Newsletters

Subscribe to our popular newsletter for unpaid carers in Luton. It’s full of practical information and all the latest local events in the area that are free to attend.

You can subscribe for free and unsubscribe at any time.

See all our previous newsletters below…

Winter Home Hub launch week newsletter
Carers Central November newsletter
The Disability Resource Centre October newsletter
Carers Central Newsletter September 2022
 
Wellbeing and Money Matters newsletter
Carers Week newsletter
Post event newsletter for the learning fair 25 May
Post event partner newsletter for the learning fair 25 May
First Aid training event newsletter
Learning fair invitation – Wednesday 16th May
Learning fair newsletter
Skills for Care events
Carers Central Newsletter April 2022
Carers Report survey
Have your say – 3 surveys
Care Academy newsletter
February newsletter
Carers Central Newsletter 9th February 2022
Carers Central Newsletter January 2022
Carers Central Christmas card
December training newsletter
Carers Central Newsletter November 30 2021
Carers Central Newsletter November 16 2021
Care Academy newsletter
The Disability Resource Centre newsletter – November 4th
Carers Central Newsletter November 2 2021
Carers Central Newsletter October 19th 202
Carers Central Newsletter SEPTEMBER 2021
Paralympics newsletter
Sport England newsletter 
Carers Week invitation
Carers Central Newsletter June 2021
Wellbeing Matters newsletter
Training newsletter
Carers Central Newsletter February 2021

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

2nd November 2021

Round-up of events for carers in Luton in November 2021

We are at Leagrave library on 17th November and Luton Central Library on 11th November

Carers Central are now offering face to face advice sessions every third Wednesday of the month between 9.30am to 12 noon from 17th November. Sally will be available to offer support and advice to unpaid carers in Luton. This is a drop-in session and no appointment is necessary. Come along to Leagrave library, Marsh Rd, Luton LU3 2NL. See us also at Luton Central Library, every Thursday starting on 11th November 2021.

Free care skills training for unpaid carers and PAs: The Care Academy is a popular place for unpaid carers and PAs to study vital care skills.
Since 2017 the Care Academy has helped many hundreds of people improve their care skills and raise the level of service they provide. Many of the training modules support those required to achieve the Care Certificate standards. See The Disability Resource Centre website for full details.

The Disability Resource Centre is also running free online exercise and Yoga classes for residents of Luton and Bedfordshire. Either join live classes by online video or watch recorded videos at a time to suit you. See their website for details and dates of the live and 100% free exercise and Yoga classes. They are also organising free wellbeing and care skills training for carers and disabled people. See their training page for links to all the available free training workshops and courses.

Autism Bedfordshire has a number of events this month including: Autism & Using Social Stories plus Six Week Multi-Sports Course and the Children’s Services Online Conference.

Total Wellbeing Luton are offering free wellbeing online workshops which you can book online on their website.

Luton’s free annual fireworks spectacular returns to Popes Meadow on Saturday 6 November. Background entertainment will begin at 6pm with the main fireworks display starting at 7pm.

This year Carers Rights Day is 25 November 2021. We’ll have news and events to share with you about Carers Right Day in our next newsletter and on our website.

We are always updating this newsletter with the latest events (online and in-person) that carers are sharing and recommending to us. Please email us if you would like to promote your event that carers in Luton would be interested in attending.

See us at Luton Central Library

Every Thursday starting on 11th November 2021

Carers Central are now offering face to face advice sessions every Thursday between 1pm to 4.30pm from 11th November.

Levi will be available to offer support and advice to unpaid carers in Luton. This is a drop-in session and no appointment is necessary.

Come along to the Well and Wise room (positioned to the right of the entrance) at Luton Central Library, St Georges Square, Luton, LU1 2NG.

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to the
Carers Central online meeting room
 anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

Covid-19 booster jabs for unpaid carers

We’ve compiled three useful links with full details of COVID-19 booster jabs:

– Read all about the booster jabs for unpaid carers at the Carers Trust website

– Luton Council has this handy page of FAQs about booster jabs

– See the NHS website page where you can book your booster vaccines

Support into Employment

The Disability Resource Centre and Carers Central offers free support to help carers into employment.
We can offer you free support in CV writing, interview techniques, IT skills and help with your wellbeing.

Read all about this free programme

Contact us today to speak to a member of our friendly team.

Free flu jabs for carers

Flu can be easily spread (even if you are not showing symptoms) to those around you who are vulnerable and for whom you have caring responsibilities.

If you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an older or disabled person you are eligible for the free flu vaccination.

Ask your pharmacist or GP about flu jabs or see the NHS website for full details.

Watch Dr Sarah

Watch the video from Dr Sarah Whiteman who is the GP lead for flu across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. She talks about why it’s so important for carers to get a flu jab…

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Improving your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.

Carers Central has compiled some information on local organisations and support groups that can help.

See our page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

1, The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1AH.

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712


Read the newsletter that we created on 19th October 2021

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

Covid-19 booster jabs for unpaid carers…

We’ve compiled three useful links with full details of COVID-19 booster jabs:

– Read all about the booster jabs for unpaid carers at the Carers Trust website

– Luton Council has this handy page of FAQs about booster jabs

– See the NHS website page where you can book your booster vaccines

19th October 2021

Round-up of events for carers in Luton in October 2021

Events for the second half of October include some free online mental health sessions from Mind BLMK…

Local mental health charity, MindBLMK are promoting lots of online mental health sessions in the next couple of weeks including; CBT to help Menopausal Symptoms, Physical Activity and Mental Health, Exam Stress, Living with a long-term health condition, Sleep Hygiene & Winter Wellness.

We feature their free mental health drop-ins called Crisis Cafes, on our website with a handy FAQ with full details. The Luton Crisis Cafe is based at Luton Wellbeing Centre, 46-56 Dumfries Street, Luton, LU1 5BP and open seven days a week, 365 days of the year, between 5.00pm – 11.00pm.

The Disability Resource Centre is running free online exercise and Yoga classes for residents of Luton and Bedfordshire. Either join live classes by online video or watch recorded videos at a time to suit you. See their website for details and dates of the live and 100% free exercise and Yoga classes.

They are also organising free wellbeing and care skills training for carers and disabled people. See their training page for links to all the available free training workshops and coursesPopular workshops include: Health and Safety, Infection Prevention & Control, Fluids and Nutrition, Safeguarding Adults, Emergency First Aid, Mental Health and Dementia Awareness.

See the Diwali in Luton website for full details of the festivities being organised to host Luton town centre’s popular Diwali festival which is on 30th october 2021, at St George’s Square, Luton.

We are always updating our newsletters and website with the latest events (online and in-person) that carers are sharing and recommending to us. Please email us if you would like to promote your event that carers in Luton would be interested in attending.

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to the
Carers Central online meeting room
 anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

See us at Luton Central Library

Every Thursday starting on 11th November 2021

Carers Central are now offering face to face advice sessions every Thursday between 1pm to 4.30pm from 11th November.

Levi will be available to offer support and advice to unpaid carers in Luton. This is a drop-in session and no appointment is necessary.

Come along to the Well and Wise room (positioned to the right of the entrance) at Luton Central Library, St Georges Square, Luton, LU1 2NG.

Support into Employment

The Disability Resource Centre and Carers Central offers free support to help carers into employment.
We can offer you free support in CV writing, interview techniques, IT skills and help with your wellbeing.

Read all about this free programme

Contact us today to speak to a member of our friendly team.

Free flu jabs for carers

Flu can be easily spread (even if you are not showing symptoms) to those around you who are vulnerable and for whom you have caring responsibilities.

If you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an older or disabled person you are eligible for the free flu vaccination.

Ask your pharmacist or GP about flu jabs or see the NHS website for full details.

Watch Dr Sarah

Watch the video from Dr Sarah Whiteman who is the GP lead for flu across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. She talks about why it’s so important for carers to get a flu jab…

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Improving your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.

Carers Central has compiled some information on local organisations and support groups that can help.

See our page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

1, The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1AH.

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712

FacebookTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

5th October 2021

Free events, practical information and news for unpaid carers in Luton

Round-up of events for carers in Luton in October 2021

Free events this month include afternoon tea, free Yoga sessions, an MA art showcase and preparations for the Diwali festival at the end of the month…

Relay for Life Luton are holding a Cancer Survivors Afternoon Tea on October 12th at 1pm at Families United Network on the Britannia Estate. See their Facebook page for full details and to book your place please email relay4lifeluton@hotmail.com.

The Disability Resource Centre is running free online exercise and Yoga classes for residents of Luton and Bedfordshire. Either join live classes by online video or watch recorded videos at a time to suit you. See their website for details and dates of the live and 100% free exercise and Yoga classes. They are also organising free wellbeing and care skills training for carers and disabled people. See their training page for links to all the available free training workshops and courses.

The Culture Trust Luton is holding an exhibition of work from the graduating MA Art and Design students at the School of Arts and Creative Industries, University of Bedfordshire, Luton. The showcase is open from 5th to 15th October and admission is free. See The Culture Trust Luton website for full details.

Check the Diwali in Luton website for full details of the festivities being organised to host Luton town centre’s popular Diwali festival, which is on 30th october 2021, at St George’s Square, Luton.

We are always updating this page with the latest events (online and in-person) that carers are sharing and recommending to us. Please email us if you would like to promote your event.

Support into Employment

The Disability Resource Centre and Carers Central offers free support to help carers into employment.
We can offer you free support in CV writing, interview techniques, IT skills and help with your wellbeing.

Read all about this free programme

Contact us today to speak to a member of our friendly team.

Free flu jabs for carers

Flu can be easily spread (even if you are not showing symptoms) to those around you who are vulnerable and for whom you have caring responsibilities.

If you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an older or disabled person you are eligible for the free flu vaccination.

Ask your pharmacist or GP about flu jabs or see the NHS website for full details.

Watch Dr Sarah

Watch the video from Dr Sarah Whiteman who is the GP lead for flu across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. She talks about why it’s so important for carers to get a flu jab…

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to https://drcbeds.whereby.com/carers-central-meeting anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Improving your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.

Carers Central has compiled some information on local organisations and support groups that can help.

See our page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

1, The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1AH.

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712


Read our produced on 7th September 2021

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

Welcome to our September newsletter 

Support into Employment

The Disability Resource Centre and Carers Central offers free support to help carers into employment.
We can offer you free support in CV writing, interview techniques, IT skills and help with your wellbeing.

See our website for full details.

Contact us today to speak to a member of our friendly team.

Vaxi Taxi

Luton Council is trialling an initiative called Vaxi Taxi, which hopes to increase access and uptake for people who may otherwise have difficulties getting to and from vaccination sites.

The Luton “Vaxi Taxi” project is a joint initiative where a taxi will pick up the individual or household from their residential location in Luton and drop them off at any Luton vaccination site.

Return journeys from the vaccination site to their place of residence in Luton will also be provided.

There will be no cost for the journey for the person or household being vaccinated.

See participating taxi companies on Luton Council vaccine webpage

Free flu jabs for carers

Flu can be easily spread (even if you are not showing symptoms) to those around you who are vulnerable and for whom you have caring responsibilities.

If you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an older or disabled person you are eligible for the free flu vaccination.

Ask your pharmacist or GP about flu jabs or see the NHS website for full details.

Watch Dr Sarah

Watch the video from Dr Sarah Whiteman who is the GP lead for flu across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. She talks about why it’s so important for carers to get a flu jab…

Getting out and about

AccessAble is a comprehensive website that gives you the accessibility information you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible for you.

Simply enter the venue you want to visit and you’ll see all the access details.

Carers UK survey

Carers UK wants to hear your views about the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have launched their latest survey The State of Caring 2021 to find out how carers have coped during the pandemic.

Please complete the survey which closes on 13 September.

They will then release a research report in November 2021.

Partner update

Deafblind UK supports people who have any level of sight and hearing loss to live the lives they want.

Living with deafblindness can be frightening and isolating, but their team of experts are there to reassure, advise or to simply be someone to talk to.

Their services include remote befriending and social groups, wellbeing and emotional support services, support with digital technology, a free helpline and much more.

Contact Deafblind UK on:

Tel: 0800 132320

Text: 07903572885

Email: info@deafblind.org.uk

Text relay: 18001 then 0800 132320

Facetime: helpline.dbuk@deafblind.org.uk (Not BSL)

BSL video relay: www.deafblind.org.uk/bsl 

Luton All Women’s Centre offers advice and support to women around a range of issues including domestic abuse, sexual violence, harmful practices (forced marriage, honour based abuse and FGM), and mental health and wellbeing.

They continue to offer mostly phone and email support at the moment to women in Luton and the surrounding areas who are struggling in any areas of their life.

They offer support groups around domestic abuse – the Own My Life programme is a 12 week course (it runs on various days and on a Wednesday evening), and Our Lives – for South Asian women, delivered in Urdu and Bengali is a 6 week course.

The groups are both online, and there is one face to face Own My Life course.

They also support professionals who are working with women around any of these issues, and offer training sessions in domestic abuse and harmful practices.

Phone: 01582 416783

Email: admin@lawc.org.uk for more information.

Visit the Luton All Women’s Centre website.

Families in Luton Autism Group

FLAG meetings can provide parents with an opportunity to discuss issues with other families, carers and teachers.  Meetings are held via zoom.

See the FLAG web page for contact details.

SENDIAS

The Luton SENDIAS Service is a statutory service supported and funded by Luton Council and Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.  The service is impartial and operates at “arm’s length” from the Local Authority.

The law requires all Local Authorities provide children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents/carers, with information, advice and support.

The service aims to help parents/carers, children and young people and professional staff to work together to provide the best possible support to children and young people with SEND.

For further information, please contact them by phone or email:-

Tel: 01582 548156

Email: sendias@luton.gov.uk

Visit the website at: https://sendiasluton.co.uk/

Visit the SENDIAS Facebook page.

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to https://drcbeds.whereby.com/carers-central-meeting anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Improving your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.

Carers Central has compiled some information on local organisations and support groups that can help.

See our page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

1, The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1AH.

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712

FacebookTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Read our newsletter from Carers Week, June 2021

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

Welcome to a special Carers Week 2021 newsletter 

Carers Week 

7th to 13th June 2021

Carers Central will be fully supporting Carers Week and this year the theme is to make carers more visible. 

We are running some events ourselves and with partners. Plus there are a number of other events throughout the week:

Monday 7th June

– Learn about future developments at the NHS in our online event

Join us online at the start of Carers Week on 7th June from 1pm to 3pm.

– Men’s Mental health workshop being held online by MindBLMK

This workshop looks at men’s mental health, gives an introduction to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), explores low mood and anxiety along with technoques to help.

– Food for thought workshop being held online by MindBLMK

This webinar will look at the relationship between food and mood from a CBT perspective.

Tuesday 8th June

– What out-of-hours support do you need as an unpaid carer?

Sign-up for this online meeting being held on Tuesday 8th June 2pm to 3.30pm or 7.30pm to 9pm via Microsoft teams.

Thursday 10th June

Introduction to Indigo Dyeing held by the Culture Trust

If you like art and want to learn something new then take a look at this one off event taking place on the 10th June between 6pm -8pm.

More online wellbeing workshops…

Total Wellbeing online workshops available in Carers Week

Total Wellbeing Luton are offering free webinars during Carers Week. You can watch on a computer or mobile. You only need to watch and listen, no-one will be able to see you.

Food for thought – 7th June 2021, 6pm-7pm

Managing sleep – 8th June 2021, 1pm-2pm

Dealing with stress – 9th June 2021, 11am-12pm

New – Luton Carers’ Handbook

During Carers Week we will launching a brand new handbook, full of useful information for unpaid carers in Luton.

See our website during Carers Week for full details.

10 ways we can help you in Carers Week 2021

1. Carer’s Assessments

A Carer’s Assessment is your chance to discuss how your caring role is affecting your own life.

An assessment is a good way find out about which support and services will be most helpful to you and to the person you care for.

We want to help you to maintain your own health and wellbeing whilst you support the person you care for.

For more information and advice contact Sally or Levi on 0300 303 0201 or check the GOV.UK website page: Getting a Carers Assessment 

2. Preparing to leave hospital

People and their carers often worry about how they will manage when they return home, after a stay in hospital. You won’t be alone in thinking this through. Hospital staff and social care staff will be available to discuss the support available.

See the NHS.UK website: Arranging care before you leave hospital

3. Benefits for carers

If you’re an unpaid carer there may be financial support to help you.

Call us and we can refer you to our benefits advisor who will be able to help with your application. See our website with full details about benefits for carers.

Find out what benefits are available for carers and how to apply.

4. We can support you to improve your overall wellbeing

The coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown are having an affect on our mental health.

Throughout the pandemic, we have had to learn how to cope with new and changing situations.

It is important that we take things at our own pace and be kind to ourselves.

Some days we may feel fine and other days we may not, but remember, it is important to look after our mental health during this time.

Carers Central have compiled a useful list of local organisations and support groups that can help with your wellbeing on their page: Improve your wellbeing.

5. Blue badge applications

Book a telephone appointment.

We can help you fill out a blue badge application online, which is sent to the council. You will need the following information to accompany the application:

• National Insurance number
• Existing blue badge if you have one
• List of medications or copy of prescriptions
• Contact details of doctors, consultants and other medical specialists
• Driving licence (if a driver)
• Proof of identification (driving licence or passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of residency (council tax, driving licence or benefit letter)
• Other accompanying medical letters, reports or documentation you wish to include to support your claim
• Two passport size photos

We do not guarantee your application will be successful.

Please call Sally on 0300 303 0201 to book an appointment.

6. Help to complete benefit forms

This service offers information and advice about disability benefits, including benefits checks, assistance with form filling, support with appeals and preparation for tribunal. 

Our experienced benefits adviser can help you complete the following forms:

  • Carers allowance (CA)
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for both children and adults
  • Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Attendance allowance (AA)
  • Personal Independence Payments (PIPs)

To make an appointment please call 01582 470 970.

7. Wheelchair hire

If you are in need of a wheelchair and would like to hire one for a short time, then The Disability Resource Centre are there for you. 

We are now reopening our wheelchair hire service. Contact our advice team to discuss your needs and to arrange your wheelchair hire. 

You can also visit our website for more information about wheelchair hire.

8. Free skills training for unpaid carers

The Care Academy is our service that provides different workshops for Personal Assistants, carers and their employers. 

We are currently running the workshops online.

Our free workshops are designed to support people within areas such as mental health Awareness, managing your emotions and communication, just to name a few. 

They are free for Personal Assistants who are employed by someone who receives a Direct Payment. Also unpaid carers or someone who is aspiring to work within this role can also join for free.

9. Wellbeing Matters free training

  • Achieve a healthy life balance
  • Find opportunities for lifestyle changes
  • Recognise the importance of relaxation
  • Explore fears and barriers
  • Produce a wellbeing action plan

See our website for full details of our free Wellbeing Matters programme

10. Our free Support into Employment programme for carers

We know and understand how difficult it can be to find work if you are a carer. You may struggle to find paid employment that fits around your caring commitments. 

It may have been difficult for you to find some time in your week to focus on you and your wellbeing. 

We want to work with you to design a plan that will incorporate a unique and free support package tailored just for you.

We will explore how you learn, your strengths and where you can develop further. We will explore your hopes and ambitions, suggesting ways to reach your goals. 

If you are an unpaid carer living in Luton or Central Bedfordshire then you could eligible to join our free support programme. 

See our website for full details of this new programme designed for carers, including our new and free online courses.

Partners update

Healthwatch Luton

Healthwatch Luton is an independent local consumer champion bringing together people’s views and experiences to improve health and social care. They provide information, advice and signposting for people to support their choices about health and social care services. 

Healthwatch Luton would like to understand how the pandemic has affected your experiences as a carer, including your caring responsibilities and your access to health and social care. Please share your thoughts on the Healthwatch Luton online survey.

Parkinson’s UK

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that drives better care, treatments and quality of life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. 

How to access Parkinson’s UK Information and Support Service 

Parkinson’s UK aims to make sure that all people affected by Parkinson’s have the information they need to take control, live a life that is as fulfilling as possible and feel able to take an active role in their treatment. They provide the highest quality support that they can for people living with Parkinson’s across the UK. 

The Parkinson’s UK adviser service is a vital part of the support they provide. They have detailed knowledge of Parkinson’s and its impact on daily living. They provide free, confidential, one-to-one information and practical help around all things Parkinsons related, including benefits and employment, blue badge schemes, carer’s support, housing, social care, planning for the future, local activities and much more. The service is there for anyone affected by the condition, including carers, family and friends.   

Contact information for their services:

  • Call the free confidential national helpline on 0808 800 0303. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm and Saturday’s 10am to 2pm
  • Email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk

If needed, you will be put in touch with a Parkinson’s local adviser, who will ensure you receive the local support you need.

Luton Foodbank

The team at Luton Foodbank can help with advice and information as well as provide essential supplies.

Deafblind UK

Deafblind UK is a national charity supporting people with sight and hearing loss to live the lives they want. They help people to live with deafblindness by making connections, building their confidence and supporting their independence. 

Living with combined sight and hearing loss can be frightening. Their team of experts is there every step of the way to reassure, advise or just to be someone to turn to if there is no one else.

Their services include: 

  • Helpline
  • Wellbeing and emotional support
  • Care and support
  • Supported living
  • Befriending
  • Social groups
  • Technology
  • Open Hand magazine
  • Holidays
  • Empowering support

For more information, please visit www.deafblind.org.uk

Tel: 0800 132 320

Text: 07950 008870

Email: info@deafblind.org.uk 

Autism Bedfordshire

Autism Bedfordshire is running a series of workshops in Luton for carers. Take a look at what is available on their website.

Autism Spectrum Team – Luton Borough Council

The Autism Team is currently hosting the parent support groups online

Luton All Women’s Centre

Luton All Women’s Centre offers advice and support to women around a range of issues including domestic and other forms of abuse, harmful practices (forced marriage, honour based abuse and FGM), mental health and wellbeing.

They continue to offer mostly phone and email support at the moment to women in Luton and the surrounding areas who are struggling. They are hoping to be able to open up the Centre again soon. They offer support groups around domestic abuse – the Own My Life programme and Our Lives – for South Asian women, delivered in Urdu and Bengali. The groups are online and face to face. 

They also support professionals who are working with women around any of these issues along with training sessions. 

Phone: 01582 416783 or email: admin@lawc.org.uk for more information.

Mind BLMK Crisis Cafés

Crisis Cafes are safe, non-judgemental spaces that you can come to if you find yourself in crisis or mental distress in the evenings.

Mind BLMK works collaboratively in Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes. They provide vital support during a time of need. 

You will be met by a trained mental health worker who will listen and help you identify ways to address the problems you are facing.

The service has returned to providing face-to-face support in a safe manner, using an appointment booking system to support this. 

To book an appointment or to find out more, please contact the team between 5pm-11pm on: crisiscafe@mind-blmk.org.uk or call 01525 722 225.

Wellbeing Webinars:

Bringing together talking therapies and emotional health. 

Three talking therapy teams from Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes, are jointly running virtual webinars (online meetings), providing confidential and free support for anyone living or working within the BLMK areas. 

The webinars provide you with extra support and advice during these challenging times. They can help you to develop skills that will improve your overall wellbeing including managing your emotions and supporting your mental health.

For full details on all webinars currently available, and to book (or refer on to a webinar), please visit the Talking therapies page.

Luton SENDIAS Service

The Luton SENDIAS Service is a statutory service supported and funded by Luton Council and Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The service is impartial and operates at “arm’s length” from the Local Authority.

The law requires all Local Authorities to provide children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents/carers with information, advice and support.

The Luton SENDIAS Service aims to help parents/carers, children, young people and professional staff to work together to provide the best possible support to children and young people with SEND.

For further information, please contact SENDIA by phone or email.

Telephone: 01582 548156 

Email: sendias@luton.gov.uk

Visit the SENDIAS website

Headway Luton

Headway Luton supports people living with an acquired brain injury.

Based in Luton, on Alma Street, the day centre is open five days a week, Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. During lockdown they provided online activities and meetings for clients which are still continuing as part of a hybrid service. Visit the Headway Luton website.

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to https://drcbeds.whereby.com/carers-central-meeting anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Improving your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.

Carers Central has compiled some information on local organisations and support groups that can help.

See our page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.

Coronavirus lockdown: We are here to help you

If you would like to discuss anything in this newsletter or have any other issues do please contact Levi or Sally for further help and support.

Our hard-working team offers a telephone helpline on 0300 303 0201 open Monday to Friday in office hours and on Tuesdays we are open for telephone calls until 7pm. Or send us an email.

During the coronavirus crisis we can help you access reliable health and support information.

We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support to unpaid carers in the Luton area.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712

FacebookTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Read our newsletter from February 2021

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

Welcome to our newsletter that’s full of useful information for unpaid carers in Luton.

Free protective equipment for unpaid carers in Luton

As part of a national scheme Luton Council can now provide free PPE to unpaid carers who are supporting a family member or friend who cannot cope on their own.

This includes personal care, such as washing, dressing and feeding, as well as help with chores such as washing, cooking, shopping and cleaning.

Carers can request PPE relevant to the support they provide, including medical grade masks, aprons, gloves and eye protection (face shields). 

You can read more, including details of where and how to apply, via this article on the council’s website.

Unpaid Carers and the coronavirus vaccine

While unpaid carers my still have to wait several weeks before receiving their vaccination, Carers Central is advising all unpaid carers to make sure they are registered as being a carer with their GP.  They can then be easily identified.

You will also need to be registered with a GP surgery in England. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.

Carer support group meetings

Join us online every Monday for 10:30am – 12pm.  

If you would like to participate in our virtual carers meetings then please contact Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201. 

The meetings are increasingly well attended with carers having a break, a cuppa and a chat with other local carers.

Key worker letters

As a carer Luton Council via Carers Central can now issue you with a key worker letter. You will be able to produce this if you are stopped by the authorities.

It will cover you for the following:

  • Leave their home more frequently to provide support
  • Help with medication
  • Provide personal care
  • Help with food and housework
  • Shop for essential items
  • Shop for items with the person they care for
  • Go inside the home of those they provide care for

To obtain a letter please contact Levi or Sally to discuss further on 0300 303 0201.

Blue badge applications

Book a telephone appointment.

We can help you fill out a blue badge application online, which is sent to the council. You will need the following information to accompany the application:

• National Insurance number
• Existing blue badge if you have one
• List of medications or copy of prescriptions
• Contact details of doctors, consultants and other medical specialists
• Driving licence (if a driver)
• Proof of identification (driving licence or passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of residency (council tax, driving licence or benefit letter)
• Other accompanying medical letters, reports or documentation you wish to include to support your claim
• Two passport size photos

We do not guarantee your application will be successful.

Please call Sally on 0300 303 0201 to book an appointment.

Help to complete benefit forms

This service offers information and advice about disability benefits, including benefits checks, assistance with form filling, support with appeals and preparation for tribunal. 

Our experienced benefits adviser can help you complete the following forms:

  • Carers allowance (CA)
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for both children and adults
  • Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Attendance allowance (AA)
  • Personal Independence Payments (PIPs)

To make an appointment please call 01582 470 970.

Wheelchair hire

If you are in need of a wheelchair and would like to hire one for a short time, then The Disability Resource Centre are there for you. 

We are now reopening our wheelchair hire service. Contact our advice team to discuss your needs and to arrange your wheelchair hire. 

You can also visit our website for more information about wheelchair hire.

Free skills training for unpaid carers

The Care Academy is our service that provides different workshops for Personal Assistants, carers and their employers. 

We are currently running the workshops online.

Our free workshops are designed to support people within areas such as mental health Awareness, managing your emotions and communication, just to name a few. 

They are free for Personal Assistants who are employed by someone who receives a Direct Payment. Also unpaid carers or someone who is aspiring to work within this role can also join for free.

Wellbeing Matters free training

  • Achieve a healthy life balance
  • Find opportunities for lifestyle changes
  • Recognise the importance of relaxation
  • Explore fears and barriers
  • Produce a wellbeing action plan

See our website for full details of our free Wellbeing Matters programme

Sport England activity sessions

Free exercise classes available to residents who live within Bedfordshire and Luton. Chair and non-chair based Yoga classes are just one of the highlights.

We can also support people by providing free exercise equipment and technology.

See the full class schedule and details on our website.

Partner updates

CHUMS

CHUMS Young Carers Service supports children and young people aged 5-25 who are helping to care for someone with a disability, chronic or serious illness, mental health condition, learning difficulty etc. whether that be a parent or sibling. Young carers often experience social isolation because of their responsibilities at home.

Support is offered through group work in schools as well as individual mentoring and monthly drop ins. Service users have the chance to talk about any worries / difficulties they may be facing and to learn strategies to help them manage these issues.

Fun activities are offered during school holidays, which give young people the opportunity to mix with other peers who have caring roles, as well as giving them respite away from their daily responsibilities and the chance to enjoy some time being themselves.

During Covid they have moved all of their delivery online and children enjoy social groups as well as many fun learning opportunities and also individual therapeutic support where needed. 

For further info contact 01525 863924 www.chums.uk.com 

Deafblind UK

If you are interested if any of their services then you can contact them in one of the following ways to discuss further. For more information on what they offer go to the website at deafblind.org.uk

Tel: 0800 132320
Text: 07950 008870
Text relay: 18001 then 0800 132320
Facetime: helpline.dbuk@deafblind.org.uk (Not BSL)
BSL video relay

Mind BLMK

If you or someone you know needs urgent or crisis support with their mental health, then Mind BLMK are there for you. The Crisis Café operates 365 days of the year, between 5pm – 11pm and can be contacted during these times via telephone on 01525 722 225.

See the Mind BLMK website for full details.

Luton Council Autism Team

The Autism Team are currently hosting the parent support groups online.

See the Luton Council website for full details.

Healthwatch

If you would like to feedback your experiences of being an unpaid carer during the pandemic contact Healthwatch.

Our free Support into Employment programme for carers

We know and understand how difficult it can be to find work if you are a carer. You may struggle to find paid employment that fits around your caring commitments. 

It may have been difficult for you to find some time in your week to focus on you and your wellbeing. 

We want to work with you to design a plan that will incorporate a unique and free support package tailored just for you.

We will explore how you learn, your strengths and where you can develop further. We will explore your hopes and ambitions, suggesting ways to reach your goals. 

If you are an unpaid carer living in Luton or Central Bedfordshire then you could eligible to join our free support programme. 

See our website for full details of this new programme designed for carers, including our new and free online courses.

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to https://drcbeds.whereby.com/carers-central-meeting anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Improving your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.

Carers Central has compiled some information on local organisations and support groups that can help.

See our page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.

Coronavirus lockdown: We are here to help you

If you would like to discuss anything in this newsletter or have any other issues do please contact Levi or Sally for further help and support.

Our hard-working team offers a telephone helpline on 0300 303 0201 open Monday to Friday in office hours and on Tuesdays we are open for telephone calls until 7pm. Or send us an email.

During the coronavirus crisis we can help you access reliable health and support information.

We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support to unpaid carers in the Luton area.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712

FacebookTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Read our newsletter from November 2020:

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

It’s Carers Rights Day on 26th November 2020 

Each year, Carers Rights Day helps to ensure carers are aware of their rights, where to get help and to raise awareness of the needs of carers.

Know Your Rights

Carers Central has teamed up with Total Legacy who will provide a brief presentation around Lasting Power of Attorney and then hold a virtual Q&A session between 12.30pm – 1.30pm to answer any questions you may have. 

To book a place please contact Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 or email carerscentral@drcbeds.org.uk

Total Legacy Care (TLC) are a company providing legal advice and support to clients with Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney as well as probate services and funeral plans. TLC are Brand Ambassadors for Rubik’s and use the Rubik’s Cube to support their clients improve their physical and mental wellbeing as well as have some fun. If you require support with your legal matters or want to join one of their Rubik’s sessions, head over to their website: www.TotalLegacyCare.co.uk

Free training for Personal Assistants (PAs) in care

From now until March 2021 The Disability Resource Centre is offering a range of workshops for Personal Assistants in care.

Our workshops are free for any PA who is directly employed by the Individual Employer in receipt of a direct payment.

Workshops are also free for anyone who is aspiring to become a PA.

The workshops are a great opportunity for professional development and can even support the achievement of the full Care Certificate.

November and December workshops include:

– Infection, Prevention and Control

– Autism Awareness

– Learning Disabilities Awareness

– Equality and Diversity

Learn all about Direct Payments in our workshop on the 27th November or if you are a new PA why not join in with the ‘Understanding your role’ workshop on the 4th December.

Visit our website to view or download the full timetable of workshops for November and December.

During the latest lockdown our workshops will be available online via live video. We plan to resume face to face delivery from January 2021, subject to guidance from the government.

If you can’t make the live workshops then we have a number of courses available online so you can study at a time to suit you. Online courses can be accessed on your PC, tablet or phone.

Please email us to find out more about our Care Academy and all the ways we can help you learn the skills you need.

Simply email us and tell us which workshops you’d like to join.

We are breaking down the barriers to exercising at home​

Many people tell us that it’s not easy to start getting fit because they have mobility issues, not many transport options and no money for classes, gym, technology or exercise equipment.

So with our funding partners, Sport England and Team Beds and Luton, we have designed a programme that can help with all those issues.

For people living in Bedfordshire and Luton only

We are breaking down the barriers and are launching an exciting package of support to help people to exercise safely at home including:

  • Free beginner-level online classes by local fitness professionals
  • Join the free classes online by live video or watch pre-recorded sessions and exercise any time
  • Free exercise equipment hire of items like resistance bands and balls
  • Free tablet computer hire and a technology ‘How to’ guide for people without a smartphone, PC/Mac or tablet, so they can join the online sessions

See our website for full details and to sign-up for this brand new and free fitness programme.

Bedfordshire Fire Service Safe and Well

If you know someone that may be at risk of fire or would benefit from a free home fire safety assessment then call 0800 043 5042 or complete the form online.

Free online seated yoga session for carers in Luton

We started our running our online yoga sessions for carers in August, then through October and November and now the last date this year is on Monday 23rd November – 12pm to 12.45pm.

These free yoga sessions will include a guided meditation along with some relaxation techniques and gentle chair based exercises.

Check our events page for full details.

Our free Support into Employment programme for carers

We know and understand how difficult it can be to find work if you are a carer. You may struggle to find paid employment that fits around your caring commitments. 

It may have been difficult for you to find some time in your week to focus on you and your wellbeing. 

We want to work with you to design a plan that will incorporate a unique and free support package tailored just for you.

We will explore how you learn, your strengths and where you can develop further. We will explore your hopes and ambitions, suggesting ways to reach your goals. 

If you are an unpaid carer living in Luton or Central Bedfordshire then you could eligible to join our free support programme. 

See our website for full details of this new programme designed for carers, including our new and free online courses.

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to https://drcbeds.whereby.com/carers-central-meeting anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Improving your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.

Carers Central has compiled some information on local organisations and support groups that can help.

See our page of useful links, videos, apps and more for improving your wellbeing as a carer.

Skills for Care webinars

This webinar from Skills for Care provides information and practical steps on employing a Personal Assistant (PA) during the pandemic.

Updates from local organisations:

ResiLUTiONs

ResoLUTiONs is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults, young people and families in Luton. Anybody can be affected by drug and or/alcohol use, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, beliefs, class, age, sexuality, disability or lifestyle.

ResoLUTiONs believes that everyone has the ability to change. They provide: structured treatment interventions; access to pathways to inpatient and community detox and rehabilitation programmes; criminal justice interventions; a hospital liaison service and much more. Call 0800 0546 603.

_______________________________________________________

Alzheimer’s Society

If you are concerned about the memory of a loved one, or have recently received a dementia diagnosis, please get it touch with the  Dementia Support service for any information, support and advice.’

Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Luton

Tel: 01582 470910

Email: bedfordshireandluton@alzheimers.org.uk

_______________________________________________________

The Autism Spectrum Team – Luton Borough Council

The Autism Team are currently hosting the parent support groups online. This is a combined venture for FLAG and SWAN.

Their  purpose, values and aims reflect their face to face meetings. Meetings are held on Zoom, and password protected for your security.  

Autumn Meeting Dates: Thursdays 4.30-5.30pm

10/9/20   5/11/20

24/9/20   19/11/20

8/10/20   3/12/20

22/10/20   17/12/20 

Contact: chloe.bishop@luton.gov.uk

_______________________________________________________

Deafblind UK 

Deafblind UK has launched a new wellbeing and emotional support service to provide in depth assistance to people with sight and hearing loss. 

The new service is free of charge and enables people who are deafblind to talk to someone who is trained and experienced in deafblind awareness, active listening, call handling, communication support, safeguarding, signposting, suicide and mental health issues.

The service is available via telephone, email, text, text relay, Skype and Facetime. 

The new service will also include weekly calls to offer some social interaction to those who are on Deafblind UK’s befriending service waiting list; virtual social groups where people can get together online or on a group call to interact and socialise; birthday and Christmas cards/calls; and a buddy system where people can interact with each other on a one to one basis.  

The new wellbeing service can be accessed by calling 0800 132320 or emailing info@deafblind.org.uk.  

_______________________________________________________

Keech Hospice

See full details of the Keech bereavement support service.

Keech continue to support the whole family after death, for as long as you need them. They offer pre-bereavement support to help every family, including children, come to terms with death – making the difference when it matters the most.

Coronavirus lockdown: We are here to help you

If you would like to discuss anything in this newsletter or have any other issues do please contact Levi or Sally for further help and support.

Our hard-working team offers a telephone helpline on 0300 303 0201 open Monday to Friday in office hours and on Tuesdays we are open for telephone calls until 7pm. Or send us an email.

During the coronavirus crisis we can help you access reliable health and support information.

We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support to unpaid carers in the Luton area.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Read our newsletter from July/August 2020:

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

Free online seated yoga sessions for carers in Luton

Join us for a series of free online seated yoga sessions, especially for unpaid carers in Luton.

Monday 3rd August – 11am to 11.45am

Monday 31st August – 11am to 11.45am

Monday 14th September – 11am to 11.45am

These free yoga sessions will include a guided meditation along with some relaxation techniques and gentle chair based exercises.

Check our events for full details.

Key worker letter

As a carer, Luton Borough Council via Carers Central can now issue you with a key worker letter. This will enable you to gain priority access to supermarkets and other essential places.

To obtain a letter please contact Levi or Sally to discuss further on 0300 303 0201.

Looking after your own health

It’s important to look after yourself so you have the energy to do the things you enjoy and carry on caring.

Find out more by reading the practical information on the Carers UK website. Here are some direct links to the most popular sections

Free training and support programme for carers

We know and understand how difficult it can be to find work if you are a carer. You may struggle to find paid employment that fits around your caring commitments. 

It may have been difficult for you to find some time in your week to focus on you and your wellbeing. 

We want to work with you to design a plan that will incorporate a unique and free support package tailored just for you.

We will explore how you learn, your strengths and where you can develop further. We will explore your hopes and ambitions, suggesting ways to reach your goals. 

If you are an unpaid carer living in Luton or Central Bedfordshire then you could eligible to join our free support programme. 

See our website for full details of this new programme designed for carers, including our new and free online courses.

Carers Central weekly coffee morning

We run a virtual coffee morning every Monday for anyone who is an unpaid carer living in Luton.

If you would like to attend please login to https://drcbeds.whereby.com/carers-central-meeting anytime on the day between 10.30am and 12pm or call Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201 who can help you to access the service.

This is for all unpaid carers in the area. You don’t have to live with the person you are caring for and they can even live in another town.

Your feedback matters

Please complete our short survey about our Carers Central service: Carers Central Survey

Rate our services, 1 to 5 stars: 1 to 5 star review

Introduction to Emotional Wellbeing

New online course

This new and free online course will help you to learn about your emotional wellbeing. You will be introduced to some practical tools to help you to take better care of yourself.

What’s covered in this course

This online course contains 3 lessons that will take about 3 hours to complete. We invite you to start using the tools and techniques in your daily life.

The first lesson will take you through the definitions of emotional wellbeing, why it’s important to invest in emotional wellbeing and how without this investment we can have negative impacts.

You will then learn how the practical tools included in this lesson can support you to manage your emotional wellbeing through a programme of meditation, affirmation and journaling.

Next you’ll learn how you can take better care of yourself. Learn how others practice emotional wellbeing and how you can incorporate this into your life. You’ll also start a journey of creating a more balanced life using the Wheel of Life and you’ll create your own Vision Board.

If you would like to enrol on this course then please email The Disability Resource Centre.

Helpful updates from local organisations:

Total Wellbeing/Active Luton

Pursuing a healthy lifestyle in Luton doesn’t need to be expensive. #HealthyLuton is a campaign designed by Luton Borough Council, Team Beds & Luton, Total Wellbeing Luton and Active Luton, bringing together all the free, low cost and subsidised opportunities there are to lead a healthy lifestyle in Luton.

The page is regularly updated by partners to include the most up to date opportunities in Luton. 

https://www.activeluton.co.uk/ 

www.totalwellbeingluton.org 

Keech

Keech Hospice Care has recently launched a new bereavement service. It is completely free to anyone from Luton and Bedfordshire aged 18 or over and no existing connection to Keech required. If you, or someone you know, may benefit from their new bereavement service, please call them today on 0800 0350 0011 or pass the attached information on. It may just be the best email you send today.  

Mind BLMK

Mind BLMK are offering emotional wellbeing support over the phone to the wider community in Bedfordshire. 

If you feel that you or anyone you know would benefit from having someone to talk to, either as a one-off or regularly over the coming weeks, please get in touch or you can pass their details on.

Central Bedfordshire (Sapphita Timperio)

07546 174124 or sapphire.timperio@mind-blmk.org.uk

Bedford (Clare Anderson)

07597 113613 or clare.anderson@mind-blmk.org.uk

Luton (Katy Eagle)

07867 398246 or katy.eagle@mind-blmk.org.uk

General enquiries

01525 722225 or hq@mind-blmk.org.uk

Bedfordshire Chronic Fatigue Service

Bedfordshire Chronic Fatigue Service is now carrying out assessments and offering treatment remotely either by video or telephone. This will continue until further notice and if you have any queries regarding your treatment or have any questions about what they offer, you can email them on beds.cfs@nhs.net or telephone the Single Point of Access on 0345 602 4064 who will pass your message to them. 

Headway Luton

Headway Luton supports people with an acquired brain injury. Their day centres in Luton and Leighton Buzzard are closed due to the coronavirus situation. However they now have a phased re-opening of their day centre on Alma Street, Luton, with the aim to be open 5 days a week in August. The re-opening of their Leighton Buzzard service is still in discussion. Check out their website for further information, updates and contact details. www.headwayluton.com

The Autism Spectrum Team

The Autism Spectrum Team, part of the Special Educational Needs Service at Luton Council, run three Autism support groups across Luton. Their support groups welcome parents and carers living in Luton, whose families are affected by Autism: 

FLAG – Families Living with Autism Group- karen.thomas@luton.gov.uk

SWAN – Support With Autism Network-chloe.bishop@luton.gov.uk

DADS – Dads Autism Discuss Support –david.whalley@luton.gov.uk

Each meeting provides parents with an opportunity to discuss issues and successes with other families and the team. They aim to provide a relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome, even if just for a coffee and a chat. Unfortunately they are unable to offer crèche facilities.  

If you would like more information about their team and the Special Educational Needs Service please visit their Local Offer Webpage.

All Nations Carers Health and Wellbeing Service

Throughout the Carers Week, All Nations Carers were busy supporting their vulnerable carers and those at risk of COVID-19 mostly from disadvantaged ethnic minority groups with the supply of food and essentials. They also continue to collaborate with local other organisations and charities to deliver Community PPE kit to care homes and those isolated and at risk of coronavirus pandemic. With the lockdown it means they are unable to have access to the Centre but for every little help please contact them on phone 07472102111 or Email:allnationscarers@opendoorstrust.org

Fibromyalgia Support Group

Their support group for people with fibromyalgia is very popular indeed. Please contact Teresa Williams on 01582 873297 or  teresawilliams.ret@btinternet.com if you need support. 

Luton All Women’s Centre    

Luton All Women’s Centre offers advice and support to women around a range of issues including domestic abuse, harmful practices (forced marriage, honour based abuse and FGM), and mental health and wellbeing.

Currently due to COVID they are offering phone and email support to women in Luton and the surrounding areas who are struggling in any areas of their life. When they are working from the Women’s Centre in Luton they offer a range of support groups around domestic abuse, wellbeing and the menopause. 

They also support professionals who are working with women around any of these issues.

Phone: 01582 416783 or email: support@lawc.org.uk 

Alzheimers Society

The Alzheimers Society is here to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Call their  Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.

Connect with people affected by dementia via their online community Talking Point

They have temporarily suspended face-to-face and some of their group services. They now offer;

Welfare calls – checking people’s safety and wellbeing, offering advice or signposting to other support. 

Companion calls – helping to alleviate social isolation.

Online support – some group services are now available online.

Any enquiries or referrals, email bedfordshireandluton@alzheimers.org.uk  

Voluntary and Community Sector

A useful booklet has been jointly prepared by Public Health England, Sports England, Team Beds, Active Luton, The National Lottery and Luton Council and has been developed to support older people and those who are shielded to be active and healthy at home.

This is part of the Sport England ‘Join the Movement’ campaign designed to provide inspiration and trusted information to the public about how to get active in and around the home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Being active is safe for a majority of people and it has many benefits for your health and wellbeing.

Please note that before following any exercise or health guidelines they would advise that you to consult with your GP or health professional if you have any concerns or questions about whether or not the exercises are suitable. Please click here to download the booklet.

Family Fund

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families on low incomes raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. 

They provide grants for essential items such as kitchen appliances, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets/computers, furniture and clothing. They also provide a range of programmes and services, as well as information and advice to families that apply to them, in order to help them access more of the support that may be of help to them in raising their child or young person.

Find out more at www.familyfund.org.uk, call on 01904 550055, email at info@familyfund.org.uk or join the conversation on FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

Healthwatch

Healthwatch Luton are conducting a survey as part of their ‘How are you doing?’ campaign.

They want to understand how the pandemic has affected you, including your access to health and social care and your experiences since the pandemic began. 

Please share your thoughts on the survey.

If you would prefer not to answer each question, you can simply share your feedback in the final question box

You can contact them via telephone on 01582 817 060

or by email info@healthwatchluton.co.uk

They do have a new email if there are things specifically about Covid 19 issues covid19@healthwatchluton.co.uk.  

Visit the Healthwatch website for more information.

Coronavirus Update: We are here to help

If you would like to discuss anything in this newsletter or have any other issues do please contact Levi or Sally for further help and support.

Our hard-working team offers a telephone helpline on 0300 303 0201 open Monday to Friday in office hours and on Tuesdays we are open for telephone calls until 7pm. Or send us an email.

During the coronavirus crisis we can help you access reliable health and support information.

We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support to unpaid carers in the Luton area.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.


Read the latest newsletter from The Disability Resource Centre:

“We just received this lovely thank you card…

It’s so nice that the hard work of our team is valued so highly.

Read the words of a customer this week, in a card she sent to Stacey, who runs our new “chat and no-contact collect” disability equipment shop:

I am happy to say that on Saturday we enjoyed an hours walk around Houghton Hall Park, with me being pushed around in the ‘new’ wheelchair, that I received from your charity.

My partner heroically pushed me around. Including, at times, some hilariously reckless driving across grass so he could show the bluebells and primroses to me ‘close up’. There was a bit of squealing and a lot of laughter! Oh it was just wonderful to be out together. Sun or rain it wouldn’t have mattered, but oh we had such a lovely time. 

It didn’t even matter that I was in a wheelchair, it turns out, I was still me and he was still him, it was just lovely.

I never thought that I may have to end up adjusting to a life with a wheelchair, albeit hopefully only until the hospitals open back up. But this is where I am and we all have to make the best of this situation. It’s been hard to accept, making these changes. I used to be so independent and active. So when I realised life was heading this way, I had no clue where to start with accessing the type of things I needed. 

Your service has been such a help to me, and it is reassuring to know that should I discover there are other things I need, I now know where to come and who to ask to redirect me and assist, the service you provide in the community is amazing and I thank you again.”

New disability equipment “Chat and collect” service

Since we launched our ‘Chat and no contact collect’ service at our disability equipment shop last week we’ve been able to match many customers with items they have needed. We’ve helped local people with walking aids, commodes, bathing equipment, wheelchairs and dressing aids so far. 

So during the coronavirus crisis instead of visiting our shop you can now chat to us on the phone on 01582 470 900 or via the chat service on our website

Stacey, Chera and Susan are all here to help.

We’ll tell you all about any items you are interested in, send you some photos and talk through the exact specifications, plus the price.

You will be able to pay over the phone and collect from our centre here in Dunstable, with us observing the highest hygiene and social distancing guidelines at all times.

Read full details about this brand new service

Watch Paul demonstrate two products in our shop; a pedal exerciser and a Swedish trolley…

Important information for PAs and employers during the coronavirus crisis

We have just updated our links to the latest government guidance for PAs and individual employers with information on PPE, shielding, Covid-19 testing for PAs, new guidelines for DBS checks, PA recruitment, coronavirus training and many more useful links.

We’ve also been helping many local people find support for shopping, medications,  befriending services, claiming PIP benefits and many more…

Read about the ways we’ve helped vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis this week: 

– Mrs S hasn’t left her home in 3 months, she’s barely seen the postman. We were able to get her prescriptions delivered as well as find her details for local shops to deliver some essentials.

– Mr G had his tri-walker stolen while he was in hospital, we have used the ‘Chat and no contact collect service’ to talk to him, find a suitable replacement and get a walker to him so he can get around safely.

– Mr K was medically retired and wanted to apply for PIP, so we booked a telephone consultation with one of our expert disability benefits advisors. He has since been able to apply for PIP with all the information and advice he needed to be successful.

– Mr and Mrs L are shielding and they have no family locally. They needed some essentials and wanted someone to talk to. We were able to refer them to a local service to have a befriender call them, as well as deliver them some essential shopping.”

We are here for you

Our full team are all working at home and you can now contact us in many different ways:

– WhatsApp: 07871 744157
– Phone: 01582 470 900
– Facebook Messenger: @TheDisabilityResourceCentre
– Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
– Text us: 07871 744157
– Chat to us now: On our website just click the pink ‘chat to us’ box at the bottom of every page, open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

———————————————————————————————

For specific advice about benefits, benefits appeals and all other topics we can arrange dedicated telephone appointments.

Our own website provides up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide.

We have launched a new page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more, during the coronavirus crisis.

I’ll be writing to you again with further updates soon. 

We are all here to help you.

Melanie Hawman.

CEO. The Disability Resource Centre.”

When you are shopping online at amazon, please consider clicking our link and helping raise vital funds for our charity, contributed automatically by Amazon, at no extra cost to you.

Thanks very much.

Our Facebook page now has over 1000 followers…

With all the latest updates and news our Facebook page is an increasingly popular place to visit and now has 1011 followers and fans. 

The Disability Resource Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712


Read our April newsletter for unpaid carers in Luton:

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

We are sending you this email because you have expressed an interest in our carers support service. We’d appreciate it if you could sign up so that we are sure you want to still hear from us. If you wish to unsubscribe from all communications from The Disability Resource Centre, there is a link at the bottom of this email.

Please sign up to continue hearing from us

Coronavirus Update: We are here to help

Our hard-working team offers a telephone helpline on 0300 303 0201 open Monday to Friday in office hours and on Tuesdays we are open for telephone calls until 7pm. Or send us an email.

During the coronavirus crisis we can help you access reliable health and support information.

We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support to unpaid carers in the Luton area.

————————————————————————–

Carer support group meetings

Due to the coronavirus situation our in-person carer support group meetings are cancelled until further notice.

We have moved our carer support group meetings to Zoom and our team are here to help and support carers during this period of social isolation. If you would like to participate in a virtual carers meeting using the online Zoom app then please contact Levi or Sally on 0300 303 0201.

You can now contact us in many different ways:

– WhatsApp: 07557 529613
– Phone: 0300 303 0201
– Facebook Messenger: @TheDisabilityResourceCentre
– Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
– Text us: 07557 529613
– Chat to us now: On our website just click the ‘chat to us’ box at the bottom of every page, open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

———————————————————————————————

Coronavirus information and advice for carers 

We’ve compiled all the latest and most reliable coronavirus information for carers on our new page that includes help from Carers UK, Age UK, Mencap, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Stroke Association, Carers Trust and more. 

—————————————————————————————–

Helping you to cope

The mental health charity, Mind, have produced two booklets to help you look after yourself when you are caring for a friend or relative. They provide you with information on how to help with anxiety and deal https://wescoal.com/buy-silagra-sildenafil/ with panic attacks.

How to cope as a carer

Understanding anxiety and panic attacks

——————————————————————————————

Mindfulness

The NHS has added a couple of useful pages that teaches you to be more mindful. They provide information on the benefits of mindfulness and meditation and how they can be used to help keep you calm and well.

NHS mindfulness page  

NHS mindfulness and stress page

——————————————————————————————

Registering as a vulnerable person

If you or the person you work for have registered on the GOV.UK website as a vulnerable person and you supplied details that you have difficulty accessing food, your details will be passed to the major supermarkets. They will be in contact with you to discuss a food delivery.

——————————————————————————————

Carers Allowance 

If your circumstances have changed and you are now providing 35 hours of unpaid care to a family member of friend you may be eligible to claim Carers Allowance.

——————————————————————————————

Unpaid carers at work during the coronavirus crisis

If you are an unpaid carer and would like to stop working because the person you care for is vulnerable you may need to request flexible working.

——————————————————————————————

The Disability Resource Centre can help

The Disability Resource Centre’s website has up-to-date web links to relevant and trustworthy websites during the crisis, both locally and nationwide.

And there’s a new page of links to the many organisations that can help with finances, jobs, paying bills and more.

Our Facebook group for unpaid carers in Luton is growing

It’s a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.

Our telephone helpline is open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 for help with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712


Read our January Newsletter:

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

We are sending you this email because you have expressed an interest in our carers support service. We’d appreciate it if you could sign up so that we are sure you want to still hear from us. If you wish to unsubscribe from all communications from The Disability Resource Centre, there is a link at the bottom of this email.

Please sign up to continue hearing from us

Support into Employment for Carers

We know and understand how difficult it can be to find work if you are a carer. You may struggle to find paid employment that fits around your caring commitments. 

If you wish to return to work in some way, but are unsure how to start, then we can help with 1-2-1 support with our employment advisors.

For 2020 if you would like to make a difference to your family’s life just make contact to see how our Support Into Employment programme may be able to help you.

See our website for full details.

Learning Fair for Adult Social Care

Thursday 27th February 2020

10am – 2pm at The Disability Resource Centre

If you are a Personal Assistant (PA) in care, employer or want to find out more about training opportunities in the care sector then you’ll find all the training you need at our Learning Fair.

  • Explore all the free training opportunities
  • Develop your learning plan
  • Complete a free online Personal Assistant (PA) induction course
  • All your training needs in one place, including free workshops and presentations
  • Be the first to sign up to our brand new ‘Introduction to Wellbeing’ online course

See our website for full details

Free workshops for PAs in care

Last chance – Our free workshops for PAs in care and employers ends at the end of February.

Free workshops include:

  • Deaf Awareness
  • Introduction to BSL
  • Moving and Handling
  • *Equality and Diversity
  • *Dementia Awareness
  • *Emergency First Aid
  • *Mental Health Awareness

We have had some great feedback about our free workshops:

“Very happy with the course and trainer, thank you”
“I really enjoyed the course today”
“It was a good lesson and I learnt a lot”
“It was a very relaxed and friendly learning environment”
“It was a good lesson and I learnt lots of things”
“Really informative workshop, thank you”

There are still spaces on workshops in February so please check the calendar for full details.

Our Facebook group for carers in Luton is growing

We recently started a Facebook group for carers in Luton.

It’s already proving to be a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton.

We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more.

When you join the group you be able to ask questions to get some help from other local carers. 

Next Carer Support Group Meeting

Our support group meeting is designed just for carers to share experiences and help in many different ways.

Meet-up with Lorraine and Levi, your carer support workers.
We are here for you throughout the year.

Please feel free to invite other carers that you think may be interested.

The meeting is being held at Luton Central Library, Upper George St, Luton LU1 2NG.

Monday 3rd February from 2pm – 4pm.

We meet every month on the 1st Monday at Luton Central Library and then on the 3rd Monday of the month at The Disability Resource Centre, Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable.

Cost: Free

See what our friendly group says about our meetings and the support we provide:
“You have guided and helped me throughout”.
“You are so knowledgeable and know the system so well”.
“You are great and have helped me out so much”.

Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.

Free Wellbeing Course

New course starts in February for Luton residents.

We have just started the first group on this course and now we’re looking for more local people to join the next course that starts in February.

3 hours per week for 6 weeks.

  • Improve your confidence
  • Reduce stress
  • Move closer to your goals

See our website for full details

Our fitness suite class timetable for 2020

Take a look at our class timetable for our fully equipped fitness suite, especially designed for disabled people.

We are open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 and chat to Lorraine and Levi from our brand new Carers Central team. They are ready to help you with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Meet-up with Lorraine and Levi at venues near you 

Your Carer Support Workers will be holding a carers drop-in session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Luton Central Library from 10am to 12pm in the Well and Wise Room (situated on the ground floor).

Come along and we’ll help you have an understating of the benefits and services you may be entitled to.

•             Carers’ Assessments

•             Carers’ breaks

•             Place to come and talk confidentially

•             Benefits issues like carers allowance, PIP or DLVA

•             Money management

•             Support into employment

•             Applying for blue badges

•             Benefits appeals

Over 100 Stories From Carers Across The UK

Visit our website to read a collection of over 100 stories from carers; on how they care and cope with their caring role.

We collected these stories from across the internet and welcome you to submit your own carer story so we can share with all the carers that visit our website. We will only publish your story with your explicit permission and will change names to protect privacy. Please send your own carer story to us here. Thank you.

‘Looking after someone’ guide

Download the excellent Carers UK ‘Looking after someone’ guide.

This thoughtful guide book is free to download and provides lots of relevant and supportive information and guidance to carers.

Emergency numbers

We have compiled this handy list of emergency number on our Carers Central website

Improvements to our website

Over the last few weeks we have:

– Added a chat function so you can get some help straight away

– Installed a text translation function to the homepage, so you can easily choose the language to use on all our pages

– Added a brand new ‘news’ section

– Included a new ‘Book an appointment’ facility on the homepage

Keep up to date with all our news and events

Don’t forget we are always updating and improving our Carers Central website. So do take a look at www.CarersCentral.org.uk

Read all the latest news, free services and more from our charity…

Disability advice

Our disability advice service is confidential, independent and free.

This service provides up-to-date information and advice to people of any age and with any disability, older people, their families, carers, friends and associated professionals.

The advice service is open to everyone, there is no formal referral process and it is free.

Please do ask us a lot of questions. We are all trained and ready to answer.

We can help you with benefits, carers, employment, sport, support groups, training and more.

Please email us to ask us a question, book a one-to-one appointment or call us on 01582 470900.

There’s always something new at our disability equipment shop here in Dunstable

New disability equipment

Take a look at our demonstration kitchen plus a brand new shower/wet room, both with lots of thoughtful features. Please feel free to book an appointment with our highly trained team, at a time to suit you.

We have plenty of new items on display and for sale including a starlift, mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, kitchen utensils, continence supplies, rollators, riser-recliner seating and more.

A trillion smiles for Amazon

We’ve joined the Amazon Smile program so when you shop at Amazon they’ll automatically donate vital funds for our charity.

If you are already an Amazon customer then please see our website to find out how the scheme will work, it’s as simple as a couple of clicks​.

Regular Events at The Disability Resource Centre

Benefits form-filling workshops on Mondays

The benefits form-filling workshops are designed to help you negotiate your way through the rather in-depth and sometimes confusing benefits claim forms.

Expert help with seating on Thursdays

Every Thursday we offer expert help with choosing the best chair. Our seating specialist is here to advise on getting the correct chair size, support to help maintain the correct posture and pressure care to prevent skin or muscle irritation.

PA drop-in sessions on Friday mornings

Find out what it is like to work as a Personal Assistant in care with a disabled person at our drop-in sessions every Friday.

New – Drop-in employment support sessions

Every Friday from 2pm to 4pm

At our free employment support drop-in our work coaches will be available to help you 1-2-1 with looking for work.

Support Groups

Carers Support group

We hold meet-ups twice every month for carers in the Luton area. Join Lorraine and Levi for informative question and answer sessions.

Check our events calendar for full details.

Physical Health and Emotional Wellbeing (PHEW) Support Group

Get support from people with real life experience of managing their own health, and/or caring for our loved ones who have health conditions.

Carers Eating Disorder Association (CEDA)

If you care for someone with an eating disorder, this support group could help you. The support group holds a monthly meet-up to share experiences, offer help and provide lots of sympathetic support. Please see the CEDA support group on Facebook.

Fibromyalgia Support Group

Come along to the Fibromyalgia support group meetings on the first Tuesday of every month. Check the support group’s popular Facebook page for updates and useful information.

Friday Art Support Group

Enjoy a couple of hours of creating art. You can learn new techniques, share your own skills and find a new way to relax.

Donate

Please consider donating to our charity. The Disability Resource Centre is a charity and needs your support so we can continue our vital services.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: information@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712

Take a look at the September edition of the Carers Central newsletter:

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

Welcome to the Carers Central newsletter

Carer Support Group Meeting

Our support group meeting is designed just for carers to share experiences and help in many different ways.

Meet-up with Lorraine and Levi, your carer support workers.
We are here for you throughout the year.

Please feel free to invite other carers that you think may be interested.

The next meeting is being held on Monday 7th October 2019 at Luton Central Library, Upper George St, Luton LU1 2NG.

From 2pm to 4pm.

We meet every month on the 1st Monday at Luton Central Library and then on the 3rd Monday of the month at The Disability Resource Centre, Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable.

Cost: Free

See what our friendly group says about our meetings and the support we provide:
“You have guided and helped me throughout”.
“You are so knowledgeable and know the system so well”.
“You are great and have helped me out so much”.

Thanks to Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group for funding our service.

We are open until 7pm every Tuesday for carers

1-2-1 help with all your questions about care for unpaid carers in Luton.

Call 0300 303 0201 and chat to Lorraine and Levi from our brand new Carers Central team. They are ready to help you with any carer-related matter for carers in Luton.

Meet-up with Lorraine and Levi at venues near you 

Your Carer Support Workers will be holding a carers drop-in session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Luton Central Library from 10am to 12pm in the Well and Wise Room (situated on the ground floor).

Come along and we’ll help you have an understating of the benefits and services you may be entitled to.

•             Carers’ Assessments

•             Carers’ breaks

•             Place to come and talk confidentially

•             Benefits issues like carers allowance, PIP or DLVA

•             Money management

•             Support into employment

•             Applying for blue badges

•             Benefits appeals

Our Facebook group for carers in Luton is growing

We recently started a Facebook group for carers in Luton. It’s already proving to be a valuable place to ask and answer questions for unpaid carers in Luton. We post plenty of practical information with links, videos, news and more. When you join the group you be able to ask questions to get some help from other local carers. 

Over 100 Stories From Carers Across The UK

Visit our website to read a collection of over 100 stories from carers; on how they care and cope with their caring role.

We collected these stories from across the internet and welcome you to submit your own carer story so we can share with all the carers that visit our website. We will only publish your story with your explicit permission and will change names to protect privacy. Please send your own carer story to us here. Thank you.

‘Looking after someone’ guide

Download the excellent Carers UK ‘Looking after someone’ guide.

This thoughtful guide book is free to download and provides lots of relevant and supportive information and guidance to carers.

Emergency numbers

We have compiled this handy list of emergency number on our Carers Central website

Improvements to our website

Over the last few weeks we have:

– Added a chat function so you can get some help straight away

– Installed a text translation function to the homepage, so you can easily choose the language to use on all our pages

– Added a brand new ‘news’ section

– Included a new ‘Book an appointment’ facility on the homepage

Keep up to date with all our news and events

Don’t forget we are always updating and improving our Carers Central website. So do take a look at www.CarersCentral.org.uk

Read all the latest news, free services and more from our charity…

Fitness suite session times

Check the days and times for all the sessions in our fitness suite, which is especially designed for disabled people.

Disability advice

Our disability advice service is confidential, independent and free.

This service provides up-to-date information and advice to people of any age and with any disability, older people, their families, carers, friends and associated professionals.

The advice service is open to everyone, there is no formal referral process and it is free.

Please do ask us a lot of questions. We are all trained and ready to answer.

We can help you with benefits, carers, employment, sport, support groups, training and more.

Please email us to ask us a question, book a one-to-one appointment or call us on 01582 470900.

There’s always something new at our disability equipment shop here in Dunstable

New disability equipment

Take a look at our demonstration kitchen plus a brand new shower/wet room, both with lots of thoughtful features. Please feel free to book an appointment with our highly trained team, at a time to suit you.

We have plenty of new items on display and for sale including a starlift, mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, kitchen utensils, continence supplies, rollators, riser-recliner seating and more.

A trillion smiles for Amazon

We’ve joined the Amazon Smile program so when you shop at Amazon they’ll automatically donate vital funds for our charity.

If you are already an Amazon customer then please see our website to find out how the scheme will work, it’s as simple as a couple of clicks​.

Regular Events at The Disability Resource Centre

Benefits form-filling workshops on Mondays

The benefits form-filling workshops are designed to help you negotiate your way through the rather in-depth and sometimes confusing benefits claim forms.

Expert help with seating on Thursdays

Every Thursday we offer expert help with choosing the best chair. Our seating specialist is here to advise on getting the correct chair size, support to help maintain the correct posture and pressure care to prevent skin or muscle irritation.

PA drop-in sessions on Friday mornings

Find out what it is like to work as a Personal Assistant in care with a disabled person at our drop-in sessions every Friday.

Over 60’s coffee morning every Thursday

Come along to our weekly free social event for older people.
The popular social, informative and interactive regular event includes taster exercise sessions, an art & craft club, free
refreshments, regular free advice sessions and guest speakers.

New – Drop-in employment support sessions

Every Friday from 2pm to 4pm

At our free employment support drop-in our work coaches, Sharon and Shyrus will be available to help you 1-2-1 with looking for work.

Support Groups

Carers Support group

We hold meet-ups twice every month for carers in the Luton area. Join Lorraine and Levi for informative question and answer sessions.

Check our events calendar for full details.

Physical Health and Emotional Wellbeing (PHEW) Support Group

Get support from people with real life experience of managing their own health, and/or caring for our loved ones who have health conditions.

Addictive Behaviour Support Group

There is help for you every Monday here at The Disability Resource Centre from 4pm to 5pm, supporting people to tackle their addictive behaviours. Our group leader, John, started this new support group, volunteering his time as part of the SMART recovery programme. 

Carers Eating Disorder Association (CEDA)

If you care for someone with an eating disorder, this support group could help you. The support group holds a monthly meet-up to share experiences, offer help and provide lots of sympathetic support. Please see the CEDA support group on Facebook.

Fibromyalgia Support Group

Come along to the Fibromyalgia support group meetings on the first Tuesday of every month. Check the support group’s popular Facebook page for updates and useful information.

Friday Art Support Group

Enjoy a couple of hours of creating art. You can learn new techniques, share your own skills and find a new way to relax.

Donate

Please consider donating to our charity. The Disability Resource Centre is a charity and needs your support so we can continue our vital services.

Carers Central is a free service provided by The Disability Resource Centre funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group. The Disability Resource Centre is a registered charity no. 1041712.

The Disability Resource Centre

Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable LU5 4TP

Phone: 01582 470900

Email: information@drcbeds.org.uk

Website: www.drcbeds.org.uk

Charity Number 1041712

Share this page

We are here to help unpaid carers across Luton

Call: 0300 303 0201

Email: carerscentral@drcbeds.org.uk

We are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

32 ways to improve your wellbeing

There are lots of ways to help improve your overall wellbeing as a carer. Here we have compiled some local organisations and support groups that can help with your wellbeing, as well as some nationally available services, phone apps and useful websites.

Read More »
Skip to content