Our experienced staff team have been working with carers for over 15 years and also have access to a large selection of reference material, which means they are able to provide carers with impartial and non-judgmental information and advice on a variety of subjects connected to their caring role. If we don't know the answer to an enquiry we will either go and find out the answer, or refer the carer to someone who we consider is more knowledgeable and, who can help them directly.

Some of the information we are often asked for is:

• Types and details of local social and health care services, and how to access them
• Welfare benefits available to Carers
• Details of local respite provision
• How to get an Assessment
• Details of our services

Some of the areas we have been asked to give advice on are:

• Using the Carers Self Assessment
• How to manage the everyday practicalities of caring for someone
• How to deal with those difficult situations which arise from time to time
• How to complain about services and who to contact

We believe in helping carers be aware of the benefits that are available to them and our experienced Carer Support staff are available to answer general questions about benefits and how to get claim forms. However, we do encourage carers to visit the Welfare Rights Service for any in depth support they need. We also refer carers to the FREEPHONE national enquiry line for people with disabilities and their carers.

This service is available to all Adult Carers and Former Carers

Many carers do not get the time to visit multi agency review meetings, events of other gatherings where they may get an opportunity to speak to those that can make a difference. We offer a medium whereby carers can make their voices heard by us presenting information on their behalf or representing them at the event. There are also times when carers do not feel as confident as they may wish. This could be when they are dealing with large organisations, or perhaps even social services or the doctor at the hospital. In these circumstances we can offer help, by either being with them, speaking for them, writing a letter or making a phone call on their behalf.

This service is available to All Adult Carers and Former Carers

There are occasions when a caring situation gets difficult and carers can sometimes get confused and exasperated and ultimately stressed and unhappy. In these instances we can work with carers to help them look at their situation to identify which areas they would like to address and if necessary, support them in doing so.

This service is only available to Active Carers with regular and substantial caring responsibilities

The Carer's Information Pack contains information on available services and support for carers and details of where and how, they can apply for those services and support. The Pack also offers advise on how to get a Carers Assessment from Social Services.

There are various different packs available:

• Carers basic pack (useful for carers who do not know the type of illness/disability of the person they care for)
• Carers of Older People pack
• Carers of People with a Learning Disability pack
• Carers of People with a Long Term Illness pack
• Carers of People with HIV/AIDS pack
• Carers of People with Physical Disabilities pack
• Carers of People with Mental Illness pack
• Parent Carers pack
• Carers of People with a Sensory Disability pack
• Carers of People who Misuse Substances pack
• Carers caring for someone with a terminal illness
• Carers caring for an older person with a Dementing illness

This service is available to all Adult Carers

Many carers are able to manage their own lives when provided with the right information and given an opportunity to understand their situation. The Carers Self Assessment gives carers an opportunity to ask and answer for themselves, pertinent questions that relate to their caring role. They can then use their answers to either find the information they need or discuss their situation with an aim to understanding their situation better.
Staff are available to help carers complete the self assessment if required by offering them an appointment at the centre or by visiting them at their home.

This service is available to all Adult Carers

Our Carers Clubs offer a support group environment where carers can enjoy time and a safe space in which to share their interests, concerns, and experiences and receive support from each other. They are also the ideal place to enjoy a social chat and make new friends. Help is available to find suitable respite services whilst you attend the group.

There are a number of clubs held at different times and venues across the borough, each with its own programme of events; clubs also get together sometimes for larger events or social outings. Carer Support staff visit the clubs on a regular basis to offer advice or discuss centre services.

This service is available to all Adult Carers

The Carers Centre Social Club is held weekly and provides a place for Active carers, Former carers and Friends of the Centre to get together. This club also has its own entertainment programme and many of its members have made close social relationships amongst themselves and enjoy a friendship outside of the Centre support mechanism.

This service is available to All Adult Carers, Former Carers and Friends of the Centre

There are times during the year when the Centre holds special social events (for example during Carers Week, at holiday periods and times of religious festivals) All Carers receiving the Newsletter automatically receive notice of these, and details are also available on our website. These events are usually local and FREE to attend.

We offer a number of day trips throughout the year, giving Carers the opportunity to join other Carers for a day trip out. Previous trips have included going to stately homes and gardens, museums, or having days at the seaside or a farmers market.

We have access to a fully accessible coach and carers are able to bring the person they care for with them. Carers can bring along a friend for company or to help them care for their loved one. Centre staff attend the trips and are able to make sure that everyone has a great time and that arrangements run smoothly.

Our ‘Carers Get together short Breaks’ usually take the form of a long weekend away (with transport, half board and entertainment), where Carers can relax in a safe environment and make new friends. Centre staff also attend these trips to make sure that everything goes well. These trips are self-funding and therefore a charge will be made to cover the cost of transport and entrance fees where applicable.

This service is available to all Adult Carers, Former Carers and Friends of the Centre.

Our Counselling Service is designed so that Carers can talk to someone on a one to one basis, about issues that affect them within their caring role. Our Counsellors will not tell you what to do, or give advice, but they will listen and help you to explore your own feelings about the things that you choose to talk about in your sessions. Our Counsellors are understanding of your individual needs and non judgmental. As a Centre we are an Organisational Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and work within their Guidelines and Code of Ethics.

Carers are offered 12 x 50 minute sessions. These are held on a weekly basis, on the same day and at the same time each week. We make every effort to arrange sessions that are at a convenient time, and may be able to arrange respite for the person being cared for whilst the carer attends their Counselling sessions.

There may sometimes be a short waiting list, and places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

This service is only available to Active carers with regular and substantial caring responsibilities

Our Carer training programme is intended to enable Carers to feel more confident and more able to fulfil their caring responsibilities. Training is available as a complete programme (7x2 hour sessions) or on an individual session basis.

Topics include:

• First Aid
• Stress management
• Assertiveness
• IT training
• How to access Services
• How to look after yourself (a session about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise)

Training will be provided by either professional trainers, or by Centre personnel. Professionals from other services will also be invited to come along to some training sessions to give information about their particular service.

This service is available to all Adult Active Carers