Healthwatch Leicestershire West

Your local spotlight on Health & Social Care covers services in: LE6 • LE7 • LE9 • LE10 • LE11 • LE12 • LE19 • LE65 • LE67

Health & Social Care Signposting Directory

Covers Services in West Leicestershire

Issue 1

ContentS Contents Healthwatch Leicestershire

1–5

Free NHS Health Check

7–8

Your Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Healthy Living

6

9

Choosing a GP

10

Dentists

12

GP Surgeries

11

Pharmacies

13 – 14

Opticians & Hearing Centres

Advice on Funding for Healthcare

15 – 16

17

Personal Health Budgets

18

Advice on Funding for Social Care Direct Payments

19

20

Independent Living

21 – 22

Care in your own Home

24 – 26

Residential Care Costs

29 – 30

Are you a Carer?

23

Choosing between Residential, Nursing & Independent Living Residential & Nursing Care

27 – 28

31 -32

Help & Advice

33 - 36

Disclaimer This Directory has been compiled to signpost primary health and social care providers throughout West Leicestershire.

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 Leicestershire nor HealthCare Publications can be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

All signposting services are up to date as of December 2014.

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 LeICeSteRSHIRe Helping you get the best out of your local health and social care services

Healthwatch Leicestershire is the patient and public champion for health and social care services within the county.

Our purpose is to give the people of Leicestershire a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided locally.

Tell us your views and experiences of health and social care services you receive such as: • • • • • • • •

GPs and practices Dentists Mental health services Hospitals Social care Community health services Carers services Children and young people services

Join us

Healthwatch Leicestershire members have a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided locally.

We want to know what you like and dislike, what is good and bad

We work on your behalf to ensure your views and experiences are heard by those who run, plan and regulate local health and social care services.

Join us today and be kept up to date with the latest health & social care news, events and consultations.

Sign up online www.healthwatchleicestershire.co.uk/sign-up

We have seats on various health and social care boards in Leicestershire and it is here that we voice the concerns of local people with an aim to influence and improve services locally.

Or complete the membership form and FREEPOST back to us. No Stamp needed.

To find out more visit: www.healthwatchleicestershire.co.uk

FREEPOST LE 5328, Healthwatch Leicestershire, Voluntary Action LeicesterShire, PO BOX 30, Leicester LE1 7ZX

Get in touch: Tel: 0116 2574 999 Email: info@healthwatchleics.co.uk Twitter: @HWLeicShire

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Organisation (if applicable):

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Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone: Address:

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Postcode: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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By becoming a member you agree to complete the Healthwatch Leicestershire Annual Membership Survey.

HeALtHWAtCH LeICeSteRSHIRe Healthwatch Leicestershire’s Board is made up of volunteers from across the county. The Board members represent local people’s views and experiences at important meetings with health and social care leaders.

Healthwatch Leicestershire’s vision and mission focuses our work on what needs to be achieved to improve health and social care services for local people.

Our Vision:

Higher quality and more accessible health and social care services in Leicestershire through public involvement.

Our Mission:

To be an independent, influential consumer champion of health and social care services in Leicestershire where people’s rights and responsibilities in health and social care are understood and delivered.

What powers does Healthwatch Leicestershire have?

Healthwatch Leicestershire can request information from local organisations, commissioners and providers. They then have 20 working days to return the information requested.

The trained members of Healthwatch (staff or volunteers) are authorised to perform ‘Enter & View’. These are powers to enter publicly funded health and social care premises to see and hear consumer experiences about the service and observe how the service is delivered.

We will achieve this by:

• Understanding what matters most to people, especially those least included by always starting with their needs and rights.

• Developing evidence-based local insight to share with local partners and Healthwatch England to inform national insight.

Healthwatch Leicestershire has worked very hard to create partnerships and collaborative relationships with local services and providers, in order to discuss issues openly and effectively.

• Influencing those who have the power to change the design and delivery of services to better meet the needs and rights of users are better.

Find our more about our work on: www.healthwatchleicestershire.co.uk

Healthwatch Leicestershire is one of 148 community-focused local Healthwatch and together we form the Healthwatch England network.

We have the strength of the law and Healthwatch England behind us.

Healthwatch is the first national champion with independent statutory powers to act on behalf of both adults and children.

“I recognise the importance of patients and the public having a voice in the way local health and social care services are provided. As Healthwatch Leicestershire we will champion the voice of local people to health and social care leaders in a bid to influence and improve services for the future”.

Rick Moore

Chair Healthwatch Leicestershire

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Leicestershire

Get InVoLVeD Drop-in and talk to us at a venue near you

Healthwatch Leicestershire Drop-in Sessions are held around the county at various venues such as libraries and community centres. The drop-in sessions are an opportunity for county residents to talk to a Healthwatch Advisor about their health and social care services and find out information on: • Accessing local health and social care services • Care choice options available to local people • How to make a complaint about services

Look out for posters in your local area or visit our website to find out when the next Drop-in session is near you.

Staff and volunteers capturing peoples views at A&E

Become a volunteer

Become an invaluable part of a dynamic team

Healthwatch Leicestershire’s volunteers are at the core of all our work, carrying out many crucial roles. They are vital in listening to the public and patients and representing their views to health and social care leaders and professionals.

Healthwatch Leicestershire is currently recruiting volunteers to become

Enter & View Authorised Representatives.

Healthwatch Leicestershire is seeking volunteers for the following roles:

This is your opportunity to join our team of trained volunteers to conduct Enter & View visits to health and social care premises. These visits are undertaken within a supportive environment and are observations not inspections.

Community Champions make their community a healthier place to live. They do this by attending events to listen to people’s experiences of health and social care services as well as signposting local people to organisations that can support them with their well being.

As an Authorised Representative you will: • collect the views of service users, patients and residents • collect the views of carers and relatives of service users • collect the views of staff

Representatives are members of our working groups that work with health and social care providers to inform solutions to identified issues.

We have working groups for carers, social care, Leicester Hospitals and ambulance services.

Representatives attend meetings and take an active part in the representing local people.

• observe the nature and quality of services • collate evidence-based feedback

Enter & View Authorised Representatives enter health and social care premises to observe the nature and quality of services being provided.

They undertake training to be able to conduct the visits effectively.

Interested? To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Healthwatch Leicestershire, get in touch: Tel: 0116 2574 999 Email: info@healthwatchleics.co.uk Twitter: @HWLeicShire www.healthwatchleicestershire.co.uk

This is a chance to meet new people, gain new insights into health & social care services and develop your skills.

For details of how to apply to become an Authorised Representative

Contact us on: 0116 2574 999 or email: info@healthwatchleics.co.uk 3

YouR VoICe CountS The Healthwatch Leicestershire team tour the county listening to residents about their views and experiences of local health and social care services.

Here are some of the views of local people about the services within their district of Leicestershire.

Hinckley • A walk in centre in the area would be useful • There is an imbalance between mental health services and physical health services • More out of hours GP appointments to be available

Harborough • More health visitors for babies • Being able to get a GP appointment on the day that you call • Better school education on healthy eating and dinners

Do you have a question for health and social care Chief Executives?

Melton • Long waiting time to see a dentist • Melton hospital should be used for more services • GP appointments to be more accessible especially to see your own doctor

Healthwatch Leicestershire are giving you the opportunity to submit a question to be asked to health and social care Chief Executives in meetings that take place every three months.

Loughborough • I dislike repeating my case history to different hospital staff • I attend the walk in centre because I can not get a GP appointment • I never see the same midwife twice

Your question could be about: • Services at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Glenfield Hospital or Leicester General Hospital • Mental health services • Emergency ambulance services • Social services received from Leicestershire County Council • Any other health service received at home or in the community

Oadby & Wigston • The hospital complaints system should be easier • I am struggling to get an appointment with an NHS dentist • Social services need to provide a consistent standard when delivering services

These meetings are a way for you to get a response from the people who make decisions about local health and social care services.

The My Voice Counts Tour Report details all the views of local people and has been shared with health and social care organisations. It is available to read at

Separate meetings will be held with the Chief Executives of University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicestershire Partnership Trust, Leicestershire County Council and East Midlands Ambulance Service.

To submit your question: Call: 0116 2574 999 Email: info@healthwatchleics.co.uk Visit: www.healthwatchleicestershire.co.uk

www.healthwatchleicester.co.uk

The Healthwatch Leicestershire Team will be on the road again over the winter and spring, check out our website for details of when we are at an event near you.

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You can read all past questions and answers sessions with Chief Executives on our website.

LookInG AHeAD Over the coming months Healthwatch Leicestershire will continue to be out in the communities of Leicestershire listening to local people’s views and experiences of health and social care services.

We are going to be visiting: • Universities and colleges to listen to young people • Social and community groups to listen to services users • A&E at Leicester Royal Infirmary to listen to patients • Libraries and community centres to listen to the general public

We are also holding: • Winter Wellbeing Fairs in Loughborough and Harborough to hear local peoples views and experiences of health and social care services • A Celebratory Event in the spring, this is an opportunity to the public, members and stakeholders to hear about the work of Healthwatch Leicestershire and our achievements during 2014/15

Check our website for full details for all the above activity: www.healthwatchleicestershire.co.uk

Better Care Together – transforming local health and social care

Better Care Together (BCT) is the biggest ever review of health and social care in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. BCT is a partnership of local NHS organisations and councils. It is driven by a shared recognition that major changes are needed to ensure services can continue to meet the needs of local people.

The programme is looking at a number of crucial areas:

• urgent care (including A&E) • long term conditions (such as diabetes and respiratory diseases) • frail older people • maternity and newborns • children’s services • learning disabilities • planned care • mental health provision

Why change anything?

We are living longer and when we need care the most, we have more complex needs – this is putting strain on health and social care services. As more and more people age and have increasing needs, we need to ensure that we plan for the future now to make sure people have access to high quality services in the future.

What will it mean for me as a service user or patient?

By working together in partnership, all the health and social care systems will be easier to navigate through.

There will be less reliance on hospital admissions, earlier prevention and more care in your community. When people need it most, there will be specialised acute services, better access to urgent care and more support for frail and elderly people, for example.

Isn’t this all a ‘done deal’?

By no means – everyone working on the plan has already listened to service users and patients, as well as the staff delivering care, but there is still time to make sure your voice is heard. Many service changes will involve better ways of working and some may require formal consultation before changes are made. In both cases, everyone has the chance to have their say.

Express and opinion or to have a say about BCT either email: bct@eastleicestershireandrutlandccg.nhs.uk or contact: Healthwatch Leicestershire Tel: 0116 2574 999 Email: info@healthwatchleics.co.uk www.healthwatchleicestershire.co.uk Learn more about BCT visit: www.bettercareleicester.nhs.uk 5

YouR CLInICAL CoMMISSIonInG GRouP (CCG) Who are we?

How are we run?

West Leicestershire CCG is the clinically-led local NHS organisation covering North West Leicestershire, Charnwood and Hinckley and Bosworth.

We are an NHS organisation which is clinically-led by a Board that is made up of local GPs, specialist clinicians, a nurse, a practice manager and three local residents. The board is supported by a team of experienced NHS professionals.

We are responsible for planning and buying local health services for all our 366,000 residents, including hospital, ambulance, community nursing (for example district nursing), mental health and learning disability services, and services provided by voluntary sector organisations.

Our goals:

We are committed to continually improve the: • health and well-being of our local population • quality of our local health services, and • way in which our NHS resources (staff, equipment and buildings) are used

We have a membership of family doctors (otherwise known as general practitioners or GPs) from 50 GP practices, who with their practice teams ensure that our £364 million budget is spent as wisely as possible, and that the best quality local health services are available for our population.

The big things we are going to do in 2014/15 and 2015/16

We have a number of challenges ahead not least the needs of our local population, provider performance, quality and financial issues, but we are clear that we want to step up our plans, ambition and pace, in order to meet the scale of these challenges.

The CCG knows that it can not work alone and that partnerships are vitally important. We work very closely with other CCGs, all our providers and a wide range of other stakeholders including Healthwatch, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

Local views and suggestions have helped us to decide which priority areas we need to focus on to improve the health and lives of local people.

We have set out eight priority Programmes which we intend and need to take to meet our local challenges. For anyone wishing to find out in detail the work that we will undertake in each of these programme areas, you can read our Operational Plan 2014/15 and 2015/16 which is available on our website: www.westleicestershireccg.nhs.uk

We have developed methods of listening, engaging and involving patients and the public to ensure experiences have been acted upon and influenced our commissioning decisions. Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) are just one example and now active in the majority of our practices who are brought together through a PPG network which meets regularly.

Contact us

If you would like to get in touch with us you can do so in a number of ways:

We want to create a local NHS that listens to patients, carers and their family’s needs and supports the skills and expertise of clinical staff to help shape their experience to make a positive difference in West Leicestershire. More than at any other time patients have a chance of shaping the way health services are delivered and transformed and our CCG and GP members are committed to an open and honest dialogue with the local community to ensure that services are patient centred and patients feel empowered to shape services and the care they receive.

Write to us at the address below: Corporate Affairs West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group 55 Woodgate Loughborough LE11 2TZ Contact us on the following telephone number: 01509 567700 Email us at: enquiries@westleicestershireccg.nhs.uk

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FRee nHS HeALtH CHeCk Who is it for?

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.

The NHS Health Check scheme is available across Leicestershire.

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.

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

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.

These are:

• Being overweight

• Being physically inactive • Not eating healthily • 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.

• In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke

• In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia

• The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack

• Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes

• If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke

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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?

But don’t these conditions run in the family?

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

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

What happens after the check?

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

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

• 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

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 given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle

Will everyone have this check?

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 disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia 8

HeALtHY LIVInG The choices we make about how we live can have a significant effect on our health. Eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise, not smoking and not drinking too much alcohol can help you stay well and enjoy a long life.

Get active, feel fitter, live longer

Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life.

Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Young people (5-18) should do 60 minutes every day.

Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if you are living with a long-term condition, but it will make a big difference to your wellbeing. If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, losing weight, eating healthily, drinking a little less alcohol, or doing more exercise, there’s plenty of help and support available.

If you do this, it can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

Rethink your drinking

Drinking too much alcohol could increase your risk of getting 14 major diseases, including mouth and throat cancers, liver cirrhosis, strokes and mental health problems.

Talking to your GP and other healthcare workers, including pharmacists, is the first step. They’ll help you look at your lifestyle and suggest changes that are suitable for your condition and any treatment you’re having. Your health or care worker can also let you know about local services that can help you.

Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as 22,000 premature deaths in England and Wales every year. But it’s not just binge drinkers who are at risk: regularly drinking more than the recommended limit can cause significant health problems.

For example, if you want to start exercising but you're unsure how to, your GP can put you on the Exercise on Referral scheme. These schemes are run with local gyms and fitness centres and can include swimming. Ask at your GP practice for more information.

Your GP can also help you if you want to stop smoking, for instance by enrolling you in a clinic where you’ll get support from other people who are also trying to stop. Nicotine replacement therapy and other stop smoking treatments provided by your GP can also help you resist cravings and boost your chances of quitting successfully.

You're never too young or too old to switch to a healthier lifestyle. Children who learn healthy habits at a young age will benefit from them throughout their life. And giving up bad habits can improve your health at any age.

Stop Smoking for good

Giving up smoking is probably the best thing you can do to improve your health. Research shows that smoking is responsible for almost one in five of all deaths in the UK. This means that smoking causes an estimated 110,000 deaths a year.

Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack as people who have never smoked. Smoking also increases your risk of developing many cancers and lung disease.

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CHooSInG A GP Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task, especially if you have just moved into an area and don't know anything about the local health services. But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you.

It's important to be registered with a doctor because you'll need them to refer you for specialist hospital and community treatment services.

A surgery may refuse an application to join its list of patients if:

You don't reside in the surgery area.

It has formally closed its list of patients, eg when a practice has more patients than it can deal with or not enough doctors - this is less common than it used to be.

If your application is refused, the surgery must write to you and give the reasons for this.

How do I find a surgery?

Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchment area system, and only those who live within the area may be able to register.

This isn't to be awkward, but ensures a GP can visit a person at home in an emergency in reasonable time.

What if I have a complaint or concern about my GP or Practice?

How do I register?

This is straightforward and far easier than most people realise. Simply take your NHS medical card along to your chosen surgery. You will then be asked to sign a registration form.

First raise it with the staff member concerned or the Practice Manager.

It may just be an issue of poor communication.

Ask at your practice for a copy of their Complaints process to follow.

Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards. If you don't have one, the receptionist will give you form GMS1 to fill in.

If you are not happy with how they respond to your concerns then you can write to NHS England and they will allocate someone to look into your complaint.

Once you've completed and returned the forms, your local NHS will transfer your medical records to your new surgery and write to you to confirm your registration as a patient with the surgery.

Many surgeries ask a new patient to attend a ‘registration medical’ that checks your general health.

Write to NHS England PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT. Tel: 0300 311 22 33 Email: england.contactus@nhs.net

What if I can’t get an appointment?

If you can't get a doctor's appointment or have a non-urgent health problem or query, you can contact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time.

If you want to help improve services in your GP practice you can join a Patient Participation Group.

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Ask at the practice for details of how to join yours.

GP SuRGeRIeS Surgery

Address

Area

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DentIStS Dentist

Address

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PHARMACIeS If you have the symptoms of a cough, cold, or think you’ve got the flu a pharmacist is the best place to go, as they can usually provide you with the help and information you need on the spot.

They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking.

For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit www.nhs.uk

Pharmacy / Chemist

Address

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PHARMACIeS Make sure you have repeat prescriptions

If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last i.e. weekends, Bank holidays and breaks away.

Many of the calls to out of hours health services are for emergency repeat prescriptions when people have run out of their medication - a situation that could be avoided with some forethought and planning. By thinking ahead for your regular medication you are helping our busy out of hour’s doctors and nurses.

Pharmacy / Chemist

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oPtICIAnS & HeARInG CentReS Opticians

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Hearing Centres

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Regular eye tests are important because your eyes don't usually hurt when something is wrong. A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes that can pick up early signs of eye|conditions before you're aware of any symptoms – many of which can be treated if found early enough.

What your eye test will show

A sight test will show if you need to get glasses for the first time or change your current glasses.

A sight test will also include a general health check that can pick up early signs of eye disease before you’re aware of any symptoms. Some health conditions can affect the eyes such as:

Diabetes, Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma

Your Sight Test

It’s recommended that adults have their eyes tested every two years, unless their ophthalmic practitioner advises them to have a sight test more often than that.Your employer may pay for this test for you so ask for advice on this, and if you are over 60 your test is free of charge.

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ADVICe on FunDInG FoR HeALtHCARe There are several options for funding care and understanding them, and which ones apply to you can be complicated. These options depend on your need for care and support, as well as your personal and financial circumstances.

The main sources of support are the NHS and your local Social Services department, depending on your circumstances.

NHS care

The NHS is responsible for funding certain types of healthcare and equipment you may need. In some situations, the NHS is also responsible for meeting care needs. This is usually when someone’s need is mainly for healthcare rather than social care. NHS care could be provided in hospital but it can also be in someone’s own home or elsewhere in the community.

When care is provided through the NHS there is no financial assessment and no care charges to pay.

However, people are only eligible for NHS care in certain circumstances.

NHS continuing healthcare

If the person you care for has very severe and complex health needs, they may qualify for NHS continuing healthcare. This is an ongoing package of care that’s fully funded by the NHS.

Nursing care

If someone goes into a residential care home but needs some element of nursing care, they’ll get a payment from the NHS to help pay for their nursing care. This is called a registered nursing care contribution (RNCC).

Intermediate care

Some people can be eligible for intermediate care from the NHS. This is provided on a short-term basis and is intended to help people recover from an injury or illness and stay independent.

Intermediate care is often provided to elderly people who are being discharged from hospital, and may help someone to keep living in their own home rather than moving into a care home.

Aftercare

People who were previously detained in hospital under certain sections of the Mental Health Act will have their aftercare services provided free.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

Key points

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

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.

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

Who can have a personal health budget?

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

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 NHSfunded long-term health and personal care provided outside hospital.

• 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.

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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ADVICe on FunDInG FoR SoCIAL CARe If someone isn’t eligible for free care from the NHS, their main source of support will be social services. In this case, there are rules that determine whether or not they have to make a financial contribution. These rules vary depending on whether the care is provided in a care home or in their own home.

Local authority community care

If you or the person you're looking after has difficulty with their personal care, they should consider getting support from social services by having a community care assessment of their needs. Your income (including any benefits) and capital will be taken into account when calculating whether you have to pay anything towards the care that you or they will receive.In some cases a person may have a mixed package of care, including some that is NHS-funded and some that is provided by social services, for which they may be charged. Normally, an assessment is carried out before a service can be provided by the social services department of a local authority. However, if the services are needed urgently, the local authority can provide a service without carrying out the assessment. The local authority uses the community care assessment to decide whether a person needs a community care service and, if they do, whether it can be provided by the local authority. The assessment considers what types of services are needed by the person being assessed.

A wide range of services could be needed, from aids and adaptations in the person's own home to care workers or residential care. Where there are disputes about the process of the assessment or the care plan, there are ways that decisions can be challenged. For more information on challenging decisions, speak to your local Healthwatch team. The local authority is obliged to carry out a community care assessment when they become aware that someone may be in need of community care services. This may mean that an assessment is offered even if you or the person you look after have not specifically requested one.

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DIReCt PAYMentS Direct payments

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.

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.

To contact your Local Authority Department for an assessment, to be re-assessed or for further information please call:

Direct payments can be made to: • Disabled people aged 16 or over (with short or long-term needs)

Social Care Services Leicestershire County Council

• Disabled parents for children’s services

• Carers aged 16 or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child)

For Adult Social Care, Customer Services is the first point of contact for most enquiries.

Tel: 0116 305 0004

• Elderly people who need community care services

For Children’s Social Care, the First Response Children’s Duty is the first point of contact for most enquiries. Phone: 0116 305 0005 or email: childrensduty@leics.gov.uk

Choosing direct payments

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.

Leicester City Council Adult social care

It's possible to try direct payments by asking social services for a direct payment for some of your support while you continue to get your other support directly from social services.

Tel: 0116 454 1004

Lines are open Monday to Thursday 8.30am-5pm Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

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.

For emergencies only, outside of office hours and at weekends and bank holidays, telephone 0116 255 1606.

Duty and Assessment Children and Young People's Service 1 Grey Friars, Leicester, LE1 5PH

Everyone who gets support from social services should have their needs reassessed at least once a year.

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Tel: 0116 454 1004 Mon-Thur 8.30am-5pm, Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm Emergencies: 0116 454 1004 (outside office hours only, at weekends, etc)

InDePenDent LIVInG Around one in five adults in the UK is disabled, and more than 1 million of those live alone. With the right support and facilities, leading an independent life with a physical or learning disability is now more achievable than ever.

Suggestions for making life easy: External Adaptations

• Handrail at front or rear entrance of dwelling • Provision of whirly clothes line or path leading to clothes line • Widening of paths around the property • Defining steps for people with visual impairments • Outdoor lighting • Paved areas for wheelchairs

Aids and Adaptations

If you or a member of your family has difficulty living in your home due to a long-term illness or disability, you may be able to get help by adapting your home to better meet your needs. You can apply to your local council for a disabled facilities grant. The grant helps you adapt your home to make it suitable for a disabled person. Depending on your income, you may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property.

General Internal Adaptations

• • • •

You could get a grant from your council if you are disabled and need to make changes to your home, for example to:

• • • • • • •

• Widen doors and install ramps

• Improve access to rooms and facilities - eg stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom • Provide a heating system suitable for your needs

Additional stair rail Changing door knobs to lever handles Lowering of Yale locks Re-siting of electrical sockets at a convenient level Additional power points Provision of intercom & door unlock systems Provision of rocker light switches Adjustments to or additional lighting Relocation of clothes hanging rails Accessible window openings Provision of letter cages or delivery shelves in entrance hall

Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Lowering or replacement of high wall hung cupboards • Additional storage space in kitchen • Lowering of cooker mains switch • Installation of extractor fan with accessible controls • Level access shower • Overbath shower • Provision of non-slip/tactile surface • Provision of storage space for wheelchair • Ramps • Special baths • Special toilets • Step in shower • Widening doors for wheelchair access

• Adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

How can I find out more about the aids and adaptations that would help me?

Contact your social services department about what difficulties you are having at home. They will send an occupational therapist to carry out an assessment and provide advice on which equipment or housing adaptation needs suit you best.

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ARe You A CAReR? A carer is anybody who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty or disability. All the care they give is unpaid and about one in ten of us is a carer. Many carers don't see themselves as carers and it takes carers an average of two years to acknowledge their role as a carer.

Get help finding the right health and social care services

It can be difficult for carers to see their caring role as separate from the relationship they have with the person they care for, whether they are a parent, son, daughter, sibling or friend and many people do not see themselves as carers. They simply may think of themselves as a friend or family of the person they care for.

I want to know the care options for my elderly parents

I couldn’t sign up with my GP of choice

It is because of this that they often don’t realise that there is help available to them as well, such as how to get: • Assessments • Direct payments • Home care • Housing adaptations • Funding for short breaks or respite

0116 2574 999

Healthwatch Helpline Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm info@healthwatchleics.co.uk

Some carers can suffer from poor health because of the demands of their caring role. For example, back pain can result from lifting or moving the person being cared for. It may also be difficult to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine while caring.

Without the right support, being a carer can be an extremely stressful role.

• Ask for help: We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception. Help is out there, you only need to ask!

• Know your rights: It sounds simple, but knowing what you’re entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal.

• Tell your GP: Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer.

• Have an assessment: This can sound a little daunting at first, but ensuring that you and the person you care for, get an assessment of your and their needs. Your local authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support.

• Be a little selfish! We all need time to ourselves, but it’s particularly important for carers. This could be as simple as setting some ‘me’ time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out.

What diabetes support services are in my area?

In Leicestershire there are over 105,000 family carers and we help over 3,000 carers per year.

As a highly valued organisation we receive many referrals from GPs, social workers, health professionals, police and other charitable organisations. We offer a range of free services to help both practically and emotionally.

We are a Leicestershire based charity and dedicated to supporting family carers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and work with a diverse population with differing needs.

By giving family carers ongoing dedicated support we can help them cope with their situations within their own homes. Our work makes a huge difference to carers struggling to cope with disabled and critically ill loved ones.

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CLASP The Carers Centre Unit 19, 4th Floor, Matrix House, Constitution Hill Leicester LE1 1PL Tel: 0116 251 0999 Email: enquiries@claspthecarerscentre.org.uk Web: www.claspthecarerscentre.org.uk

CARe In YouR oWn HoMe 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.

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.

What home care services are available?

• Regular visits from home care workers to help with daily tasks and personal care • Meals delivered to your home • Equipment and home modifications to help with mobility and accessibility, such as getting in and out of the bath, and getting up and down stairs • Personal fall and panic alarms that are monitored around the clock • Support for health needs, such as incontinence • Day care and transport to take you there • Gardening and handyman services

Organising your own home care

If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies you approach the following questions

If you only need a few hours help a day and your house can be adapted to your needs, care at home may be the most practical and cost-effective solution.

• Are there different rates for weekends/evenings?

• Are there any extra charges i.e. for the carer's travelling expenses?

How much you have to pay will depend on:

• What sort of services do you provide?

• Your health and mobility • What level of help and support you require • The value of your assets

• If you provide me with a service, can I contact you out of office hours? If so, how?

• Are your carers trained? Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission?

Your local authority may pay some or all the costs, but you might also have to pay for all the services yourself.

To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare visit www.cqc.org.uk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone.

Make sure you claim all the benefits you’re entitled to – Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance (or Personal Independence Payment) are the most common.

A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who are located in West Leicestershire can be found on the following page.

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CARe In YouR oWn HoMe Carers Direct helpline

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 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. Care Provider

Address

Area

25

Postcode

Telephone

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CHooSInG BetWeen ReSIDentIAL, Choosing between residential care and independent living

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.

Social services normally encourage younger adults who they assess for support to be as independent as their circumstances allow. The care plan for adults with disabilities will consider what independent tasks they can carry out and how they can be helped to achieve more. Even if adults have very severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time to time to check whether residential care or a very high level of support is still appropriate.Supported living may be an option for younger adults. This allows people to live independently in the community but with basic support. The support offered includes help with setting up a home and managing finances, and assistance with cleaning and shopping.

Older people

Care homes for older people may provide personal care or nursing care. A care home which is registered to provide personal care will offer support, ensuring that basic personal needs, such as meals, bathing, going to the toilet and medication, are taken care of. In some homes more able residents have greater independence and take care of many of their own needs.Some residents may need medical care and some care homes are registered to provide this. These are often referred to as nursing homes. Some homes specialise in certain types of disability, for example, dementia.

For older people there are various alternatives to residential care. These include sheltered housing and extra care housing schemes, which offer independence with an increased level of care and support.

Adults aged 18-65

For many people there is also the choice of living independently at home with community care support.

There are also residential care homes that provide care and support for younger adults with, for example, severe physical disabilities, learning disabilities, acquired brain injury, progressive neurological conditions or mental health problems.

Care can be provided for adults with more than one condition and some homes have expertise in providing care for adults with alcohol or drug dependency.

These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for a temporary period until the adult is able to live independently or move to a different type of accommodation.

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nuRSInG & InDePenDent LIVInG Choice of accommodation

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.

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.

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.

Temporary stays can give you flexibility when covering unexpected events, such as:

What your choices are

• 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

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).

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 CARe CoStS Get personal advice on care funding

In some cases the residential care needed by the person you're looking after may be paid for by the NHS under the NHS continuing care scheme. The care may also be provided free of charge because it is 'intermediate care'. It may be free because the person you're looking after has previously been a mental health inpatient. If this is the case, the services are funded under the Mental Health Act.

The cost of care and support is likely to be a longterm commitment and may be substantial, particularly if you opt for residential care. If you or a member of the family need to pay for care in a care home, it’s important to seek advice tailored to your individual needs.

The cost of your care will vary depending on its type, intensity, specialisation, location and duration. For example, a place in a residential care home will cost hundreds of pounds a week.

Decisions that have such financial implications should be made with advice and only after considering the costs of alternatives.

Residential care is also free if the local authority could charge but decides not to do so. This can occur if the stay in residential care is only temporary (normally less than eight weeks), or if the residential care is for a child. If none of the above applies, the person you're looking after will be given a financial assessment. This is also known as a means-tested assessment. They will be required to give information about their income and capital. There are rules that determine how income and capital are treated. Some types, including benefits, can be disregarded. The financial assessment will work out how much the person you're looking after will be expected to contribute towards the cost of their care home fees.

For example, the cost of a care home needs to be weighed against the cost of care and support that may help you remain in your existing accommodation.

The costs of long-term care can be significant and how you may wish to arrange to pay for it is a big financial decision for most people. Cost can vary across the country and different care homes will charge different amounts based on the level of care needs, the quality of the accommodation, or the area of England it is in.

Owning Property

There are rules that explain how the property of the person you're looking after will be taken into account In some cases it can be disregarded, this is the case if a partner is still living in the property.

Few of us will have the income or ready access to the cash to pay for their ongoing care needs. Often people find that they need to sell or remortgage their home to pay for care or enter into an equity release scheme. Before taking such significant financial steps it is advisable to get proper independent financial advice. For advice on selffunding care, visit the Money Advice Service or the Society of Later Life Advisers. You may also have previously arranged an investment or insurance plan to fund your care. Again, it is worth taking independent advice on these potentially significant financial arrangements.

The capital limit for residential care is ÂŁ23,250.

Local authorities will investigate if they believe that the person you're looking after has deliberately reduced their capital to avoid paying care home fees. There is a scheme called the deferred payment scheme which allows someone who goes into care to keep their property and still get help from the local authority with paying care home fees. The local authority recovers the fees from the proceeds when the property is sold. This scheme can also be used if there is a delay in selling a property.

Find out more about paying for care on the websites of:

Self-funders

After the means-tested assessment, the person you're looking after may receive a decision that they will have to pay their own care home fees.

People paying their own fees are referred to as self-funders. Self-funders will still receive advice about the arrangements for residential care. Once a self-funder's capital reaches ÂŁ23,250 the local authority is responsible for helping out with the care home fees. This will require another assessment.

www.ageuk.org.uk www.carersuk.org

www.findmegoodcare.co.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 29

www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

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ReSIDentIAL & nuRSInG CARe Residential Homes

Address

Area

31

Postcode

Telephone

Residential Homes

Nursing Homes

Address

Area

Address

Postcode

Area

32

Postcode

Telephone

Telephone

HeLP & ADVICe Trade Sexual Health is a health charity that provides free, confidential advice, information and support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.

We provide a range of services around health, safer-sex, STI & HIV testing, counselling and 1-2-1 support, a variety of social and support groups and volunteering opportunities.

Trade Sexual Health, 15 Wellington St, Leicester, LE1 6HH Tel: 0116 254 1747 • www.tradesexualhealth.com

LAMP provides community and independent mental health advocacy to people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland including carers, older people and peer advocacy.

LAMP provides quality mental health information, produces a Mental Health Services Directory and manages the Community Mental Health website. It holds the Information Standard and Advice Quality Standard.

Tel: 0116 2556286 • Email: lamp@lampdirect.org.uk • www.lampdirect.org.uk Had a stroke? Know someone who has? We’re here every step of the way with a range of ‘life after stroke services’ that can help you cope with the aftermath of a stroke and support you as you work towards rebuilding your life.

Call the Stroke Association Help line for general advice/information on 0303 3033 100.

Or contact the Leicester coordinators to find out what Stoke support is available locally.

Jenny King: 07717 275710 Email: Jennifer.king@stroke.org.uk

Dolores Watters: 0116 2603030 or 07538 795269 Email: Dolores.watters@stroke.org.uk

LASS provide support, information and advocacy to people living with and affected

by HIV in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We provide free instant HIV testing in community venues and also training and awareness raising on HIV. We empower people who are affected to live safe and fulfilling lives.

Michael Wood Centre, 53 Regent Rd, Leicester LE1 6YF Tel: 0116 255 9995 www.lass.org.uk

Dementia Adventure CIC and the Dementia Adventure Trust specialise in connecting people living with dementia with nature and a sense of adventure.

We are a national organisation based in Essex, but work in partnership with local organisations. We provide information, training, research, and consultancy services, as well as nature-based activities from park walks to sailing holidays - all with nature in mind.

For information on projects in Leicestershire Tel: 01245 230661 Email: info@dementiaadventure.co.uk www.dementiaadventure.co.uk 33

HeLP & ADVICe Leicester LGBT Centre provides a range of specific services to the LGBT communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This includes counselling, advice and information.

A number of support groups operate from the centre including Butterflys (Trans Support), Brotherhood (Trans Male Group), 1st Out Youth Group for 13 to 19 yrs, Allsorts 18 to 26yrs, Gray Pride for 50 plus individuals. Drop in cafe and bookshop plus the history museum.

Leicester LGBT Centre, 15 Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HH Tel: 0116 2547412 • www.leicesterlgbtcentre.org

Vista is an independent charity dedicated to improving lives for people with sight loss. Vista provides vital support and services to almost 6,000 blind and partially sighted people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, from rehabilitation, social groups, befriending and residential services through to a dedicated store and helpline.

Contact our helpline on: 0116 249 8839 Email: info@vistablind.org.uk www.vistablind.org.uk

Action on Hearing Loss provides support to deaf and/or deafblind people with a wide range of needs including physical disabilities, learning difficulties and mental illness.

Our staff support people to be as independent as possible with all aspects of daily life such as making healthy lifestyle choices, managing your medicines to cooking, budgeting, learning new skills and getting involved in your local community.

For more information, to make a referral or arrange an appointment to discuss the support you, or someone you know.

Tel/Text: 01225 485761 Email: referrals@hearingloss.org.uk Or fill in our online enquiry form at: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/careandsupport

Network for Change is an award winning local voluntary sector organisation with over 25 years experience of providing specialist mental health services across Leicester and Leicestershire. Our services include Supported Housing, Floating Support, Community Outreach and Resource Centre groups and activities".

Please contact us to find out more about what we can offer or visit our website for more information.

Gabby Briner CEO - 0116 2470335 Email: gabby@networkforchange.org.uk www.networkforchange.org.uk

VAL Online Directory lists over 2000 voluntary and community groups that are working to improve people lives in Leicestershire.

If you are looking for support groups for any health or social care issue you may have visit VAL online directory. www.valdirectory.org.uk

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HeLP & ADVICe New Dawn Family Support Service provides counselling and support in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland for individuals and families where there may be a child, young person or adult in the family who has a life-limiting, lifethreatening or life-long condition. Contact us and we will see how we can help.

New Dawn Family Support Service, Woodgate Chambers, 70 Woodgate Loughborough, LE11 2TZ Tel: 0116 287 7335 or 07887 750 890 Email: newdawnfamilyss@btinternet.com www.newdawnfamilysupportservice.org

Barnardo’s CareFree Young Carers’ Service supports young carers aged 18 and under and their families living in Leicester and Leicestershire.

We offer: • Whole family assessments and support packages • Service co-ordination

Advocacy: • One to one work • Support with education/employment/training • Inclusion work • Group work • Grants

Tel: 0116 286 7182 www.barnardos.org.uk/carefree

Worth-It are providers of positive psychology coaching, personal development interventions that specialise in the promotion and protection of mental wellbeing. We help at risk young people aged 13-25 yrs through supporting them to develop positive emotions and make positive changes. This way of working develops mental wellbeing through building confidence, self-awareness and resilience.

Tel: 01530 835155 Email: info@worth-itprojects.co.uk www.worth-itprojects.co.uk

Soft Touch Arts has been creating brighter futures for disadvantage children aged 5 to 25 for 26 years.

We run a wide range of projects for children who lack opportunities or have challenging lives. Each project targets different community needs, ages and abilities but all our use some kind of creativity: art, music, design, film, fashion, photography, cooking, drama.

The arts we use facilitate the development of creative, social and employability skills that gives children happier, healthier and more productive lives.

Tel: 0116 270 2706 Email: info@soft-touch.org.uk www.soft-touch.org.uk facebook.com/softtoucharts 35

HeLP & ADVICe Rainbows provide short breaks, symptom control and end of life care for children and young people from birth to 30 years of age with life limiting, or lifethreatening conditions. We offer residential or day care, including medical care, therapies, and specialist play activities, family support services and out-patient facilities.

For more information or to speak to a member of the Family Support Team call 01509 638000 www.rainbows.co.uk

VAL is a charity that gets people into volunteering and helps community groups and organsiations to thrive.

We run the Volunteer Centre for Leicester and Leicestershire so individuals can find the right volunteering opportunities for them

We provide support and information for voluntary and community organisations so that they can carry out their work.

To find out more contact: 0116 258 0666 Email: helpline@valonline.org.uk www.valonline.org.uk

ADHD Solutions is a Not for Profit charitable company that supports children, young people and adults diagnosed or suspected of having ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), their families and anyone that works with them. We deliver varied and quality services that support and empower our clients, allowing them to take control of their situation and develop positive strategies.

ADHD Solutions CIC, St Gabriel’s Community Centre, Kerrysdale Avenue, Rushey Mead, Leicester, LE4 7GH Tel: 0116 261 0711 Email: info@adhdsolutions.org www.adhdsolutions.org

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