If you are not working and would like to return to training, education, volunteering and/or employment, our Employment Advisor can support you to work towards this. Our  Advisor can help you with CVs, application forms, interview preparation, job searches, and thinking about what jobs match your skills (including transferable skills from caring). This project is open to people aged 25 and over who are Carers or whose caring role has recently ended. To express your interest, please get in touch on the office number 020 8296 5611 to speak to a member of staff who can take your details and put your name forward. 

We are working in partnership with our good colleagues at Camden Carers Centre, so please click on this website link for more information:
https://www.camdencs.org.uk/pages/22-working-for-carers-project

As you look forward to relaxing over the weekend, our champion fundraiser, Martin Lunn, will be preparing to ride the 'Prudential 19' to raise funds on behalf of the Centre and Carers in Sutton.

The Prudential 19 takes place on Sunday, 4th August 2019!
 
To help Martin raise funds, a  Justgiving page has been set up: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/suttoncarers-martinlunn .  Please share with your family and friends to support Martin.
 
And of course if any of you are around the route, we're sure he’d appreciate some cheering on – good luck and thank you so much, Martin!
 

 
 

 

Are you sure you are receiving all the benefits and concessions that you are entitled to?

 

If you have any doubt, why not take advantage of our free and comprehensive benefits check by our welfare benefits specialist from Citizens Advice Sutton? This service is available every week, by appointment, at Sutton Carers Centre, but if you are unable to come to the Centre, we may be able to offer a home visit.

 

Our Adults Information and Advice team can also provide specialist help with completing benefit application forms such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Attendance Allowance (AA) and Carers Allowance (CA).  Again, if you are unable to come to the Centre, we may be able to offer a home visit.

 

We also can assist with grant applications and applying for concessions such a Dial-a-Ride, Blue Disability Parking Badges, Taxi-Cards and Cinema Cards.

Carers are known to 'under-claim' benefits and concessions to which they are entitled, often after many years of paying into the system or offering their support to others without payment. These forms can appear quite involved, very personal, and definitely a bit of a chore, when you already are very busy - so please do take advantage of our help if it is needed to get things done amongst many competing demands. It can make a huge difference to your wellbeing and helps bring more money into the local economy, too. Win-win for all!

Our team specialises in supporting Carers of all ages and their families. Please call us on 020 8296 5611 to book an appointment. 


New 'Trial Drop-in' for our  Welfare Benefit Checks at Sutton Carers Centre
 
As you may be aware (above), we offer benefits checks to Carers and the people they care for, at the Centre each Wednesday and Thursday. These Benefit Checks are carried out by Welfare Benefit Advisors from Citizens Advice Sutton, as explained in length above. 

We would like to run a 'Trial' for one of these morning sessions as a ‘No Appointment Necessary’!

This is so Carers can just turn up without an appointment, but it could mean a bit of a wait.  We would like to welcome comments and views from Carers as to whether this would work for you! This could be from those that have used the service as it is currently or maybe those who would use it if it was more of a 'Drop in and Wait', not an appointment system.  There certainly are pros and cons to this.  Would you please let us have your comments or your views by Friday 13^th September 2019?  Please telephone Karen Page (Adult Carers I&A Service Manager) or one the Information & Advice (ALPS) team members on 020 8296 5611 or email Karen@suttoncarerscentre.org . Thank you. 

It is really important that schools are aware if your child is a Young Carer, so please consider discussing with the Pastoral Lead, the caring role your child has within the family.  Please note that there are Young Carer Peer Support Groups running at the following schools;
 
Overton Grange - Ms Brown
Stanley Park High School - Ms K Miller
Harris Junior Academy - TBC
Robin Hood Junior School - Ms Rose
 
We are also working closely with:
 
Abbey Primary School - Ms Potter
Westbourne Primary School - Ms Green
Devonshire Primary School - Ms Green 
All Saints Benhilton - Mr Belardini
Holy Trinity - Ms Robins 
Greenshaw High School 
Carshalton High School for Girls
Carshalton College For Boys

If your child's school is not listed, please still let the Pastoral Lead know that your child has a caring role in their family .  Being identified and supported in school can have a massive, positive impact on Young Carers' education and wellbeing. 

 

 
A reminder to everyone that our 'Chill and Learn' sessions for ages 8-16, which take place every Monday evening from 4.00pm - 5.30pm after school, during term-time, is now closed for the summer holidays.  It will begin again on Monday 9th September!
 

 

GO SUTTON!

THE NEW ON-DEMAND BUS SERVICE FOR SUTTON
 

• GoSutton is a 12-month bus trial brought to you by Transport for London & ViaVan, operated by Go-Ahead London. It’s an on-demand bus that lets customers request a ride, select their pick-up and drop-off points and pay directly through an app (for iPhone or Android).

• GoSutton takes multiple passengers heading in the same direction and books them into a shared bus.

• GoSutton currently operates 7 days a week from 06.30 until 21.30, in the service area outlined on the map.

• Rides cost £3.50 and you can add additional passengers to your ride for £2.00 each.

• All GoSutton vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Just set yourself as a person in a wheelchair in the app to ensure we have space for you.

• Have a Freedom Pass? Ride with GoSutton for free by entering your Oyster Card number when you sign up in our app.

• You can also ride for free if you have an English National Concessionary Travel Scheme pass. Just send us an email at support@gosutton.co.uk to have your status activated.

• Don’t have a smartphone? Not to worry, you can still book a GoSutton ride by calling our support centre at 01903 924259 or sending an SMS to 07588 673685.

 

 

Sutton Newtown Community Festival
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2019-summer-time-tea-party-for-sutton-new-town-tickets-64465841066





 

If the person you care for, or support, has been recently diagnosed with Dementia, or even if you are simply concerned about their memory and behaviour, please book a 'free' Dementia support session at Sutton Carers Centre.
 

The sessions take place at Sutton Carers Centre on the second Friday of every month and will resume in September. The dates for Autumn/Winter are :

 
Please call Sutton Carers Centre to book. Tel: 020 8296 5611
 

 

 

'Cabinet of Curiositea'
 

Events with Sutton Cultural Services
(Libraries, Heritage and Arts)
 
The Community Engagement Assistant for Sutton Cultural Services (Libraries, Heritage & Arts) is offering a bi-weekly events email, with a full listing of events taking place in Libraries & Heritage venues across the borough. This includes events for children, families, cultural events and heritage events which will benefit many Carers and those with disabilities!

To register to receive this mail out simply click the link below:
https://mailchi.mp/0572e8721aca/childrens-shakespeares-art-journaling-history-tea-and-much-more 

Upcoming...........

Epsom and St Helier Carers Forum 

(not to be confused with the broader 'Sutton Carers Forum', outlined above!)

These meetings take place quarterly, alternatively at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, and the next one will be on the St Helier Hospital site on:

• Wednesday, 14th August 2019

Please come along and be part of this new Epsom and St Helier Hospital Trust Carers Forum to help shape even better recognition and support for Carers (flyer below)!



 

Tilgate Park!
Please do click the link for more information: 
https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/things-to-do/tilgate-park-and-nature-centre-p42673
 

This outdoor expanse of lakes, lawns and gardens is also home to miles of woodland and bridleways, which are ideal for exploring on two feet or four with a mane and tail. Discover the walled garden and children’s play area for a deeply relaxing and cathartic afternoon out for the whole family.

The park’s very own nature centre has a huge variety of animals to see from endangered species to farmyard favourites. Older children will love the swinging through the treetops on the 'Go Ape' course – just make sure you pre-book your slot so you don’t miss out on this aerial adventure!

 

Access

 

Green Flag Award

 

 

Tilgate Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag (the national standard for quality parks and green spaces).

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on a lead around Tilgate Park lake and out of the lake.

Dogs are excluded from the Nature Centre, Walled Garden and play area.

Tilgate Park Tree Trail

A major feature of Tilgate Park is the range of heritage trees that have been planted over the past 200 years, a practice which we continue to the present day. Many of these trees are not only fine specimens but are also rare examples of lesser known species.

The trail picks out 30 of the best examples including some that have appeared on the Tree Register of the British Isles for being champion trees of their particular species. Some have amazing autumn colours, others have beautiful flowers. There are trees from China, Africa, Europe and America. You can see the trees that can grow to be the tallest in the world and others whose ancestors rubbed shoulders with the dinosaurs.

Each trail tree has been identified with its name and a number. In addition there are 10 rubbing images along the trail which children and adults alike can have fun finding.

A Free stunning outdoor space with lots of facilities to enjoy!

• Café
• Dogs allowed on lead in the park
• Outdoor gym
• Lake and Views
• Large adventure playground

                                                                                                     

If you are an EU citizen, you and your family members are able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.

Do you need help applying for EU Settled Status?

Two local organisations give advice to help you make your application easier.  They give free advice on your rights, eligibility and acceptable proof of residence.  Please don’t delay! It is very important that you know your rights and and take helpful advice when making an application.

Contact:                   Citizens Advice Sutton
                                St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA
                                Visit: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.00pm
                                Telephone: 020 8405 3552
 
Contact:                   Regugee and Migrant Network Sutton
                                Granfers Community Centre,
                                73-79 Oakhill Road, Sutton SM1 3AA
                                For appointment phone: 020 8644 4374
                                Email: advice@rmns.org.uk

Further information can also be found on: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
 

Need help making a new Universal Credit claim?

Sutton Citizens Advice Service can support you to make a new claim for Universal Credit, from opening your account to receiving your first full payment. Their trained advisers can help you to: 

- Set-up your Universal Credit account 
- Complete your claim to-dos
- Verify your identity 
- Make sure you're providing the right evidence to the Jobcentre
- Understand what Universal Credit will mean for you 

There's no need to book an appointment, just drop in. Sutton Citizens Advice are by the Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA and are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm, or call 020 8405 3552 for more information.

Free drop in debt advice is also available at Sutton Citizens Advice on Wednesdays between 12:00pm - 2:00pm. 

Please also see above for information about appointments available at Sutton Carers Centre.

Did you know that 15.2 million people volunteer at least once a month in the UK? Volunteering can be an enriching and rewarding experience as it provides you with an opportunity to get a break from your caring responsibilities, meet new people and acquire and develop skills that may be of value in the world of paid work. There is a role for everyone at Sutton Carers Centre! If you are interested in any of the roles below, or would like some more information, please get in touch with Mandy on 020 8296 5611 or via email Mandy@suttoncarerscentre.org

Reception and Administration Volunteer
We are looking for Reception and Administration Volunteers to join us at the Centre on Monday and/or Thursday afternoons to provide a friendly welcome on reception for visitors and telephone callers and to support the work of the Centre by carrying out administrative tasks. 

And a few more of our volunteering opportunities...

Centre and Community Volunteer
Community Events and Fundraising Volunteer
Form-Filling Volunteer
Information and Advice Volunteer
Young Carers Admin Support Volunteer