Mental health and armed forces charities call for more research into the impact of mental ill health on Armed Forces families

Unsung Heroes examines the services already in place for families

Armed Forces families must be better supported to deal with the emotional and psychological impact of deployment, according to a report released today by Centre for Mental Health.

The report, Unsung Heroes, also calls for urgent research into alcohol misuse, domestic violence and the impact of mental health problems on the partners and children of Service personnel and veterans.

The report, which is supported by The Royal British Legion and the veteran’s mental health charity Combat Stress, argues that while progress is being made to address the psychological needs of Service personnel and veterans themselves, the practical and emotional impact on their partners and children must also be taken into consideration. (more…)

Old films to help recover people’s forgotten past

Memory Bank

 

It is part of a new project called Memory Bank developed by the Yorkshire Film Archive (YFA) along with healthcare professionals and carers.

Old home movies are being used to help trigger the forgotten past of people with dementia and other memory loss.

It is part of a new project called Memory Bank developed by the Yorkshire Film Archive (YFA) along with healthcare professionals and carers.

Old films have been carefully selected to help participants remember the past.

YFA director Sue Howard said one user had said: “It’s like peeling back the years – the memories are still there, its just needs a trigger.”

The majority of the films being used are home movies shot in and around Yorkshire from the 1940s to 70s, all of which are housed at YFA which is based at York St John University. (more…)

Are retirement villages the answer for the ageing population?

The social care system is often said to be in crisis. Thousands of people each year sell their homes to pay for the care that the state is struggling to provide. Could retirement villages be the solution for some?

Leslie and Joanne Wolfendale, both aged 89, talk about their experience of Willicombe Park Retirement Village in Tunbridge Wells

Leslie Wolfendale is quite clear. The 89-year-old describes the move to Willicombe Park Retirement Village in Kent three years ago as the “best move we have ever made.”

“We have lived all over – Berkshire, Cheshire and south Wales. But we have never regretted moving here.”

Leslie and his wife, Joanne, moved to the village, which boasts 67 one- and two-bedroom properties, a gym, swimming pool and restaurant, from south Wales where he had worked as a managing director of a manufacturing company. (more…)

State-funded elderly care declining, Labour figures suggest

16 May 2012 Last updated at 08:59

Ministers are promising plans to reform social care will be published soon

By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News

Elderly care The number of elderly people in England getting council-funded care has fallen by 11% in the last two years, figures obtained by Labour suggest.

Freedom of Information responses from 121 councils showed they provided free care to 59,056 over 65s in 2011-12, down from 66,342 in 2009-10.

The drop comes despite the rise in over-65s due to the ageing population.

Campaigners said it proved the system needed urgent reform – something ministers say they are looking to do.

Labour asked all 153 councils that have responsibility for providing free care at home and in care homes a series of FOI questions. (more…)

Carers needing better support

Carers needing better support

Julie Hilling with Fiona Phillips at the launchJulie Hilling with Fiona Phillips at the launch

Published on Wednesday 16 May 2012 09:27

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling is calling for better support for the UK’s six million unpaid carers

Ms Hilling has teamed up with TV presenter and former carer Fiona Phillips to launch this year’s Carers Week (June 18 to 24).

The theme for Carers Week 2012 is ‘In sickness and in health’ recognising the strain families are under as they see services cut back. It calls for better financial and practical support for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities.

The Atherton-based MP said: “I am taking part in Carers Week to show my respect and appreciation for our carers. I want to let them know that there are services out there to help them. It’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.” (more…)

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