Are You a Carer?
If you provide help and support to a partner, relative, child, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help due to physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or addiction, then you are one of thousands of unpaid carers in and around Bristol.
If you are a carer, it is important to look after your own health as well as the person you care for.
Here at The Orchard Medical Centre we want to be able to do all we can to help you to stay as healthy and informed as possible, so you can carry on caring for as long as you want to. Please register with us, as this enables us to provide you with the following benefits:
Free ‘flu’ vaccinations each autumn
Sharing information with you about the person you care for if she/he consents to this, which will make communication easier
More flexible appointments depending on your needs as a carer
If you look after someone, please let us know – we may be able to help you
To register as a carer, use this form. Alternatively, ask for a carers pack from reception or speak to your doctor / nurse. You can also access a wide range of information and support from our local carers support organisation Carers Support Centre or contact CarersLine on 0117 965 22 00. They can help you with:
One-to-one support
Activity groups with other people going through similar issues
Carers support groups
Hospital support to help carers in a hospital setting, particularly around the discharge process
Training and workshops to help you manage on a day to day basis
Carers assessments to help you to get the support you need to be a carer
Employment support to help you to get back into work or to stay in employment
Help applying for relevant benefits
Carers emergency card which will ensure that the person you care for is supported in the event of you being taken seriously ill.
They have specific workers for parent carers, young carers and for carers who support an adult with a learning difficulty.
If you need information about other groups available in your locality, then please visit Carers Support Centre or email CarersLine for further information and support.
Carers’ support
As a carer you may need support or advice through this difficult time.
You can still contact the Carers’ Support Office either via the online referral forms – www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk/professional – or the Carers’ line on 0117 965 2200.
Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Phone
0808 808 7777
Website
Carers UK
Email
info@carersuk.orgSocial care and support guide
If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.
Website
NHS: Social care and support guideCarers Support Centre
Carers Support Centre is a charity providing support, information and advice to carers of any age living in South Gloucestershire and Bristol.
Phone
0117 965 2200
Website
www.carerssupport.org.ukSouth Gloucestershire Carers’ Choir
Small group made up of carers in the South Gloucestershire area.
When
Wednesdays 1-3pm at Kingswood Community Centre and Yate (Tuesdays at the Parish Hall 10.30am-12.30pm) alternately.
Where
Kingswood Community Centre, High Street, Kingswood BS15 4AB
Email
southgloscarerschoir@gmail.comSinging for the Brain, Kingswood
Singing group for people with dementia and their carers
Where
Kingswood Community Centre, The Arch High Street, Kingswood, BS15 4AB
Phone
0117 961 0693
Email
SouthGloucestershire@alzheimers.org.ukYoung Carers
A young carer is a child or young person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care, assistance or support to any family member (of any age) who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, frail or elderly or is misusing alcohol or substances.
Through its Young Carers Service, Carers Support Centre provides help and support to children aged 8-18, their families and professionals in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Phone
0117 965 2200
Website
www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk
