First talk 2015 with wonderful Southside connect Seniors forum

Hi

My make difference tour got off to a great start today with the first talk of 2015 at  Southside connect Seniors forum in the Dixons Halls Glasgow

 It was so wonderful to sit and listen to the group before speaking  at their first meeting this year speaking about the work they do in their local community

In fact my  talk changed after listening to the passion and desire they have to support each other and the wider community  tackling issues such as loneliness  isolation and the community development as a whole

 My talk was more of a celebration of the voluntary work they do and the celebration of difference we can all make

feeling inspired after a  great morning and once again confirms it truly is all about people and relationships

A big thank you to Anne Scott and all the committee for the opportunity  to attend  

                                                 

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

Campaign Tells Staff You Can Make A Difference 2015 #Dementia #Caring

The Health and Social Care ALLIANCE’s Dementia Carer Voices project is continuing the exciting  campaign started  2014 over 2015  calling upon  Health and Social Care professionals to consider how they can assist people with dementia and their carers.

The team will continue taking the ‘You Can Make A Difference’  campaign to staff across the country to highlight that no matter what their role, everyone working in Health and Social Care Services has the potential to transform the lives and experiences of people with dementia and their carers, often in seemingly small ways. Staff will be given the opportunity to reflect on carer’s personal stories and make a pledge based on one key message or action that they will take away and apply to their everyday practice to make a difference. 

Some of the pledges received so far include;
“I pledge to listen with open ears and and open heart.”
“I pledge to view the person I care for as all that they have been, they are and all that they can be.”
“I pledge to take the time to speak to the person’s family and provide support to make their lives as fulfilling as possible.”

Tommy Whitelaw, Dementia Carer Voices Project Engagement Lead, said: 
“Carers tell us that a little bit of time, listening and understanding can make an unimaginable difference during what can be a very difficult and lonely journey. In my case it was a district nurse who not only gave me practical advice about how to take care of my mum, but sat down, put her arm around me and told me ‘You’re doing all right. You can make that difference.”

2014 has been the most amazing year. I have had the great privilege to meet so many amazing, caring, inspiring people IN PERSON on my 187 talk tour across the country on twitter via our Dementia Carer voices Blog and my own TommyOnTour blog. I am looking forward to continuing this tour over 2015 

I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people and have had many emotional journeys home late at night from talks thinking back to all that happened each day; the people I have met and the inspirational 2765 personal pledges that have been made 

Irene Oldfather, Director, the ALLIANCE said:
 “This work reaches out and touches the hearts of many people, not least Health and Social Care students and professionals. These interactions are an ideal opportunity for staff to pause and reflect on what is really important to the people in their care.  Make a pledge, make a difference.”

For more information on the campaign and to find out how you can submit your pledge, visit 

dementiacarervoices.wordpress.com 

Advanced Dementia Consultation – we want to hear your views Feb 3rd St Mary’s Church Irvine

Dementia Carer Voices will be holding a consultation event on Tuesday 3rd February at St Mary’s Church in Irvine on Alzheimer Scotland’s development of a community support model for people with advanced dementia.

Their draft proposal suggests using the 8 Pillars Model of Community Support as a basis and explores the different types of approaches to care, along with the phases and symptoms of advanced dementia. The paper is available in full at www.alzscot.org/campaigning/advanced_dementia_model

Dementia Carer Voices will be hosting a discussion around these topics in Irvine on 3rd February and would like to hear the views of people living with dementia, their families and carers and any other interested parties. As places are limited, preference will be given to people who have had some experience of, or a particular interest in advanced dementia. (Carer, former Carer, neighbour, friend, family member). Professionals can attend if places permit, and are encouraged to bring Carers with them.

Tea and coffee will be available from 10.45am at St Mary’s Church Hall, with discussions beginning at 11am. A small sandwich lunch will be provided.

To find out more information, or to register your interest, please contact:

Laura McCulloch – Administrator on 0141 404 0233 or via email at laura.mcculloch@alliance-scotland.org.uk

The flyer is available for download here – Advanced Dementia Consultation Flyer

Guest Blog -Natasha Wilson Listening, Language and Love Stories

Hi

                                  Welcome to the first viewpoint for 2015 

I am delighted to share this viewpoint from my dear Twitter friend Natasha Wilson 

Hi 

I've always known that working in the social care sector would come with many ups & downs. Every day is different and often you are faced with challenges and circumstances beyond your control. I have also always known, that working with older people is something I am meant to do, for whatever reason. It is my vocation & I love it. Below is just one of many examples I could offer, about working with older people, and those who have Dementia. I'd like to think it could encourage others to at least consider a career working with such wonderful people. It's a true privilege. There are many stories of awful experiences in care homes, but I'd like to counteract that with a positive.

A few months ago whilst at the care home I volunteer at, I sat with a 90 year old wonderfully funny and fiercely independent lady, who also has Dementia. I know all about her fascinating life from speaking to her previously, but I know telling these stories brings her great joy and pride, and so I sat and reacted like it was the first time I had heard her amazing stories. She told me again about her younger years in Germany and about her German side of the family. Out of pure curiosity, I then asked her if she ever had to learn to speak German. "Oh of course!" was the reply. 

In that moment, she started recalling the numbers 1-10 in German. It was a splendid moment. I asked her if she would try to teach me, so I could boast about it mainly! We both laughed and then spent a good amount of time going through the numbers. She would say them, I would repeat, and we would start over again. 

                                                 

We laughed at how terrible & "Yorkshire" my German sounded and laughed even harder when I asked if she knew any rude words ("yes, as they are the most important ones" she assured me!) Other residents were also getting involved and laughing along with us, recalling school memories of learning the language. Care staff who occasionally listened in to our conversations looked astonished that this lady could recall and be in such good command of a different language. It made me wonder how many other amazing skills, talents & assets were not sought out because of the overarching assumptions based on ageism. Cooks, teachers, tailors, mechanics, artists... All buried beneath grey hair, wrinkled faces and a diagnosis of Dementia. Never beckoned out, recognised or praised. 

Assumptions & stereotypes are very damaging, and so I urge anybody to be more open minded the next time they talk to a person with Dementia.

...And just to prove that I was listening properly; eins, sfvie, dry, (can't remember!), foomf, (can't remember!), seeban, oct.... That's about it, I'll revise harder next time! 

Natasha M Wilson
Twitter: @N_Wilson94

Assistant Coordinator of The South Yorkshire Dementia Creative Arts Exhibition

This October I did the 'Memory Walk' for the Alzheimer's Society. Please click the link if you would like to sponsor me - http://www.justgiving.com/natashas-memory-walk-for-the-alzsoc

Dementia Friends Champion - Contact to arrange information session delivery.

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

DCV poster at National Conference and Graduation Event for Cohort 5Dementia Champions

Hi 

With great thank  to Fiona Murray Project Officer  NMAHP and the tam from NHS Education for Scotland for the kind invite to display our poster at the 

Promoting Excellence in Dementia Care and Support National Conference and Graduation Event for

Cohort 5 Dementia Champions Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh January 28th 

We are very honored to be attending and displaying our pledge posters at this celebration 

Tommy 

                             

    

Self Management Network Scotland website now LIVE

Self Management Network Scotland website now LIVE

The first thing we want you to know about the Self Management Network Scotland is that we need you. 

We know that there is a huge amount of exciting and innovative work around self management being carried out in Scotland and we know that you are the leaders in this. In order to capture, share and improve lives with this work, we have developed the Self Management Network Scotland.

So who are we?

We are the Self Management Partnership and Practice Programme.

Based at the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), the Self Management Partnership and Practice Programme grew out of recognition of the learning being generated by Self Management IMPACT Funded projects. In order to share the learning, good practice and innovative ideas being developed, this programme will work to develop self management across Scotland and facilitate your conversations about self management.

Explore the site to read our latest posts highlighting what is happening in Scotland now. To contribute, learn from others and attend our events:

Join the Self Management Network Scotland today! 

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

Guest posts

Hello and thank you 

I am looking to share as many people's thoughts- feelings - stories - initiatives as possible this year 

Along the themes  ( does not have to be Dementia specific) 

What matters to you ?

Who matters you you ? 

Life stories - love stories 

I have a few examples below taken from our DCV site ( and my tommy on tour blog ) 

Share the story and at the end. with your details Twitter - personal blog and so on ,so as people can keep following you and your story after reading the post on my site 

I will do my my very best to share as far and wide as possible 

If we all share how we feel our stories we might just encourage others

Helps let  people know that they are not alone 

There are examples below for previous guest spots b

Always helps to send photos and images to go with the piece ( I can incert and format this end ) 

You can e mail me tommy.whitelaw@alliance-Scotland.org.uk 

Guest posts Thank you very much for you interest in writing a guest blog for my tommy on tour and our Dementia Carer Voices website. There are some examples below of past Viewpoint pieces, which give an indication of length, however this is quite flexible. We would ask that it does not contain advertising for any resources that are not freely accessible to everybody. http://dementiacarervoices.wordpress.com/category/viewpoint-blog-posts/

We have had some heartfelt pieces from people who have a loved one with dementia, such as student nurse Gemma who wrote about her relationship with her grandmother, Rose.

We have also had some fantastic from various health and social care professionals such as Gill Ryan writing an informative piece about the Equal Partners in Care work and Professor Fiona McQueen who wrote very passionately about the campaign from a personal perspective.

Improving Links in Primary Care project report via The ALLIANCE and theRoyal College of General Practitioners (Scotland

Hi 

With thanks to Christine Hoy for the Quote and photo in the publication below  

The ALLIANCE and the Royal College of General Practitioners (Scotland) (RCGP Scotland) are pleased to launch the Improving Links in Primary Care project report, which was funded by the Scottish Government.

The report supports the evidence about the benefits of general practices becoming more community facing and the untapped mutual benefits for citizens and staff when vital sources of support in communities, such as primary care, the third sector and local organisations, strengthen their connections.

The four practices involved in the project, were based in Nairn, Edinburgh, Dundee and Kinross.  Building local relationships, mapping local assets and signposting to sources of support were integral parts of the project. An important aim was to test the feasibility of embedding A Local Information System for Scotland (ALISS ) into the four practice sites, to enable quick access to information and signposting during consultations. (ALISS is an innovative practical tool, which makes it possible to co-produce content and pool knowledge of formal and informal resources).  There is potential that with further refinement the tool will be "rolled out' nationally.

The project identified three interconnected enablers of improving links in primary care: mapping assets as a way to strengthen local relationships and share knowledge of local resources, using ALISS in general practice, and adopting a links worker approach.  The project achieved its aim of co-producing an online tool (ALISS) for general practice and it was significant that by the end of the project three out of four practices had some form of links working, the practice without a links worker model was located in the least deprived area.

Mapping local assets was found to be an extremely effective method of getting local people together, strengthening local relationships and sharing knowledge. Practice staff readily engaged in this and reported the benefits of meeting providers of support outside the health centre, seeing the local “bigger picture” and having an opportunity to pool local resources. However, even with financial support provided by the project, enthusiastic practice staff struggled to find time to develop local relationships and change working patterns.

It was noted that receiving feedback on the outcome of signposting is essential - currently there is no system for staff to know if someone attended a resource, and if they did was it helpful.  Receiving this feedback is important in developing trust, encouraging joint working and further signposting which, in turn, supports local organisations.  The project found that there is huge untapped mutual benefit in linking the health promoting role of staff working outside the usual health buildings, for example in libraries, schools, police, fire service, Third Sector and other local services.

The report reflects that a vital enabler of improvement in primary care is simply creating time for staff to think and to develop local relationships. The report includes recommendations that all general practices in Scotland should have an opportunity to access ALISS through their primary care systems and that plans for health and social care integration, person centred ehealth and public service reform should include reference to asset mapping and developing two-way communication systems between general practice and non NHS organisations.

Hard copies of the report are available - please contact:

Christine.hoy@alliance-scotland.org.uk

Euan.bailey@rcgp.org.uk

Welcome to the December Dementia Carer Voices newsletter,

                                                                 

Welcome to the latest edition of the Dementia Carer Voices Project's newsletter, which will keep you up to date with our latest activity.

This month features the 'You Can Make a Difference' film launch, new publications and events, along with some great guest contributions to our Dementia Carer Voices blog site, and news from our network.

The Dementia Carer Voices Team would like to wish each and every one of you a lovely festive season and all the very best of wishes for the new year. Thank you so much for your support throughout 2014, it has been an incredible year and we have met some amazing people and gathered so many inspiring pledges.

Thank you to each and every one of you for making this year so special and for making a difference.
 Read: Dementia Carer Voices December Newsletter


From Irene, Tommy, Laura and Sarah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

             

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

Seasons Greetings and Support information over the Festive Period

The Dementia Carer Voices Team would like to wish each and every one of you a lovely festive season and all the very best of wishes for the new year. Thank you so much for your support throughout 2014, it has been an incredible year and we have met some amazing people and gathered so many inspiring pledges – thank you to each and every one of you for making this year so special and for making a difference.

  
 We also know that Christmas can be a difficult time, but no one has to be alone. If you need someone to talk to, or a bit more information, there are places which will be open over the festive season which we have included some information on below.

Thank you again for such an incredible year – we can’t wait to see what 2015 will bring! So from Tommy Irene, , Laura and Sarah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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It’s ok to ask for help

Alzheimer Scotland Helpline

The 24 hour Dementia Helpline is a freephone Scottish service for people with dementia, carers, relatives, professionals, students and anyone concerned about dementia. It is open 24 hours a day, call them anytime on 0808 808 3000 or email them at helpline@alzscot.org

Silverline

The Silver Line is a a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

You can call them anytime on: 0800 4 70 80 90

The Samaritans

The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them on 08457 90 90 90, or email  jo@samaritans.org. 

Carers UK Adviceline

The Carers UK Adviceline is an expert telephone and email advice and support service. They will be open as usual until Tuesday 23 December 2014. You can call them on 0808 808 7777 or email them at advice@carersuk.org

From 24 December 2014 to 2 January 2015 (except Bank Holidays) an information signposting service will be available. However, expert advisers will not be available.

During this time callers will be able to order a Carers Rights Guide and there will be a limited number of appointments available for urgent cases to be contacted on Monday 5 January 2015.

Opening hours are as follows:

• Wednesday 24 December: 10-4
• Thursday 25 December: Closed
• Friday 26 December: Closed
• Saturday 27 December: Closed
• Sunday 28 December: Closed
• Monday 29 December: 10-4
• Tuesday 30 December: 10-4
• Wednesday 31 December: 10-4
• Thursday 1 January: Closed
• Friday 2 January: 10-4
• Saturday 3 January: Closed
• Sunday 4 January: Closed

From Monday 5 January 2014 the Adviceline will be open Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm as usual.

Carers UK Forum

The Carers UK online forum is available to Carers UK members 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you’re not a member you can join online for free and your user name and password will be automatically emailed to you. To get started join Carers UK as a member – you can make a donation when you join or sign up as a free member.

Social services

If your normal office is closed and you need urgent help, then you need to find the “emergency duty team”. Numbers are sometimes printed in local newspapers or in the telephone book. An easy way is search online is to use google and type “emergency duty team” and the name of your local council.

In Scotland you can contact Care Information Scotland who can provide information and contacts for social care services at 08456 001 001 (Mon-Sun 8am-10pm).

In Northern Ireland Emergency social work contacts can be found by going to www.hscni.net and finding your own Trust website.

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Medical help

If you have a medical emergency, a critical or life threatening problem call 999. Examples of an emergency include unconsciousness, difficulty in breathing, suspected heart attack or stroke, heavy blood loss, serious injury or severe burns.

If your health problem is less serious you can call the NHS on 111, free from any phone.

Find out more: www.nhs.uk/111

Scotland – NHS 24
NHS 24 is a 24 hour telephone health advice and information service for people in Scotland.
T: 111
W: http://www.nhs24.com

Online health information is also available at NHS Inform.

Wales – NHS Direct Wales
NHS Direct Wales (Galw Iechyd Cymru) is the NHS Direct service for people in Wales. It provides information in English and Welsh.
T: 0845 46 47
W: http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/

Northern Ireland
There is no equivalent service in Northern Ireland. You should ring your own doctors surgery, where you will find a message with contact details for the out of hours service to call. This website contains useful information about Health and Social care: http://www.hscni.net

Thanks for reading my blog, You can now view my 8 short flims here! http://tommy-on-tour-2011.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/my-mums-name-was-joan-this-is-our-story.html

Today attending launch MakeaDifferenceNHSaaa film UniversityHospital Ayr

I am truly honored to be attending the launch of Make A Diference  NHSAAA on Friday December 12th at the lecture theatre University hospital Ayr 09:30am A FILM  made in partnership with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the University of the West of Scotland Dementia Carer Voices and ALLIANCE Scotland 

I am also proud to be able to  share a preview of the upcoming Film,The documentary was filmed during ,over and after my 13 talks across Ayrshire along with our vist and cross party support at the Scottish parliament 

The film will hear from and  follow staff as they speak about and make their pledges and will see how they progress in fulfilling them. This will give a real insight into the ways in which people can make a difference in their daily lives, and crucially gives the opportunity for people to give honest feedback in real time about any potential barriers that make it harder for them to fulfil their pledge. NHS Ayrshire and Arran are committed to supporting staff on their ‘make a difference’ journey, along with pledges from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and NHS Scotland CEO Paul Gray   

I would personally like like to say a huge thank you  from the bottom of my heart  to the all the team for their continued passion ,kindness guidance & support, particularly Derek Barron, Fiona McQueen, Janice McAlister, Amanda Johnson and Lynne McLaughlin. 

I am so glad to have met you all ,this campaign is called you can make a difference and you have helped make a difference in my life thank you 

  The team at NHSaaa will now work with staff to help to make sure that people are given the best opportunity to fulfill their pledges and give the best support and care, and to make a difference in the lives of people with dementia, their families and carers.

You can click on the image Below to preview the  trailer for a longer film which will be launched on 12th December in NHS Ayrshire and Arran University Hospital Ayr lecture theatre.