Free services for adults providing unpaid care to someone with ill health or disability

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support workers | carers cards | carer talks | emergency plans | carers assessments

NB We do not provide respite, carers, home visits, advice, form filling or crisis intervention.

Click here for emergency information.

Where can I find more information about carers generally?

Information and facts about carers in the UK can be found here

Who can use the service?

Any adult who gives up their time, unpaid, to look after someone who needs additional support, such as a family member, a friend, or a neighbour.  You must be resident or be looking after someone who lives in a Southampton city postcode.

Get help

Free services:

• Support workers offer information, service navigation and onward referral.
• Carer cards provide identity and access to discounts.
• Emergency plan template with option for storage/access by SCC.
• Statutory carers assessments evaluate eligibility for services and a small discretionary budget.
• Regular information sessions covering common issues.
• Website with directory of services and information.

Eligibility for carers assessments

Adults supporting an adult (18 years +) resident in SCC postcodes. 

Parent carers and young carers must contact Children’s Services and No Limits.

More detail of specific services below

• Personal support by way of information and signposting by phone 023 8058 2387 to our team 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
• Carers Cards that provide carer identity and offer discounts to informal carers who live or look after someone who lives in a property with a Southampton city postcode.  It will not affect your benefits.  Applicants must register for or have completed a carers assessment.  NB Parent and kinship carers and young carers are also eligible.  Please contact us.
• Emergency Planning: When someone relies on you being there, most of us nominate a friend or family member you can phone and ask to step in if there is a crisis.  You can find information and guidance to help you start writing an Emergency Plan here.  Carers are now able to put their emergency plans on the Southampton City Council (SCC) database so that they are accessible to emergency services and adult social care if needed, even during outside of normal working hours.
• Carers assessments evaluate your needs as a carer for support and services and eligibility for a personal budget.  They should pinpoint what help and support you might need in maintaining your own health and well-being, while continuing your caring role.  Your completed assessment will be used to determine your eligibility to receive services and support; however, all carers are eligible for information and advice.
• Social engagement: Alongside Southampton Mencap, we host a free monthly Carers Lunch with an invited guest speaker at the Victory Centre in Portswood. (This is currently being run as online information sessions due to social distancing requirements.)
• Online: Newsletters, Website, Facebook and Twitter feeds provide useful, timely information to carers on relevant issues, news and events, rights and entitlements.  Newsletters are also distributed via community centres, medical centres and other outlets.
• Support groups and advice walk-ins search tool selectable by postcode, health condition and advice topic.
• Young carers: We work with No Limits to provide the Young Carers Service for a smooth transition into the adult carer support service where needed.  Phone: 023 8022 4224 Email: [email protected] 
  Website page: https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/get-help/family-care/young-carers-in-southampton/
• Carer Friendly Companies: Any employer in Southampton can use this free resource.  Our Carer Friendly Company Charter encourages organisations to identify unpaid carers, signpost our service and create policies to provide an environment where carers’ needs can be met within the scope of their employment structure.

The NHS also list some very useful resources for carers on this page: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/helplines-and-forums/

NB We do not provide respite, carers, home visits, advice, form filling or crisis intervention.

Get help