3. Write down the help and support that others could provide for you that you could arrange yourself. For example, a friend or family member, a local community group or a simple piece of equipment. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. .................................................................................................
4. If there are still things you would like to achieve that you have no solution for, write down the things that you would like to talk to us about.
................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. ................................................................................................. .................................................................................................
If there is something you’ve written down that you can’t find a solution for, please contact us on: 0300 123 2224.
Help for carers A carer is anyone who helps another person, usually a relative or friend, in their day-to-day life. This is not the same as someone who provides care professionally or through a voluntary organisation. Carers are a valued part of the community. Many carers do not think of themselves as carers; they see caring as an extension of their role as partners, parents, children, relatives and friends of the person they look after. Many don’t know that there is information, advice and support available. The Somerset Carers Service is a universal service available to all unpaid carers, whether they care for a few hours a week or provide a substantial amount of support. It is provided by the Community Council for Somerset. It can provide quality local information, emotional support and practical advice to help
people in their caring role and can point carers in the right direction to get help or information. The service also works closely with other specialist carer support networks. This service is to support carers; it does not replace assessed care and support provided by the local authority. Somerset Carers Service Tel: 0800 316 8600 Text: ‘Carer’ to 78070 Email: carers@somersetrcc.org.uk Web: www.somersetcarers.org For information about carers’ assessments, see page 48.
Carers’ information, support and counselling There’s a list of information sheets for carers at: www.somerset.gov.uk/carers which can be viewed online, saved or printed. They help to explain who a carer is and some of the things carers might have to deal with in their caring role, as well as giving advice about what support is available and the services we can provide for carers in Somerset. If you would like us to send you copies of these publications, please phone us on: 0300 123 2224. There are many learning and training opportunities
available to carers. These can be designed to help with their caring situation. For example, basic first aid, maintaining personal wellbeing, and other opportunities that offer personal development. Phone us on: 0300 123 2224 to find out more. Supporting someone with a mental health condition Carers’ assessment workers are based in community mental health teams. They specialise in assessing the needs of carers who support someone with mental health issues and can advise carers about:
Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care
9
