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Mole Valley Life and Surrey County Council launch a new service

British Red Cross and Surrey Prepared are hosting free first aid training sessions.

Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell helps residents save energy at home

Free assessments for people with Down’s syndrome over 30

involving you and key staff supporting your child. This is likely to include hospital staff, community health staff, social care workers, your GP and you and immediate family. You, your family and your child’s needs should be discussed and a plan drawn up to enable your child to return home safely… transfer plan covering the above issues has been agreed with you before your child is discharged. As part of this planning process ensure you have a lead community children’s nurse or other named key worker and that your GP and other community health services have been informed and a shared care…

It may be that school is still a major focus of their lives. It is important to keep providing your child, as far as is possible, the opportunity to learn, develop, play and experience a normal life. School age children should be enabled to attend their own school for as long as they can, so that they can benefit from interacting with friends as well as receiving an education. The school can also provide your child and your family with an important source of support, including giving you a break during the day. If your child is no longer able to attend school due to their deteriorating health then education can continue through the hospital or hospice school or through the home tuition service for as long as your child is enjoying the experience and still learning. Things to think about Make sure your child’s school is part of the multidisciplinary team supporting your child…

Equipment Equipment can be bought directly from a specialist supplier or household shop without an OT assessment. This might include more minor equipment items such as a raised toilet seat, pressure mattress, bath hoist, over bed table, wheelchair, crutches, or a hospital style bed. If not having an OT assessment it is best the person tries it out first either as a trial period in the home or the store, particularly if it is an expensive item. You, as the carer, also need to ensure it is safe to use and not putting your own health at risk. If the equipment proves helpful you can still arrange for a social care assessment to see if the person would be eligible for financial help. Equipment such as a hospital bed, mattress, or commode can be provided by your local community nursing team. The person’s GP can make a referral to the nursing team and they will come to the home to assess…

You may find the person you care for is challenging in their behaviour . ‘Challenging’ is often defined as when a person is putting themselves or those around them at risk, including yourself as their carer, or where their behaviour is going to lead to a poorer quality of life. It can also impact their ability to join everyday activities. It can include aggression, self harm, destructive behaviour, and disruptiveness. It is often seen in people who have a learning disability or a mental health problem such as dementia and it can affect the person’s ability to communicate . Things to think about As a carer try to understand why the person is behaving in the way they are. For example, they might feel anxious or bored or be in pain. They may be behaving in a certain way to get your attention. If this is the case then consider not responding directly to their behaviour although you…

them make their own decision. This will be important, for example, if the person has a sensory impairment, if their first language is not English, or if they have a learning disability and would benefit from information being given in an easy to read format or pictures. We must also avoid assuming…

for example planning their funeral or prepaid funeral plan? Compassion in Dying have produced a guide on planning ahead for the LGBT community Your treatment and care: planning ahead for the LGBT community (PDF). Things to think about Although it feels hard, have that important conversation…