# New and Hello
**URL:** https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180
**Category:** New to Carers Connect
**Created:** [8 March 2021 15:58 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180 "2021-03-08T15:58:38Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@John\_2102123](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/John_2102123)
#### Post date: [8 March 2021 15:58 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180/1 "2021-03-08T15:58:38Z")
Hi I’m new to this forum. I have had a career in care work in the past. Currently I look after my Dad after he has had a number of strokes over the last 10 years.
Hope to be an active user on this forum and help anyone I can along the way. Thanks!
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### Author:  [@sunnydisposition](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/sunnydisposition)
#### Post date: [8 March 2021 16:04 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180/2 "2021-03-08T16:04:10Z")
Hello & welcome John
I have be using the forum for a number of years. And have learnt and accumulated a wealth of knowledge.
Hopefully, you can also share your experience and knowledge.
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### Author:  [@Ingrid\_Carers\_UK](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/Ingrid_Carers_UK)
#### Post date: [8 March 2021 16:50 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180/3 "2021-03-08T16:50:09Z")
HI there John
Welcome to our forum, I am sure you’re aware but I just wanted to remind you we are currently running a series of online weekly meet ups for carers to get together and chat informally. You can sign up for the Care for a cuppa session here: [Online meetups | Carers UK](https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/online-meetups). We run them every Monday afternoon at 3pm for an hour or so. Its a great way to meet other carers.
We are also now running a weekly Share and Learn sessions as well, a mixture of fun and relaxed online sessions where visiting speakers who share tips and skills on a range of topics - please have a look at the link and see if one grabs your attention. [Share and Learn | Carers UK](https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/share-and-learn-online-sessions)
It would be great to see you there.
with best wishes
Ingrid
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### Author:  [@bowlingbun](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/bowlingbun)
#### Post date: [8 March 2021 17:36 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180/4 "2021-03-08T17:36:36Z")
Hi John, welcome to the forum.
Is dad claiming Attendance Allowance or PIP?
If he has any mental impairment, are you aware that he may be exempt from Council Tax due to “severe mental impairment”?
Easy to claim, and it can be backdated. Highest amount I’ve heard of is over £8,000!
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### Author:  [@John\_2102123](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/John_2102123)
#### Post date: [17 March 2021 23:32 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180/5 "2021-03-17T23:32:52Z")
> [@](#):
>
> HI there John
>
> Welcome to our forum, I am sure you’re aware but I just wanted to remind you we are currently running a series of online weekly meet ups for carers to get together and chat informally. You can sign up for the Care for a cuppa session here: [Online meetups | Carers UK](https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/online-meetups). We run them every Monday afternoon at 3pm for an hour or so. Its a great way to meet other carers.
>
> We are also now running a weekly Share and Learn sessions as well, a mixture of fun and relaxed online sessions where visiting speakers who share tips and skills on a range of topics - please have a look at the link and see if one grabs your attention. [Share and Learn | Carers Scotland](https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-support/share-and-learn-online-sessions)
>
> It would be great to see you there.
> with best wishes
> Ingrid
Hi. Thanks I Will read more about this! 😃
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### Author:  [@John\_2102123](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/John_2102123)
#### Post date: [17 March 2021 23:33 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180/6 "2021-03-17T23:33:52Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Hi John, welcome to the forum.
> Is dad claiming Attendance Allowance or PIP?
> If he has any mental impairment, are you aware that he may be exempt from Council Tax due to “severe mental impairment”?
> Easy to claim, and it can be backdated. Highest amount I’ve heard of is over £8,000!
Thank you for this. I will pass this on to my Mum. Cheers
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### Author:  [@Sharon\_1510](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/Sharon_1510)
#### Post date: [18 March 2021 02:00 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/new-and-hello/68180/7 "2021-03-18T02:00:26Z")
Hi John,
I am new to this too… Welcome and I hope you will find this forum useful as I hope to too.
🙂 Sharon