Carers

CHEAP PERMITS FOR CARERS

SOUTHEND COUNCIL is to offer parking permits to carers and health visitors at reduced rates. The 'Carer and Health Permits' are available to healthcare professionals and organisations who support residents that require essential regular home visits. They allow them to park their vehicles in car parks or on street bays close to the homes of the vulnerable residents who need their assistance.

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 534646.

A carer who spends at least 35 hours a week caring for somebody claiming Attendance Allowance may be entitled to Invalid Care Allowance. Contact the Benefits Agency Disability Helpline: 0800 882200.

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).

Counsel and Care is a charity giving advice and information to older people, their relatives and carers across the uk. They offer advice by telephone letter or email and factsheets. Tel:0845 300 7585. Website http://www.counselandcare.org.uk/
Careaware a public information and advisory service specialising in the issues relating to long term care, offering free advice and factsheets. helpline 08705 134 925. http://www.careaware.co.uk/.

A WEBSITE FOR CARERS http://www.chill4us.com

Local carers’ centres for support and information are:

Avenue Carers Centre, 14 Avenue Terrace, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 7PL (Monday and Thursday afternoons), tel 01702-331024

Carebreak Centre, The Stables, Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 (Saturday 10am - 2pm). Tel 01702-393933

Fairhavens Day Centre, Fairhavens Daycare Unit, 47 Second Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 8HX (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

Carers National Association,

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

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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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

CAREWATCH

CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

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

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.

CROSS ROADS CARE

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

HOW CAN CROSSROADS HELP YOU?

Would you like a FREE 3 month trial service?

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

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 ON:

01268 660860