Carers

Who are "Carers"?

If you spend a lot of time looking after someone (possibly a relative, friend or neighbour) who is frail, has a long-term illness or a disability, then you are a informal carer.  You are also a carer if you look after someone for a short while.  For example if they need support after a stay in hospital.  Carers can be any age.

CARERS DIRECT  is a national information, advice and support service for Carers in England.  It is available as both a helpline - providing support via phone, email, letter - and as a website.  The helpline has over 20 trained advisors providing free, confidential advice, information and support to carers seven days a week. The website, available at www.nhs.uk/carersdirect, has fact rich and feature style articles, videos and web tools for carers.  In addition, Carers Diirect continues to interact with carers via social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and You Tube.

Services for Carers Adult and Community Services Southend On Sea www.southend.gov.uk/info/200015/carers

What is an assessment? 

A carer's assessment is about helping you to continue caring whilst maintaining or improving your health and quality of life.  An assessment involves talking with you about any support that might help with daily living.  Together, we'll look at what would be useful to support your caring role, your employment, education, training and leisure. 

When will I get my carer's assessment?

Carers' assessments are usually completed at the same time that the cared-for person has their assessment.  You are still entitled to a carer's assessment if the person you look after decides they do not want support services.

You can ask for an assessment at any time  with Social Services  01702 215008.

Services and support for adult carers

Southend Carers' Forum  - a range of services to support, advise and inform carers, ex-carers and other agencies that support carers.  Southend Carers Forum offers regular support groups and newsletters, they also provide a carers handbook.  Assessment not required. Contact: 01702 393933.  Website www.southendcarers.co.uk

 Alzheimer's Society (Southend & District) - provides information and support for people with all forms of dementia and those who care for them, including outreach services and support groups.  Self referral. Contact: 01268 778959.  Website www.alzheimers.org.uk

Breakthrough - Befriending and support for carers of people with mental health needs.  Assessment not required. Contact.  01702 346001. www.trustlinks.org

Carers Emergency Respite Scheme (CERS)

Southend on Sea Boroufh Councils Emergency Respite Scheme gives carers peace of mind in the event of an emergency that stops them carrying out their caring role.  This service is free of charge.   Contact: 01268 660860. Register Online:  www.crossroadsessex.org.uk

USEFUL CONTACTS

 Carers Direct - Phone: 0808 802 0202.  Website: www.nhs.uk/carersdirect

Carers UK- Phone: 0808 808 7777. Website: www.carersuk.org

Citizens Advice Bureau:  01702 610610. Website: www.southendcab.org.uk

Department for Work & Pensions: 0800 882200 (Benefit Enquiry Line). Textphone: 0800 243355. Website: www.direct.gov.uk

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers: 0844 800 4361. Website: www.carers.org

Southend Carers Forum: 01702 393933. Website: www.southendcarers.co.uk

Southend on Sea Borough Council: 01702 215000. Website: www.southend.gov.uk

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The Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 states that all carers are entitled to request an assessment from the local authority.  The local authority may be able to provide respite care, emotional support, professional counselling and training.  Contact Southend Social Services on 01702 215008.

A comprehensive Carers Handbook on facilities within the borough is available from Southend Carer's Forum, 29/31 Alexandra Street, Southend on Sea SS1 1BW: 01702 393933 (also the number of their helpline).

Local carers’ centres for support and information are:
Fairhavens Day Centre, Fairhavens Daycare Unit, 47 Second Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 8HX www.havenshospices.org.uk (Thursday 10am to 4pm), tel (contact: Christine Browne. For those who care for a person with a progressive or life-threatening illness).

 

Taking Care of the Carers - New Service

The Salvation Army Hadleigh Training Centre, (Castle Lane, Tearooms) have a brand new service for any informal Carers.  Michelle Is the new Carers Support and Development Co-ordinator, tel: 01702 552963.  Available five days per week and some evenings.  Offering support, home visits, advice, activities, outings, training, volunteering meeting with other carers.

Come to our Carers Cafe 1.30 - 3.30 for coffee and cake free of charge.

Carers National Association, tel 020 7490 8818, helpline 0808 808 7777

National Carers Association, 20/25 Glasshouse Yard, London EC1A 4JS, tel 020 7490 8818

The Respite Association can provide funds for a respite carer where there is financial need. Tel 01406 701079                           

Dementia

Southend Borough Council provide support to help you live as independently as possible and have a good quality of life.

Support Services include:

• Residential Care
• Day Centres
• Hot meals
• Home care
• Occupational thera;y, wheelchairs and home equipment
• Direct Payments - to allow you to arrange your own care
• Personal alarm syystems and other equipment to keep you safe at home
• Help with housing - such a sheltered housing
• Information and advice.

You will need to have an assessment to see if you qualify for services.  You can apply for this on-line. www.southend.gov.uk/dementia   Please call Southend Council  and ask for Adult Social Services on 01702 215008.

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Caring with Confidence

If you are looking after a friend or relative, Caring with Confidence can help you to make a positive difference to you life and that of the person you are caring  for.  Tel: 01277 239169.  web. www.caringwithconfidence.net

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CROSS ROADS CARE

CROSSROADS - Caring for Carers Promotes, offers, supports and delivers high quality services for carers and people with care needs. Tel:01788 573 653. http://www.crossroads.org.uk

CROSSROADS IS A SPECIALIST CHARITY PROVIDING SUPPORT TO CARERS ENABLING THEM TO TAKE A MUCH NEEDED BREAK FROM THEIR CARING ROLE.

HOW CAN CROSSROADS HELP YOU?

Would you like a FREE 3 month trial service?

DO YOU CARE FOR A LOVED ONE OR A FAMILY FRIEND?

DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO LEAVE THEM ON THEIR OWN?

DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO FIND TIME FOR YOURSELF?

HAS YOUR SOCIAL LIFE OR CAREER HAD TO BE PUT ON HOLD?

DO YOU LIVE IN THE CASTLE POINT OR ROCHFORD DISTRICT?

TO FIND OUT IF YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM TAKING A BREAK FROM CARING AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ACCESSING A SERVICE FREE OF CHARGE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS CONTACT CROSSROADS CARE CASTLE POINT AND ROCHFORD TEL:01268 660860.

CROSSROADS CARE ALSO OFFERS AN INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY SERVICE FOR CARERS IN THE SOUTHEND AREA.

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For support in Bereavement http://crusebereavementcare.org.uk

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Canine Partners

DOGS HELPING YOU TO LIVE WITH YOUR DISABILITY

Do you have a disability? Do you love dogs?  Your life could be made a lot easier with a fully trained dog to help with everyday tasks such as getting up in the morning, answering the phone and door, washing, shopping, getting dressed and many more.................CANINE PARTNERS www.caninepartners.co.uk call 01245 608355.  

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Chill4us.com

A WEBSITE FOR CARERS

http://www.chill4us.com/

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Service Providers

Able Community Care provide full-time live in carers on a short-term or long-term basis.

Able Community Care, 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1UA, tel 01603 764567, www.uk-care.com   e-mail Able@aol.com

 

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CAREWATCH

CAREWATCH www.carewatchessex.co.uk

Carewatch, a three star excellent service, providing social care and support to adults and older people, in their own homes throughout South East Essex.  People that use our services and their families are at the centre of the care planning process ensuring that their needs and aspirations are met, in a manner that is in accordance with their wishes.  Our services include; assistance with personal care, medication support, shopping, meal preparation, laundry and light housework, a 'respite at home' carers break service and assistance with access to the community.  Carewatch also have a specialised team of careworkers, dedicated to a Dementia Support Programme.   TEL:01702 557007

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www.papworth.org.uk/homesolutions

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SECURE SITTING SERVICE

www.securesittingservice.com

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Age Concern Southend does not recommend or endorse the providers listed above and shall not be held responsible or liable for any losses, acts or omissions arising from the use of their services'.