News and Events Archive 2006
Carers' Christmas Party 2006
29 November 2006
MECOPP's annual party for Chinese carers will be held on Monday 4th December at Barclay Church in Edinburgh. The event starts at 11am and will involve music, games, lunch and a gift for all who attend. As places are limited, anyone wishing to attend should contact Rosalina on 0131 467 2996 to reserve a place.
Carers' Support Group Training
15 November 2006
MECOPP is organising training for carers on 'Understanding the Nature of Arthritis and Related Issues'. The training will take place at 47 Gillespie Crescent on Monday 27th November at 11am and will be presented by Arthritis Care. If you wish to attend just come along on the day, there is no need to reserve a place. For further information, please speak to Rosalina at MECOPP on 467 2996.
Carers' Respite Trip to Glasgow
27 July 2006
MECOPP organised an outing to Glasgow and New Lanark for 46 of its clients. The day took in the New Lanark Heritage Site and shopping in Glasgow, which despite the heat ended in an hour and half buying frenzy!
Disability Discrimination Act Training
18 July 2006
MECOPP and the Disability Rights Commission worked together to provide training for the Black and Minority Ethnic voluntary sector to increase its understanding of the Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Equality Duty.
The day aimed to build skills and knowledge of the act and how it can be implemented particularly in relation to employment and the provision of goods and services.
The Disability Debate: Shaping a new era for disability equality
13 July 2006
Over the past decade there has been progress in improving the rights of disabled people, creating better opportunities to gain skills, work, access health and public services and allowing them to make more decisions about their own lives.
But despite these considerable achievements, there are still many problems faced by disabled people in their everyday lives. We are still a long way from our vision of ‘a society in which all disabled people can participate fully as equal citizens’ and we need a fresh agenda — not simply to address the gaps in our achievements to date, but also to prepare for the future.
To achieve this, the DRC has launched the Disability Debate — a national discussion to identify the critical issues we have yet to tackle, and to develop a long-term agenda of policy reform to secure disabled people’s equal citizenship.
The DRC is currently hosting a series of discussions on a range of topics, including welfare reform, community relations between disabled and non-disabled people, how to equip people with the skills they need to work, play an active part and lead independent lives, whether the time is right to bring an end to disabled people living, learning or working in segregated settings and on the nature of equality itself.
We are calling on members of the public, business leaders, politicians, disability organisations — and most importantly, disabled people themselves — to feed in their priorities, ideas and thoughts. We particularly want to hear from BME communities in Scotland — both disabled people and carers — who may face particular challenges in dealing with disability.
You can find out how to join in the debate at: www.disabilitydebate.org
or from the DRC Helpline on 08457 622 633 or textphone on 08457 622 644. There are several ways of letting us know your views and comments — you can write, email, send a tape, leave a telephone message or send a text. You can also use the discussion paper to have a discussion in your local area or within your organisation and send us a note of the meeting.
MECOPP Clients Attend Cancer Conference
22-25 June 2006
MECOPP’s Macmillan Chinese Cancer Link Worker attended the National Conference of Cancer Self Help Groups, Patients and Carers in Manchester with a number of MECOPP’s carers and cancer patients.
Powerful and moving presentations on people’s experiences of cancer were made by patients and families. The group recognised their own feelings were shared with other cancer patients, carers and their families.
The group also took part in a range of activities which included a jewellery workshop, gentle exercises, and health eating advice. Evening entertainment included a disco.
Some comments from the group show just how valuable this event was:
“Seeing other patients able to enjoy life made me change my own attitudes towards my illness. I can enjoy life as much as I used to.”
“It felt so good to be here with other people who have been through a lot like me as well.”
“It is ok to talk about cancer in the public.”
“This is the first time that I cried since I have been diagnosed to have cancer. It felt good that I was able to cry out.”
“I am not alone in the cancer journey.”
Information on Residential Care Services for Older People Presentation
23 May 2006
MECOPP's Access Initiative Development Officer gave a talk to Chinese older people and carers to raise awareness of residential care services, answering questions and dispelling myths.
Stepping Out Weekend
12-14 May 2006
MECOPP took seven of its clients for a weekend break to Linlithgow.
On the first evening after dinner our carers had the opportunity to try out reflexology, have a massage or a beauty treatment.
On the second day workshops in Tai Chi and Stress Management were held followed by a bus trip to Callender House in Falkirk. The day was rounded off with dinner on a barge on Linlithgow Canal.
Everybody enjoyed the break greatly. Apart from providing the opportunity to meet other people in a similar caring role, the event highlighted how important it is for carers to have some respite from their tasks, to allow them to focus on their own wellbeing.
MECOPP shortlisted for Care Accolades Award 2006
9 May 2006
As recognition of our Access Initiative project, we have been shortlisted for the Care Accolades 2006 Award by the Scottish Social Services Council under the Partnership Working category.
MECOPP shares this nomination with Sighthill Daycare Centre and Oakland Home for Older People.
A presentation in support of our nomination will take place in Dundee on 9 May with the winner announced at the award ceremony in June.
Carers - Dementia Mini-Mental Test
21 April 2006
The aim of this event, attended by almost 30 of our clients, was not to diagnose dementia but to act as a signal as to whether the person should see their GP for a fuller examination.
Despite the seriousness of the matter, all who attended enjoyed the day, structured as it was with an emphasis on fun.
Carers - Medication Training
13 March 2006
Thirteen members of our Chinese Carers Group took part in a one day training aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge surrounding medication. Included was the need to have an annual medication review with their GP and how to understand medicine labels and instructions.
The training, led by an NHS pharmacist, was very successful with many carers finding it a useful reminder in how to manage their medication.
