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Poems |
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Dare to Believe
By: Author Unknown
EVERYBODY KNOWS ...
You can''t be all things to all people.
You can''t do all things at once.
You can''t do all things equally well.
You can''t do all things better than everyone else.
Your humanity is showing just like everyone else''s.
SO ...
You have to find out who you are, and be that.
You have to decide what comes first, and do that.
You have to discover your strengths, and use them.
You have to learn not to compete with others,
Because no one else is in the contest of "being you."
THEN ...
You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness.
You will have learned to set priorities and make decisions.
You will have learned to live with your limitations.
You will have learned to give yourself the respect that is due,
And you''ll be a most vital mortal.
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DARE TO BELIEVE ...
That you are a wonderful, unique person.
That you are a once-in-all-history event.
That it''s more than a right, it''s your duty, to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve, but a gift to cherish.
And you''ll be able to stay one up on what used to get you down.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love my job, I love no pay!
I love it more and more each day.
I love making tea and biscuits galore,
Social workers, I simply adore.
I love my house and its location; I never get to have a vacation.
I love my furniture, drab and grey, and piles of paper that grow each day!
I think my job is really swell, there's nothing else I love so well.
I love to work with other carers, I love their leers, and jeers, and sneers.
I love my computer and its software; I hug it often though it won't care.
I love each program and every file. I’d love them more if they worked a while. I’m happy to be here. I am. I am.
I'm the happiest carer in the world, I am. I love this work, I love these chores. I love the meetings with deadly bores.
I love my job - I'll say it again - I even love those friendly men.
Those friendly men who've come today, in clean white coats to take me away!!!!!
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“Imagination”
Imagine a new understanding
We’ve waited patiently now for years
The pain we’ve suffered through STIGMA
Has created a river of tears
Imagine holding our heads up high
No more whisperings-secrets or lies
Lets bare the soul of Mental Distress
No more need for it’s meagre disguise
Imagine that Carer’s talk openly
We don’t hide behind assumed names
We talk about loved ones with pride and respect
Long gone are the feelings of shame
Imagine a new understanding
Equal amounts of compassion
Get well cards-flowers-comforting words
Will never again be on ration
Imagine that reporters change the way that they write
Words like Schitzo and Psycho are finally kept out of sight
Imagine a new understanding
No more alienation from the norm
Imagine that new generations
Are educated from the day they are born
Imagine our neighbours welcoming us
No more protests as to where we reside
Social inclusion won’t be an illusion
Imagine the lift to our pride
It’s time 4 change it’s time for the truth
To relieve decades of painful frustration
Imagine we make this a reality
Not a figment of IMAGINATION.
Georgina Wakefield
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Life after Death |
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Life after Death
Now I''m retired
And lost my wife
What shall I do
With the rest of my life?
I''ve been thro'' the mill
And suffered the pain
I''ve learnt about stress
Frustration and strain.
I''ll use the knowledge
Now I''ve passed the test
To help all those
Who are lost and bereft.
My love has flown
To her celestial nest
My beloved spouse
Is now at rest.
My heart was dead
My brain distraught,
Full of sorrow
I cared for nought.
But then a voice
From deep inside
Said "Love one another"
Let me be your guide.
My heart is now full
Of the joy I can give
To those who have suffered
And need a reason to live.
So lift up your hearts
Do not despair
Spread happiness and live
Show the world that you CARE.
Don Smith |
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SHE DIDN''T MEAN IT
She didn''t mean to spill that drink
She didn''t mean to choke on it
It doesn''t matter what you think
Compared to yours her life''s just sh**
She didn''t mean to wet the bed
The signals just don''t reach her head
She didn''t mean to get annoyed with you
With her MS you''d be annoyed too
If you ever think YOUR life''s a mess
REMEMBER
SHE DIDN''T MEAN TO GET MS.
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Site News |
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Don't force people to work after the age of 65 |
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Posted by wendy -
on Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 14:51:15 BST |
Don't force people to work after the age of 65
11:00am Monday 23rd August 2010
A CARER who is soon to become a pensioner says people should not be forced to work beyond the age of 65.
Ron Chambers, chairman of the Worcestershire Pensioners’ Action Group, said he supported the right to work beyond the age of 65 but said people should not be forced to do so by the Government.
The Government is currently considering how to phase out the default retirement age of 65.
Mr Chambers, a former chef of St George’s Walk, Barbourne, Worcester, who retired 16 years ago to be a full-time carer for his disabled wife Judy, said: “I think things are going to get a lot worse for the pensioners. I’m 65 next year and I’m a carer.
“I will have my carers allowance of £53 a week stopped because the Government does not consider a carer’s allowance as a wage.
“I have got nothing against people wanting to work after 65, but I have problems with forcing people to work.
“If people started working at 16 and 17 and work until they are 65 I think they have done their whack.”
continued.................
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Getting It Right: NHS pledges to work for better care |
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Posted by wendy -
on Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 12:36:02 BST |
Getting It Right: NHS pledges to work for better care
19 August 2010
Two major NHS organisations in Norfolk have pledged themselves to a new charter to improve healthcare for people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties.
 NHS Norfolk and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) have both signed up to "Getting It Right", drawn up by Mencap which aims to ensure the patients it represents get the healthcare they have a right to - on terms they understand and are comfortable with.
Stephen McCormack, NHS Norfolk's Mental Health Commissioning Manager has driven through a range of improvements at NHS Norfolk which were recently commended by the Strategic Health Authority - alongside the work which he has undertaken in paertnership with other stakeholder through Norfolk LD Partnership Board.
Stephen said: "We have done much good work within NHS Norfolk and with our partners but we know there is more work we can do to better support patients with learning difficulties. This was recognised at the most recent NHS Norfolk Board meeting.
"By signing up to Getting It Right we are therefore making a further public commitment to continue this work throughout NHS Norfolk."
continued.....................
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MP warns cuts threaten help for carers |
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Posted by wendy -
on Saturday, July 31, 2010 @ 19:37:18 BST |
MP warns cuts threaten help for carers
6:00pm Saturday 31st July 2010
DAVID Cameron’s Big Society vision could be hit by County Hall cuts to organisations which support carers, Banbury MP Tony Baldry has warned.
The Conservative MP said the Big Society policies drawn up by Prime Minister Mr Cameron, the MP for Witney, recognised the importance of volunteers and carer centres in delivering key services.
But such organisations were now facing cuts in funding from Oxfordshire County Council, said Mr Baldry.
He said: “I’m concerned at what appears to be a potential and, I suspect, entirely unintended conflict between the Coalition Government’s desire to promote the Big Society and the coalition’s necessity to cut the budget deficit.”
He said Oxfordshire’s carers’ centres relied on both volunteers and paid staff.
continued.............
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Old Articles: Help for carers in Scotland in Scotland |
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Posted by wendy -
on Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 12:00:14 BST |
Help for carers
26/07/2010
Plans to identify and support carers of all ages across Scotland have been revealed, including investment in respite and short breaks.
Backed by £5 million over five years for the voluntary sector to support respite for carers of all ages, the strategy was unveiled today by Public Health Minister Shona Robison as she met adult and young carers at the Lanarkshire Carers Centre in Hamilton.
The adult strategy - Caring Together - lays out a ten-point plan with specific commitments to help carers, including:
- Creating a Carers Rights Charter
- Investing in carers training, building on an existing £281,000 investment
- Improving the identification of carers by health and social care services
- Making carers' own health and wellbeing a priority
- Promoting carer-friendly employment practices and encouraging income maximisation
- continued....................
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Old Articles: |
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Posted by wendy -
on Monday, July 19, 2010 @ 15:12:39 BST |
12/07/2010
“I have had major bone problems and an operation on my spine, and I am now questioning whether that was to do with the beatings?”…the words of a 63 year old woman who took part in new research just published, into the effects of domestic violence on older women.
The year-long study by researchers at The University of Nottingham’s Division of Nursing has concluded that more needs to be done to identify, support and protect these victims.
Older women who suffer or have suffered domestic abuse are historically a silent section of society and this research set out to give them a voice and break the taboo surrounding the problem.
continued....................
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Old Articles: 11 year old explains impact of H&F cuts to Parliament |
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Posted by wendy -
on Monday, July 05, 2010 @ 11:38:59 BST |
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11 year old explains impact of H&F cuts
Monday, 5 July 2010
11 year old explains impact of H&F cuts
Andy Slaughter spoke in Parliament last week and attacked the Council for the forthcoming closure of the Carers Centre, based in Hammersmith but covering the whole borough. You can watch his speech here (scroll in to 46 mins 12 seconds)
Here is one of the testimonies Andy Slaughter read out, which provides a glimpse into the very real human stories that these numbers actually represent:
"I am an eleven year old boy. I have a brother with cerebral palsy. My dad died when I was seven from a heart attack. I love my brother so much but I had to face very difficult things. Children have made fun of me because of my brother's condition. People that don't understand my brother's condition treat me differently to other people. I didn't go on holidays. People made fun of me when I was near my brother. I missed a lot of school. I felt stressed and unsure. I was unsure if I was doing the right or wrong thing. I didn't have anyone to talk to.
When I first went to the young carers project I made friends quite quickly. I told them my experiences and they told me theirs. The young carers project took me on trips and I was able to express my emotions and feelings. They helped me to understand bullies and that there was nothing wrong with me. They helped me realise that I did do things correctly.
They also took me camping, which was lots of fun and taught me different dances for example street dancing and martial arts style dancing. It is a chill out zone for all young carers and adult carers. It gives us freedom from our caring role.
If you close the young carers project, you'll be closing a family of people who came together because of difficulties. Which is unfair for all young carers and adult carers. I just can't believe you're closing down the young carers project for all the good work they have done."
The closure is part of the Council's cuts programme - and I should say here that I'm not posting this because I don't believe the Council has to make cuts. They do. The question is how and where, and until they start cutting their own expensive propaganda machine which is slammed by their own Conservative MPs and now Government as "propaganda on the rates", I find the sight of them slashing services to the most vulnerable instead quite sickening.
Explain to me why the tax money spent on H&F News is more important than supporting that boy.
www./shepherds-bush.blogspot.com/
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Old Articles: Scope statement on Incapacity Benefit cuts |
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Posted by wendy -
on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 @ 18:05:15 BST |
Scope statement on Incapacity Benefit cuts
28 June 2010
Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of Scope, said: “We know that changes need to be made to the benefits system. However, the current medical tests used to reassess people and move them into work are inherently flawed.
“We fear that simply speeding this process up will mean that corners will be cut, disabled people’s needs will not be met and the Government will fail to achieve its aims.
“This is the second attack on vital support for disabled people in two weeks following the changes to Disability Living Allowance in the so-called ‘fair' Emergency Budget.
“Disabled people cannot afford to keep on drawing the short straw.”
www.scope.org.uk/news/welfare
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Carers can't afford to lose any more |
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Posted by wendy -
on Sunday, June 20, 2010 @ 10:46:11 BST |
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Carers can't afford any more cuts!
Carers already make their contribution to the state to the tune of £87bn per year.
George Osborne can look elsewhere for his cuts !
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Parliament |
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1.On 16th October 2007 a member spoke in the Houses of Parliament at the All Party Parliamentary Group for Carers.
Carers are in crisis and want actions to be taken urgently. Here are some proposals.
Do away with the overlapping benefits rule
Carers allowance to be increased
More respite to be available and when it is arranged it is not cancelled at the last minute.
Free prescriptions and glasses for carers
A heating allowance for carers because they dread the cold weather and the subsequent bills.
Care in the community is suitable for majority of people but each case should be assessed individually to ensure each person is treated for their needs. Health professionals should not go by the cheap option.
Elderly citizens need care and respect but they don’t get it because they are classed as unprofitable. Yet they gave us the society we have today.
We need a realistic TV documentary to be shown to raise awareness, something like the Cathy Come Home programme shown many years ago.
Carers are the forgotten ones and yet as you all know they save the country £87billion. It may seem easy to say these words, but when you see the reality, I’m sure it would upset you as much as it does me. From the last census we can assume there are carers who have not been included in these statistics, the hidden carers of our society, because they do not think of themselves as carers.
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2.Westminster trip highlights carers woes
KIM BRISCOE
15 June 2008 17:00
A woman from Norfolk has been to Westminster to try and highlight the plight of a carer who was told she needed to go back to work just 10 days after her husband died.
Wendy Maxwell, who founded the carers' website Chill4us in 2006, led a delegation of members of the site to meet MP Ivan Lewis, who is the government minister for care services.
Now North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb has taken up their cause and said he was appalled to hear of the case of a carer from Nuneaton who received a letter just 10 days after her husband died.
It referred to her “change of circumstances” and asked her to visit an office so they could discuss her return to work
Mr Lamb, who is also the Liberal Democrat spokesman on health, said: “It's traumatic enough to lose someone but to then be told in a cold and clinical way that your allowance is coming to an end and you have to travel somewhere to talk about getting back to work is awful.
“That person suffered a lot of distress as well as anxiety of losing a financial concession.
“We are asking that in these circumstances there is some financial cushion following the death of their loved one, and some time lag so that they can help an individual get back on their feet.”
Mr Lamb said the feedback he had from carers, particularly during National Carers' Week last week, was that more respite care was needed.
Mrs Maxwell, who is a carer herself, is now hoping to meet the shadow Conservative spokesman on health, so that the three main political parties are aware of the issues faced by carers.
She said: “I felt angry that this member of our site, who is from Nuneaton and does not want to be named, was sent this letter in January, just 10 days after her husband died. That's why I wanted to speak to Ivan Lewis.
“I think carers should be listened to and valued. We were lucky to meet Mr Lewis and I think we made an impact. He normally speaks to carers en masse or to carers' groups so he found it useful to meet a small group of carers themselves.”
The carers were accompanied by Moira Goodey, the manager of the carer support department at Norwich Mind, on their trip to quiz the minister on what he would do to provide more help for people in their position.
Mrs Goodey said: “Carers can become ill, severely depressed and stressed resulting from issues because of their caring role.
“There has been legislation to improve the rights of carers but that needs to be followed up with funding.
“I'd like to see some tax credit for carers, many of whom are not able to work full-time because of their caring roles and so are not eligible for tax credits.”
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Old Articles |
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| Saturday, June 19, 2010 | | · | End of life care improves for Norfolk children | | Tuesday, June 15, 2010 | | · | Lynda Bellingham opening Carers week in Norwich | | Thursday, May 27, 2010 | | · | Hosted chat with Norman Lamb for Carers Week | | Saturday, May 15, 2010 | | · | Putting People at the Heart of Care | | Friday, April 30, 2010 | | · | Which Political Party Will Look After Carers? | | Monday, April 26, 2010 | | · | “We must remove this stain on our nation’s character” | | Sunday, April 11, 2010 | | · | Please vote for Better Support 4 Unpaid Carers | | Tuesday, March 30, 2010 | | · | LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL CARE SERVICE | | Tuesday, March 09, 2010 | | · | Government concedes to pressure from carers | | Sunday, March 07, 2010 | | · | Millions of pounds promised for carers has been diverted to plug NHS debts | | Monday, December 14, 2009 | | · | Day care services: Have your say | | Wednesday, November 18, 2009 | | · | Personal Care at Home Bill: Full details | | Monday, November 09, 2009 | | · | WE CANNOT KEEP FAILING OUR CARERS | | Sunday, October 18, 2009 | | · | Thousands of overs 65s denied mental health services | | Saturday, October 17, 2009 | | · | Carers 'need greater NHS investment' | | Wednesday, October 07, 2009 | | · | Listen to carers | | Tuesday, October 06, 2009 | | · | Autism May Be More Common Than Thought | | Tuesday, September 22, 2009 | | · | We must respect those who care | | Sunday, September 20, 2009 | | · | Campaigners say no to green paper's proposal for attendance allowance | | Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | | · | Sebastian Fischer: Show unpaid carers the respect they deserve | | Thursday, September 10, 2009 | | · | English Councils to benefit from new guide to help carers of vulnerable people | | Monday, August 31, 2009 | | · | Response by Chill4us.com to the Government's Green Paper | | Friday, August 21, 2009 | | · | People with dementia offered new support scheme | | Tuesday, August 11, 2009 | | · | RNIB steps up campaign to protect attendance allowance | | Thursday, July 23, 2009 | | · | Norwich bid to change care law | | · | New vision to make mental health everyone’s business | | Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | | · | Government launches the Big Care Debate | | Saturday, July 04, 2009 | | · | Celebration of carers' rights as new legal guide is launched | | Thursday, June 18, 2009 | | · | Changing Places Consortium Toilets Campaign | | · | £40,000 blow to carers' lifeline |
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