varied, things happen suddenly to cause a crisis, but if the carer is unwell, tired, depressed, or perhaps has to attend hospital, someone will stay with the person/family until the carer is home; they will not be left to cope alone, someone will be with them within an hour.  Length of stay is up to 48 hours in most situations, although at week-ends or in special circumstances the service may be extended to 72 hours or until the carer returns, after such time the responsibility for the person supported is up to the family to arrange, or on occasion, Social Services.
Money is not a consideration and does not affect the service which runs 24 hours per day 365 days per year but the carer must be a Birmingham resident and signed up to the service.  There are presently 4000 carers registered.  A carer is defined as a person who provides care to another person, no age limit, and there is no situation where someone will not go out for a registered person. 
Two Banners Gate residents present in the Hall, explained how they had signed up for this service on its inception; the carer had an accident whilst away from home and ended up in hospital, the Emergency Response Service was contacted and immediately sent a team member to inform and stay with the partner; they both say it is a marvellous service.
Contact:  Tel: 0121 212 9271  Email: info@cers.org.uk   Website:  www.cers.org.uk
Address:  Birmingham Carers Centre, 130 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AP

3. Email message saying "you have a virus, click here to fix it" - do not do this.  You will enable a programme to install on your computer and steal personal details, or use your computer to send out millions of scam emails.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:  No items raised
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:  7.30pm Monday, 30^th January 2012
FOLDING:  10.00 am Thursday 19^th January 2012

CARERS' EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICE
The Speaker for the evening Cheryl Jones was unfortunately unable to attend so the meeting welcomed Mr Abdul Ajid from the Carers' Emergency Response Service to explain the purpose of the organisation.
Mr Ajid said the service was formed in 2008 following an approved Government initiative.  People usually accessed the service by phone, and once registered someone will aid you immediately.  The first step is to obtain a registration number then once on the system, if you need the service, you only have to give your number and someone will come to your aid.  Forms need to be filled out and a member of the team will be pleased to visit you and do this as the Service must have full information on both the carer and the person supported, especially details of medical conditions and any disability that restricts life and/or movement, so that should a specialist nurse be required one can be sent to the address without delay; a care plan will be maintained.  The emergencies dealt with are

New Oscott Primary School

The New Year and new term has got off to a busy and exciting start at New Oscott Primary School. NOSPA, our PTA, purchased 12 Kindles for the school and we now have several 'Kindles Clubs' running - encouraging pupils with both their reading and writing. We have also launched the platinum 'Book Worm Award', in addition to Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards which promotes 'Reading for Enjoyment' and recognise pupils' achievements in Reading.

We have received notification that we have been short-listed for the Sutton Coldfield Sports Awards. We are only one of three schools in Sutton Coldfield up for this prestigious Award which is given in recognition of high quality P.E. provision and breadth of extra-curricular sporting activities and achievement in competition.
Our Junior Choir were invited to perform at Birmingham Town Hall in December as part of a Christmas Concert. They gave an outstanding performance in front of a packed house and we were very proud of all the pupils who took part.
Finally, we are awaiting news from our Community Police Officers about when our' Safe Parking ' banners will be ready for display around the school perimeter fence. Three pupils (Kendell Blackwood-Downer, Abigail Bannister and Isobel Clinton) won a competition run by the Police to design a banner to encourage parents to park responsibly around our school. The children won a tour of Sutton Coldfield Police Station and the reward of seeing their designs made up into actual banners for display.

Parents with children eligible for a Nursery place in September 2012 (who will have their 4^th birthday between 1^st September 2012 and 31^st August 2013) are invited to our Open Nursery sessions on Tuesday, 28^th February. Please telephone the School Office for more information on 675 3658.
                                                                                             A. Walklett, Headteacher, New Oscott Primary School

Community Hall, Surgery, Services