CCC runs training events and health days to suit all types of carers either living or working in Camden, or caring for someone who does. Our new training brochure for September to December is ready, so click here to download a copy or ring the office on 020 7428 8950 and ask for one to be posted or emailed to you. Photo by Barbara Wilson
We have a couple of rather special events coming up in the autumn:
All you budding writers please note — we will be running a creative writing course, comprising five half-days spread over six weeks, between late September and early November. A flyer for this will be sent out with the Autumn Newsletter in early September. You can download a copy by clicking here. If you are keen to start writing — or develop your style — please fill in the booking slip and return to us quickly. We anticipate a lot of carers will be interested in this course.
And for working carers we will be running a Getting the Most From day — the Caring Relationship on a Saturday in late September. Again, these days are very popular, so if you are studying or working (either full-time or part-time) get your booking slip back to us quickly to ensure you have a place. Click here.
Examples of other training cousrse and health days are:
- Health and wellbeing days — including gentle exercise, relaxation techniques, stress management and our very popular Cook and Eat days.
- Hands-on health days, such as Back & Joint Care, First Aid & Managing Emergencies and Equipment Management.
- Getting the Most From days — ranging from The Caring Relationship to Carers Rights to Carers Assessments.
- Specialist courses for carers of people with mental health problems and also dementia carers. (Our next 5-part training course for carers of people with dementia runs from 17 September to 12 November 2010. Click here to download a booking form.)
- Three-part It's All About Me — for a Change courses, where carers can learn how to restore & maintain balance in their lives, re-discover who they really are and plan for the future.
- Most training events and courses are held on weekdays, but we do recognise that some carers have to juggle caring with paid work, so we also run others in the early evening and occasionally on Saturdays.
Photo by Neil Meddemmen 
For all health days/courses it is advisable to book early to secure a place. However, please note: we took a decision not to advertise venues of training courses on the flyers we send out because we want carers to book their places in advance, rather than just turning up on the day. This is for an important number of practical reasons:
- So that we can cater for the right number of people who will be attending — in terms of food, drink and materials;
- So that we do not overfill courses, which can lessen carers' experience of the training;
- In case there is a change of venue for any reason;
- In case the training is cancelled for any reason.
Please be assured that all the venues we use are easily reached by public transport from every part of the borough.
Refreshments and lunch (light supper for evening courses) are provided at all our carer's events, as well as the cost of transport and sitters if needed.
Please note: We always send out printed information to Camden carers on our mailing list. If you currently don't receive training course information from us and would like to, please ring the office on 020 7428 8950 and ask to be added to the mailing list. Alternatively, you can email your details to info@camdencarers.org.uk
For further information please contact Jill Pay, Carers Training Co-ordinator,
Camden Carers Centre, 293-299 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2TJ, 020 7428 8954
Art Therapy for Carers
Expressing feelings and experiences through images can often be a more powerful communication than words. Photo by Neil Meddemmen 
From October a new Art Therapy Group will run at Charlie Ratchford Centre on Wednesday afternoons
for 16 weeks. The Art Therapy Group is a place where the emotional aspects of caring can be explored and shared with others, by talking things through and making images. No prior experience or skill in art is required and all materials
will be provided, but a willingness
to attend the full 16 weeks is essential. Prior to the start of the group you will be asked to fill in a referral form and attend a meeting with Nicky Sutton, Art Therapist.
To book an appointment, please contact Nicky at info@arttherapyspace.co.uk
or phone 0207 485 2968. For more information about art therapy visit www.arttherapyspace.co.uk.
Tai Chi for Carers
Carers can often find themselves with aching muscles and joints. Tai Chi is a form of gentle exercise which is an excellent way of relaxing, easing away some of those aches and improving your balance, posture and mobility.
There are free Tai Chi classes for carers each week on a Tuesday from 11.00 – 1.00 at Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre, Belmont Street, NW1. The classes are very informal — you don’t have to know anything about Tai Chi and you don’t have to be able to attend every session. Wear loose clothing and just come along and join in.
Financial help with sitters costs and transport is available. For more information please contact Deborah Knight on 020 7428 8950 or email admin@camdencarers.org.uk Alternatively telephone the Charlie Ratchford Centre directly on 020 7485 2968.