Useful contacts

In this section, you will find local groups and organisations who can help improve your wellbeing. For a full list of local groups and organisations, visit the Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory at

www.stokecommunitydirectory.co.uk

Staying safe

For more information, see ‘Keeping safe’ beginning on page 5.

Challenge North Staffordshire

Working with victims of hate crime – people targeted because of disability, race, gender, age, religion or sexual orientation. Anyone who witnesses or is a victim of such an incident can be referred to the service. • Tel: 0330 111 1999 Email: cns@snscab.org.uk Web: www.challengenorthstaffs.org

Glow

If you are experiencing abuse of any kind in your relationship, Glow can help. Whether it is supporting you to stay safe where you are now, or help to find immediate safe accommodation, you don’t have to go through abuse alone. Tel: 0330 094 5559 Email: support@findtheglow.org.uk Web: www.findtheglow.org.uk

Staffordshire Victims Gateway Service

A free and confidential service that provides information, advice or practical and emotional support to all victims of crime in Staffordshire, even if you haven’t reported the crime to the police. Tel: 0330 088 1339 Email: help@staffsvictimsgateway.org.uk Web: www.staffsvictimsgateway.org.uk

National

Hourglass

Works to protect and prevent the abuse of you if you are a vulnerable older adult. Tel: 0808 808 8141 Web: www.wearehourglass.org

Advocacy support

For more information, see ‘Advocacy’ on page 43.

Asist

Support if you need advocacy under the Mental Health Act. • Tel: 01782 845584 Email: enquiries@asist.co.uk Web: www.asist.co.uk

Beth Johnson Foundation

The Dementia Advocacy Project provides independent advocacy support if you are living with dementia. Tel: 01782 844036 Email: admin@bjf.org.uk Web: www.bjf.org.uk

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For more information, see ‘Help with caring for someone’ beginning on page 42.

North Staffs Carers

Offers information, training and ongoing support to carers of all ages, ensuring that each case is treated in a confidential manner. Tel: 01782 793100 Email: info@carersfirst.com Web: www.carersfirst.com

CASS The Carers Association

CASS is a registered charity providing advice, information and support to family members or friends who care for a loved one in Staffordshire. Support is available over the phone, online or at group sessions. Tel: 01785 606675 Email: enquiries@carersinformation.org.uk Web: www.carersinformation.org.uk

National

Carers Trust

The largest provider of comprehensive carers’ support services in the UK. Tel: 0300 772 9600 • Email: info@carers.org Web: www.carers.org

Carers UK

The voice of carers. Tel: 0808 808 7777 • Email: advice@carersuk.org Web: www.carersuk.org

Use the home care agency checklist on page 26 for ideas of questions to ask providers.

Drug and alcohol support

For more information, see ‘Drugs and alcohol’ beginning on page 14.

National

Al-Anon Family Groups

Worried about your or someone else’s drinking? Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. Helpline: 0800 008 6811 (10.00am to 10.00pm daily). Email: helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk Web: www.al-anonuk.org.uk

FRANK

Facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol. Tel: 0300 123 6600 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). Text: 82111 • Web: www.talktofrank.co.uk

Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug and Alcohol Service (CDAS)

Tel: 01782 283113 Email: referrals@sotcdas.org.uk Web: www.scdas.org.uk

Support for older people

Age UK Staffordshire

Age UK Staffordshire is an independent local charity. It is the largest voluntary sector provider for older people in Staffordshire and has been working in the local community to help older people for over 40 years through a wide range of services, activities and events. Tel: 01785 788477 Email: info@ageukstaffordshire.org.uk Web: www.ageuk.org.uk/staffordshire

Beth Johnson Foundation

The Healthy Generations Project helps people aged 50 years and over manage their health and wellbeing using digital technology. Tel: 01782 844036 • Email: admin@bjf.org.uk Web: www.bjf.org.uk

CareLink

Provides a free befriending service, over the phone and face-to-face, small community social friendship groups, trips and activities, help to maintain healthy and independent living and support to link you with community groups to reduce loneliness and isolation. Tel: 01782 810320 Email: carelink@saltbox.org.uk Web: www.saltbox.org.uk/carelink

Healthy, Happy Lives

A Royal Voluntary Service programme supporting older people living with conditions such as frailty and cognitive impairment, to improve their health and emotional wellbeing. The programme aims to give all older people, whatever their ability, the tools to help them shape and have more control over their later life experiences. An evidence-based set of activities has been designed to help achieve this. Due to these uncertain times, activities are being offered at home to help keep minds and bodies active, alongside regular health and wellbeing calls. Tel: 01782 917938 Email:

staffordshirehub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Medequip – returning equipment

If your equipment is on loan to you, it must not be sold or disposed of. When you no longer require it, please contact Medequip to request free collection. Alternatively, you may return it to your local drop off point, visit the website below. If you purchased your equipment and are looking to dispose of it, visit the Equipment Recycling page via the website below. Web:

www.medequip-uk.com/returning-equipment

National

Friends of the Elderly

A charity that will support you if you are an older person with a range of practical needs. Tel: 0207 730 8263 Email: enquiries@fote.org.uk Web: www.fote.org.uk

Independent Age

Advice on home care, care homes, NHS Services, housing and other issues. Tel: 0800 319 6789 Email: advice@independentage.org Web: www.independentage.org

Silver Line, The

The Silver Line is a free national confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to you and other older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Tel: 0800 470 8090 Web: www.thesilverline.org.uk

End of life care and support

For more information, see ‘End of life care’ beginning on page 37.

Donna Louise

Information on services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. Web: www.thedonnalouise.org

Douglas Macmillan Hospice

Provides all hospice services free of charge to patients with life-limiting illnesses in Stoke-onTrent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding villages, also offering supportive care to families and carers. The hospice helps adults living with cancer and non-cancer life-limiting illnesses such as advanced heart failure, dementia, motor neurone disease and incurable lung diseases. Tel: 01782 344300 Email: post@dmhospice.org.uk Web: www.dmhospice.org.uk

Katharine House Hospice

Provides end of life care and support in mid-Staffordshire. Tel: 01785 254645 • Web: www.khhospice.org.uk

National

Hospice UK

A charity for you if you are involved in palliative, end of life or hospice care. Tel: 0207 520 8200 • Web: www.hospiceuk.org

For more information, see ‘Specialist care’ beginning on page 34.

Disability Solutions West Midlands

A Disabled Peoples User Led Organisation (DPULO) that aims to help you if you are living with a disability in North Staffordshire to fully engage with the demands of today’s society. Tel: 01782 638300 Web: www.disabilitysolutions.org.uk

Learning disability and/or autism support

For more information, see ‘Learning disability’ beginning on page 34.

Lifeworks Staffordshire

Charity supporting high-functioning individuals, from the age of 14 years and over, who are on the autistic spectrum, or who think they are on the spectrum but do not yet have a formal diagnosis, to achieve a sustainable lifestyle. Tel: 01782 615222 Email: info@lifeworksstaffordshire.org.uk Web: www.lifeworksstaffordshire.org.uk

National

British Institute of Learning Difficulties (BILD)

Committed to improving your quality of life if you have a learning disability. Tel: 0121 415 6960 • Email: enquiries@bild.org.uk Web: www.bild.org.uk

Sensory impairment support

For more information, see ‘Services for people with a sensory need’ beginning on page 35.

Beacon Centre for the Blind

Supporting people living with sight loss to thrive and live more independent lives for more than 140 years. From employment and life skills, sport and leisure activities through to the latest equipment and assistive technological aids. Tel: 01902 880111 Email: enquiries@beaconvision.org

Deaflinks Staffordshire

Provides various social and support services to the local deaf and hard of hearing community. Contact the service for more information or to make an appointment. Tel: 01782 219161 SMS: 07791 459307 Email: admin@deaflinks.co.uk Web: www.deaflinksstaffordshire.com

DEAFvibe UK

DEAFvibe supports people who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or deafblind, as well as their families, friends and carers in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Services include a café session, HUB sessions on a one-to-one basis and ‘The VIBE’, a peer-to-peer support group to promote inclusion and reduce isolation. Tel: 07923 489800 • Email: info@deafvibe.co.uk Web: www.deafvibe.co.uk

Dementia support

For more information, see ‘Dementia’ beginning on page 37.

Approach Dementia Support

Approach believes that everyone affected by dementia should be supported to live their life the way they choose. Offering quality services to promote positive wellbeing for individuals living with dementia and families, and promoting person-centred care through one-to-one, group and wellbeing activities, Approach recognises that family carers provide the stability that people living with dementia need. Carers can access support, advice and training through a Dementia Liaison Coordinator, carer cafés and training. Tel: 01782 214999 Email: enquiries@approachstaffordshire.co.uk Web: www.approachstaffordshire.co.uk

Alzheimer’s Society

Leading the fight against dementia. The Dementia Connect support line can provide information, support, guidance and signposting to other appropriate organisations. Tel: 0333 150 3456 Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia Adventure

Provides supported holidays for people with dementia as an alternative to traditional respite where partners, family, friends or carers can enjoy an outdoor break together. Holidays are usually five days long, can be bespoke, are subsidised and are available to anyone across the UK. Tel: 01245 237548 Email: info@dementiaadventure.co.uk

Dementia UK

A helpline for anyone with a question or concern about dementia. • Tel: 0800 888 6678 Email: helpline@dementiauk.org Web: www.dementiauk.org

Playlist for Life

A music and dementia charity based in Glasgow and covering the whole of the United Kingdom. Its aim is to ensure everyone living with dementia has access to a personalised playlist and for everyone who meets them to be aware of it. The charity offers free advice and resources to anyone affected by dementia who could benefit from the power of music. Tel: 0141 404 0683 Email: info@playlistforlife.org.uk Web: www.playlistforlife.org.uk

Mental health support

For more information, see ‘Mental health’ beginning on page 35. Tel: 01782 683155 Web: www.thedoveservice.org.uk

Brighter Futures: Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline

A confidential service if you feel concerned, worried, stressed or low, or if you are worried about someone you know. Tel: 0808 800 2234 Text: 07860 022821 Email:

staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk

Web: www.brighter-futures.org.uk

Changes

A user-led mental health charity providing a unique recovery service if you are in mental distress in North Staffordshire. Tel: 07983 437747 Email: recovery.here4u@changes.org.uk Web: www.changes.org.uk

Dove Service, The

Provides specialist counselling, training and support for people aged four years and over who have been affected by grief through bereavement, loss or a life-changing/limiting illness.

North Staffs Bipolar Support Group

A national network of local groups run by Bipolar UK that have met for 25 years. Monthly meetings are friendly, confidential and informal. Offers peer support through group discussion, useful information and guidance on managing mood swings. 2 Miller Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1QJ Web:

www.bipolaruk.org/north-staffs-support-group

Samaritans Stoke and Newcastle

Helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Tel: 116 123 (free from any phone). Email: jo@samaritans.org Web: www.samaritans.org

For more information, see ‘Services that can help keep you healthy and well’ beginning on page 12.

Hygiene Bank Staffordshire, The

Distributing all types of hygiene and personal care products to the most vulnerable individuals in the local community via charitable, government and community organisations. Email: thbstokeontrent01@gmail.com Web: www.thehygienebank.com

MHA: Stoke North Live at Home Scheme

Provides activity groups if you live in the Stoke North area and are over 55. Tel: 01782 816662 Web: www.mha.org.uk (search ‘North Staffordshire’).

Middleport Matters Community Trust

A local, not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to support Middleport to become a safe, thriving and welcoming place for everyone. The trust works towards improving the local environment and empowering residents to create positive change and reduce isolation. Tel: 01782 817590 Email: info@middleportmatters.co.uk Web: www.middleportmatters.co.uk

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

Offers indoor- and outdoor-based volunteer opportunities, including reserve work parties, helping at the café at Westport Lake or with educational and family activities across Stoke-on-Trent. Tel: 01889 880100 Email: info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk Web: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Stoke City Community Trust

Connecting Stoke City Football Club with its local community. The trust provides a wide range of activities for all abilities and members of the community, using the assets of Stoke City Football Club to help inspire positive change. Tel: 01782 592252 Email: community@stokecityfc.com Web: www.stokecityfc.com

Use the home care agency checklist on page 26 for ideas of questions to ask providers.

Veteran support

National

Royal British Legion, The

From sports-based rehabilitation courses and careers advice to dedicated care homes for older veterans, The Royal British Legion is here to ensure every member of the Armed Forces community receives the support they need. Tel: 0808 802 8080 Email: info@britishlegion.org.uk Web: www.britishlegion.org.uk (live chat available).

Veterans’ Gateway

Support for you and your family if you are a veteran. Includes seeking support in healthcare, housing, employability, finances, personal relationships and more. Tel: 0808 802 1212 • Text: 81212 Web: www.veteransgateway.org.uk (live chat available).

Beat the Cold

An independent charity working to reduce the incidence of cold-related illness and fuel poverty. Tel: 0800 389 2258 or 01782 914915 Email: enquiries@beatcold.org.uk Web: www.beatcold.org.uk

Citizens Advice – Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent

Confidential and impartial advice on various topics including debt and money management, housing, immigration, relationships, benefits and consumer issues. Tel: 0808 278 7876 Web: www.snscab.org.uk

Emmaus Furniture Mine

The oldest and largest furniture and household charity shop in North Staffordshire. The service provides free collections of reusable goods and selective house clearances for free. Its Hanley shop is open to the public six days a week. Tel: 01782 846111 Email: info@emmausnorthstaffs.org.uk

National

FirstStop Advice

Advice and information on all aspects of care accommodation, housing, finance and rights if you are an older person. Advice line: 0800 377 7070 Email: info@firststopcareadvice.org Web: www.firststopadvice.org.uk

Paying for Care

A not-for-profit charity helping you to understand what each type of care offers and the cost of information on paying for care. Web: www.payingforcare.org

Pension Service, The

Provides information about pensions and other pensioner benefits. Tel: 0800 731 7898 Textphone: 0800 731 7339 Web: www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service

Umbrella bodies

VAST

A charity working to oversee the growth of local voluntary and community sector organisations. Email: info@vast.org.uk Web: www.vast.org.uk

Stoke-on-Trent

The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley ST1 5DD Tel: 01782 683030

Stafford

The Hub, 17 Eastgate Street ST16 2LZ Tel: 01785 283400

National

Association of Charitable Organisations

A national umbrella body for benevolent charities. Tel: 0207 255 4480 Email: info@aco.uk.net Web: www.aco.uk.net

Homecare Association

Professional association of home care providers from the independent, voluntary, not-for-profit and statutory sectors. Tel: 0208 661 8188 Email: helpline@homecareassociation.org.uk Web: www.homecareassociation.org.uk

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Home Care your family will LOVE T: 0178 554 0000 E: info@astonhomecare.co.uk W: astonhomecare.co.uk

Kern House, Brooms Road,Stone Business Park, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0TL

Aston Home Care is a family owned care provider with over 2 generations of experience within the care sector. We specialise in domiciliary care for the elderly, to ensure they receive the best possible care and companionship with special considerations that meets their individual needs.

Our services include: • Complex Care • Holiday Care • Hospital to Home • Dementia Care • Palliative Care • Personal Care • Social Companionship • Reablement

At Aston Home Care, we also donate a percentage of all care profits to a well-known cancer support charity to help ensure the care and support they offer continues across the UK.