A Millennium Centre Service

Gateway Digest

Where can I find out about social or leisure opportunities for young people in St Helens?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

YAZ (Youth Action Zone) is a website for all young people in St Helens to find out about local news, events, information, volunteering opportunities, their nearest Youth Centre and much more.

For a list of upcoming events and activities in St Helens have a look on the What’s on in St Helens website.

GoActive run a whole programme of activities and sports groups for young people under the age of 15, and they also offer discounts for gym membership, sports hall bookings and classes/courses for students and young adults.

UC Crew St Helens is a Break Dancing cultured community group which consists of boys, girls, djs, volunteers and an events team. Practise sessions and lessons are held in various locations in St Helens – visit their website or e-mail [email protected] for further details.

Are there any opportunities for people with mental health problems to socialise or meet others?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

There are plenty of opportunities to socialise with new people and take part in activities provided by charities and voluntary groups within St Helens:

St Helens Wellbeing Service can help you to access a range of local community groups, free activities and support in the local area for your social wellbeing.

Wellbeing Enterprise CIC- through social prescribing can provide a range of activities for people who would like to learn new skills, meet friends and find out about some top tips to improve wellbeing.

St Helens Mind works with people who are isolated due to mental health problems, and aims to improve their quality of life by helping them to become more independent and involved within the community. They provide a befriending service, support groups, monthly social events (e.g. film mornings, trips out, walks, holidays) and an opportunity to become involved with their allotment project.

The Hope Centre run a course called ‘BREATHE’, aimed at improving the health wellbeing of people who have experienced mental health problems, social exclusion and isolation. The course is ideal for those who feel that they need more confidence, and includes a number of life skills courses where the individual can choose to do one course or take the journey through the complete programme.

Photographic Minds is a local voluntary group that meets up on a weekly basis at the Millennium Centre as a social group, where members have the chance to meet up and discuss photography that they have taken during that week. The group regularly goes out together on photography trips and holidays, and have previously had their work displayed at public exhibitions.

The Oasis Group is a drop-in session for people with wide-ranging mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dual diagnosis etc) and their Carers. The aim of the group is to socialise and have fun in a friendly environment, and activities include bingo, quizzes and guest speakers. Meetings are held every Monday at 11am at the United Reformed Church.

Earlestown Social Group provide social support and various activities in a friendly and informal group setting for people who have experienced mental health problems. The group meets up on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Crownway Community Centre.

There are also local support groups for specific groups of people or mental health problems, such as:

  • Women: Chrysalis Centre for Change, St Helens Mind, Together
  • Men: St Helens Mind
  • Bipolar disorder: Bi-Polar UK
  • Self-harm: No Secrets
  • Addiction: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Change, Grow, Live (CGL)
  • Rape and sexual abuse: RASASC

There is also a range of activities and classes available through the Health Improvement Team, local Community Centres and Leisure Centres.

Are there any classes or activities to help my family get physically fitter?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

The Health Improvement Team have lots of programmes that can help children and families get fit and healthy across St Helens. These include walking clubs, community activity programmes and jogging clubs. They also run separate ‘Fit 4 Life’ programmes for families with children aged 2-6 and 4-13:

  • Families with children aged 2-6 (Early Years): Course consists of four weekly one hour parent/Carer sessions whilst the children are in the crèche, then the children will join in afterwards for half an hour for a healthy snack and some active play together as a family.
  • Families with children aged 4-13: Course consists of six weekly 1½ hour sessions with activities and education that helps children, young people and families to exercise regularly and eat a nutritionally balanced diet

Family fitness classes and activities are also advertised via the regional Kids Guide website.

Are there any activities or physical exercise classes for older people?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

Age UK have a range of activities as part of their ‘positive living’ programme – these include arts (e.g. painting, drawing), crafts (e.g. floristry, knitting), languages, exercise (e.g. tai chi, zumba), dance and therapies. They also have a range of classes for men only (called ‘Men2Mentor’) including football, badminton and golf.

St Helens Wellbeing Service offers a wide range of healthy living and wellbeing support. See www.sthelenswellbeing.org.uk for more information.

There are also a variety of activities and classes for older people that are held throughout leisure centres and community centres in St Helens.

Independent Age have produced a free publication called ‘Wise Guide’, that offers life-improving advice for people aged over 65 across a whole range of topics including keeping fit, happy and healthy.

Where can I find help and advice with benefits for Carers?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

If you are looking for further information or advice on how to apply for benefits such as Carers Allowance, Carers Credit and applying for benefits for the person that you are caring for (e.g. Disability Living Allowance) then the Income Maximisation Team at St Helens Carers Centre can provide you with help, information and advice.

Crossroads Care is Britain’s leading provider of support for Carers and the people they care for. They work with over 41,000 individuals and their families, helping Carers make a life of their own outside caring.

Carers Direct (0808 802 0202) and Carers UK (0808 808 7777) can also provide free, confidential information and advice about the different types of benefits you can apply for and how to go about it.

Where can I find emotional support as a Carer?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

Being a Carer can be demanding and can place emotional strain on you, however there are people available that you can talk to. The Carer Support Team at St Helens Carers Centre are available to speak with over the phone or in person, and you can discuss your thoughts and feelings in confidence. The Carers Centre also facilitate a number of general support groups (see below) and they can also provide relaxation therapies and massages.

  • Billinge and Garswood (Foresters Arms) first Tuesday of the month at 1pm
  • Haydock (St James Church) first Tuesday of the month at 1.15pm
  • Kershaw (Kershaw Day Centre) second Thursday of the month at 1.30pm
  • Newton (Crownway Centre) second Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm
  • Rainford (Guide House) first Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm and (Tea Rooms) third Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm
  • Windle Pilkington (Millennium Centre) first and third Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm

The support groups and services listed above are for general Carers. There are also specific support groups and services for Carers of people with mental health problems (e.g. Mental Health Carers), disabilities (e.g. Connect), dementia (e.g. ‘Making Sense’ support group) and young Carers (e.g. Young Carers) – please see the related questions below for further information.

Crossroads Care is Britain’s leading provider of support for Carers and the people they care for. They work with over 41,000 individuals and their families, helping Carers make a life of their own outside caring.

Carers UK have an online forum for members to support each other.

What is a Carer’s Assessment and do I need one?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

A Carer can be defined as anyone whose life is in some way affected because of the need to take responsibility for the care of a person who has a mental health problem, a learning disability, is physically disabled, elderly, frail or whose health is impaired.

If you are providing regular and substantial care for someone you are entitled to be assessed by St Helens Council to see how you can be supported. This could include financial support, emotional support, support to stay/return to work, demands on your time, looking after yourself (physically and emotionally) and taking a break (leisure/relaxation).

To request a Carer’s Assessment you can call the St Helens Council Contact Centre on 01744 676 789.

Alternatively, the Carer Support Team (01744 675 615) at St Helens Carers can talk you through any issues or questions that you might have, and refer you on to Adult Social Care and Health at the Council for you. The Carer Support Team can also tell you how to arrange your own services independently, and provide information about service providers.

Crossroads Care is Britain’s leading provider of support for Carers and the people they care for. They work with over 41,000 individuals and their families, helping Carers make a life of their own outside caring.

Carers Direct (0808 802 0202) and Carers UK (0808 808 7777) can also provide free, confidential information and advice about all practical and emotional aspects to being a Carer.

n.b. if you have parental responsibility for a disabled child, your needs as a Carer will be assessed as part of a Family Needs Assessment.

How can I find the right residential care home for me?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

There are numerous care, residential and nursing homes situated in St Helens suitable for older people and older people with dementia, plus there are also caring homes for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental health problems.

For information on choosing suitable residential care, information on assessments, charging policies and contracts visit St Helens Council Website or click this link Here you can find the most upto date care home directory and charging policy, see the tab at the bottom of the page ‘related documents’.

You can also view further information and contact details about residential homes closest to you by entering your postcode into the CQC wbsite or ringing their information helpline on 0300 061 6161

Age UK have produced a useful factsheet and checklist for older people considering moving into a care home.

First Stop Care Advice is an independent, impartial and free service offering advice and information to older people, their families and carers about housing and care options for later life.

Independent Age can provide free and impartial advice on the issues including care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility. Helpline 0800 319 6789

Is there sheltered accommodation or extra-care housing available in St Helens?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

Sheltered accommodation/housing is generally for older people over the age of 55 and consists of either a bungalow or self-contained flat with a warden/manager and care staff on hand if they are needed. Extra Care is for older people to remain independent in an apartment/bungalow with on-site staff available 24 hours a day, providing care and support as and when it is needed.

Sheltered accommodation and extra care housing is available in St Helens through Under One Roof Further information about available Sheltered and Extra Care accommodation can be found on the St Helens Council website- www.sthelens.gov.uk/housing/applying-for-a-home/

Independent Age can provide free and impartial advice on issues including care and support, sheltered housing, money and benefits, health and mobility. Helpline 0800 319 6789

Who can provide care to me in my own home?Posted Wednesday 11th April 2018

Care in your own home may involve personal and domestic care tasks such as light housework, doing the shopping, laundry, washing, helping you get up, bathing, dressing yourself and help administering medication. Care can be delivered over a short period (e.g. if your Carer is away) or as part of an on-going care package.

For information on providers of personal domiciliary care here for a link to St Helens Council website.

You can view further information, reports/ratings and contact details about care providers closest to you by entering your postcode into the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website website or ringing their information helpline on 03000 616161.

First Stop Advice is an independent, impartial and free service offering advice and information to older people, their families and carers about housing and care options for later life.

Independent Age can provide free and impartial advice on the issues including care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility. Helpline 0800 319 6789

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