News CarersFirst

Protect Your Pension!

For the first time, carers who don't get Carer's allowance can apply for a new Carer's Credit to protect their State Pension.

To claim the credit, you must be caring for someone for a total of 20 hours or more a week. That person must be in receipt of Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance, Industrial injuries or War Pension schemes, or middle or high DLA care component. Otherwise, if there is no qualifying benefit, the carer must have a signed certificate from a health or social care professional to confirm that they are providing an apporpriate level of care. If this is you, contact the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0845 608 4321.

Run to the Beat

Help for those with Dementia

Not sure if it’s the same for you, but as a carer I sometimes feel slightly overwhelmed by everything, and experience feelings of anger, frustration, guilt and sadness. I was feeling a bit sluggish and a bit down and knew I needed to do something about it, and to find something that would re-charge my emotional well being.

In January 2009 I joined Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers who run a 10 week beginners course,

There are some new services in Kent to help those with dementia. The Kent and Medway Dementia Collaborative recently launched a 24 hour Dementia Helpline and a web site, as well as some peer support groups and dementia cafes, as well as an advocacy service.

The Helpline, which will answer any questions concerning dementia or just provide a listening ear for carers can be reached at: 0845 604 4391

The new web site which recently went live is at http://www.dementiawebkentandmedway.org.uk/