Cotswold Friends Carers Clubs Update - Autumn 2015 Hello All, We cannot believe that summer has already passed us by but hope that we have a few more sunny days in store. We have now started our 6th group in Blockley. Numbers are low in a couple of areas so, if you know of anyone who is a carer, or past carer, or if you would like to attend more than one club, please do let us know. Take care of yourselves. Kirsty and everyone in the Befriending Services Team What is a carer? Who can come to our groups? Many people do not think they are a carer, or even like the term. We believe that if you are caring for an adult family member of friend, you deserve some support to help you with this role. We also believe that those who have cared for loved ones in the past also deserve support. Our groups are informal, free of charge and include some delicious cakes as our treat for all that you do. The groups are there to support each other, ask us to get information if it is needed but mostly, to offer a little bit of time out with others in the same boat. Members can attend as many or as few clubs as they want, not just the group nearest to them. To find out more, call Kirsty or Nicki (number over the page). Westonbirt Arboretum – Tuesday 29th September 2015 We do still have some spaces left for the trip to Westonbirt. This is just for carers to attend. We will be laying on transport for those who need transport. There are also motorised scooters for those who may find it difficult getting around. This trip is free, there will be a workshop on how to make a soothing hand balm and a chance to take in the beautiful autumn change of colour. We will leave at approximately 9.30am and return early afternoon (times to be confirmed). If you would like to book a place, please contact Kirsty or Nicki as soon as possible on 01608 652019 or email nicki@cotswoldfriends.org Coping Strategies We are very lucky to be able to put on this workshop on Wednesday 23 September. This will be from 10.00am to 12pm in Chipping Campden. This is something our carers have asked us for help with, it is not a failure to admit you need a little help or are struggling under the weight of the caring role. Please do try to attend, we feel that most carers will benefit from this, in the future if not now. Please do let us know if you need help with transport. Please can you let us know if you do hope to attend as we need to let caterers know numbers, thank you. Call us on 01608 652019. Coming soon Dementia Friends session Basic First Aid with British Red Cross Hand massage

When and where do the Carers Groups meet Blockley and area Meet on the third Thursday of the month at Blockley Village Shop and Café between 3pm and 4.30pm. The next dates are 17th September, 15 October and 19 November Bourton-on-the Water and area Meet on the first Thursday of the month at The George Moore Community Centre between 10.30am and 12pm. The next dates are 1 October, 5 November and 3 December. Chipping Campden and area Meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at The Noel Arms, Chipping Campden between 10am and 11.30am. The next dates are 23 September start time at 11am, 28 October and 25 November. Moreton-in-Marsh and area Meet on the second Monday of the month at Tilly’s Tearooms, Moreton-in-Marsh between 10am and 11.30am. The next dates are 14 September, 12 October and 9 November. Northleach and area Meet on the first Friday at the Lion Café, Northleach between 2pm and 3.30pm. The next dates are 2 October and 6 November. Stow-on-the-Wold and area Meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at Lucy’s Tearooms between 10am and 11am. The next dates are 20 October and 17 November. Please note, the last Carers Group of the year will be in Bourton-on-the-Water on the 3 December at 10.30am, please do all join us for mince pies. We will contact all our members in the New Year regarding the groups, these will be dependant on weather conditions at the time. How to contact us 01608 652019 kirsty@cotswoldfriends.org  nicki@cotswoldfriends.org The befriending services office is open Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 2.30pm Please do not copy or reproduce anything in this newsletter without permission, thank you.