NEWSLETTER/CYLCHLYTHR

Powys Carers Service Newsletter - Spring 2005 - Page: 1 - 2- 3- 4 - 5

ATTENTION - Powys Carers Service Needs You!

Have your say about your service! New Trustees Wanted!

Powys Carers Service are always keen to hear from people who would like to become Trustees. Trustees are people responsible for controlling the management and administration of the charity.
At present, you would have to be over 18, however, we would like to hear from any young carers who would like to join a steering group, to work together with trustees. As a Trustee you would be required to attend quarterly Board Meetings, at present based in Llandrindod Wells. Travel Costs and Respite Support for trustees to attend meetings can be arranged.

If you would like more information, please contact the office.


Political Sway - remember it’s election year.

Just a reminder that as we are now in an election year this presents carers across Powys and Wales with a good opportunity to ask their MPs what they will be doing to support carers in their role and what their party’s views are on carers issues. Each party should have a basic policy for the future support of carers living across Britain, which should include specific objectives around implementing the new Equal Opportunities Bill. So if you get a knock at the door and are asked about your vote, ask your prospective candidates what they intend to do to support you in your caring role and those agencies that work with carers. If nothing else, it will help to raise the profile of carers and also to make the political parties think about carers’ services for the future.

Remember that your vote counts - and they know it!


Taking Care of the Carer:

A Recharge for Mind and Body - Weekend 6-8 May 2005

Lancashire County Council are running the above course at Lancashire College. This is an opportunity for carers to participate in a programme specially designed in consultation with carers and carers’ organisations. You are invited to enjoy learning in a relaxing and friendly environment and sharing the company of other carers outside their usual caring role.

The cost for the two day course is £112 which includes tuition, meals and accommodation. If you are interested in attending this course please contact your Outreach Worker. Help with costs may be available.

Rare Condition Causes Agony for Stephanie -
Better Life for daughter hope

A Couple have vowed not to give up in their fight to build a better life for their daughter, who suffers from a rare condition that means every-day sounds can cause agony. Stephanie Blaney, 14, from Guildsfield, is autistic and suffers from a rare condition called hyperacusis which means everyday sounds including children’s voices and traffic can inflict agony.

Such noises cause her to press her hands over her ears and scream. She also hits herself if her family are unable to reach her in time.

Parents David and Julie have been seeking planning permission for a purpose built soundproof house on land outside the village. So far, the application has been unsuccessful, but the couple say they are not about to give up on the project.

Mrs Blaney, a mother of two and a project worker for Surestart, a government-backed programme for pre-schoolers, said “All we want is for Steph to lead a happier and more secure life. And although she benefits from being outdoors we are forced to remain indoors and close the windows because some sounds including children’s noises cause her pain and she hits herself in the face.
We’re not asking Powys County Council for any money. All we want is for them to grant us permission and we’ll build the house ourselves. All the experts agree she needs a quiet location close to Guildsfield in which she can settle and respond well to us. We want to improve her quality of life and that of our son.”

Their son Phillip, 12, often ends up in tears because he can’t have friends around, play games or even concentrate on his homework.

“We want Philip to be able to play his music, have his friends over and watch television in his room.
We want him to lead a normal life and do the things that boys his age do, he deserves that at least.”
A report by Powys County Council’s head of planning services states: “There is no dispute as to the medical grounds on which the application is based. The issue boils down to the material planning considerations associated with a proposal to build a dwelling in open countryside contrary to the provision of the development plan.” Montgomeryshire MP Lembit Opik is backing the Blaney’s call for the matter to be re-considered.

“There is a strong social need for this development and all I can do is persuade the Councillors to reconsider. But I do hope that Councillors will be persuaded by the strength of the case alone.”

So what has happened since August in David and Julie’s battle to build a house?

I am glad to say that in early December I received a phone call from Julie to say that at the Appeal on the 1st December, Outline Planning was given and so this year they can start drawing up detailed plans.

Julie and David have allowed this story to be published for two reasons.

The first was to encourage all those carers who are trying to get the best for those they support and love not to give up. Secondly to thank all those who supported them and gave them advice,
the family really appreciated their help.

So Powys Carers Service, Young Carers and I am sure all the DIY enthusiasts among you wish David, Julie, Philip and Stephanie well as they build their house and I hope it will prove to be a great home. We will let you know when it is built.

Philip Moody

Powys Carers Service wish to thank the County Times for giving permission for this article to be reprinted.