Refer yourself Staff are available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday for signposting, information, carers cards, statutory carers assessments and emergency plans. Click the little purple arrow to the right for our short self-referral form. Expand Carers in Southampton accepts referrals for carers of adults and children but can only provide carers assessments for carers of adults over 18 with additional support needs (disabled/ill/elderly) who live in the local area served by Southampton City Council. If there are young carers in the household please also make your referral to the Young Carers service. Before you refer, please note that we do NOT provide respite, professional carers, home visits or provide crisis intervention. Staff are available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday for referrals, carers assessments, carers cards, emergency planning and carer guidance. Information about carers assessments can be found here. To receive support from our service please click: Get help from Carers in Southampton
Refer a Carer We are open to referrals of adult unpaid carers for support, information, carers cards, emergency plans and statutory carers assessments. Expand Complete and submit an online referral form To refer a carer to our service please click the link above to complete the form with the full consent of the carer, and submit it to Carers in Southampton. Carers in Southampton accepts referrals for carers of adults and children but can only provide carers assessments for carers of adults over 18 with additional support needs (disabled/ill/elderly) who live in the local area served by Southampton City Council. If there are young carers in the household please also make your referral to the Young Carers service. Before you refer, please note that we do NOT provide respite, professional carers, home visits, benefits or legal advice or provide crisis intervention.
Advice from the NHS Symptoms and what to do, GP Online Services, NHS Online Free Fitness Studios, NHS Covid information in 32 languages Expand If you (any age) are caring for an adult (18+) and are affected or needing to self isolate and you have no other additional social care you can contactSouthampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care Find advice and guidance using the links below Below see clickable links to latest news from government, charities, information on benefits, food delivery and other services including free online movies, museums and theatre shows. Scroll down the page to see everything. NHS Symptoms and what to do GP Online Services NHS Online Free Fitness Studios NHS Covid information in 32 languages
Advice from Public Health England Information on staying at home and key health messages Expand If you (any age) are caring for an adult (18+) and are affected or needing to self isolate and you have no other additional social care you can contactSouthampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care Find advice and guidance using the links below Below see clickable links to latest news from government, charities, information on benefits, food delivery and other services including free online movies, museums and theatre shows. Scroll down the page to see everything. Public Health England Stay at home guidance Information for the public
Advice from Carer Organisations From Carers UK and Carers Trust: Coronavirus guidance, Further support, Joint statement on Covid-19 Expand If you (any age) are caring for an adult (18+) and are affected or needing to self isolate and you have no other additional social care you can contactSouthampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care Find advice and guidance using the links below Below see clickable links to latest news from government, charities, information on benefits, food delivery and other services including free online movies, museums and theatre shows. Scroll down the page to see everything. Carer Organisations Coronavirus guidance Further support Joint statement on Covid-19 Advice on accessing prescriptions and pharmacies
Helpful information from the BBC Handwashing video, Looking after older relatives, How to protect yourself, Can I MOT my car? and other FAQs Expand If you (any age) are caring for an adult (18+) and are affected or needing to self isolate and you have no other additional social care you can contactSouthampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care Find advice and guidance using the links below Below see clickable links to latest news from government, charities, information on benefits, food delivery and other services including free online movies, museums and theatre shows. Scroll down the page to see everything. Handwashing video Looking after older relatives How to protect yourself Can I MOT my car? and other FAQs
Information about benefits changes in response to Covid-19 Extra support and measures, Face-to-face assessements suspended, PIP assessment extension, Money Advice Service, Energy supplier help for prepay clients, Govt will protect energy supply, Coronavirus Financial Help & Rights, Help for the self-employed Expand If you (any age) are caring for an adult (18+) and are affected or needing to self isolate and you have no other additional social care you can contactSouthampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care Find advice and guidance using the links below Below see clickable links to latest news from government, charities, information on benefits, food delivery and other services including free online movies, museums and theatre shows. Scroll down the page to see everything. Benefits information Extra support and measures Face-to-face assessments suspended PIP assessment extension Money Advice Service Energy supplier help for prepay clients Govt will protect energy supply Coronavirus Financial Help & Rights Help for the self-employed
Useful contacts Emergency Telephone Numbers, Safeguarding, welfare of a vulnerable person or domestic violence Expand If you (any age) are caring for an adult (18+) and are affected or needing to self isolate and you have no other additional social care you can contactSouthampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care Find advice and guidance using the links below Below see clickable links to latest news from government, charities, information on benefits, food delivery and other services including free online movies, museums and theatre shows. Scroll down the page to see everything. Useful contacts Emergency Telephone Numbers Safeguarding, welfare of a vulnerable person or domestic violence
I'm so lonely. Where can I find someone who will chat to me? Here is a list of befriending and support services Expand Telephone befriending services Mobilise Care: Online cuppas. A bunch of carers coming together online for supportive chats to share practical tips and tricks, and sometimes just to vent. The format is really simple; you all come together at the same time for a conversation about how it's going. As well as the 'live' conversation on the screen, you can also discuss what's going on using the 'chat' function. Normally the chat is about things like: What challenges are other people facing? How are people adapting, and finding ways to cope? What practical steps can we take to help each other? Sign up for a virtual cuppa here: https://www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/cuppa Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mobilisecommunity/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MobiliseCare chit-chat LINE 0333 002 0333A new telephone line has been set-up by the mental health funding hub the The Blurred Line Group. The social support line, which is open daily from 9am to 9pm, is intended to alleviate social isolation by letting callers chat about their days, with volunteers boosting morale and creating uplifting conversation. Amidst the current global health crisis with ‘social distancing’ a normal way of life for everyone, it is more important than ever to stay connected. The anonymous call line is a space open to anyone and everyone to simply talk about their day, ask a question regarding a certain worry they have or to simply have a good ole chin-wag. While committed to providing a platform for positive natter, chit-chat wants to ensure that nobody feels alone, afraid or anxious. Volunteers on the phone lines help direct those with concerns towards further advice and support. https://theblurredlinegroup.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TheBlurredLineGroup/ https://twitter.com/theblurred_line Feeling lonely? The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline for older people Information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Need help? Phone ANYTIME on: 0800 4 70 80 90 Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSilverLineUK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesilverlineuk Age UK Call in Time is a free telephone friendship service for people 60 and over. They'll match you up with a likeminded person who's keen to make a new friend, and every week they'll give you a call. Not having someone to talk to regularly can be lonely, particularly if you're used to sharing your home and time with others. A friendly, 30-minute chat on the phone every week can make all the difference. While Age UK are waiting to find a suitable match for an older member of the public, they carry out regular, short Good Day Calls with them, to make sure they're still being talked to. For more information Phone Age UK Advice: 0800 169 2081 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/sign-up-for-telephone-befriending/ Re-Engage Call Companions. A volunteer call companion calls the same older person between two and four times a month at a mutually agreed time for an informal chat. Calls will last for around 30 minutes. Freephone: 0800 716543 Email: [email protected] Who can refer? Anyone can introduce an older person to the service, including family, friends, social and health care professionals, day centres, churches and other charities. We welcome referrals from NHS link workers. Re-engage work with older old people who are over 75, an age group incredibly vulnerable at this time. They are often living alone or in sheltered housing with little or no contact with family or friends, and struggle to leave their house in normal times. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT RNIB Telebefriending Service Free telephone social groups to make friends, chat with and support other blind and partially sighted people. To join a group, email [email protected], or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999. Telephone support services MENTAL HEALTH The Lighthouse offers a safe haven for people in mental health crisis. It is staffed by mental health nurses and peer workers who themselves have experience of mental health crisis. The Lighthouse is an informal, non-judgemental, out-of-hours mental health service for anyone over the age of 18 who requires short-term support in times of great difficulty or is struggling with poor mental health. Temporary virtual service within Mind’s existing text/skype/telephone service. This is for Southampton city residents (postcodes SO14-SO19) during our usual opening hours of 4.30pm-12am. Those in mental health crisis or emotional distress can text ‘lighthouse’ and their postcode (for example LIGHTHOUSE SO14 0YG) to the Mind text line number (07451 276010) between 4.30pm and 12am. Staff will then contact them via telephone, email, webchat or text. Red Cross 10am- 6pm DAILY Coronavirus support line: 0808 196 3651 If you are self-isolating and need to talk, Red Cross are there to listen. Samaritans If you need someone to talk to right nowThe Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Call free on 116 123 or email [email protected] DISABILITY Scope's helpline provides free, independent and impartial advice and support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families. Contact by: Freephone: 0808 800 3333 Textphone: Use Type Talk by dialling 18001 from a textphone followed by 0808 800 3333 Email: [email protected] Filling out their contact form Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm Sunday: 10am to 6pm and most bank holidays. Friendili - A free social networking app for parents of children with additional needs, including health conditions and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You can find friends near you and get emotional support from families travelling similar health and parenting journeys. DEMENTIA Alzheimers UK Questions or concerns about dementia, you can get phone support from a dementia adviser by calling 0333 150 3456. Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline Free on 0800 888 6678 Opening hours Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm Saturday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm All calls to the Helpline are free OLD AGE/DISABILITY/HOUSEBOUND WaveLength- Gives technology to people who are lonely and living in poverty to help them reconnect with the world. WaveLength gives radios, televisions, and tablet computers to help people maintain and increase the number of meaningful connections they have in their lives. We support people who are lonely because of age, poor physical or mental health, or by circumstances which make it hard for them to leave their home. Macmillan Cancer Support Call free 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week, 8am-8pm * Free on all mobile networks. Calls are also free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones
Where can I access all local support in Southampton fast? Search for local COVID-19 support services include advice, guidance, signposting, food and medicine deliveries and emotional support using the SO:Linked information directory Expand Search for local COVID-19 support services include advice, guidance, signposting, food and medicine deliveries and emotional support using the SO:Linked information directory Visit: https://www.solinked.org.uk/
I'm a young carer. Where do I turn to for help? No Limits have put together a list of common questions and answers here. Expand No Limits have put together a list of common questions and answers covering lots of local services. You can read it here
I need someone to help with personal care at home. Where do I start? How to find personal care services Expand Q I need someone to help with personal care at home. Where do I start? A Southampton City Council has many services available to help and assist you in your own home, for example getting help with your personal care needs. Their aim is to help you live independently in your own home for as long as possible. Some of them may require an assessment and there may be associated costs. You can find out more information and complete a Social care eligibility self-assessment here: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/health-social-care/adults/adult-social-care/adult-care-eligibility/
How do I get a Blue Badge? Link to Southampton City Council Blue Badge web page Expand Q How do I get a Blue Badge? A Southampton City Council administers the Blue Badge scheme for the Southampton area on behalf of the Department for Transport. Information on the criteria and how to apply can be found here https://www.southampton.gov.uk/travel-transport/apply-pay/parking/blue-badge-parking/ Get help from Carers in Southampton
I’m a parent carer. Can I have a Carers Assessment? Details of process for assessments for disabled children Expand Q I’m a parent carer. Can I have a Carers Assessment? A Parent carers of children under 18 can access assessments via Children and Families Services at Southampton City Council Southampton City Council Children and Families Services Email: [email protected] Phone: 0800 169 8833/023 8083 3014 Address: Southampton Family Information Service (FIS), Startpoint Sholing, Wood Close, Southampton, SO19 0SG Who can have a Children’s Act Assessment? Local councils have a duty to assess a ‘child in need’ under the age of 18 for any services that they or their family may need. A ‘child in need’ is defined as one of the following: a child who is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or to have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision of services by a local council a child whose health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision of services a child who is disabled Note: The Children Act considers a child disabled if the child is blind, deaf, non-verbal, suffering from a mental disorder of any kind, substantially and permanently handicapped by illness, injury or congenital deformity or such other disability as may be prescribed How do I arrange a Children Act Assessment? You can request a Children’s Act assessment by contacting or writing to Southampton City Council requesting that an assessment of the needs of your child and your family is carried out, explaining that your child is disabled and a child in need. You should describe your child’s impairment, and (if you have one), you could provide a copy of any diagnosis of your child’s disability. You should also describe what difficulties you are having and the type of help you would like. Alternatively you could ask your GP, health visitor or voluntary organisation to contact them on your behalf. If your child’s educational needs are also being assessed then both can be done at the same time. The local council should respond immediately (should be within one working day), letting you know whether it will carry out the assessment. The assessment will normally be carried out by a social worker at a visit to the home of your child but other agencies may also be involved, such as health and education. Clarification about the term disability under the Equality Act can be found on this webpage that discuss it in relation to autism. https://planetautismblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/aspergers-and-high-functioning-autism-a-disability-in-law/ If you are refused an assessment and you feel that this is wrong you should make a complaint using the council’s complaint process. Link to complaints webpage: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/council-democracy/have-your-say/comments-complaints/complaints.aspx Link to specific complaints policy for Children’s Services http://www.southampton.gov.uk/policies/Childrens-Complaint-Policy_tcm63-361791.pdf You can also contact your local councillor regarding this: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/whereilive/default.aspx?UPRN=100060696723 You can find more information about this on this fact sheet: http://www.carersuk.org/files/section/4630/factsheet-e1029--assessments-and-the-care-act-after-april-2015.pdf
Should I accept local support from volunteers? Advice on who and who not to accept help from Expand There has been a rise in coronavirus fraudsters offering support to elderly and vulnerable residents for cash up-front. Please do not accept services from strangers or cold callers – whether in person, on the phone or online – who offer to run errands for you. Reputable organisations offering help will not charge for their services. For example Communicare, Southampton Timebank or Royal Voluntary Service. Do NOT let anyone enter your home. Shopping can be left on the doorstep. See more by clicking this page of advice on SCAMS from Southampton City Council
Are you still accepting Carers Card applications and referrals at Carers in Southampton? Information on how to apply for Carers Cards and Refer someone to us Expand We are still processing applications for Carers Cards and for Carers Assessments.Please phone 023 8058 2387 or email [email protected] For referrals please visit: https://www.carersinsouthampton.co.uk/Pages/Category/Refer-a-carer/
If I don’t get Carers Allowance am I still a carer? Definition of a carer Expand QIf I don’t get Carers Allowance am I still a carer?AA carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Carers Allowance is paid to some people who meet this definition who have a low income. More information here: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/overview
Am I a carer? Not sure if you are an unpaid carer? Here is a definition and a link to more facts and information about carers. Expand Definition of unpaid carer Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, older or disabled family member, friend orpartner. It could be a few hours a week or round the clock, in their own home or down themotorway. More information and facts about carers in the UK can be found here
Where can I find out about having home adaptations done to make it easier to move around or bathe? Where to apply for advice or financial assistance and details of the assessment process Expand Q Where can I find out about having home adaptations done to make it easier to move around or bathe? A Support and assistance can be arranged by Southampton City Council and NHS Solent Healthcare to help you continue to manage independently. This includes: Offering advice and information Managing an assessment of your needs and if it is felt you would benefit, arranging rehabilitation services to help you continue to manage day to day tasks There are different ways adaptations may be provided to help you manage day to day tasks in your home. This is dependent on whether you are an owner occupier, a tenant of a private landlord or a registered social landlord or a tenant of Southampton City Council. You can find out more information here on what help is available: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/housing/your-home/repairs/improvements/adaptations.aspx
Are there day care clubs in Southampton? Details of day care clubs in Southampton Expand Q Are there day care clubs in Southampton? A SCA Day Care Clubs - 023 8082 9257 SCA run five day clubs providing fun, friendship, support and respite in a safe and accessible venue. Transport is provided to and from the clubs by SCA Transport who provide a door-to-door service in fully accessible minibuses with fully trained drivers and escorts. Clubs are run by a team of trained and professional care staff along with a team of volunteers. They have been running clubs across the whole of Southampton for over 20 years. SCA’s dementia day clubs are specifically for older people with dementia. The added value of these clubs is the help and assistance they provide to carers. They have sensory gardens and sensory rooms to provide rest and relaxation or gentle stimulation for members of the club To find out more or to arrange a free visit to see for yourself then call Joy Burton on 023 8082 9257. They currently run SCA Clubs at the following venues: Brook Centre, 2a Beech Avenue, Midanbury, Southampton, SO18 4HS. For older people with physical difficulties, open 5 days a week. Telephone 023 8082 9257. Manager Erica Smith. Oak Lodge, Freemantle Common Road, Bitterne, Southampton, SO19 7NG. For older people with memory problems, open 4 days a week. Telephone 023 8044 7438. Manager Josie Mills. Woodside Day Centre, Holy Family Church, Redbridge Hill, Southampton, SO16 4PL. Telephone 0784 1662819. Manager Mandi Parker. Brownhill Day Centre, Freemantle Community Centre, Randolph Street, Shirley, SO15 3HE. Telephone 07764 573747. Manager Louise Muir. Fenwick Day Care Club, Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NG. For older people with memory loss on Tuesdays and Thursdays and older people (including the physically frail) on Wednesdays. Telephone 023 8028 6345. For more information on our Fenwick Club please click here. Manager Elena Prieto-Ruiz. Padwell Road 023 8022 7166 Their activities aim to interest and stimulate. These range from competitions, quizzes and group games to music and movement, arts and crafts. Participation is always the individual’s choice. It is their aim to support older people who may be physically and mentally frail, to generally give them a purpose to their week.
I need help right now. What do I do? What to do in an emergency Expand Q I need help right now. What do I do? A If you have an emergency that means your cared for will be on their own and in danger you should call the Single Point of Access Team on 023 8083 3003. Do you have an emergency plan? We can help. See here
The person I care for is/ I am having a mental health crisis or emergency. Who do I contact? Details of what is considered a mental health care emergency and who to contact in an emergency Expand Q The person I care for is/ I am having a mental health crisis or emergency. Who do I contact? A Mental health is a varied area of medicine. The nature of a mental health crisis always depends on the particular circumstances of an individual and there is no one-size-fits-all approach as people experience a wide variety of symptoms. Some people feel highly agitated, anxious, in despair, experience suicidal impulses or the need to self-harm, are immobilised by depression, or are frightened when they are in the changed reality of psychosis. Others feel confused or delirious because of an infection, overdose, illicit drugs or intoxication with alcohol. Confusion may also be associated with dementia. The crisis may be a sudden deterioration of an existing mental health problem, or a person may be experiencing mental health problems for the first time. Acute emergencies If you or someone you know experiences an acute emergency, you should call 999 and ask for the ambulance service or the police. Crisis If you, a family member or friend require urgent care but it is not life threatening, you can call NHS 111. You should call NHS 111 in the following circumstances: if a person is experiencing a mental health problem for the first time if a person with an existing mental health problem is suffering a relapse in their symptoms if someone has self-harmed in a way that clearly does not immediately threaten their life, or is talking about wanting to self-harm if a person shows signs of onset of dementia if a young person leaves care if a person is experiencing domestic violence or physical, sexual or emotional abuse However, if you've already been given a Crisis Line number by your GP, or are under the care of a mental health team and have a specific care plan that states who to contact when you need urgent care, you should call them instead. Contact Numbers Acute Mental Health Team: North area: 01256 817718 East area: 02392 344562 West area: 01962 897726 Southampton area: 07736 953423 Samaritans: 116 123 Southampton Social Services Single Point of Access: 023 8083 3003
How do I find out about paying for permanent residential care? Information from Age UK Expand Q How do I find out about paying for permanent residential care? A Age UK produce good information on this. See here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/care-homes/paying-for-permanent-residential-care/ You can also call them on 0800 678 1174 for information and advice
How can I find a care provider? A list of care providers Expand Q How can I find a care provider? A You can do an on-line search https://ukcareguide.co.uk/home-care-agencies/ or we can provide you with a list of providers. You may want to ask some of the following questions: Do your carers hold any qualifications in care? This would usually be an NVQ Do your carers have up to date DBS certificate? This is the check that is made on their criminal record Can you provide the care my husband needs and meet his personal preferences? Is your organisation insured in order to protect my safety and interests? Do you interview all your care workers before offering them work? Do you obtain at least two written references from your careworkers' previous employers? What happens if my regular careworker is sick or on holiday? What charges will I be expected to pay? What payment methods are available (cheque, direct debit etc)? Is there a minimum charge if I only need a small amount of care?