This week is Carers Week and I would like to thank every carer in Nottingham for their valuable contributions. Often people don?t regard themselves as ?carers?, they see themselves as supporting or giving love to a relative or friend in need.? The pandemic has been very hard and we know that many carers have been forgetting to look after themselves ? hopefully, the information in the section on carers might help.

Loneliness Awareness Week will take place from 14th June.? People of all ages get lonely sometimes and after a year of lockdowns, social distancing and restrictions, many of us are experiencing loneliness more than ever before.? Next week might be a good time to say hello to someone you haven?t met before ? you never know, you brighten up their day.

Councillor Eunice Campbell-Clark
Nottingham?s Age Friendly Champion

If you do, help and support is available for you from

• Nottinghamshire Carers Hub provide information, advice and support for carers, including telephone and online support, help with planning for emergencies, and online mindfulness activities for carers
• Covid Vaccinations for carers - All carers are eligible for a vaccination. You can contact Nottinghamshire Carers Hub for support with this.
• Carers aged under 18 - Action for Young Carers provide online and telephone support. Contact them on 0115 962 9310 or email [email protected]
• You can find other local carer organisations and an online forum at Carers UK

Dementia UK have launched, Closer to Home Clinics, a new service for carers and familes, who are now able to book a telephone or Zoom call with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse.? The service is FREE and open to anyone caring for a person living with dementia.

You can?book an appointment?with an Admiral Nurse, in confidence. Admiral Nurses have the skills, knowledge and experience to talk about a range of topics including:

• Understanding the diagnosis, plus practical tips and advice for caring for a loved one with dementia
• Transition into nursing or residential home, or stays in hospital
• Understanding symptoms and changes in behaviour, and managing your own feelings

If you?re living in Clifton, the Meadows or Wollaton, there is a dedicated local Admiral Nurse who you can contact for an appointment:

• Call 0115 666 8960 or email [email protected] Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.

Please don?t think you are on your own - there are groups, services and organisations out there to help ? no matter what your age. For more information of what is available in Nottingham go to Ask LiON

Getting involved in your local community or volunteering to help others is a great way to feel less lonely ? ask for information at your local library or contact the Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service.

Independent Age have some great tips to help.? For more information go to?www.independentage.org?or? call their Helpline on?0800 3196789.

GreenSpace?is a new health and wellbeing initiative, which connects people to nature-based activities and green groups in their local community.? To find out more, go to https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/voice-and-partnerships/greenspace.

ArtSpeak Ambles are a series of sociable, relaxed walks, visiting local city landmarks and parks across Nottingham.? Look at areas in a new light and enjoy all they have to offer and make new friends.

• ArtSpeak nature and local history walks are FREE and go at the pace of the slowest member. They last for about one hour (there is an option to join the group for a drink at a caf? at the end). Join them on 7 July at 10.30 am when they will be starting at the Forest Recreation Ground. The only thing you need to bring is a pair of comfortable shoes and a desire to be outdoors.
• ArtSpeak photography walks are suitable for all levels and experience. They are an opportunity to gain support to try out new techniques and get tips on photography. Join us between 11.00am -1.00pm on Wednesday 16 June for ?Urban Nature? or Wednesday 21 July for ?Architecture Photography?. Sessions cost ?5.
• A new Art Group from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm on Tuesdays is launching at 25 Prospect Street in July. This new Art Club is a welcoming space for you to explore your creative potential whilst learning and developing skills in a range of art mediums. Led by ArtSpeak?s resident Artist, sessions will be fun, engaging and stimulating. Sessions are ?5 and materials will be provided.

ArtSpeak are also holding filmmaking sessions from 25 Prospect Street. The first session will be held on Wednesday 21 July from 3.30pm until 5.00pm. Sessions are ?5 and all equipment will be provided.

For full details about all aspects of the ArtSpeak programme please visit www.artspeak.org.uk?

Use FREE age positive images on your posters and flyers.

The Centre for Ageing Better have joined forces with the free stock image library Pexels to increase and promote the range of age-positive photos it offers freely around the world.?The library will include 700 age friendly photos and will be freely available for public use.