Carers' Help and Information

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Getting Information for Carers

The Carers' Directory gives details about where you can go for services, support and advice and includes information about health, social care and voluntary organisations. It also includes help lines and details of carer support groups. There is a new section in the Directory called 'Being Prepared for an Emergency'. If you would like to know what Community Care Services provide in Kingston, please see our Support for Carers leaflet by following the links at the bottom of the page.

Receiving Information by Email

If you are caring for someone living in the Royal Borough of Kingston and would like to receive updates via email about events, new services and anything else relating to carers, please email your details to kirstie.cochrane@rbk.kingston.gov.uk , including who you care for, their age, disability or condition. (This helps us to make sure we send you information that will be useful to you and your situation).

What's new?

Counselling, Support Group and Advice for Carers of People who misuse Drugs or Alcohol

Are you, or do you know any carers who are, worried about someone with a drug or alcohol problem?

The Royal Borough of Kingston is funding our local specialist voluntary organisation, Addition Support and Care Agency, to support carers of people who misuse drugs or alcohol.

Carers will be invited in to discuss their situation and needs with the Carers’ Drug and Alcohol Support Counsellor and agree the best services and support for them, which could one or more of:

• Information and advice
• Counselling – 12 sessions
• Weekly carers’ support group

For more details, please click on the link below. The services are FREE and carers can refer themselves by calling 020 8339 9899.

SCAMS - protect yourself and the person you care for

Most people know that if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. There is an ever increasing number of conmen and scams around so it is important to do what you can to avoid the traps. This leaflet sets out to advise carers of what they can do to protect themselves and the people they care for. Please click on the link below or contact Brenda on 020 8547 6123 for a copy.

Checklist for Carers – Being Prepared in an Emergency

Emergencies can happen at any time of day or night and can be traumatic, confusing and chaotic.  Thinking through and planning ahead might help to ease the sense of panic we feel in a crisis. Some carers have a good network of friends and family willing to step in at a moments notice, other carers have no one they can rely on.  This checklist is of things you might wish to consider if something were to happen to you, including what may be needed, getting your own plan in place and preparing people who you might need to call upon. Please use the link below to access the checklist.  For your own laminated copy please ring Brenda White on 020 8547 6123.

Carers' Emergency Alert Card Scheme

Do you worry about what would happen to the person you care for if you were involved in an accident or emergency situation? Why not join our free Carers' Alert Card Scheme.  Use the links below to apply.

Flexible Breaks for Carers

Carers on a low income and who are not receiving breaks through other community care services are entitled to Flexible Breaks for Carers. Carers can either receive vouchers that they can exchange for alternative therapies or a Direct Payment to spend in a way that suits them best. E.g some carers have chosen to spend their Direct Payment on swimming, theatre, meals out, day trips or contributions towards gym or golf club membership. Carers can apply to receive Flexible Breaks through the appropriate Community Care Services team. See main Carers page for details on how to Get the Support You Need.

Leisure Card

If you live in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and you receive Carer's Allowance, you can apply for a Leisure Card. The card gives you discounts at all of our Leisure Centres.  Download an application form using the link below.

Handy Person Scheme

This service is for people living in the Royal Borough of Kingston who are mentally ill, disabled or over 65 and on an income related benefit. If you provide regular and substantial care for someone living in the borough, are on an income related benefit, also live in the borough and have now one else who could carry out the job that needs doing then you too can use this service.

The sort of jobs the handy person can do includes clearing away overgrowth from the garden, replacing light bulbs, fitting door chains, smoke alarms and minor household repairs and maintenance.

There is no charge but you must pay for any materials needed. Contact 020 8547 6220, leave your name and address and you will be sent a referral form to fill in. If you need help to fill in the form, leave your name and contact telephone number and someone will ring you back.

Carers go free to the Cinema

If the person you care for receives Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, you can go to the cinema with them for free. The card costs £5 and is valid for 3 years in many cinemas including the Odeon and the UCI.  Visit the website below from more information.

Where else can I get help?

Kingston Carers' Network

Kingston Carers Network offers information, support and advice to people who provide care for a friend or relative living in the Borough of Kingston. They provide a regular newsletter to keep carers up to date and hold meetings to share information and to let carers have a say about what they need.  Visit their website below for more information.

Address:
Siddeley House
50 Canbury Park Road
Kingston upon Thames
KT2 6LX

Telephone: 020 8547 1614

Carers UK

Carers UK is the voice of carers and the leading campaigning, policy and information organisation for carers. See their website via the link below for further information.

A Practical Guide for Disabled People and Carers

You may also like to look at A Practical Guide for Disabled People and Carers. This Guide tells you where to find information about your rights and the services you can use. You can find it online via the link below.