Are you over State Pension age, or are you looking after someone who is?

4th October 2024

You could get the Winter Fuel Payment if you or the person you care for is in receipt of Pension Credit.

If you get Pension Credit you may also qualify for the following support:

• Help with rent, Council Tax and other heating costs
• A free TV licence for those aged 75 and over
• Help with NHS costs like dental treatment, glasses and
  transport costs for hospital appointments

To check if you are eligible, contact the Carers Service on 01254 688440 to speak to one of our benefits advisors.

Carers Allowance

4th October 2024

 Are you aged 16 or over?

 Do you look after someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit?

 Do you spend at least 35 hours a week caring?

You maybe eligible for Carers Allowance!

For further #information contact us on 01254 688440 or email office@bwdcarers.org.uk to book an appointment with the benefit advisor

Carers Rights Day 2023

27th August 2024

We organised speakers to be on a panel where carers could ask questions and the panel could elaborate on.  The panel included key speakers that are important in a carers journey this included benefits, finance, social care, dementia nurse, LPA, and the care act.

Carers were quite passionate about certain topics that were covered, and this ended in a good debate.

The panel present were:

• Kirsten Randell from BWD Finance Team
• Pam Lally – Direct Payments
• Social Workers
• Will Fielding – Dementia Nurse
• Janet Ross – LPA
• Amanda Coates – Will Writing
• Bury Solicitors

Stuff That Works.

21st August 2024

We’re building the biggest patient reported knowledge base for every chronic condition. Together.

Help out by sharing your experience in an organized way.

Crowdsourcing Treatments that Work | Community Research | StuffThatWorks

NHS Winter Messaging 2024

19th August 2024

You are no doubt aware that the NHS tries to ensure people understand about self-care, how to keep safe and signposts/promotes accessing services appropriately over the winter months, to help ease winter pressures wherever possible. We are developing our materials for the coming winter and would welcome feedback on what has been produced so far.

Please see the survey link below, which contains examples of the materials. It would be great to have feedback by the end of August.

NHS Winter Messaging Survey (smartsurvey.co.uk)

Carers Week June 2024

7th August 2024

The theme for the week was ‘Putting carers on the map’

During the week we had trips and activities.

Monday 10^th June – Carers coffee morning

Tuesday 11^th June – Trip to The Sanctuary of Healing

Wednesday 12^th June – Official launch for the Blackburn with Darwen Carers Strategy 2024 and Carers Open Day – https://youtu.be/jMXsZ5wmHnw

Thursday 13^th June – Wellbeing walk in Witton Park followed by refreshments

Saturday 15^th June – Canal Cruise and cream tea at Barton Grange

For further information on Carers Week see – https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-week/

What’s on at the Carers Service

6th August 2024

Upcoming activities and events taking place with Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service

Link to flip book https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c0355e582f.html

For more information please call the Carers Service on 01254 688440 or email office@bwdcarers.org.uk

Blackburn with Darwen Carers Strategy 2024 – 2028

11th June 2024

Why a Blackburn with Darwen Carers Strategy?

• Value of Carers – as evidenced in a recent Health Foundation Report, unpaid carers play a substantial and vital role in meeting social care needs. The care they provide has enormous value, both for the people they care for and for wider society. Without unpaid carers, the pressures on social care and the NHS would increase.
• Statutory requirements – Unpaid Carers have rights and there are requirements that local authorities and ICBs must meet as outlined in legislation including the Care Act 2014 Part 1, Children and Families Act 2014 and Health and Care Act 2022.
• Place Based Direction – The development of the Place Based Partnership provides an opportunity to develop collective strategies which span health and care; thereby providing a single overarching local plan.

Putting carers on the map and giving carers a voice

Blackburn with Darwen Carers Strategy

“Legacy of Hope: Action for ASD’s Final Gift Empowers Four Charities to Continue Autism Support Mission in Lancashire”

21st February 2024

After over two decades of dedicated service to individuals and families affected by autism, Action for ASD, a cherished charity based in Burnley, has closed its doors. In June 2023, the trustees, facing operational and organisational challenges, made the difficult decision to cease operations. However, in a final act of community support, Action for ASD has left a lasting legacy by allocating its remaining reserves of £164,347.20 to four deserving charities in Lancashire.

Liz Paterson, Trustee of Action for ASD, expressed, “While it’s been a challenging decision to close, we’re immensely pleased to distribute our remaining funds to four brilliant organisations. Each has shown exceptional dedication to continuing and building upon the work and excellent reputation of Action for ASD.”

The beneficiaries of this generous donation are Spring North, Carers Link Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service, and Understanding Autism North West, each chosen for their commitment to supporting the autism community.

Rebecca Hodgson, CEO of Carers Link Lancashire, shared her gratitude, “This funding is a game-changer for us. We’re now able to establish vital support for carers of individuals with ASD, launching a two-year pilot project to employ a dedicated worker. Their role will encompass supporting children, young people, and adults who care for people with ASD across East Lancashire.”

Rob Livesey, Project Director for Understanding Autism North West, plans to channel the funds into enhancing their specialist autism counselling service, providing tailored support for those in need.

Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service, represented by CEO Sam Morris, will introduce a new ASD Carers Adviser role. “This role is designed to inform and support carers of individuals with ASD, providing peer support, respite opportunities, and essential guidance to reduce the impact of their caring responsibilities,” Sam Morris explained.

Angela Allen, CEO of Spring North, detailed their plans to develop an Adult ASD Service across Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire. “We’re focusing on creating peer groups, offering 1-1 support, and building a nurturing environment for adults with ASD. Our services will include developing life skills, emotional regulation, and employment support, ensuring a personalised approach.”

The legacy left by Action for ASD ensures that their mission and values will continue to resonate within the community, offering support and hope to those affected by autism in Lancashire.

About Action for ASD:

Established over 20 years ago, Action for ASD has been a beacon of support for children, young people, adults and families dealing with autism in Lancashire. Though its operations have ceased, its impact and spirit live on through the work of the benefitting charities.

For more information, please contact: Martin Hartley-Smith mhartleysmith@springnorth.org.uk or 07368 134604

SEND Directory

21st April 2023

An effective and simple structure of *SEND support, accessible to all who need it.

*SEND: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Home (sendunlocked.org)