Helping Hands for Carers Bruton Surgery’s Helping Hands for Carers programme offers a wide range of one-to-one support, advice and coaching to support you with your health, wellbeing and the challenges of your caring role.
Whether you need a listening ear, help navigating practical challenges, or some time to reflect on your own needs, we’re here for you. We offer:
Support and coaching, including:
• A safe space to talk about your caring role and its impact
• Support with overcoming emotional and practical obstacles
• 1:1 coaching session to help you build resilience and find clarity
Practical help and advice, including
• Information on entitlements, benefits and support services available to you
• Information on Carers Assessments provided by Somerset Council
• Information about the many local and national organisations offering help and guidance
Annual carer health check:
This is a 15-minute appointment with our health care assistant and includes a blood test, blood pressure measurement and general physical health checks. We will invite you for your carer health check annually, on or around your birthday month, and we recommend that you book in every year when you receive your invitation. Please don’t hesitate to contact Susie, Carers Champion on 01749 812310 (choose option 3) or email somicb.healthcoaches.brutonsurgery@nhs.net if you would like to find out more.
Carers UK
Somerset Carers is commissioned by Somerset County Council and NHS Somerset, offering carers support on a long-term basis, providing advice on emergency care planning, benefits, support groups, signposting to the council for carers assessments, considering home adaptations and many more. You can refer yourself or others by phoning the Carers Helpline on 0800 31 68 600 or online at www.somersetcarers.org. Alternatively, there are packs available to collect from Bruton Surgery.
Somerset Young Carers
Somerset Council provide support, advice and respite breaks for young carers, to find out more phone 0300 123 2224. For Young Carers Groups, visit https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/the-local-offer/find-send-services/?q=young+carers+group
Somerset Parent Carers
Somerset Parent Carers assists families from birth to age 25 with additional needs or disabilities across Somerset, without the need for diagnosis. Somerset Parent Carers Forum is made up of parents supporting parents within Chill & Chat groups across the County, events or through Facebook. Go to www.somersetparentcarerforum.org.uk or phone 01458 259384 / 07453 680365 (text).
Somerset Direct / Adult Social Care
For support and advice on arranging a Carers Assessment, Blue Badges or to be connected with Adult Social Care, visit https://www.somerset.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults/ or phone 0300 123 2224.
National Carers Week
https://www.carersweek.org/about-us
Somerset Community Connect
If you need additional support, this website includes a directory of Microproviders, accredited by Somerset County Council. The ‘Buyers Guide to Using a Microprovider’ is also a useful read - Connect Somerset
Emergency Planning
If you are at a point in your caring role in which you cannot cope and need additional support, the Village Agents can assist: 0800 31 68 600 (weekdays) or ring Somerset Direct and ask for temporary emergency respite: 0300 123 2224 (Monday – Friday 8.30am – 6pm).
Other websites for information and support:
www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
www.somerset.gov.uk/adult-social-care/carers/carers-in-somerset www.wellbeingsouthsomerset.org
www.somersetcarers.org
www.somersetchoices.org.uk
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Carers Voice Somerset would welcome your comments. If you would like to share any good experiences or gaps in support that you may have identified, please contact Deborah Penny via email at DPenny@somerset.gov.uk
To receive newsletters from Carers Voice Somerset please contact the surgery.
For more information visit www.carersvoicesomerset.co.uk