance Scotland via NHS educationScotland December 9th

Hi

Last month I was very honoured to give a presentation to the NHS Dementia promoting exellence board NHS Education Scotland chaired by Henry Simmons chief executive Alzheimer Scotland 

Dementia carer vocies now has a named person - contact at the board Theresa Douglas .Theresa has offered and agreed to facilitate a training  day at the ALLAINCE Scotland who host along with many  other projects and initiatives Dementia carer voices on December 5th 

A great opportunity for not only myself but for many others across many other projects to gain knowledge and training on promoting exellence 

I have also been invited to attend the next board meeting of the dementia promoting exellence programme board on November 4th in Edinburgh 


Thank you Theresa for facilitating the training day and to the board for the invite 


Tommy 


Meeting today with Community Hospitals Improvement Network - NHS Education Scotland

Hi

a few weeks back Irene and I met with the  Community Hospitals Improvement Network from NHS education Scotland

We had a very positive  and constructive meeting ,discussing ideas and hopefully future projects 
we have arranged to meet again tomorrow in Edinburgh at NHS Education Scotland offices  to take forward some of those ideas and discussions 

looking forward to seeing all at the meeting and hopefully new ways to raise awareness .projects and partnerships

Tommy


you can find out more about the work NHS Education for Scotland do at

http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/


Today speaking Glasgow Royal Infirmary Conference room November 5th -19th -26th #gettingtoknowme

hi

 With great thank you Sally Hughes Lead Nurse Glasgow royal Infirmary for inviting me to do 3 more talks to staff at the hospital 

I was a guest speaker there for three talks across September and look forward to going back to meet with and speak to more of the team about ,my mum ,dementia ,caring for mum ,the letters I receive and peolpe I meet on my tour   

We have now booked the Conference room on the ground floor of the Old GRI for another 3 sessions, on the following dates.

Tuesday 5th November from 2 - 4pm
Tuesday 19th November from 2 - 4pm
Tuesday 26th November from 2 - 4pm

Again, many thanks for agreeing to come in to see our staff again.

Rolling out "getting to know me " initiative NHSGG

Getting to know the whole person, not just the patient and the illness, is the driving motivation behind a new, nationally developed  resource to improve the experiences of vulnerable adults and their carers in acute hospital settings.
The ‘Getting to Know Me’ document > developed by Alzheimer Scotland and The Scottish Government records personal information about the patient’s likes and dislikes, names of family and friends, and what may be worrying them while they are in hospital.
The information, which will be kept at the bedside during a hospital stay or when attending outpatient services, helps staff to build positive relationships with patients and their carers by allowing them to get a fuller understanding of their life story, preferred routines and specific pieces of information such as what helps them to rest or relax.
Con Gillespie, Lead Nurse, Emergency Care and Medical Services, said “We are confident that this will enhance care and if used properly will facilitate better care for an individual’s needs and reduce the risks of not addressing what they require.”
“It will be helpful if carers ask staff for a copy to complete when their loved one is admitted to a hospital ward, as staff will be able to supply these once wards are stocked with copies.”
Dementia Carer Voices Project Officer Tommy Whitelaw has been invited to participate in the rolling out of this programme across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Tommy will be sharing his experience of caring for his late Mother Joan with Lead Nurses and staff, to highlight the importance of ‘remembering the person’ and looking beyond an individual’s diagnosis.
Tommy said “Many people simply saw my Mum as a wee woman with dementia and used that as their starting point, failing to recognise the life she had led and could have continued to lead for as long as possible.”
 “‘Getting to Know Me’ is all about recognising each individual’s unique life story, abilities, likes and dislikes, so I am privileged to take part in its promotion in any way I can.”

To view the document, click here >. This can be printed off and photocopied.




Launch of Silver Line Scotland launched via Age Scotland


Launch of Silver Line Scotland
Silver Line Scotland launches today (25 November) for every older person who needs information, friendship, advice and protection from abuse or neglect. It is a free, confidential, 24-hour service and as well as the helpline, trained volunteers will become Silver Line Friends providing regular friendship calls. Silver Line Scotland is a partnership between Age Scotland and Esther Rantzen’s charity The Silver Line Helpline – which launches across the UK today.
As someone with an interest in the health and wellbeing of older people in Scotland we wanted to explain how this service is going to work.
Silver Line Scotland’s aim is to assist older people to be happy and healthy, supporting them to live independently at home for as long as possible, and helping to overcome the barriers of isolation and loneliness.
Our  partnership with The Silver Line means that, via just one phone number – 0800 4 70 80 90 –  older people across Scotland can access both Age Scotland’s independent, confidential advice services along with the befriending services of The Silver Line.
From 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, anyone calling 0800 4 70 80 90 from a Scottish landline will come through to Age Scotland’s Information and Advice team in Edinburgh. Our paid staff and volunteers specialise in answering enquiries from older people, their carers and families. Whether the question is about community care, tax, pensions, benefits or heating, they will find an answer. They will also be there for callers looking for a chat – this could be about what they’ve been doing, what’s important to them or even just what they’ve been watching on the television. It’s about making sure everyone has an opportunity to open up to someone and feel listened to and in touch.
The Information and Advice team can also be contacted by Textphone on 0845 226 5851(Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm). Telephone interpretation is also available.
During the night (8pm to 8am) and at weekends, calls made within Scotland will be answered at The Silver Line’s UK Headquarters. This means there is someone at the end of the line, ready to talk, 24 hours a day. And if at the end of the call it turns out that some information and advice from Age Scotland would also be useful, The Silver Line will pass this on and the Information and Advice team will get in touch as soon as they can.
If callers ringing for friendship would like to receive a regular phone call or email from a volunteer Silver Line Friend, this can be arranged too. Or there will be the option of joining a Silver Circle, to take part in regular conference calls on topics of personal interest. You’ll find more information about Silver Line Friends at www.thesilverline.org.uk.
The Silver Line’s UK-wide launch has been made possible by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund of £5million over two years. Age Scotland’s Information and Advice service is funded via charitable donations and support from the Scottish Government.
For those who would like to promote this service via their own channels, please emailpublications@agescotland.org.uk




Katrina Coutts
Communications & Marketing Manager
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/



Carerslink Carers rights - what does Carers rights mean to you a short film

Dear all 

 

I would like to thank you all for taking part in our short video to raise awareness about the forthcoming consultation and legislation on Carers Rights.  Our video was a great success at our AGM on Friday and certainly provoked a lot of interest.  The video has now been put on our website so that a wider audience can view, and you can view it now on the front page of our website:

www.carerslink.org.uk

 

Alister and I greatly appreciate that you took time out of your busy days to not only help us in making the video but to also raise awareness of this unique opportunity for Carers.

 

Thank you again.

Jennifer


Sunday 24 November 2013

Sisters , for mums sister who sadly passed away last week


My mums big sister sadly passed away last Saturday ,My Aunty Margaret (Blondie ) was my mums pal 
They spent many a Saturday when mum was able roaming the shops  of Paisley and Glasgow for a wee bargain 

My Aunty was incredibly kind to mum and I ,always there to help us out in our time of need 
When we really struggled to make ends meet after 6 years of caring and if I could not afford to do a talk whilst caring for mum ,Blondie was always there 

I always felt I had a friend who would stand up for us and protect us if needed 

Blondie was mums sister ,friend and my Aunty and my friend 

Sending kindness and love to all her wonderful family my cousins and their family 

Thank you Blondie ,thank you from mum and me 

Tommy 

Sisters 


Saturday 23 November 2013

Storyboard of #PCIC3 21st and 22nd of November @SECC




I had the great privilege to speak to all who attended  2 day Event - People at the Centre of Health and Care Event @SECC

Thank you for the #kindness 
 #fortheloveofmum #caring #people







                                                With George and #team patientopinion




Shaun Maher, Tommy and Richard Simmons after sharing knowledge!


With Mentor and Friend Irene Oldfather #Kindness








Friday 22 November 2013

Great honour to receive NHSGGC Chairmans Ambassador Award 2013 -Improving patients experience

Hi 
A great honor today  to receive the NHSGGC Ambassador Award I am truly honored as I was nominated by nurses 

 thank you Tracy Donaldson for the kind nomination and words you have made a son very proud . (“Personally, Tommy has made me more aware of the needs of vulnerable patients and carers. Professionally, Tommy has highlighted gaps in health care and they are simple to address. Through communication and understanding, health care providers can improve the patient journey. His story is not about judging people but understanding that we all need to learn.”)  This means the world to me as a son and awareness campaigner. 


 I would like to dedicate this to my mum and mums big sister, my Aunt who passed away on Saturday.
My mum and her big sister 


receiving  award from Alex Neil Cabinet Secretary For Health 



with Team Dementia Carer Voices 




Today attending - tomorrow speaking #PersonCentred Health and CareCollaborativel learning session .S.E.C.C. # PCIC3.

Hi

With great thanks to Dan Harley, Shaun Maher and all the team at Healthcare Improvement Scotland for inviting me to speak on the second day of the Person Centred Health and Care Collaborative learning session taking place next week in Glasgow at the SECC.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to speak at this event about my wonderful mum, dementia, caring, the letters I receive and people I have met during the awareness campaign.
 
This venue has many special memories for me and will be quite an emotional place for me to speak as in my previous life before becoming a carer I worked there many times on tour with bands.

Speaking at this event will be my most passionate and personal experience as this will be my most important ever visit there.

Thank you Dan, Shaun and all concerned for the opportunity to both speak and attend.

Thank you from a son

You can get more details at the links below



Find out more about the collaborative at: person_centred_health_and_care or follow #PCIC3 on twitter

My 4 short films - dementia - caring 

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Concert what the soundtrack to you caring story - concert - exhibition -

 

Your Song: Your Story

 

As part of our Letters, Life and Love Stories Carers’ reception, we want to hear from carers and health and social care professionals about their journeys with their loved one or those they have cared for, the motivation behind their caring role andspecifically whether there is a song that is particularly meaningful to them.

We’ve created a place where you can share your journey for your benefit, and the benefit of others. Telling your story is one way to let anyone going through a similar situation know that they are not alone. Your story matters, share it!

By sending your story, you will automatically be entered into a ballot to win a pair of tickets to the reception at Caledonian University and concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 20 JanuaryWe have a total of 20 pairs of tickets to give away.

           

 

Your Song- Your Story

You have experienced this many times in your life. A song comes on the radio or stereo and you are instantly transported back in time to emotions, people or places from the past.

This is especially true when the songs are about relationships and events that speak specifically to our stories.

Tell us about your song and why it is important to you.


Note: boxes will expand to accommodate text

Name

 

 

Email Address

 

 

Postal Address

 

 

 

 

Share Your Song – Your Story (100 - 500 Words)

 

 

 

 

 

If you send a photo to go along with your story, be sure to tell us who’s in the picture, where it was taken, and why you’re sending it.

You can submit your story and song by returning your completed form toLifeStories@alliance-scotland.org.uk or by post to: 

Tommy Whitelaw, Health and Social CareAlliance Scotland,349 Bath Street, 
          Glasgow, 
G2 4AA.

Thank you for submitting your story.

 

By sending us your story, you agree that we may publish it at the ‘Letters, Life and Love Stories’ Carers’ reception, and in a follow-up publication produced by the ALLIANCE.

If you would not like your first name and Town/City to be published, pleasetick this box. 
If you would not like to be entered into the ballot for reception/concert tickets, please tick this box. 
In some cases, we may contact you to ask for any additional details, or to talk about any changes we need to make.
We regret we cannot respond to every story submitted.

For more information, contact LifeStories@alliance-scotland.org.uk , or Tommy Whitelaw on 0141 404 0231.

My mums name was Joan ,my Mum Had Dementia - our Story 9 Short Films

Tommy’s speech, providing a carer’s perspective,  on the theme of “ No – one ever asked   ” highlighted the transformational impact that ...