Healthwatch Staffordshire ( Cannock ) issue 2

Covers services within the areas: ● Cannock ● Rugeley ● Hednesford

Health & Social Care Signposting Directory 2015 - 16

Issue 2

CONTENTS Healthwatch Staffordshire

1

Have Your Say on Health & Social Care

2

Healthwatch Champions

3

Safeguarding 4 Expressing Complaints & Concerns

5-6

Free NHS Health Check

7-8

Understanding the Care Act

9 - 10

Clinical Commissioning Group

11

Patient Choice of GP Practice

12

GPs & GP Surgeries in Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford

13

Pharmacies in Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford

14

Dentists & Opticians in Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford

15 - 16

Social Care & Independent Living

17 - 20

Personal Health Budgets

21

Recognising Mental Health & Support

22

Telecare & Telehealth Services

23 - 24

Are You a Carer?

25

Care in Your Own Home in Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford

26

Choosing Residential Care in Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford

27

Residential & Nursing Care in Staffordshire

28

Help & Advice from Healthwatch Staffordshire Partners

29 - 32

Disclaimer This Directory has been compiled to signpost primary health and social care providers throughout Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford.

Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies.

All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices. Neither Healthwatch Staffordshire nor HealthCare Publications can be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

All signposting services are up to date as of February 2015.

A note on advertising: We offer businesses the chance to reach potential customers via this publication. It is our intention to clearly indicate that an advertisement is being displayed and no endorsement or approval by the promoters of any product, service or supplier should be implied.

Another quality publication by Healthcare Publications If you require extra copies of this directory or are interested in advertising in future editions please email Healthcare Publications on admin@healthcarepublications.org or visit www.hcpublications.org

HEALTHWATCH STAFFORDSHIRE

Healthwatch Staffordshire Healthwatch Staffordshire is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in Staffordshire. Our job is to argue for the consumer interests of those using health and social care services across the county, and give local people an opportunity to speak out about their concerns and health care priorities.

Healthwatch Staffordshire is delivered by Engaging Communities (ECS) a community interest company that brings public engagement, consultation and consumer advice services together in a central organisation to create evidence and insight to help improve local health and social care services.

What powers does Healthwatch have?

• Healthwatch Staffordshire has a seat on the Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board – the body that oversees health and social care in the county – and therefore can influence how services are set up and commissioned.

Contact us

• We have statutory powers to Enter and View health and social care services using our trained Healthwatch Authorised Representatives. All our reports can be found on our website.

There are lots of ways people can get in touch with Healthwatch Staffordshire: Write to us at: Freepost RTSB-GJLT-KAES Healthwatch Staffordshire Suite 2, Opus House, Priestly Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Stafford. ST18 0LQ.

• A place on the Quality Surveillance Group which monitors the quality of health provision.

• Healthwatch Staffordshire is backed by national body Healthwatch England.

What does Healthwatch Staffordshire do?

Freephone: Call us: 0800 051 8371

• Gathers the views and experiences of people within Staffordshire, about their health and social care priorities.

Email us: enquiries@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk

• Produces reports which influence the way services are designed and delivered throughout Staffordshire.

Visit our website: www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk Follow us on: @HWStaffordshire

• Provides information, advice and signposting about local services, as well as delivery of the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service in Staffordshire.

Like us on Facebook at: Healthwatch Staffordshire

• Passes information, issues and concerns to health and social care regulatory bodies and escalates recommendations to Healthwatch England.

1

HAVE YOUR SAY ON HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

What matters is making your voice count and your local health and social care services are guided and shaped by your feedback. We need your experiences to inform best practice and highlight issues so that something can be done quickly.

You can choose from a range of health and social care organisations in your local area including:-

The Healthwatch Staffordshire Experience Exchange is a powerful feedback centre which allows you to review any health and social care provision in Staffordshire. Search for the name of the establishment or click through using the simple service buttons and area filters. You can then score your experience on a number of aspects of service by whether your experience was negative, neutral or positive.

• Care in your own Home Providers • Community Services

• Dentists

• GP Out of Hours/ 111

• GP Surgeries

• Hospices

• Hospitals

• Mental Health Hospitals • Opticians • Pharmacies

• Residential Homes

• Walk-in Centres Below is an example of what the Experience Exchange looks like.

www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk/x2 2

HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS

Become Involved Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch and contribute to its activities because everyone’s views matter. You can do as much or as little as you like – from filling in a survey, attending the occasional meeting about an issue of personal interest, signing up as a Healthwatch Member or becoming a Healthwatch Champion

What are Healthwatch Champions?

Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act as the voice of the local community. They talk to local people about the quality of health and social care in their area and are committed to supporting Healthwatch Staffordshire to improve services.

This role is vital to the improvement of local services by prioritising the issues that really matter to you in your own local area.

How to become a Healthwatch Champion

Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much or as little as they like from a range of Champion specific roles.

No qualifications are needed to become a Healthwatch Champion; just a willingness to listen and talk to a range of individuals, an open mind and a desire to raise the voice of local people.

The Role of a Champion includes: • Being the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern • Making recommendations on how to improve local services

Champions who are authorised by Healthwatch Staffordshire will undertake relevant training and some roles will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check (previously CRB check).

• Telling people about Healthwatch and encouraging them to become involved

You can become a Champion by:

• Promoting Healthwatch events and projects to local people

Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on 0800 051 8371 or emailing us at enquiries@ healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk

• Liaising with other people/groups involved with engagement work

From here we will send you an information pack with additional information about Healthwatch Staffordshire. This will include a role descriptor for Champions and an application form for you to complete and return to us.

• Attending meetings, groups and events as a Healthwatch Member, representing your own views based on personal experience • Talking to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services

It is only with your support that Healthwatch Staffordshire can make a difference to the quality of local services.

• Visiting health and social care providers, as part of our Enter & View portfolio and activities.

Anyone can apply to become a Healthwatch Champion, however if you wish to take a less active role you can sign up to be a Healthwatch Member, to receive regular updates and bulletins.

Volunteer Advocates We are looking for committed individuals to train as volunteer advocates to support our NHS Complaints Advocacy Service and empower people to have their say. For more information go to our website www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk.

You can become a Member by: Going to www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk and filling in the Join Us Membership form.

Members get our monthly newsletter and up to date information on our work.

3

Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board

The SSCB is made up of a number of agencies who work together to safeguard children and make sure that arrangements work effectively to promote better outcomes for children.

To find out more about the Board including training please visit:

www.staffsscb.org.uk Are you worried about a child?

Most children enjoy generally safe and happy childhood experiences within their own family but unfortunately for some, this is not the case. Everyone has a responsibility to protect children from future harm; good child care begins even before a child is born.

What should I do if I feel that a child is at risk of significant harm?

Call Staffordshire County Council's First Response Service: Tel: 0800 1313 126 Open: Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Out of Hours - Emergency Duty Service 0845 6042886 - Mobile 07815 492613 E-mail: firstr@staffordshire.gov.uk 4

EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS & CONCERNS

If you want to make a complaint or express a concern about any aspect of treatment or care received from any of the providers in your local area, the following pages outline who you should contact.

General Practitioners (GPs)

If you have attended any of the Hospitals which are part of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust including Cannock Chase Hospital you should contact:

If you want to make a complaint or express a concern relating to your GP Practice, your first port of call would be to contact your GP directly.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust PALS Telephone: 01902 695362 / 07880 601085 Email: rwh-tr.pals@nhs.net

NHS England is the commissioner or purchaser of Primary Care i.e GPs, dentists, opticians, pharmacy and some specialised services.

To make a complaint about a Primary Care service you will need to contact NHS England.

If you have attended any of the Hospitals which are part of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust you should contact:

NHS England Complaints: Telephone: 0300 311 2233 Email: england.contactus@nhs.net Write to: NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch B97 9PT

Walsall Hospital NHS Trust Telephone: 01922 656463 patientrelations@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk

If you want to express a concern or make a complaint about any aspect of NHS Treatment or adult social care you have received from the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust, please contact:

To express a concern about County Hospital or Royal Stoke University Hospital you should contact University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. PALS is an impartial, welcoming, open and confidential service for people who would like information or advice, or would like to comment about any aspect of the services provided by the Trust. Please contact:

Complaints Team, Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust, Morston House, The Midway, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1QG Telephone: 0800 783 2865 Email: complaints@ssotp.nhs.uk

Patient Services and Advice Centre (PALS) Royal Stoke University Hospital Newcastle Road, Stoke On Trent, ST4 6QG Telephone: 01782 676450 Email: patient.advice@uhns.nhs.uk

If you want to express a concern or make a complaint regarding any aspect of NHS treatment or social care which you have received from the South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Please contact:

You can make a formal complaint by writing to Chief Executive or Complaints Department at: University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust Newcastle Road Stoke On Trent Staffordshire

South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. St George’s Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford, ST16 3SR Telephone: 0800 318850 5

EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS & CONCERNS

Healthwatch Staffordshire’s NHS Complaints Advocacy Service provides practical support and information to people who want to complain about an NHS service.

It also supports people who want to make a complaint on someone else’s behalf. The service is free, confidential and independent.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of a decision taken, you can contact NHS England, who will try and do everything that it can to respond well. If you have a complaint concerning the treatment or service provided by the NHS please contact:

The service aims to help people understand what their options are and to support them through the NHS complaints process, either by providing an Advocate, or through giving support and information.

NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT Telephone: 0300 311 2233 (Mon-Fri. 8.00am – 6.00pm) Email: England.contactus@nhs.net www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/complaint

If you have a complaint about the NHS or want to talk to someone about your concerns regarding your NHS treatment, Healthwatch Staffordshire can: • Provide you with a Healthwatch Staffordshire Complaints Advocate • Listen to your concerns and advise you of your options • Explain how the NHS Complaints Procedure works • Give you Self-Help Information to guide you through the NHS complaints procedure

If you are unhappy with the way in which the NHS has handled a complaint you can contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman at:

• Help you to write a complaint letter and send it to the right people

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW19 4QP. Telephone: 0345 015 4033 Email: phso.enquiries@ombudsman.org.uk www.ombudsman.org.uk

• Attend meetings with you and provide support • Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested • Provide information and signposting to other services you may need to access Healthwatch Staffordshire can help support you if you want to make a complaint about the NHS. The service aims to support and inform people of their rights but does not encourage complaints, nor does it provide medical or legal advice.

If you are unhappy about the way Staffordshire County Council has delivered social care services, and would like to express a complaint or concern, please contact:

Healthwatch Staffordshire NHS Complaints Advocacy Service

The Monitoring Officer, Staffordshire County Council, Peel Building, St. Chads Place, Stafford, ST16 2LR Telephone: 0300 111 8000 Email: customer.feedback@staffordshire.gov.uk

Freephone: 0800 161 5600 Email: advocacy@ecstaffs.co.uk Text “Healthwatch” and your name & number to: 60006 Visit our website www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk/nhscomplaints

6

FREE NHS HEALTH CHECK

Who is it for?

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check scheme is available across Staffordshire.

We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk.

If a person is aged between 40 and 74 and hasn’t already been diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or had a stroke, they may be invited by their GP for the NHS Health Check by letter, text or they may be offered the NHS Health Check when they are at their GP for another reason.

These are: • Being overweight • Being physically inactive • Not eating healthily

Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.

• Smoking • Drinking too much alcohol • High blood pressure • High cholesterol Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having one could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

7

FREE NHS HEALTH CHECK

Even if you’re feeling well, it’s worth having your NHS Health Check now.

We can then work with you to lower your chances of developing these health problems in the future.

Questions you may have Why do I need this check? I feel fine!

The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.

What happens at the check?

This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?

If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.

• The check will take about 20-30 minutes • You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk

I know what I’m doing wrong.

How can the doctor help me?

• We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity

If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.

• We’ll take your blood pressure • We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?

What happens after the check?

We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy.

It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions.

But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.

• You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results

Will everyone have this check?

• You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle

This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems.

Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.

• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test • Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more • Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health

Helping you prevent heart dis eas e, s troke, diabetes , kidney dis eas e and dementia 8

UNDERSTANDING THE CARE ACT

What is the Care Act? The Care Act is a new law about care and support for adults in England that will come into force in April 2015, making one new law saying what people can expect and what local authorities will have to do.

The number of people in England who have health problems requiring both health and social care is increasing. For example, in the next 20 years, the percentage of people over 85 will double. This means there are likely to be more people with ‘complex health needs’ - more than one health problem - who require a combination of health and social care services.

Care and support is something that nearly everyone in this country will experience at some point in their lives; even if you don’t need care yourself, you will probably know a family member or friend who does, or you may already care for someone. Until now it’s been almost impossible for people who need care, carers, and even those who manage the care system, to understand how the previous law affecting them worked. The Care Act has created a single, modern law that makes it clear what kind of care people should expect.

To help make things clearer the government have introduced a minimum eligibility threshold across the country - a set of rules that makes it clear when local authorities will have to provide support to people. Until now, local authorities have been able to decide this threshold themselves, meaning decisions varied from place to place.

The main themes of the Care Act are

Most local authorities have had a one size fits all approach to care. The focus has been on what disabilities someone has, or what services the local authority can provide, rather than on the individuals needs. So for the first time the system will be built around each person - what they need, how they can best be cared for, and what they want.

• A lifetime cap on care costs: there will be a limit to the amount you will have to pay for care in your lifetime (this will not come into force until April 2016). The lifetime cap on care costs will be £72,000 for people aged 65+.

• Wellbeing: giving people greater choice and control to be independent and providing advice and support.

• Carers entitlements and rights: carers will be entitled to their own assessments to see if they are eligible for support.

For the first time, the Act provides people with a legal entitlement to a personal budget, which is an important part of their care and support plan. The personal budget must be included in every plan, unless the person is only receiving intermediate care or reablement support to meet their identified needs.

Local authorities must also help people to benefit from independent financial advice, so that they can get support to plan and prepare for the future costs of care.

• Advocacy: the local authority must find you an independent advocate who will help you and represent your best interests to get the right services if you are unable to do so.

• Keeping adults safe: this is the first time there has been a law telling local authorities what to do to help keep adults safe from abuse or neglect.

9

UNDERSTANDING THE CARE ACT

How does the Care Act benefit carers?

The Rules

Currently, carers don’t have a legal right to receive support, although local authorities can provide support at their discretion. This means that access to assessment and the range of support on offer can vary considerably.

Well-being: Local Authorities must have services to meet different people’s needs.

They must always think about your wellbeing.

Information and advice: Local authorities will need to provide comprehensive information and advice about care and support services in their local area.

This will help people to understand how care and support services work locally, the care and funding options available, and how people can access care and support services.

The Care Act gives local authorities a responsibility to assess a carer’s needs for support, where the carer appears to have such needs. This replaces the existing law, which says that the carer must be providing “a substantial amount of care on a regular basis” to qualify for an assessment.

This will mean more carers are able to have an assessment. The local authority will assess whether the carer has needs and what those needs may be.

This assessment will consider the impact of caring on the carer. It will also consider the things that a carer wants to achieve in their own day-to-day life. It must also consider other important issues, such as whether the carer is able or willing to carry on caring, whether they work or want to work, and whether they want to study or do more socially. If both the carer and the person they care for agree, a combined assessment of both their needs can be undertaken.

The Act clearly sets out what local authorities must provide information on: • what types of care and support are available – e.g. specialised dementia care, befriending services, reablement, personal assistance, residential care etc…

• the range of care and support services available to local people, i.e. which local providers offer certain types of services • what process local people need to use to get care and support that is available • where local people can find independent financial advice about care and support and help them to access it • how people can raise concerns about the safety or wellbeing of someone who has care and support needs

Adults caring for disabled children An adult caring for a disabled child can get support through children’s services. This is usually the best way to meet their needs, so they are not covered by this Act.

Prevention: Local authorities must provide or arrange services that help prevent people developing needs for care and support or delay people deteriorating such that they would need ongoing care and support.

However, there is provision in the Act for an adult carer of a disabled child to ask for an assessment of their caring needs before the child reaches 18. When a local authority carries out such an assessment, it has the power to provide support to the carer, even though they are caring for a child, rather than an adult. This would, for example, enable a local authority to provide support that is available through an adult carers’ centre.

Person-centred care and support: Person-centred care is when people understand what is important to you and give you the right care and support to do the things you want. The Local Authority must involve you in writing and checking your plan.

The Care Act and young carers

Work and having a job: Local Authorities must now think about education, training and work when they look at the care and support you need.

The Care Act does not deal with the assessment of people under the age of 18 who care for others.

However, young carers can be supported under the law relating to children. The Children and Families Act gives young carers (and parent carers) similar rights to assessment as other carers have under the Care Act.

To view The Care Act in further detail please visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act2014-part- 1-factsheets Staffordshire Cares To learn more about care in Staffordshire please visit: www.staffordshirecares.info

To view The Children and Families Act in further detail please visit: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents/enacted

10

YOUR CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP

Cannock Chase Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) became responsible for commissioning local health services in April 2013. Its aim is to improve the health and healthcare of the population and to reduce any health inequalities wherever possible.

Membership Scheme

The CCG is made up of 27 GP practices within the boundaries of Cannock Chase District Council, the Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay wards of South Staffordshire District Council and Essington. It serves a population of 132,000 residents.

Becoming a member means you will receive regular information about local health developments as well as news from our NHS partners.

Do you want to find out more about your local NHS? Then why not join the CCG Membership Scheme.

You will also be able to take part in consultations and activities that can make a real difference to how health services are delivered across the Cannock Chase area.

Going forward, the CCG continues to face a number of challenges, which include:

Find out how to become a member by contacting the Membership Team at: Membership@staffordshirecss.nhs.uk

• Building on the relationship we have with the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust so the transformation of services can continue over the next three years to the benefit of the local population

Patient Participation Groups Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) are connected to GP Practices and consist of patient representatives, the Practice Manager and other practice staff, including GPs. They can be physical or virtual and encourage debate among patients and healthcare professionals concerning health needs, health priorities and current service provision.

• Building the community services infrastructure to support people in their own homes • Developing a connected primary care system, to reduce the reliance on acute hospitals for care • Developing a different relationship with the public to support people to live longer, healthier lives through prevention, self-management and more effective intervention

Network Patient Participation Groups

The CCG is committed to working in partnership with local people and organisations as it works to address these challenges and sees this year as a turning point in the future direction of travel for health services locally.

Network Patient Participation Groups have also been established in Cannock, Rugeley and Great Wyrley and Surrounds to improve communications and engagement with the wider public by creating a two-way discussion forum.

Getting Involved with the CCG

The Network PPGs bring together a range of individuals and organisations that are able to represent the views of people living in the area such as representatives from community and voluntary sector organisations, condition support groups and local councillors.

Cannock Chase CCG recognises the vital role that patients and the public have to play in order to achieve its vision of promoting health and wellbeing throughout Cannock Chase. The CCG is committed to involving patients and carers in the design, implementation and evaluation of services and this has already been demonstrated in a number of service changes such as the Memory First dementia pilot and its work with patients with long term conditions.

For more information about Cannock Chase CCG Visit: www.cannockchaseccg.nhs.uk Write to: Cannock Chase Clinical Commissioning Group Number 2 Staffordshire Place, Stafford, ST16 2LP Telephone: 01785 355796 or 01785 355799 Email: cannockccg.feedback@northstaffs.nhs.uk Twitter: @NHSCannockChase

The CCG actively engages with patients and the public through a range of mechanisms including its Governing Body meetings held in public, a Membership Scheme, Twitter and Patient Participation Groups.

Cannock Chase Clinical Commissioning Group 11

PATIENT CHOICE OF GP PRACTICES

Following changes to GP contracts, all GP practices in England will be free to register new patients who live outside their practice boundary area from January 2015. This means that you are able to join practices in more convenient locations, such as a practice near your work. The idea is to provide you with greater choice and to improve the quality of GP services over time, as GPs providing a good service are naturally more popular.

These new arrangements are voluntary for GP practices. If the practice has no capacity at the time or feels it is not clinically appropriate or practical for you to be registered so far away from home then they can still refuse registration.

The practice should explain their reason to you in detail.

What to consider when registering with a GP practice further away You may wish to join a GP near work or remain registered with your old GP following a move. The new arrangements make this possible; however, there are a few things to consider.

Because of the greater distance to your home, the GP you register with is under no obligation to offer you a home visit. If you are not well enough to go to the practice yourself then other arrangements will have to be made. NHS England (the body responsible for buying GP services) has to ensure that you are able to access a service either near your home or at home. When you register with a practice away from home you will be given information about what you should do in those circumstances.

What to expect from your GP GPs look after the health of people in their local community and deal with a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations.

If your GP cannot deal with a problem then you’ll usually be referred to a hospital for tests, treatment, or to see a consultant with specialist knowledge. GP practices should make information about their services easily available to their patients. Most practices have a practice leaflet available. Familiarise yourself with our GP surgery’s appointment system, and try to plan in advance if you can. For routine appointments you may be able to book online, so check on the practice website or with the receptionist.

12

GPs & GP SURGERIES

GPs & GP Surgery

Address

Area

Postcode

Let us look after your DIY & Gardening Needs Call 01922 474684 for a FREE quote today!

Data correct Healthwatch Staffordshire - February 2015 13

Telephone

PHARMACIES

Pharmacy / Chemist

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

RDSHIRE

FFO URGENT CARE in STA

GP URGENT CARE - NHS WALK-IN CENTRE

Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that don’t need a visit to A&E. Walsall Walk-in Centre 19-20 Digbeth, Market Square, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 1QZ. Tel: 01922 605730 Open 8.00 - 20.00 - 7 days a week - 365 days a year

MINOR INJURY UNITS

Cannock – Cannock Chase Hospital, Brunswick Road, Cannock, WS11 5XY. Telephone: 01543 572757 Rugeley – Samuel Johnson Community Hospital, Trent Valley Road, Lichfield. Telephone: 01543 412900

OUT OF HOURS URGENT CARE

If you live in Cannock Chase District GP Out-of-Hours Care is provided by Badger Healthcare. Call 0121 766 2170.

A&E 999

Accident & Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only, and you should only go there or call 999 if immediate emergency care is needed.

ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY

The nearest A&E departments are County Hospital, Weston Road, Stafford, ST16 3SA (Open 8am – 10pm) Walsall Manor Hospital, Moat Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 9PS (Open 24/7) Data correct Healthwatch Staffordshire - February 2015 14

DENTISTS, OPTICIANS & HEARING CENTRES

Dentist

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

Optician

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

Hearing Centres

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

Data correct Healthwatch Staffordshire - February 2015

15

16

SOCIAL CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

How do I get Social care?

If you have decided that you need social care support, you may want to think about the type of support you require, be it homecare workers, equipment or respite breaks.

Your first step should be to ask your local authority social services department for an assessment of you needs.

Local authorities have a duty to assess anyone who appears to need the community care services they offer.

Your local authority should: • assess your needs and give you advice, whatever your financial circumstances • tell you about local services and who to contact locally for advice • be able to provide information about services and support options available to you in your area • give you relevant information if you are an unpaid/family carer

Your rights and entitlements In most cases, you shouldn’t have to actively exert your rights in regards to the care that you receive.

However, if you feel you are being unjustly treated in breach of your rights, you may want to take action.

You can do this by telling someone you trust, seeking help from Healthwatch Staffordshire or contacting the local authority team in charge of ‘safeguarding’.

The assessment by the local authority is important because it helps them work out what your difficulties are and what services will help you most. Each local authority has its own way of working out who is eligible for social care support and what services it can offer.

Under UK law, you should be looked after and treated fairly and with dignity whenever you are given social care services. This applies to everyone, regardless of where they are given care and who does the caring.

If your local authority thinks you are eligible for social care support, you have a specific level of need and meet financial rules, you should be involved in the decision-making process that follows. If appropriate, the next step will be for social services or an independent adviser to work with you to create a care plan.

Other laws may also protect you from discrimination because of who you are, including some protection for carers under the rules designed to protect disabled people. For example, if you are an older person, this should not stop you from having treatment similar to that which a younger person would be given.

Often only minor assistance is needed – such as meals on wheels and help with washing or dressing.

Yet these services could make a big difference to your life.

Family Support Families with disabled children may be eligible for Family Support to help you look after your child.

This can include day care for children under five, help with parenting such as parenting classes, courses or family support workers, practical home help, and access to a Children’s Centre. Some of these services are available to all families.

If you feel that your needs have changed over time, you will have to be re-assessed. Contact the social care team at your local authority to discuss it with them.

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18

SOCIAL CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

What social care support can I get?

Help in your home or in a care home

Many people’s first impression or thoughts of social care might be a residential care home. In fact, there’s a wide variety of social care services available and most who need social care support will be able to have care provided in their home.

The kind of social care support that you can get depends largely on your needs. This means the type of condition you have, or the severity of your disability. For example, if you have a neurological problem that causes you to have trouble walking you may simply require some equipment to help you remain mobile and independent. However, if you have a significant neurological problem that seriously affects your mental capacity or ability to move and look after yourself, you are likely to need a much wider range of social care services.

It is worth taking time to think about your specific needs and what you think you might need to help you achieve the best quality of life you can.

You may want to have someone who can come to your home and give you the support you need to live your life. This can include help with tasks such as getting dressed, help with using the toilet, washing, preparing and eating food, cleaning and laundry, getting out and about, and taking part in leisure and social activities.

Healthwatch Staffordshire or your local authority will be able to provide you with information and advice on what services are available in your local area.

Community support and activities Some social care services can be provided to help you continue to play an active role in your community and to get out and about and do the things you want to do. For example, you may want to work or to partake in religious or cultural events such as a festival or a sports match. Social care services may be able to support you in a wide range of ways to enable you to continue to do these things, for example a community transport service.

Care and support services might typically include: • equipment • help in your home or in a care home • community support and activities • day centres • home adaptations • residential care • financial support • information and advisory services, and advocacy • support for carers • other support for care

Day centres Visiting a day centre can be a good alternative to moving into a care home. Day centres provide an opportunity to socialise and do activities that might not be available at home and may provide respite for family carers.

Adaptations to your home

Equipment

A common way that social care can support ill or disabled people to live independently at home is simple adaptations to the home. If you have difficulty living at home because of your condition, it is often a better option to improve your home than to move somewhere new. For example, depending on your condition, you might be able to get lowered kitchen surfaces and storage, wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walking frames, or improved flooring to prevent trips and falls.

Getting the right equipment can revolutionise your life. The ability for you to remain independent sometimes hinges on small factors and tools, such as a jar gripper (to help you remove lids) or ways to raise your seat (so that you can get up more easily), which can make all the difference.

However, equipment can also help with weightier issues, for example, hoists to help people with mobility problems get on and off chairs or toilets, or in and out of the bath or bed. The equipment you may be able to access could include monitoring devices that check whether you have left the house if you have a condition, such as dementia, that causes confusion and wandering.

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SOCIAL CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Residential care If living at home is no longer a realistic or practical option, you may want to consider

residential care. There are many different types of ‘residential care’ – it may mean a permanent move into a care home for older people, or it could be a stay in a home for younger adults with disabilities, or a home for children. Residential care may be privately owned, or run by a charity or the local authority.

The main types of residential care are: • residential care homes • residential care homes with nursing care • extra care and sheltered housing • supported living • retirement villages Deciding on a long-term stay in residential care is a very significant decision financially, practically and emotionally. You will need to think about your own preferences and decide what services will meet your needs now, as well as being flexible enough to take account of your future care needs. It is not always an easy decision. Independent advice can be important in helping you make the right decision, taking into account all the important factors. Your local authority will be able to give you details of information services they commission locally.

Support for carers You’re a carer if you’re looking after a person who is disabled, has a long-term health condition or is elderly and frail. Carers can get help with their caring role, and by enabling the person they care for to get the support they need, they can make their own life easier. For example, it’s important that carers have time for themselves, and one of the best ways to arrange breaks from caring is to ensure that you have had a carer’s assessment. This will help identify how substantial and demanding your caring is and how much support you are likely to need. If you are looking after a child with a learning disability or similar, you should also consider the support that your child will need with their education.

Again, talk to your local authority to discuss the types of support you might be able to get.

For more information about a worry-free way of life with care and support when you want it, call Care Plus on

I am not just a key to a door

01785 312292 or email

enquiries@care-plus.org.uk

I am a symbol of new beginnings, a new home where Mary is free to come and go as she pleases. I am an opportunity for Mary to feel safe and secure in her own surroundings. I am Mary’s space to make her mark and put her own stamp on her home.

To Mary, I am freedom.

I am not just a key to a door. I am Mary’s place, to live her life, her way.

With Care Plus, you can choose to rent, buy or part-own an affordable home with personal care and support packages if and when you want them.

Our Extra Care apartments provide self-contained living in award-winning, modern surroundings and our friendly, trained staff are on site at all times. Our sheltered-living bungalows and flats offer security and peace of mind.

Homes for living: www.care-plus.org.uk

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PERSONAL HEALTH BUDGETS

Personal Health Budgets

Can I have a personal health budget as well as a personal budget for social care and support?

Personal health budgets are being introduced by the NHS to help people manage their care in a way that suits them. They have been piloted in a number of places across England and, from April 2014, anyone receiving NHS continuing healthcare will have a right to ask for a personal health budget.

Yes. If you already have a personal budget for care and support from social services and your NHS team agrees, you can also have a personal health budget and ask for both to be combined.

Do I have to have a personal health budget?

What is a Personal Health Budget?

A personal health budget is an amount of money to support your identified health and wellbeing needs, planned and agreed between you and your local NHS team. The aim is to give people with long-term conditions and disabilities greater choice and control over the healthcare and support they receive. Personal health budgets work in a similar way to the personal budgets that many people are already using to manage and pay for their social care. Together with your NHS team (such as a GP) you will develop a care plan. The plan sets out your personal health and wellbeing needs, the health outcomes you want to achieve, the amount of money in the budget and how you are going to spend it.

No. If having a personal health budget does not work for you, your local NHS will provide the care you need as it has always done.

What is the difference between a personal health budget, a personal budget, an individual budget and a direct payment?

A personal health budget is for your NHS healthcare and support needs.

A personal budget is for your social care and support needs.

An individual budget includes your social care and support needs plus other funding, such as independent living.

You can use a personal health budget to pay for a wide range of items and services, including therapies, personal care and equipment. This will allow you more choice and control over the health services and care you receive.

A direct payment is one way of managing these budgets, where you get the cash to buy the agreed care and support you need.

You don’t have to change any healthcare or support that is working well for you just because you get a personal health budget, but if something isn’t working, you can change it.

Key points • Personal health budgets should help people get a better service from the NHS. They should not make things worse.

• You do not have to have a personal health budget if you do not want one.

• You should have as much control over decisions as you want.

• NHS and social care organisations should work in partnership with you and with each other.

• If you are not able to have a personal health budget, you can still speak to your NHS team about how your needs can be met in another way that is more personal to you.

Who can have a personal health budget?

The first group to be able to ask for a personal health budget, from April 2014, will be people getting NHS continuing healthcare, which is NHS funded long-term health and personal care provided outside hospital. Local NHS organisations will be free to offer personal health budgets to other people if they think an individual will benefit. It is the Government’s long-term aim, to introduce a right to a personal health budget for people who would benefit from it.

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RECOGNISING MENTAL HEALTH & SUPPORT

Mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience is all about how we cope with what life throws at us. It concerns the way we feel about ourselves, conduct relationships, handle stress or deal with loss.

Even if you need professional help, there are choices you can make along the way. Mental illness is treatable and, with appropriate support and treatment, people do recover. Many move on with their lives and are able to care for their family, contribute to the local community, and get back into employment or training.

Good mental health and resilience are fundamental to good physical health, relationships, education and work, as well as being key to achieving our potential.

How your GP can help You should make an appointment to see your GP if you've been feeling depressed for a few weeks or your anxiety is having an impact on your daily life, such as stopping you from going to work or shopping.

Mental health facts At least one in four people experience a diagnosable mental health problem in any one year, and one in six experiences this at any one time.

Mental health services are free on the NHS, but you will usually need a referral from your GP to access them.

• More than half of those with a common mental health problem have both depression and anxiety.

• There are approximately 570,000 people with dementia in England, a figure that could double in the next 30 years.

• Nearly 850,000 children and young people aged five to 16 years have a mental health problem – about 10% of the population. Fewer than one in 10 accesses treatment.

Common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, panic disorders, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder can cause great emotional distress, and can affect how you cope with day-today life and your ability to work.

Spadework is an affordable community gardening project managed by Old Hall Peoples Partnership. This service is available throughout Cannock and Rugeley.

All our project staff have full police checks.

Less common conditions, such as psychosis, can make you experience changes in thinking and perception severe enough to significantly alter your experience of reality. These conditions include schizophrenia and affective psychosis, such as bipolar disorder, and can have the same lifelong impact as any long-term physical condition.

Have you lost a loved one and can no longer tend their grave, we can help. We can tidy the headstone and place flowers to recognise those special dates when those you love are in the forefront of your mind.

Admitting you are struggling does not mean you are “mentally ill”, that doctors will automatically put you on medication, or you will have to immediately tell your employer you are mentally unwell. Many issues can be managed without the help of a GP by using the variety of sources of help now available, whether it’s through books, local organisations or online.

Psychological Solutions

• Counselling • Post natal depression groups • Psychotherapy • Hypnotherapy • Coaching

Please call 01543 672221 or visit www.windmillhealthcare.co.uk 22

TELECARE & TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Telecare is a service that enables people, especially older and more vulnerable individuals, to live independently in their own home. 90% of people say that that is their wish and telecare allows it to happen. Equally it gives peace of mind to family, friends and carers, knowing that when they are unable to watch over their loved ones, telecare will.

Telecare & Telehealth can be of benefit to:

Telecare is as much about the philosophy of dignity and independence as it is about technology and services. The service package, and choice of technology, is provided to support the individual in their home and is tailored to meet their needs. It can be as simple as the basic social alarm service, able to respond 24/7 in a given situation, it can include sensors and triggers such as motion or fall detectors and fire and gas alarms, that trigger a warning to a response centre staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It can also include location devices that can be used to enable an individual to have security outside of their home.

• Older, frail or disabled people or those temporarily unwell after perhaps an operation • People who have been discharged from hospital and need to be able to get help at home if needed • Vulnerable people of any age living alone • Reassurance to partners, family and carers of people with dementia, medical conditions or disabilities be that physical, mental or sensory To benefit from the service all you need is a phone line and modern electric plug socket. This range of technology offers extra independence and peace of mind. Pictured overleaf are some of our most popular devices, however, many more are available.

As well as responding to an immediate need, telecare can work in a preventative mode, with services programmed to monitor an individual's health or well-being. Often known as lifestyle monitoring, this can provide early warning of deterioration, prompting a response from family or professionals.

Telehealth equipment is used to monitor your health in your own home. It can be equipment to measure your blood pressure, blood glucose levels or your weight. This can reduce the number of visits you make to your GP and unplanned visits to the hospital. You’re taught how to do the tests on yourself and the measurements are automatically transmitted to your doctor or nurse, who can then see the information without you having to leave home. They can let you know if they have any concerns.

Telecare and telehealth can be used on their own or in combination in order to best meet the needs of the individual and get the best fit with local services, including those provided by family and friends. The services need to balance technology with other forms of care and support and be reviewed in the same way as all other packages of health and social care.

For more information about telehealth and telecare services, visit www.telecare.org.uk or speak to your GP, social worker or local authority 23

TELECARE & TELEHEALTH SERVICES Examples of Telecare Equipment: These can be carried with you around the home and in your garden (within 50 metres). In an emergency simply press the alarm button and a message is sent directly to the Lifeline Control Centre.

Falls Detector Will sense if you fall and automatically alert us. We will get help to you quickly.

Flood Detector Will alert you and us when a bath or sink is overflowing.

Smoke Detector Will alert you and us if smoke or fire is detected in your home. Your house is safe even when you are not in it.

Exit Alert Will detect and alert us if a door is opened, and can help should a person be at risk of wandering.

Bed Sensor Will alert you and us if a person does not return to their bed. This could indicate a fall has occurred.

Telecare Panic Button This system offers reassurance to anyone at home alone. The pendant is linked into an on site telecare alarm unit. If you are concerned about any situation, you simply need to press the button. If support is required operators will raise an alarm should the incident be critical.

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CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

Choosing Direct Payments

Home care isn’t for everyone but frequent visits from carers and a few home modifications can help you retain your home comforts and independence.

The choice of direct payments is voluntary. If you decide to have direct payments, you can change your mind about this at any time. If you no longer want direct payments, contact your local social services and ask them to arrange services instead.

Receiving care in your home is an increasingly common alternative to staying in hospital or moving into a care home.

Depending on your needs, you can receive help and support that allows you to stay in your own home as long as possible. Not only do you avoid any upheaval and stay in familiar surroundings, it can also be a more economical alternative to residential care.

Direct payments can only be spent on things that will meet the assessed needs of the person getting them. If you spend a direct payment on something that doesn’t meet your needs, social services can recover the money from you.

Carers Direct helpline

Direct Payments

Call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053 if you need help with your caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available to you.

If you are assessed as needing community care services and qualify for social services funding they must offer you direct payments as an option.

If someone isn’t able to manage their own direct payments, it’s possible for another person to manage the direct payments on their behalf.

If you are busy at certain times of day, you can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenient to you. The helpline is open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am to 4pm, at weekends. The helpline is closed on bank holidays. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles within the UK.

Direct payments are part of a move towards ‘personalised’ social care so that people have more choice and control over the support they get, letting you choose and buy the services you need yourself, rather than having it arranged for you by social services.

It’s important to know that if you receive a direct payment to pay a care worker or personal assistant, you become an employer and have legal responsibilities.

Care Provider

Address

Area

Data correct Healthwatch Staffordshire - February 2015

Data correct Healthwatch Staffordshire - May 2015 25

Postcode

Telephone

Serving customers in Cannock & Rugeley Call our professional team on 01543 505262

Our Services

Everything from personal care, early morning/bedtime assistance, medication management, domestic chores, assistance with mobility and companionship from 15 minute visits through to 24 hour live in care to help you stay independent in the comfort of your own home.

Get in touch To talk about how we can help, simply call to speak to a member of our professional & friendly team

Tel: 01543 505262

Email: midstaffs@bluebirdcare.co.uk Suite 6 - 7, Bermar House, Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock WS11 0ET

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk 26

CHOOSING RESIDENTIAL CARE

There are many types of residential care homes available. These include permanent care homes for older people, homes for younger adults with disabilities and homes for children. They may be privately owned or run by the voluntary sector or local authorities. You may want to consider in detail the many options for residential care before you make a decision.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! As a resident in a care home, you should expect:

Choice of accommodation

• The right to be treated politely and with dignity

The law says that where the local authority is funding accommodation it must allow the person entering residential care to choose which care home they would prefer. Social services must first agree that the home is suitable for the person’s needs and that it would not cost more than they would normally pay for a home that would meet those needs. If the person chooses to go into a more expensive home, a relative or friend may be able to ‘top up’ the difference in cost.

• The right to privacy for yourself, and your relatives and friends when they visit • The right to deal with your own finances and spend your money how you choose • The right to eat food that's prepared in line with your faith, and to worship when and where you want to • The right to choose the food that you eat, and to be given the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal

Choosing a care home Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange them independently. It is a good idea to visit several homes before making a choice. Make sure you spend enough time in each home to get a good idea of what it is like.

• The right to choose when you get up in the mornings and go to bed at night • The right to complain if you're unhappy with your care

Respite and short term stays Residential care home stays don’t necessarily have to be permanent. Temporary stays can be arranged for respite care (in which you take a break from caring for somebody else), or as a trial period before a permanent stay.

What your choices are A list of all nursing and residential care homes within your locality can be found on the following pages. Every care home in England must be registered with the national regulatory body Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Temporary stays can give you flexibility when covering unexpected events, such as: • Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness • Support for newly disabled people and their carers • Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care • Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes

They inspect each care home on a regular basis and write an inspection report for you to read. It is advisable to read this report before making a final decision.

To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit www.cqc.org.uk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

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RESIDENTIAL & NURSING CARE

Residential Homes

Address

Area

For every stage and every age of dementia care in the heart of Staffordshire

Nursing Homes

Address

Telephone

01782 254 000 choiceshousing.co.uk Limewood@choiceshousing.co.uk

Area

Data correct Healthwatch Staffordshire - February 2015

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Postcode

Postcode

Telephone

HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH STAFFORDSHIRE PARTNERS

Information and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range of topics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care.

General advice on how to deal with issues with utility companies, telesales calls and doorstep callers, or simply find a tradesperson, is also available. Covers Cannock Chase Penkridge Resource Centre, The Roller Mill, Teddesley Road, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5BD Telephone: 01785 788 477 or 01785 788 499 www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs/ • Email: info@ageuksouthstaffs.org.uk Approach provides specialist support and advice for older people and their carers / families.

Dementia Awareness Sessions - Do you or your family support a person with a diagnosis of Dementia? Would you like more information to assist you in this role?

Free Dementia awareness sessions are available in your local area. The sessions are designed to support you when caring for someone with dementia. The information is delivered in a friendly, easy to understand, sensitive manner and may help you to understand how a person with dementia can live well with the illness.

Cauldon Chambers, 10 Stoke Road, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DP Telephone: 01782 214999 • www.approachstaffordshire.co.uk/ The Carers Association Southern Staffordshire (CASS) supports unpaid carers of any age in southern Staffordshire, who are looking after a friend or relative, who because of disability, illness or the effects of old age, cannot manage at home without help.

CASS is a registered charity, which provides confidential advice, information and emotional support and a range of other services to Carers living in the districts of Cannock Chase, East Staffs, Lichfield, South Staffs, Stafford and Tamworth. All of these services are free of charge.

The Carers Centre, Austen Friars, Stafford, ST17 4AP Advice Line: 01785 606675 • Admin: 01785 222365 www.carersinformation.org.uk • Email: enquiries@carersinformation.org.uk Katharine House provides free hospice care services in Mid Staffordshire for people faced with an illness that cannot be cured. Our aim is to enable our patients and those close to them to live as fully as possible and make the most of the time that’s left.

Weston Road, Stafford, ST16 3SB Telephone: 01785 247 803 • www.khhospice.org.uk Email: care@khhospice.org.uk The Alzheimer’s Society provides information and support to people with dementia and their carers/families across Staffordshire Units 8 & 9, Windsor Business Park, Windsor Court, Trent Valley Road, Lichfield WS13 6EU Telephone: 01543 255955 • Email: wwm@alzheimers.org.uk CHAIN South Staffs is an open service based in Cannock, welcoming anyone within South Staffordshire who is disabled themselves or cares for someone with special educational needs, learning difficulties, mental or physical disabilities, sensory difficulties and additional needs. Units 8 & 9, Windsor 13 Park Road, Norton Canes, Cannock, WS11 9PZ Telephone: 07478 445422 • Email: info@chain-ss.org.uk 29

HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH STAFFORDSHIRE PARTNERS

South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health is a charity within mental health to champion service user involvement and to ensure that people with experience of mental illness have a say in how local services are developed and delivered. They provide up to date and useful information on local services and projects, signposting to services helpful to an individual. They also provide a volunteer programme, helping people to make a difference within their community, and challenge stigma and discrimination of people with experience of mental illness. Individuals can join for free to receive SSN Mental Health newsletter by post or email four times a year.

Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LL www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk • Telephone: 01543 301139 Email: sunetwork@ssnmentalhealth.co.uk The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affected by any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provision across the county.

4 Bracken View, Brocton, Stafford, ST17 0TF www.staffsneurologicalalliance.org.uk Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what is important to them.

Lines are open 9am-5pm Monday – Friday • Telephone: 0808 808 1111 The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. It provides a wide range of services throughout the Staffordshire, West Midlands and the Warwickshire areas.

West Midlands Head Office: Bradbury House, Wheler Road, Seven Stars Estate, Coventry, CV3 4LB Telephone: 02476 304 200 • www.redcross.org.uk/ For Local Support at home, Event first aid, Ambulance support and Providing loans of medical equipment you can also contact.

Red Cross House, 13-14 Parker Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP Telephone: 01785 279840 Macmillan Staffordshire aims to try and improve the lives of people affected by cancer locally. We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care.

Telephone: 0808 808 00 00 • www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx SEND Family Partnership (formerly Parent Partnership) is for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 25, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They offer Information, Advice and Support about Education, Health and Social Care issues.

Telephone: 01785 356921

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HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH STAFFORDSHIRE PARTNERS

The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to make important family decisions. Whether it’s a quick call to check something, or a more detailed discussion to find the right type of childcare.

Staffordshire County Council, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2DH. Telephone: 0300 111 8007 • Email: fis@staffordshire.gov.uk www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/childcare/families/homepage.aspx The Staffordshire Parent Action Network helps parents and carers of disabled children under the age of 18 make a difference to the services offered to them in Staffordshire. We are a group of Staffordshire parents and carers and we want to collect your ideas and opinions. We meet on a monthly basis and also attend the meetings of many service providers where we pass on your comments to assist them in providing better services for disabled children. www.span-info.co.uk Asist provides specialist independent advocacy support focused on one-to-one, issue based advocacy services for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/ or mental health issues.

Asist, Winton House, Stoke Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2RW Telephone: 01782 845584 • Email: enquiries@asist.co.uk OPAAL is the only national UK membership based organisation supporting, promoting and developing the provision of independent advocacy services for older people. It aims • To provide the strategic lead on advocacy with older people • To ensure that older people have access to advocacy • To support the development of new national advocacy projects to meet the needs of older people Telephone: 01782 844036 • Email: Debbie@opaal.org.uk Staffordshire Buddies offers specialist and confidential advocacy, advice, information and support on all aspects of living and being affected by HIV as well as around good sexual health. We also provide the latest local information around services, as well as support and regular updates on HIV, Health and well-being. Staffordshire Buddies main centre is based in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. They also have centres in Lichfield and Burton.

Telephone: 01782 201251 www.staffordshirebuddies.co.uk • Email: ask@staffordshirebuddies.co.uk Citizens Advice Officers provide free confidential, impartial and independent advice.

We can offer help with a range of problems, including debt, benefits, housing, employment, consumer, relationships and discrimination.

The Chase Citizens Advice 48 Allport Road, Cannock, WS11 1DY Telephone: 01543 502 236

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HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH STAFFORDSHIRE PARTNERS

Support Staffordshire (Cannock Chase) provides practical advice, information and support on all aspects of setting up and running voluntary and community groups.

Chase Council for Voluntary Service, Coniston Hall, Cecil Street, Chadsmoor, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 5HG Telephone: 01543 500404 www.chase-cvs.org.uk/ • Email: enquiries@chase-cvs.org.uk The MS Society is the UK’s leading Multiple Sclerosis charity. The Cannock & District branch is one of over 300 MS Society branches run by volunteers working alongside local staff. We offer a range of services including providing equipment, providing information on benefits, helping with funding or simply providing a listening ear. We also raise funds every year to help people affected by MS. Telephone: 01785 714 487 Once a month, in Haughton, Rugeley, Great Wyrley and Cannock a MASE Group is held. The locations have reasonable access by public transport and are in safe locations close to each town. The premises have wheel chair access, accessible toilets, car parking and catering facilities. Every effort is made to make the MASE user-friendly by using suitable visual and audio equipment.

Telephone: 01785 823110 or 01785 211140 www.themasegroup.org/ Staffordshire Cares is an easy way to find information, in one place.

Through a specially developed website, single telephone number and face-to-face contacts across the county, Staffordshire Cares can direct you to hundreds of services and organisations to make your life easier and help you remain independent for longer.

Staffordshire Cares is a partnership between Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-onTrent City Council, members of the public and the private and voluntary sectors, you can be sure that all your options are here, in one place.

Telephone: 0300 111 8010 www.staffordshirecares.info Email: staffordshirecares@staffordshire.gov.uk Healthwatch Staffordshire. Have your say on Health and Social Care.

Suite 2, Opus House, Priestly Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Stafford, ST18 0LQ Telephone: 0800 051 8371 www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk Email: enquiries@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk

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