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Annual Carers Festival 2020

Published on 21 September 2020 11:49 AM

Sat 26th September, 1 - 6pm

Join Carers across the Capital for this fantastic celebration!  Hear from Carers and their caring stories, join in with activities on your own and with your cared-for.  Try hand massage, meditation, a Zumba class, dip into comedy and musical performances, take part in sing-alongs with other carers, all from home. There are an amazing 11 streams of events and activities.  You can join using your smartphone or tablet/pc - once you've booked, you'll get the link to join the festival.

The festival concept was proposed following consultation with carer representatives across London. The group requested that the festival should celebrate and showcase the carer role. We ran our inaugural festival in September 2019 at the Bromley-By-Bow centre. Due to the positive feedback we have decided to run the festival again in 2020. Due to national guidance in relation to Covid-19, the 2020 festival will be a virtual event accessed through the Zoom link. The festival will include a range of music, games, crafts and activities with several carers being involved in their delivery.

Look forward to seeing you there.  Stay for as long as you like.... 

Click on the link anytime between 1 - 6pm, Sat 26th SeptemberJoin Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99380370666?pwd=VU5iM2VqYzhTQjhveTRkdDJLQjRxUT09
Meeting ID: 993 8037 0666
Password: singalong

If you've not used Zoom before, just to reassure you, it's very simple - you just need to click a link to the event (at any time you want to join in) and follow the prompts.  

Overview of the programme for the day

The festival has been organised into eleven zonal areas which are as follows:

Zone 1

 

Main area – activities will include (throughout the day):

·         Resident DJ

·         Virtual stage performances  

Zone 2

 

Activities

Zone 3

 

Virtual art gallery

 

Zone 4

Activities for those with dementia and their carers

 

Zone 5

Comedy

Zone 6

Movement and dance

 

Zone 7

 

Exercise, diet and nutrition

 

Zone 8

Thought provoking performances

 

Zone 9

Power of music

 

Zone 10

Powerful stories and learning from authors

 

Zone 11

Relaxation area

 

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MAIN AREA

13:00

DJ Kevin

 

13:20

St Michael & All Angels Steel Orchestra – live performance

We provide access for children, young people and adults to play steel pan and perform in the community. Weekend, evening and after school sessions run throughout the year as well as every holiday break. We take part in the London Notting Hill Carnival. Auditions are held 3 times a year for students who have played the instrument in local school. Membership and participation is open to all.

13:50

DJ Kevin

14:00

Vocal Eclipse

An award winning group of experienced singers who always leave their audiences wanting more. Regularly performing at private and public functions in London and the South East of England, they are predominantly an a cappella act, able to perform at pretty much any venue, great or small, amplified or acoustic.  Their wonderful arrangements and multi-part close harmonies make them a truly entertaining and compelling act.

14:45

DJ Kevin

15:00

Soul Symphony Choir

Soul Symphony Choir was founded by Joanne Miller to see singing bring more people together all over the UK. Soul Symphony has raised thousands of pounds through fundraising concerts for charities and causes. We take music programs into residential care homes and also to charities such as Mind in Croydon.

15:25

DJ Kevin

15:35

Jessica Diamond – violinist and composer

Jessica Diamond’s sound and style defines her amazing violin musicality and character. Presented in personalised designed elegant outfits she mesmerises audiences into her world of music.

From the moment Jessica started to play she captivated our customers and Partners alike.  Her music is simply enchanting, as is her personality.  There is no doubt that Jessica is an extremely talented violinist and a pleasure to deal with’

16:05

Arthur Lea – community music tutor and professional musician  

Hammering honky tonks since his hands could reach the keys, Arthur Lea sings eclectic rhythm n blues with southern soul. Lewisham schooled, Royal Academy of Music trained, he has played everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s to the Olympic Stadium, working with everyone from Kate Tempest to Kylie Minogue. He performs solo, with his band Bootleg Brass, and many others: The Coalminers, Paragon, Tongue Fu, to name a few. He has recorded in studios from Nashville to Berlin, and produced several albums of original music. Living in London, he listens and learns whether making music in concert halls, care homes, or cocktail speakeasies.

‘Arthur Lea...like a 21st century Thelonious Monk' - John Fordham, The Guardian

‘Like the blues legends he admires, Arthur Lea is not only a great singer and songwriter - he's also a fantastic showman' - Rick Pearson, Evening Standard

www.arthurlea.co.uk

www.youtube.com/sirshakewell

www.soundcloud.com/arthurlea

www.facebook.com/arthurleamusic

16:35

Lit Youth!!

Lit Youth are young collective from Dagenham, they meet once a week and have been together for just over a year. They are mentored by Sharlene Carter, choreographed by Koby Turner a 18 year-old from Barking. A young member of the group also assists teaching called Ruben Aldridge. They have performed part of the boroughs showcase Fusion Secondary platform, Barking Folk Festival, Summer of Africa, Dancer Delights U18’s and many more.

Follow Lit Youth on Instagram @liit_youth

16:55

DJ Kevin

17:10

Celebratory Carers SingAlong - a lively, uplifting, singalong to close and celebrate our day together. As Zoom does not allow us to all sing together in time, we will all be singing along at home. No musical experience necessary.

Committed to making uplifting experiences of singing accessible and inclusive, Katie has run singing groups for people of diverse backgrounds in community settings including hospitals, hospices and PRUs. She supports singers to enjoy the magic of singing together, leading a number of community choirs across London including Croydon Carers Choir and is co-director of Sing for Water an annual mass choral fundraiser for WaterAid.  More info at www.therosewindow.org

17:50

DJ Kevin

18:00

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Jessica Diamond, Violinist & Composer

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Lit Youth!!

ACTIVITIES

13:15 – 14:15

Angela Christinis from the Carers Support Service in Croydon Mind will host a fun and interactive Pictionary game session based around popular landmarks

Mind in Croydon works across Croydon to promote good mental health. It seeks to empower people to lead a full life as part of their local community. The Mind Croydon Carers’ Support Service helps with information on services to support Carers that is available locally, support to access the help Carers need, advocacy, access to events and workshops, opportunities to meet other carers and to get involved in the planning and development of local services for carers.

14:30 – 15:15

Virtual quiz

Join Allie (Carer Lead - Harrow Council) & Colin (Operations Director – Harrow Carers) for a fun and entertaining virtual pub quiz. No need to be a mastermind as there will be a range of questions from 80`s music to I`m a Celebrity.

8 rounds to include Picture Round, General knowledge, Top 5 Answers, Children`s Round, Randomiser Round, Alpha links, Connections & Quick Fire Round. A pub quiz from the comfort of your own home 😊

15:30 – 16:00  

Virtual Singalong

Join singer and choir leader Laurel in a fun-filled session which will include warming up your brain, body and voice, playing some games, and learning a simple song written by Gareth Malone! Laurel runs Islington Council Singers, as well as many other choirs in London, and will show us all that it can be fun to singalong virtually!

16:15 – 17:15

Wise words - workshop on handy hints guide

A workshop giving tips and strategies for coping with stress and challenges in using the spoken word in alternative and creative ways.

17:30

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VIRTUAL ART GALLERY

13:15 – 17:30

Camden Carers are delighted to launch the 2020 Creative Carers Collective Art Exhibition. This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions in lockdown, we have gone digital! All our technological abilities have been tested and we are very grateful to Richard Blades for his continuing support of the art group, and for curating this wonderful exhibition - thank you!

At the beginning of lockdown, we tentatively proposed running the art group (CCC) via Zoom and it has not just been a great success from day one, with an average of 14 carers joining in, but each week following the meeting, Richard has collated the work which has been created and made an amazing YouTube video capturing it all. You will see these via links from the exhibition. Yes - we have gone global!

Every year we mount an exhibition celebrating all the amazing work that CCC creates - and this year is no different. Like so many people, we have had challenges and highlights. One of the highlights was the visit to Camden Carers at their offices in Charlie Ratchford Centre in February 2020, by HRH the Princess Anne. HRH delighted everyone present with how she engaged with them and she spent quite some time looking at our art exhibition and talking with carer-artists about their work. At the end of her visit, carer Jessica Buck and art tutor Richard Blades presented HRH with a special gift from the group, which she was clearly delighted with. You can see photos of the visit in the gallery too.

17:30

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ACTIVITIES FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARERS

 13:15 – 14:15

Dementia Friends Sessions online – will also include interactive exercises that are more relevant for Carers.

Paula De Souza, Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator Kingston and Maria Brent

Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Work and Social Care, Kingston University.

14:30 – 15:15

Virtual walking tours of much loved places – or explorations of new ones – boost health and start conversations.

 Motitech is the Norwegian company behind Motiview, a motivational tool that stimulates older people and people with dementia to increased physical, mental and social wellbeing. Using an specially adapted indoor exercise bike, video and sound, the users can take cycle trips through familiar surroundings and childhood memories.

15:30 – 16:15

TBC

16:30 – 17:15

Virtual walking tours of much loved places – or explorations of new ones – boost health and start conversations.

Motitech is the Norwegian company behind Motiview, a motivational tool that stimulates older people and people with dementia to increased physical, mental and social wellbeing. Using an specially adapted indoor exercise bike, video and sound, the users can take cycle trips through familiar surroundings and childhood memories.

17:30

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COMEDY

Line up is being organised by Stand Up for Humanity, one of the top 3 professional comedy booking agencies in the UK, and the only comedy bookings agency that donates all its profits to charity and will be confirmed by Friday 11 September 2020

13:15 – 14:05

Tbc

14:20 – 15:10

Tbc

15:25 – 16:15 

Tbc

16:30 – 17:15

Tbc

17:30

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EXERCISE, DIET AND NUTRITION

13:15 – 14:15

Health and well-being - range of physical activity - pilates, HIIT, seated strength and flexibility. Also motivational wellbeing session and nutrition e.g. recipe ideas

Chris Tuck is the founder of West Wickham Health and Fitness. Chris has many years’ experience in supporting people to make positive lifestyle changes to improve their physical health and emotional wellbeing.  She is qualified to teach exercise to children and adults.  She is also qualified in nutrition, in supporting people experiencing mental ill health and is qualified to accept GP referrals

14:30 – 15:30

Classes are great fun, an excellent way to keep fit, lose weight and every class feels like a party. You don't need to know how to dance, just move your body and follow my lead.

Zumba is your opportunity to express yourself and unleash your 'Latin within' and dance yourself happy!

After performing professionally for over 12 years in venues around the
world, Zumba Fitness® is my way to share a love of dance with others. I have appeared on TV commercials, galas and cabaret shows; performed in the Bloomsbury Theatre, Covent Garden Piazza, Hackney Empire, Wembley Stadium and even the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony!

15:45 – 16:30

Eating Well

The Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency will lead an on-line cook-a-long session where people can join in making a tasty, healthy meal. Please bring the ingredients below to the session.

1. Tabbouleh (Couscous salad)

What you need (serves 4 people):

200g Bulgar Wheat or Couscous

3 Spring onions, sliced

½ Cucumber, chopped

1 or 2 Tomatoes, diced

Parsley, chopped or dried herbs

Lemon juice or vinegar

1 Tbsp Veg Oil

Optional

1 Tin Red Kidney beans (in water), drained or any tinned beans

60g Hard cheese, cut into small cubes

 

Equipment List:

Mixing bowl

Mixing spoon

 

Method

1.    Place the Couscous in a bowl and cover with boiled water and leave to stand for 10mins

2.    2.Fluff out the soaked couscous with a fork

3.    Add the chopped and diced ingredients and stir gently with the olive oil and lemon juice

4.    Add the red kidney beans and hard cheese

5.    Serve

 

2. Healthy Cheesecake

What you need:

20g Digestive biscuits

50g soft cheese

100g natural yoghurt

50g fruit either fresh or tinned (in fruit juice) or frozen

Zest of 1 orange or lime (optional)

1 tsp vanilla extract or any flavouring (optional)

Method

1.    Crumble the biscuits in a plastic bag into chunky crumbs. Pour into glass or dessert bowl and press down

2.    Mix the soft cheese and yoghurt, fruit, orange or lemon zest and vanilla extract.

3.    Pour over biscuit crumbs and serve

The Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency has been supporting communities to be healthy and sustainable since 1982. Eating well during these challenging times is so important for both our physical and mental health, so join GCDA to cook along with an incredible tutor and try out some new, tasty, and healthy recipes! GDCA run free on-line weekly cookery clubs, aimed at local residents, to support them to: Cook healthy meals, make delicious meals on a budget, waste less in the kitchen and save money and learn handy tips from each other

16:45 – 17:30

Chair based exercise class – Cerrie Bee

Chair Yoga provides a great opportunity for you to tune in to your body, calm your mind and learn different postures and moves that help strengthen and stretch.

Cerrie qualified as a yoga teacher in 2017, specialising in Vinyasa Flow, after years of learning and developing her own practice. In addition to this Cerrie is also trained in Chair Yoga.

There are so many different things you can do using a chair, both sitting and standing, you can literally do them Any Time, Any Place, Any Chair.

Chair yoga can help to…

•      improve posture

•      improve flexibility, balance and movement

•      relieve back ache and joint pain

•      reduce anxiety, stress and blood pressure

•      focus and clear your mind

It is often seen as a form of yoga for people of a certain age. However, Cerrie has found from teaching Chair Yoga in various settings and to a wide range of people, it’s literally for everyone. No matter what your age or ability, everyone will benefit.

Cerrie also works within the NHS, which has provided a great insight into the physical and mental health needs of the public and how much of a positive impact yoga can have on our daily lives. “I believe that yoga is a complementary activity for daily life, and open to people of all abilities, ages and walks of life”.

If you have a medical condition or for peace of mind please speak to your GP before joining the session. 

17:30

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MOVEMENT AND DANCE

13:15 – 14:00

FeldenKrais (awareness through movement) class

An AwarenessThroughMovement©️ (ATM©️) lesson uses a combination of gentle movement and relaxed attention to engage your brain's neuroplasticity on your behalf.

Please wear comfortable clothes and have enough room to lie down on either a mat, rug or blanket thick enough for comfort thin enough to feel the floor through.

Please note. An ATM©️is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a medical condition please consult your GP about doing this lesson. I cannot offer a guarantee for the effectiveness of the lesson.

Responsibility for the lesson is necessarily the student's

14:00 – 14:45

Creative dance with Slide

South London Inclusive Dance Experience (SLiDE) is a leading Croydon based inclusive dance company, creating opportunities for people to encounter dance. Their work seeks to increase participation through dance projects and performances, reaching diverse communities and people.

Join SLiDE for an exciting creative dance class led by their highly experienced dance artists. You will be guided through contemporary dance exercises in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The class is suitable for all abilities and previous dance experience is not necessary. Please join us, meet new people and get creative!

15:00 – 15:45

Creative dance with Slide

South London Inclusive Dance Experience (SLiDE) is a leading Croydon based inclusive dance company, creating opportunities for people to encounter dance. Their work seeks to increase participation through dance projects and performances, reaching diverse communities and people.

Join SLiDE for an exciting creative dance class led by their highly experienced dance artists. You will be guided through contemporary dance exercises in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The class is suitable for all abilities and previous dance experience is not necessary. Please join us, meet new people and get creative!

17:00 – 17:30

Lit Youth!!

Lit Youth are young collective from Dagenham, they meet once a week and have been together for just over a year. They are mentored by Sharlene Carter, choreographed by Koby Turner a 18 year-old from Barking. A young member of the group also assists teaching called Ruben Aldridge. They have performed part of the boroughs showcase Fusion Secondary platform, Barking Folk Festival, Summer of Africa, Dancer Delights U18’s and many more.

Follow Lit Youth on Instagram @liit_youth

17:30

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THOUGHT PROVOKING PERFORMANCES

13:15 – 14:15

Theatre Exchange

 

Theatre Exchange is a project of Immediate Theatre which involves over 55's in drama activities. Based in Hackney our core group creates performances for older audiences in community settings and we also deliver participatory workshops in community settings encouraging people to share their own stories and create new ones.  Amongst our shows have been Cindy Rella a pantomime where Cindy, aged 63 and has returned home to look after her Dad and clean the house for her troublesome sisters, but thanks to fairy magic she does get to go to the ball, and meet her prince.   Since June we have been producing Hackney Social Radio on Resonance FM, providing hyper local advice and entertainment for older residents.

 

Join our workshop to find out more and try something different.  Listen to Come in # 49 for our latest play, a comedy about finding new love in later life which will be broadcast on Hackney Social Radio on 30/09/20

14:30 – 14:45

Teresa Lola – Young People’s Poet Laureate for London

 

Theresa Lola is a British Nigerian poet based in London. She was appointed the 2019/2020 Young People's Laureate for London. Theresa has facilitated poetry workshops at St Mary's University and University of Surrey, and schools such as Saint Gabriel's College and St Marylebone School.  In March 2020 she had a poetry teaching residency at Bethlem Museum of the Mind centred around poetry and wellbeing, she also held a residency at Wellcome Collection museum. Theresa Lola was a senior judge for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019.

Theresa Lola has read her work across the UK in places such as Mansion House, Kensington Palace, Southbank Centre, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Goldsmiths University, and internationally in places such as Germany, Brazil, and Singapore. In April 2018 she was invited by the Mayor of London's Office to read a commissioned poem alongside Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Former Prime Minister Theresa May at the unveiling of Millicent Fawcett's statue which took place in at Parliament Square. Theresa Lola was featured in the September 2019 issue of British Vogue which celebrated people who are forces for change.

Her debut full length poetry collection 'In Search of Equilibrium' described as an extraordinary, and exacting study of death and grieving was published by Nine Arches Press in February 2019. Theresa Lola was the joint winner of the 2018 Brunel International African Poetry Prize and was shortlisted for the 2017 Bridport Poetry Prize. She was awarded Alumna of the Year 2020 by University of Hertfordshire.

15:00 – 15:40

Film 1:  I still feel guilty

An honest look at the feelings of guilt felt by a carer. Joan Marshall looked after her husband Tom for 5 years before having to put him in a Care Home. He died 9 months later just before the COVID 19 lockdown. In this film, Joan offers an honest insight into her life, hoping to connect with other carers experiencing similar feelings. Joan ends the film saying “I’m learning to let these feelings go. Sometimes I got it right, sometimes I got it wrong, but I’m only human. I did the best I could and you can’t ask for more than that. Carers are the unsung heroes in this world. Give yourself a break, you’re amazing and stronger than you know.”

I still feel guilty & What do you do with a diagnosis of dementia? are both written and performed by Belinda Lazenby, Artistic Director of Az2B Theatre Company.

Az2B specialises in creating innovative, impactful theatre for Arts in Health, Education & Training and have developed two plays which explore different stages of the journey of dementia. Grandma Remember Me? & What do you see? support dementia awareness & understanding, validating the experiences of those living with dementia and those working within the field of dementia. They are innovative training tools which engage on an emotional level which in turn impacts long term learning & change. Further information can be found on our website az2btheatre.com or if you would like to contact us, please email az2btheatrecompany@gmail.com

15:50 – 16:15

Film 2:  What do you do with a diagnosis of dementia?

This film is a video diary of “Grandma” who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We see the journey of dementia through her eyes, the concern she has for her family and her confusion and fight to orientate herself within the world. The diary shows the cognitive, physical & verbal decline of Grandma, hard hitting and filled with love.

The character of Grandma is taken from the play “Grandma Remember Me? which explores dementia from a young child’s perspective. This film provided an opportunity to look further into Grandmas mind, revealing thoughts & feelings she otherwise may not have shared.

I still feel guilty & What do you do with a diagnosis of dementia? are both written and performed by Belinda Lazenby, Artistic Director of Az2B Theatre Company.

Az2B specialises in creating innovative, impactful theatre for Arts in Health, Education & Training and have developed two plays which explore different stages of the journey of dementia. Grandma Remember Me? & What do you see? support dementia awareness & understanding, validating the experiences of those living with dementia and those working within the field of dementia. They are innovative training tools which engage on an emotional level which in turn impacts long term learning & change. Further information can be found on our website az2btheatre.com or if you would like to contact us, please email az2btheatrecompany@gmail.com

16:45 – 17:30

Jessica Diamond – violinist and composer

Jessica Diamond’s sound and style defines her amazing violin musicality and character. Presented in personalised designed elegant outfits she mesmerises audiences into her world of music.

From the moment Jessica started to play she captivated our customers and Partners alike.  Her music is simply enchanting, as is her personality.  There is no doubt that Jessica is an extremely talented violinist and a pleasure to deal with’

17:30

Close

POWER OF MUSIC

13:15 – 14:00

Carefree Singers

Carefree Singers are a group of former and current unpaid carers.  Given the limitations created by Covid, they will be singing but will also be delivering poetry and other things

14:15 – 15:15

St Michael & All Angels Steel Orchestra – live performance

 We provide access for children, young people and adults to play steel pan and perform in the community. Weekend, evening and after school sessions run throughout the year as well as every holiday break. We take part in the London Notting Hill Carnival. Auditions are held 3 times a year for students who have played the instrument in local school. Membership and participation is open to all.

15:30 – 16:30

Vocal Eclipse

An award winning group of experienced singers who always leave their audiences wanting more. Regularly performing at private and public functions in London and the South East of England, they are predominantly an a cappella act, able to perform at pretty much any venue, great or small, amplified or acoustic.  Their wonderful arrangements and multi-part close harmonies make them a truly entertaining and compelling act.

16:45 – 17:30

Geoff Long – live performance

Introducing Geoffrey Long, a blind musician, who from the age of 6 became a self-learned pianist / key board player, playing a mixture of styles from pop to jazz.

Born prematurely in 1948 and weighing just 3 pounds, he was given pure oxygen causing him to become blind.  At 6, he attended a school for the blind and did well at music classes singing with the other pupils progressing to learning and playing the piano by hearing.

At 13, he was asked to play in several northern clubs and by the age of 18 he had become a semi - professional musician performing “gigs” at Hayling Island and many clubs and events around the country.

In 1970 he formed his first group “Rich Fever” with 2 blind musicians and a sighted drummer and the group recorded their first pop single at Abbey Road studios. Two further pop singles followed and live appearances on Radio Luxembourg. 

Geoff left the band to play solo at different gigs in South Africa, returning several times over the next 4 years as a contract musician..  On return to the UK, he toured the clubs and pubs in Shaftesbury Avenue and played a private "gig” at Hampton Court Palace for a Lord’s birthday party for a princely sum of 60 pounds!

Geoff finished playing professionally in 1989 after 54 years of playing piano, synthesizer, electric piano and he now plays piano for pleasure. In the summer of 2019, he tutored an art making workshop at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, designed specifically for blind and partially sighted visitors, inspired by the Summer Exhibition 2019.

17:30

Close

POWERFUL STORIES AND LEARNINGS FROM AUTHORS

13:15 – 14:00

Denise James - book recital

Denise is a 55 year old mother of 2 sons and an overjoyed grandmother of 4. She works as a Counsellor in a thriving Private Practice. She has a huge belief in the transformative power of creativity and learning & growing through the sharing of experiences. She is a lover of life who is passionate about mental health and well-being and raising awareness around it and negative impact of Adverse Childhood experiences.

When Denise became a mother at 18 years old, she promised herself that being a mother would be the new start she felt that her life needed at that time, having come out of a childhood which never truly got started. As a young mother she promised herself, and her new born child, that this would be his-and hers’-very best of starts. That decision changed her path and squarely placed her on the road of healing and self-rediscovery, an unfolding and maturation that continues in her life to date and is the subject of her autobiography book, Back 2Love. Denise also keeps the following blog, sharing insperiences and thoughts on topics very close to her heart:

https://fromtheheartsoul.wordpress.com 

14:15 – 15:00  

How to look after your health & wellbeing whilst caring, and enjoy life! – Sara Challice

Sara shares her powerful story, where she, and the majority of Carers go wrong – fell ill, and then what she did differently to regain her health and enjoy life again

Ensure you have a pen and paper handy, as Sara will then take you through ways to become more conscious of your caring role, what is going on around you,    plus tools to help in your day-to-day life, to empower you to look after your own health and enjoy your life.

Sara Challice gave up a successful career as a top graphic designer to care for her husband for 13 years after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. After falling emotionally and physically unwell herself, she realised she needed to make changes to ensure she not only remained healthy, but started to enjoy life again. Something we all deserve. In this episode Sara talks openly and candidly about her journey as a carer. Her story is inspiring and is shared in her book, “Who Cares?”, to empower and uplift anyone caring for a loved one. There are ways to survive and thrive in the face of one of life’s greatest challenges and Sara’s message of endless love and compassion not only to others, but to one’s self is extremely powerful and moving. Motivated to help carers further, Sara now has a new course for carers, coming online soon, which has already helped transform the lives of carers, whilst they enjoyed each session.

15:15 – 15:45  

Life after being a carer – finding yourself – Lynn, Samantha and Charlotte Crilly 

I became a counsellor when one of my beautiful daughters fell into the evil trap of Anorexia Nervosa and OCD, at the age of 13. I explored every avenue and source of help, but they were not right for my daughter or us as a family. Watching her disappear before my eyes, and the huge impact it was having on the rest of my family, especially her twin sister, I felt I had no option but to educate myself and learn as much as I could about eating disorders and mental illness.

Some years on, a lot of hard work, determination and many tears shed, and with the unconditional support from close family, friends, our GP and their school, our beautiful girl is now recovered, enjoying life to the full and my family are stronger than ever together. With my new found knowledge, personal experience and most of all my passion and love; I have been able to use my gift to help others.

In this session, Lynn, Samantha and Charlotte are going to be discussing life after being a carer, the vast feelings and emotions you might feel and how to find yourself and your purpose again.

16:00 – 16:45

How to look after your health & wellbeing whilst caring, and enjoy life! – Sara Challice

Sara shares her powerful story, where she, and the majority of Carers go wrong – fell ill, and then what she did differently to regain her health and enjoy life again

Ensure you have a pen and paper handy, as Sara will then take you through ways to become more conscious of your caring role, what is going on around you,    plus tools to help in your day-to-day life, to empower you to look after your own health and enjoy your life.

Sara Challice gave up a successful career as a top graphic designer to care for her husband for 13 years after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. After falling emotionally and physically unwell herself, she realised she needed to make changes to ensure she not only remained healthy, but started to enjoy life again. Something we all deserve. In this episode Sara talks openly and candidly about her journey as a carer. Her story is inspiring and is shared in her book, “Who Cares?”, to empower and uplift anyone caring for a loved one. There are ways to survive and thrive in the face of one of life’s greatest challenges and Sara’s message of endless love and compassion not only to others, but to one’s self is extremely powerful and moving. Motivated to help carers further, Sara now has a new course for carers, coming online soon, which has already helped transform the lives of carers, whilst they enjoyed each session.

17:00 – 17:30

Tbc

17:30

Close

 

RELAXATION AREA

13:15 – 14:15

Breathwork and meditation

Sefali is a carer for her parents, works full time in the City, and a yoga teacher.  She has a busy life, and whilst caring for her parents, she has learnt the importance of self-care, not only for looking after others but also gaining more out of oneself by growing, accepting change and transforming.  Yoga has been the basis of her emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical stability and vehicle for growth and she continues to share her journey with her community, friends and family.  Creativity, growth, transformation are best achieved through a calm, balanced state of mind practised and maintained through relaxation, breathwork and meditation.  For more on Sefali please click this link to her website. https://www.sefalisyoga.com/who-is-sefali/"  

14:30 – 15:20

Mindfulness

Reduce your stress levels by trying out some mindfulness exercises in this short session

15:35 – 16:15

Meditation

Breathing Space London. Breathing Space is run by the London Buddhist Centre, based in Bethnal Green, East London. We teach Mindfulness Based Approaches (MBAs) to help people look after their mental health. MBAs can be used in many ways, particularly for preventing relapse into depression and addiction, and to help manage stress and anxiety. 

16:50 – 17:30

Loving Touch Hand Massage Demonstration - Learn how to give a gentle hand massage, including creating the right environment, live demonstration and all your questions answered. With Jo Morton - Lead Massage Therapist and Namaste Care Coordinator.

St Joseph’s Hospice. St Joseph’s Hospice supports people in East and North East London with serious, life-limiting conditions.

We help local people, supporting their choices and making sure they get the help they need, whether that’s spending time at the hospice or being supported at home. We also offer a wide range of services to families and carers to help at this difficult time.

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