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Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

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It does not appear to make a difference whether one's child is three, thirteen or thirty if he dies. The emotion in each of us is the same. How could it be that a parent outlives a child?

Harriet Sarnoff Schiff

The agony of losing a child of any age is unparalleled. There is no age or point in time that makes it any easier. No parent expects to face the death of their child and no grandparent expects to lose their grandchild.

The death of a child goes against the natural order we expect life to follow. The loss carries with it the loss of the future, the hopes, dreams, and potential that can never be fulfilled. The longing for the child and the feeling of emptiness can last a lifetime.

Some parents describe feeling complete disbelief, mixed with flashes of reality too awful to think about. You may feel numb, empty, enraged, anxious or exhausted. You may feel guilty, feeling that you were responsible for their safety and that you should have been able to prevent what happened. Some parents also feel guilty because they have survived their child.

There may be nothing you could have done differently, but such feelings can be strong and can be replayed over and over again as you try to make sense of what has happened.

Finding support

Everyone is different in what they need and there are no rules on how to grieve. You may have lots of support around you, but even so, you may feel you need additional support.

Latest

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Our short films are delivered by support practitioners and cover a range of topics on grief and bereavement, providing guidance on what can help. Read more

A list of books and resources relating to grief and bereavement and what may help. Read more

Some bereaved families find it helpful to read about other peoples' experiences and how the support they have received has helped them. Read more

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charity bereavement child death grief loss baby stillbirth miscarriage suicide young people

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The agony of losing a child of any age is unparalleled. There is no age or point in time that makes it any easier. No parent expects to face the death of their child and no grandparent expects to lose their grandchild.

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Chat Over Chai is a warm, welcoming, and respectful community group committed to reducing social isolation, boosting confidence, and supporting people in staying safe, healthy, and connected.

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Chat over Chai – Dedicated to Community Inclusion

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Chat Over Chai is a warm, welcoming, and respectful community group committed to reducing social isolation, boosting confidence, and supporting people in staying safe, healthy, and connected. We aim to foster personal growth and community cohesion by celebrating and raising awareness of diverse cultures. We are dedicated to building an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia

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Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia

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Explore the key issues related to caring for a relative with psychosis or schizophrenia, with this short, free online course.

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Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia - On

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Explore the key issues related to caring for a relative with psychosis or schizophrenia, with this short, free online course.

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More than Grandparents is a registered charity supporting anyone who is raising their grandchildren or a relatives child (Kinship Carers). More than Grandparents offers peer support and 1-1 support and advice and advocacy,crisis support, telephone and online support, recreational activities and training opportunities. We also arrange respite and relaxation opportunities and after school and holiday clubs for kinship children and from tim

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The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. Let’s commit to change for kinship families.

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Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We're here for all kinship carers - the grandparents and siblings, the aunts, uncles, and family friends who step up to raise children when their parents can't.

#KinshipCareWeek has landed! Kinship Care Week (2-8 October) is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible role that kinship carers play in children's lives and society, and recognise the profound commitment and love they have for the children they care for.

This year, the theme of Kinship Care Week is . #DoOneThing . The public and political profile of kinship care has never been higher - but we need to push it even further up the agenda. # DoOneThing to raise awareness and keep kinship care in the spotlight Learn more about how you can ge involved.

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Homepage - Kinship - The kinship care charity

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Kinship is the national charity for kinship care in England and Wales. Are you looking after a child of a relative or friend full-time?

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Our values define the way we want to work, the way we want to treat each other and the people we support.

We embarked on a collaborative journey to find the right values for our new organisation. Through staff engagement sessions, leadership events, and an engagement campaign, we gathered invaluable feedback from staff, service users, and community partners which ultimately evolved into our CARE values:

Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

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The Trust :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (HIOWH) provides a wide range of community, mental health and learning disability services for people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We provide most of the NHS services that are delivered away from the big acute hospitals – in peoples homes, communities and in local hospitals and clinics. This page covers our values, CQC ratings, and our place in the NHS system. Find out more on this page about how we became HIOWH in October 2024, as part of the ‘Project Fusion’ work to bring local trusts together.

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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new five-year strategy to improve care for people across the area. The strategy has been shaped by the views of over 10,000 people, including patients, carers, staff and community partners.

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New five-year NHS strategy shaped by thousands of local voices :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new five-year strategy to improve care for people across the area. The strategy has been shaped by the views of over 10,000 people, including patients, carers, staff and community partners.

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'It’s like living in a room with a washing machine. When my loved one (LO) is heading into a bad patch or psychosis, it’s as though I’m forced to climb inside. I never know how long the cycle will last. While I’m being spun around — hour by hour, day by day — the rest of the world carries on without me.

When the cycle finally stops, I climb out feeling disorientated and left to make sense of what’s just happened, all while catching up on the everyday life I’ve mentally missed.

As my LO’s needs ebb and flow, I find myself being pulled closer to the washing machine again. I don’t always have to climb in, but I’m always acutely aware of its presence. Sometimes, I’m able to take a step further away, but I’m never allowed to leave the room where it lives.  It’s not a life I chose, but it’s the one I live — and over time, I’ve learned that while I can’t stop the washing machine, I can build strength in how I climb out of it, and in how I carry on.'

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We develop & signpost online information, tools, support groups, and resources for people with dual diagnosis – a co-occurring mental health and addiction issue. Our mission is to improve the world for those affected by both mental health & addiction issues.

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Dual Diagnosis Hub CIC’s Mission Statement

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Dual Diagnosis Hub | Dual Diagnosis Recovery Resources for All

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Dual Diagnosis Hub was set up to signpost and develop resources for people with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues.

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Support with hospital admission, stay and discharge.

Provide a liaison service between the carer and IOW NHS Trust staff.

Help carers to understand their rights and entitlements.

Referral and signposting to other appropriate agencies.

A safe space for carers to discuss their hopes and fears, feel heard and identify coping strategies.

St Marys Carers Lounge is open Monday to Friday at 10am to 4pm. Please call 01983 552568 to make an appointment.

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Caring for the carers at St Mary’s Lounge

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The Carers team based at St Mary’s Hospital has supported 1,200 carers since the Carer’s Lounge was opened two years ago and they see approximately 65 new carers every month. Many people on the island are

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Chat over Chai is a community group that provides a point of contact and community activities mainly for adults over 50; one target group initially being older members of the BAME communities. Our membership has diversified and grown; we are a fully inclusive and diverse group with an increasingly wide reach.

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Chat over Chai is an organisation that works within the Portsmouth community to support over 50’s through connection, integration and friendship. We have a lively group of people from different backgrounds who get together to talk, do projects, and support each other.

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A community group- drop in Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 11-2

Contact Us Direct

Phone: 02394 217 141
(Manned: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 11:00 to 14:00)

Email us for more information:

info@sparkcommunityspace.co.uk

A high number of carers join for company. The main aim of their group is to combat loneliness. People are offered a coffee/tea and a toastie (free of charge- they just ask for those who can, to make any donation)

"Let's do something outside ourselves,
Something that repairs tears in your community,
Something to make life better for people less fortunate than you,
That's what I think a meaningful life is,
Living not for oneself, but for one's community"

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SPARK Community Space - helping people spark back into life! Pop in for a cuppa and cake - Unit 12, The Pompey Centre, Fratton Way, PO4 8SL

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This group is for parents of children with special needs and disabilities and their siblings at primary school age. Need to pay £3 per family

Meet at Fratton Community Centre, Fridays 3:45-5:45pm

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Group for parents with children with SEND from ethnic minority communities

Meet every 2nd Monday of the month at the Cenral Library 10:30am-12:30pm

moriahforyou@gmail.com

07894 628497

http://www.facebook.com/moriahfamilysupportgroup/

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What does your service offer? Moriah is a support group for parents and caregivers of …

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Contact us: 01983 533173 for support

Carers Centre

Carers IW support adult unpaid carers of adults across the Island, we have training, support groups, dementia training, dementia drop in, contingency planning, dementia carers drop in, resilience workshops, men's group, social group, Mental Health Carers drop in, one to one, carers assessments, self care cafes, quiet days are a few of the activities we offer.

Have you got your Carers Passport?

The Carers Passport is a scheme enabling carers to be recognised for their caring role. It highlights the role that a carer plays and the wealth of knowledge they have about the person they care for. It connects carers to local support and advice services along with accessing discounts and local concessions to make life a little easier.  The Carers Passport is a new scheme for the Isle of Wight.  It is a working document and will develop over time. Please send application & photo to info@carersiw.org.uk

Carers Passport blank application form 2023

You can contact us between 10am – 4pm Mon-Fri (if it goes to answerphone please leave a message and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.)

www.carersiw.org.uk

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As a carer it is really important that we hear your feedback on our services, as your views matter on whether we are getting it right or not. Please share your feedback via our form below.

Click here to leave your views

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A carer is anyone who helps somebody (usually a relative or friend) who needs support in their day to day life due to illness, frailty, disabilities, or mental health or substance misuse problems. This is an unpaid role, and is not the same as someone who is paid, provides care professionally, or through a voluntary organisation. Carers may frequently provide support including assistance with personal care, household tasks, finances, emotional support and leisure.

For more information, please visit advice and information for carers.

As a carer it is really important that we hear your feedback on our services, as your views matter on whether we are getting it right or not. Please share your feedback via our form below.

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As a carer it is really important that we hear your feedback on our services, as your views matter on whether we are getting it right or not.

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Carers Trust - What is the Triangle of Care?

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Carers Trust - What is the Triangle of Care?

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The Triangle of Care is a therapeutic alliance between carers, service users and health professionals. It aims to promote safety and recovery and to sustain mental wellbeing by including and supporting carers.

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The Triangle of Care, ToC, Triangle of Care

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The Triangle of Care is a therapeutic alliance between carers, service users and health professionals. Find out more and become a member.

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Preventative care for better patient outcomes

Joy connects people with local services easily, showcasing measurable outcomes.

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Search results for: Hampshire, UK on Joy

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The Carers card helps you save with exclusive discounts, provides peace of mind with emergency contact details, and offers access to our Wellbeing Hub, free events, the Carer Circle tool, and much more through our app.

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Our national carer ID card supports you in your role as a carer. It includes hundreds of online Discounts, our Carer Circle tool, Wellbeing Hub, and so much more.

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Carers mental health - Isle of Wight Support Hub

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Carers mental health - Isle of Wight Support Hub

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As a carer you may be looking after someone who needs support with their mental health. This section of our website provides links to resources to help you cope while supporting someone else and what you can do to support them and where to find help.

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Carers mental health - Isle of Wight Support Hub :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

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Find out more about the Isle of Wight’s Community Mental Health Support Hub and the help available to carers.

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Looking after your own needs is so important when you have caring responsibilities. It's all too easy to become exhausted and burnt out with everything you're juggling. Here is some guidance on how to look after yourself so that you can be stronger and more resilient for those you look after.

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Looking after yourself

Looking after your own needs is so important when you have caring responsibilities. It's all too easy to become exhausted and burnt out with everything you're juggling. Here is some guidance on how to look after yourself so that you can be stronger and more resilient for those you look after.

Back to top

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Looking after your own needs is so important when you have caring responsibilities. It's all too easy to become exhausted and burnt out with everything you're juggling. Here is some guidance on how to look after yourself so that you can be stronger and more resilient for those you look after.

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Includes advice on challenging behaviour, moving and lifting people and medicines.

Medicines: tips for carers

Sharing your home: advice for carers

How to support someone you care for with eating

How to help someone you care for keep clean

How to care for someone with communication difficulties

Moving, lifting and handling someone else

How to deal with challenging behaviour in adults

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Practical tips if you care for someone - Social care and support guide

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Includes advice on challenging behaviour, moving and lifting people and medicines.

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HIVE Portsmouth is a registered charity in England and Wales (1189067) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (12064936). Registered office: Lower Ground Floor, Central Library, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom, PO1 2DX. © 2019-2020

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COVID-19: information for the respiratory community | British Thoracic Society | Better lung health for all

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The British Thoracic Society exists to improve standards of care for people who have respiratory diseases and to support and develop those who provide that care.

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You can get help and support if you're responsible for looking after someone who has a disability, is getting old or has become ill. This can range from practical help to make day-to-day life easier to benefits like Carer's Allowance.

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Overview and content list for looking after people. Read our advice on help and support for carers and managing affairs for someone else.

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Help with mental health problems

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Our advisers can help if:

you are homeless

you have nowhere to stay tonight

you are at risk of harm or abuse in your home

you are worried about losing your home in the next 2 months

You might not get through if you try to chat with us about other types of housing problem.

We can only advise on housing law in England.

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Webchat with a Shelter adviser - Shelter England

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Our webchat advisers can help if you’re homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are at risk in your home or worried about losing your home in the next 2 months.

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Call free on 0800 4 70 80 90

The Silver Line Helpline run by Age UK is a free, confidential telephone service for older people. We provide friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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The Silver Line Helpline is a free telephone service just for older people. We provide friendship and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Age UK's Advice Line is a free, confidential national telephone service for older people, as well as their families, friends, carers and professionals. Our team will give you information that's reliable and up to date and help you access the advice you need.

Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602

Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year.

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Age UK Advice Line: Free national helpline for older people | Age UK

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Age UK Advice is a free, confidential, national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. Our experts are here to help.

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111 online will not give you a diagnosis, but we will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms.

We cannot:

issue fit notes - you need to contact your GP surgery

make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS

Read about how 111 online works in detail

NHS 111 online is available in England only.

Get help in:

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111 online will not give you a diagnosis, but we will direct you to the best place to get help for your symptoms. We cannot: issue fit notes - you need to contact your GP surgery make or cancel appointments for you in other parts of the NHS Read about how 111 online works in detail NHS 111 online is available in England only.

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Get help

To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258. If you're viewing this on your phone, tap the 'TEXT US' button below.

Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, our trained Shout Volunteers are here for you.

If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.

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Get help - free, 24/7, confidential mental health text support service

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Feeling anxious, stressed, or need support? Shout is free, confidential and available 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer.

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Tel: 0800 58 58 58

Our suicide prevention helpline is for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts

Call our helpline team if:

You can’t see a way forward

You have lost someone to suicide

You are worried about someone

It’s open from 5pm - midnight every day.
Free • Confidential • Anonymous

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Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

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We're the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and we're uniting the UK against suicide.

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Advice for living with or caring for someone with a muscle wasting condition.

Speak to us

Call us on 0800 652 6352 Monday to Thursday 10am to 2pm. If you call outside our helpline’s opening hours, please leave a message and we’ll aim to get back to you within five working days.

You can also email us  info@musculardystrophyuk.org.

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Skip to content

Our support services

Connect with peers in the muscle wasting community at our webinars and information days, or join one of our support groups. Including virtual therapeutic sessions and local meetings. Reach out today. Our life-changing support is here for you.

Just diagnosed?

There is a range of information and support for people who have recently been diagnosed with a muscle wasting condition.

Information

Advice for living with or caring for someone with a muscle wasting condition.

Stay connected with our community

Get the latest news, inspiring stories, upcoming events, and valuable support services delivered straight to your inbox.

© 2024 Muscular Dystrophy UK Registered Charity No. 205395. Scottish Registered Charity No. SC039445

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Support and information - Muscular Dystrophy UK

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Support and information for living with a muscle wasting condition. Speak to us. Call us on 0800 652 6352 Monday to Thursday 10am to 2pm.

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CAMHS resource

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Welcome to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Support for Neurodiverse Families

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Welcome to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Support for Neurodiverse Families

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Hampshire and IOW Support for Neurodiverse Families offer a range of skills building programmes to support you and your family. Our skills building programmes offer the opportunity to gain information and support to parents/carers of children and young people aged between 3 - 17 years old.

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Provides evidenced based skills building programmes for parents and carers who have children aged 3-17 who:
1. Have a diagnosed Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
2. Have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
3. Have Autism or ADHD traits
4. Are experiencing mild-moderate conduct disorder
5. Have behaviour that challenges
6. Are teenagers displaying anti-social behaviour including child to parent violence

We offer the following programmes with wrap-around support:
Cygnet (for ASC) Core programme, with additional supporting siblings and puberty, sexual wellbeing and relationships modules
The Parent Factor for ADHD
Family Links The Nurture Programme
Talking Teens
Right from the Start (suitable for 3-5 year olds)

Parents and carers can self enrol on to a skills building programme or can be referred by a health, education or early help professional.

We deliver our programmes through face to face or e-learning and online discussion groups.

We can help with

Parenting programmes

Training programmes and workshops, family learning activities, community based development support and family mediation services.

Search for Parenting programmes services

Mental health

Services supporting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing. We have centres where children and young people can visit and have a trained worker they can trust and talk to. We help them build their confidence and get to the root of their difficulties.

Find out more about Mental health

Search for Mental health services

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Hampshire and IOW Support for Neurodiverse Families

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Provides evidenced based skills building programmes for parents and carers who have children aged 3-17 who: 1. Have a diagnosed Autistic Spectrum Condition

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Direct Payments is money paid to you by Hampshire County Council so you can arrange care services or buy equipment for yourself, if you have been assessed as eligible for them

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How we assess whether you are eligible for funding from Hampshire County Council towards your care at home and how we work out what contribution you need to pay

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Support for carers

If you're looking after someone with a life-limiting condition, we have resources that can help you.

I need support with a bereavement | Hospice UK

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The Dying Matters Community Grants programme - supported by Dignity Funerals - funds creative community projects that start conversations about death and grief.

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At MEN WHO TALK, we provide free to access online spaces which provide men and those who support them, across the UK with an opportunity to talk, socialise and receive support from other men, all whilst being supported by our excellent team of facilitators.

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Over the last few years, the world has gradually started to understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing, however we are still a way from truly making the time and space to work on our mental wellbeing each day.

The truth is, being mentally healthy is just as important as being physically healthy (in fact you cannot be one without the other!), and therefore requires the same amount of attention.

Despite this, our mental health and wellbeing is often neglected, leading many adults to suffer from low mood, anxiety, depression and many other common mental disorders.

The news is not all bleak though, research has shown that when we talk about our thoughts and feelings, we can improve our mood and build our resilience against every day life experiences.

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UK Based non profit organization offering peer support groups to men aged 18 plus in the UK.

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Carers of people with Learning Disabilities HIOWH

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Carers of people with Learning Disabilities HIOWH

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We think it is very important that we work with families and carers of people with Learning Disabilities as they know the person best.

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We think it is very important that we work with families and carers of people with Learning Disabilities as they know the person best.

Each of our Community Teams work with families and carers.

We hold quarterly carers morning/afternoon meetings, which take place across Hampshire and Southampton.

Our aim is to ensure that carers provide us with feedback about the service we provide. This helps us with our service developments.

To find out more about the groups please contact our carer lead or your local team.

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We think it is very important that we work with families and carers of people with Learning Disabilities, as they know the person best. Each of our Community Teams work with families and carers and we hold quarterly carers' morning/afternoon meetings. Find out more here.

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Are you providing or arranging care and support for a relative, friend or neighbour? If so, the forum could help you. This is a local independent organisation run by carers, for carers. We meet at various times throughout the year. For further information, please contact Janet on 01489 893381 or by email on janet@clickers.org.uk.

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Badger Farm & Oliver's Battery Residents' Community Association

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BFOBRCA: Winchester & District Carers’ Forum

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Winchester & District Carers’ Forum is a local independent organisation run by carers, for carers, meeting at Badger Farm Community Centre.

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Find out how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

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Martha's Rule', which allows patients to seek an urgent second opinion, is being introduced across the NHS.

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The first phase of the introduction of Martha's Rule will be implemented in the NHS from April 2024. Once fully implemented, patients, families, carers and staff will have round-the-clock access to a rapid review from a separate care team if they are worried about a person's condition.

Martha Mills died in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha's family's concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to promptly, and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.

In response to this and other cases related to the management of deterioration, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and NHS England committed to implement 'Martha's Rule'; to ensure the vitally important concerns of the patient and those who know the patient best are listened to and acted upon.

What does Martha's Rule involve

The three proposed components of Martha's Rule are:

All staff in NHS trusts must have 24/7 access to a rapid review from a critical care outreach team, who they can contact should they have concerns about a patient.

All patients, their families, carers, and advocates must also have access to the same 24/7 rapid review from a critical care outreach team, which they can contact via mechanisms advertised around the hospital, and more widely if they are worried about the patient's condition. This is Martha's Rule.

The NHS must implement a structured approach to obtain information relating to a patient's condition directly from patients and their families at least daily. In the first instance, this will cover all inpatients in acute and specialist trusts.

Implementation of Martha's Rule

The implementation of Martha's Rule in the NHS will take a phased approach, beginning with at least 100 adult and paediatric acute provider sites who already offer a 24/7 critical care outreach capability. We will soon ask for expressions of interest to be part of the first phase of the programme.

This first phase will take place during 2024/25 and will focus on supporting participating provider sites to devise and agree a standardised approach to all three elements of Martha's Rule, ahead of scale up to the remaining sites in England in the following years.

Criteria for participation will be set out in an expression of interest document and will include the requirement that the provider sites taking part in the first phase have an existing 24/7 critical care outreach infrastructure. The document will also outline the support offer from NHS England; this will include additional funding for project resources, and access to specialist implementation support and expertise from the Health Innovation Network's Patient Safety Collaboratives.

Further developments

The focused approach at the initial provider sites will inform the development of wider national policy proposals for Martha's Rule that can be expanded in a phased way across the NHS from 2025/26. We will also identify ways to roll out an adapted Martha's Rule model across other settings including community and mental health hospitals where the processes may not apply in the same way.

Other measures to improve the identification of deterioration

Martha's Rule will build on the evaluation of NHS England's Worry and Concern Improvement Collaborative which involves seven regional pilots and began in 2023. They have been testing and implementing methods for patients, families and carers to escalate their concerns about deterioration and to input their views about their illness into the health record.

The introduction of Martha's Rule comes alongside other measures to improve the identification of deterioration, including the rollout last November of a new early warning system for staff treating children, built on similar systems already in place for adult, newborn, and maternity services.

To ensure that Martha's Rule is effective as it can be, it will be implemented as part of an integrated programme to improve the management of deterioration using the 'PIER' framework, which helps systems to Prevent, Identify, Escalate and R espond to physical deterioration. This work will improve how the NHS supports staff to manage deterioration and encourage greater involvement from patients, families, and carers.

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The first phase of the introduction of Martha's Rule will be implemented in the NHS from April 2024. Once fully implemented, patients, families, carers and staff will have round-the-clock access to a rapid review from a separate care team if they are worried about a person's condition.

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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

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Evidence-based recommendations for the health and social care sector, developed by independent committees, including professionals and lay members, and consulted on by stakeholders.

Browse guidance

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Find guidance, advice and information for health, public health and social care professionals.

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Assessing your care needs.

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Find out about adult social care, how to get a Care Act assessment, and what support is available

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Information for Portsmouth adults aged 18 and over who need help with daily living. Find information on getting an assessment, care and equipment.

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Find everything you need to know about adult social care in Southampton, including finances, spotting signs of abuse, managing your care and more.

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f you’re supporting someone with diabetes we know it can be tough. So we’ve put together the most relevant information from our website on how to help with the practical and emotional side of things. There are also tips on looking after yourself.

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If you’re supporting someone with diabetes we know it can be tough. So we’ve put together the most relevant information from our website on how to help with the practical and emotional side of things. There are also tips on looking after yourself. “Yes, partners live with diabetes too. We often have to pick up the pieces when things don’t go so well. But we love ’em.” Forum member.

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If your partner, family member, friend or colleague has cancer, there can be a lot to think about. You might be a carer, or just want to help. We have information to help you with the practical, emotional and financial impacts of supporting someone with cancer.

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If your partner, family member, friend or colleague has cancer, there can be a lot to think about. You might be a carer, or just want to help. We have information to help you with the practical, emotional and financial impacts of supporting someone with cancer.

We know that cancer can be tough on your finances. You may also be worried about rises to energy bills and other costs of living. There is support available.

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Supporting someone - Macmillan Cancer Support

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When a partner, family member, friend or colleague has cancer, there can be a lot to think about. Find information to help you cope with the practical and emotional impacts.

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There are organisations that help if you, or the person you care for, need help to look after a pet.

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There are organisations that help if you, or the person you care for, need help to look after a pet.

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Mental illness can affect all of us. In fact, around one in four people will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. The Recovery College takes an educational approach to equip you with the knowledge and skills to get on with your life, despite mental illness.

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Recovery College :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

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We are a college based within the adult mental health services of the Trust and are part of a national chain of Recovery Colleges, aiming to help increase awareness and understanding of recovery and self-management whilst challenging stigma related to mental health. We offer educational courses about mental health recovery and self-management to complement existing services.

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The Carers booklet provides information, advice and guidance to carers about the Trust, their rights to support, information and the help that is available.

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Carers and Families web page giveing carers and families key information about supporting someone who is using our services.

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This area of the website gives carers and families key information about supporting someone who is using our services.

Advice and information for carers (assessments, financial support, carers leads, and getting involved)

Carers principles and our commitment to carers

Triangle of care(this initiative promotes the importance of involving carers, alongside service users and staff)

Carer booklets (these booklets provide information, advice and guidance to carers about the service; their rights to support; information on patient/service user advocacy; local peer support; and guidance to further information such as condition specific organisations, mental health act regulations and so on. Each booklet includes bespoke information for each team, tailored to each carers group, service and location).

Contact us
Carer Involvement team
Email: carer.involvement@southernhealth.nhs.uk

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This area of the website gives carers and families key information about supporting someone who is using our services.

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Ethnic minority communities Basingstoke and Deane

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Ethnic minority communities Basingstoke and Deane

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The information below will help you find out more about Basingstoke and Deane and where you can get help and advice in the borough.

Diversity and inclusion - Islam Jalaita

Islam's role involves making contact with individuals, groups, and organisations from
diverse communities in the borough, providing support and understanding in relation
to the challenges different communities face. He also support Basingstoke Multiagency Diversity Forum and support a range of community groups and representatives forums such as Basingstoke Black and Minority Ethnic, Disability, Over 55s, Interfaith, LGBT Forums and Basingstoke Access 4 All Working Group to respond to accessible requirements and the needs of diverse communities.

For more information please contact:
Islam Jalaita, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke RG21 7AH
Telephone: 01256 845325
Email: community.development@basingstoke.gov.uk

Living and working in Basingstoke and Deane

Together with organisations which provide local services, the council has produced a Guide to Living and Working in the borough. The guide includes information on:

Entering, staying and working in the UK

Important paperwork

Money and banking

Setting up home

Driving

Schools and learning

Travelling in Basingstoke

Health services

Staying safe and Emergencies

Business development and enterprise agencies

Getting involved

Ethnic minority community groups

Faith groups

Ethnic food stores

Useful numbers in Basingstoke and Deane

A printed copy of the guide is available on request by emailing community.development@basingstoke.gov.uk or phoning 01256 844844.

Equality Advisor and Support Service

The Equality Advisory and Support Service is a free helpline able to advise individuals who may have faced an incident of discrimination. Advisors and support people to find an informal resolution to their complaint of discrimination. The helpline also provides general advice and guidance on human rights issues. The service can be contacted free on 0808 800 0082 or textphone 0808 800 0084. Visit the Equality Advisory and Support Service website for further information on the service.

Training and development opportunities

If you would like to update your existing skills, there is a course to suit you. For more information on training for community groups please visit our Learning Opportunities page.

Interpretation services

Lingland has interpreters and translators with a range of languages most commonly spoken by the ethnic minorities. Lingland can be contacted by phoning 01489 576657 or by fax 01489 584571.

Funding opportunities

Visit our community grants page to view the grants offered by the council.

Other External Funding Sources

Complaint procedure for racial attack or harassment

Racist crime/harassment is any incident where the victim or any other person believes that the perpetrator had a racial motive. It can take many forms:

Racist Abuse (threat or insults), which can be verbal or written.

Racially abusive behaviour.

Causing damage to property.

Circulating or displaying racist material.

Offensive graffiti.

Any physical violence.

If any of the above is in progress, please dial 999. Otherwise, contact:

Basingstoke Police - 101

Basingstoke Citizens Advice - 08082 787829 (Advice line only)

Tadley Citizens Advice - 08082 787987 (Advice line only)

Victim Support - 0808 178 1641

Crime Stoppers - 0800 555111

Ethnic minority groups in Basingstoke and Deane

Many of these groups provide activities and services culturally specific to the community they represent.

Basingstoke Multicultural Forum

Chute House Church Street, Basingstoke RG21 7QT
admin@bmforum.org.uk
01256 322751

Basingstoke Inter Faith

interfaithbasingstoke@gmail.com

Cultural Diversity Consortium

culturaldiversityconsortium@outlook.com

Basingstoke Unites Against Racism

www.basingstokeunitesagainstracism.com

Basingstoke Tamil Community

basingstoketamilcommunity@gmail.com

Basingstoke Caribbean Society

bcsandfriends@gmail.com

Basingstoke Malayalee Cultural Association

Email basingstokemca@yahoo.co.uk

Basingstoke Hindu Society

Carnival Hall, Council Road,
Basingstoke, RG21 3DH
Tel: 01256464031
Visit Basingstoke Hindu Society on Facebook

Basingstoke Nepalese Community

The Gurkha Grocery, 9 Winton Square,
Basingstoke RG212 8EW

Web: Basingstoke Nepalese Community website

Basingstoke Sikh Gurdwara

207 Lower Brook Street
Basingstoke
RG21 7RR

Basingstoke Filipino Community

Email: Basingstokefilipinocommunity@gmail.com

Basingstoke Sikh Society

Email: info@basingstokesikhs.co.uk
Web: Basingstoke Sikh Society website

Basingstoke Albirr Mosque (Muslim Community)

35-37 Sarum Hill, Basingstoke, RG21 8SS

Web: Basingstoke Albirr Mosque website

Basingstoke Ladies Hamara Club

Carnival Hall, Council Road,
Basingstoke, RG21 3DH

Tel: 01256 464031

Fellowship Dialogue Society (Turkish Community)

Web: Fellowship Dialogue Society website

New Testament Church of God

(A local church attended by a mix of people including a number from Africa, the Caribbean, India, Europe and Britain)

Popley Fields Community Centre,
Carpenters Down, Basingstoke
RG24 9AE

Web: New Testament Church of God website

Bambui UK Development Association (BUKDA)

Email: bukdacharity@yahoo.co.uk
Web: Bambui UK Development Association website

Hungarian Community Association Basingstoke & Surrounding areas

Email: Basingstoke.hungarians@gmail.com

Telugu Association of Basingstoke

Web: Telugu Association of Basingstoke website

Lighthouse Chapel International

Charismatic/Pentecostal Church that believes in living by the word of God/Gospel of Jesus Christ our lord - attended by a mix of people of all backgrounds.

Web: Lighthouse Chapel International website

Roman Catholic

A number of Polish, African, Caribbean, Asian and European residents attend this church.

St Bedes and Holy Ghost Churches

Email: stbedes@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

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We provide a community development approach in providing funding, interpretation services and support via ethnic minority groups to residents from black and minority ethnic communities living and working in the borough.

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Find out about supporting faiths, ethnic groups, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ communities and reporting hate crimes.

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Many Black, Asian and minority ethnic unpaid carers don’t recognise themselves as carers. Some languages even lack a distinct word for ‘carer’. It’s vital that services are inclusive to ensure that carers can get support. The Race Equality Foundation was pleased to be asked to participate in an advisory group for Carers UK to help produce this good practice guide briefing on how to offer inclusive support.

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Supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic carers - Race Equality Foundation

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Many Black, Asian and minority ethnic unpaid carers don’t recognise themselves […]

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Cultural Groups

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If you're a carer, taking a break is sometimes essential. Carer breaks, whether it's time away from your caring duties to get respite or a holiday with the person you care for, can provide a change of scenery that helps you feel better equipped to manage your caring role.

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Find essential information on carer breaks, ensuring you get the support needed to enjoy a well-deserved respite from caring.

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The Carer's Leave Act 2023 | Carers UK

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If you are juggling work with looking after someone, you’re not alone – there are five million working carers in the UK.

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10 Reasons you should tell your GP you are caring for someone at home

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Many people care for loved ones or relatives at home and might not realise that it’s important to tell your GP If you find yourself in this situation. GPs can provide support and advice if they know you are a carer.We are working to encourage everyone who is caring for a loved one or relative in Hampshire to let their GP know of their situation, so they can get the best help and support possible. Watch our interview with Hampshire GP Tim Cooper as he talks about how your GP can help if you are a

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Caring for a family member or someone else close to you?

We’re here for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support

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Skip to main content Skip to navigation Skip to accessibility tools

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Age UK - https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/power-of-attorney/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/making-decisions-for-someone-else/giving-someone-power-of-attorney/

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Learn what a power of attorney is, how to choose an attorney and how to set it up.

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Summary of Admissions, Discharge and Transfer of Care Policy HIOWH

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Summary of Admissions, Discharge and Transfer of Care Policy HIOWH

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Admissions Discharge and Transfer of Care Policy (1)

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We’re taking a look at the challenges the siblings of a child with a disability can face, and the things you can do to support them.

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How to support the siblings of a child with a disability

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We’re taking a look at the challenges the siblings of a child with a disability can face, and the things you can do to support them.

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A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their life.

A learning disability is different for everyone. No two people are the same.

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A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime.

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Support for carers

Sense is here for you

We support people with complex disabilities of all ages and their carers. Get in touch with our team to find out more about Sense services.

Contact us

If you’re responsible for supporting someone who is disabled, you are a carer even if you don’t think of yourself as one.

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HIOWH are members of The Triangle of Care with the Carers Trust.

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HIOWH are members of The Triangle of Care with the Carers Trust.

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The Triangle of Care is based on six standards which we use in HIOWH, to include and support unpaid carers, staff and those receiving care. The standards are:

Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Staff are ‘carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies.

Policy and practice protocols re: confidentiality and sharing information are in place.

Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place.

A carer introduction to the service is available, with a relevant range of information across the care pathway.

A range of carer support services is available.

If you would like to get involved or to find out more about Trinagle of Care, please contact carer.involvement@southernhealth.nhs.uk

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Triangle of care :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

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The Triangle of Care is a partnership between professionals, the person being cared for, and their families, friends and carers. It sets out how they should work together to support recovery, promote safety and maintain wellbeing. Find out more on this page,

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For help and information please contact, the service providing care to the person you support or The Carers and Patients Support Hub.

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For help and information please contact, the service providing care to the person you support or The Carers and Patients Support Hub.

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The Carers and Patients Support Hub provides a friendly listening ear and support service where you can share your feedback.

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Carers and Patients Support Hub :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

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Our Carers and Patients Support Hub are here to help you find the right service or signpost you to information about our services.

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BAME carers group in Southampton, supporting people caring for someone with Black or Asian heitage.

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We fight for hope by deeply understanding the needs of young people and by supporting them through their most serious life challenges. We work with young people who are struggling with mental health issues.

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Our areas of work | The Children’s Society

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We work with children who run away, are abused or battling mental health. We look out for young carers, refugees and children groomed into gangs.

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We're here to help children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful – and have somewhere they feel they belong.

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Believe in children | Children’s charity

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Barnardo’s is a children’s charity that protects and supports children and young people in the UK who need us. We help bring out the best in them.

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Whether you want to understand how you’re feeling, find ways to feel better, or support someone who's struggling, we’re here to help.

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YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

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YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

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163 West Street Fareham Hampshire PO16 0EF info@dementiafriendlyhampshire.org.uk 07388 668332 Facebook Twitter Dementia Friendly Hampshire Working to increa…

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We exist to improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of anyone, and everyone affected by dementia – be that the person with dementia, their family and friends, or their caregivers.

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Dementia Helpline: free confidential support

The free, confidential Dementia Helpline is staffed by our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who provide information, advice, and support with any aspect of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The Helpline is open:

Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm

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Get free, confidential dementia support from our Admiral Nurses. Call our Helpline, book an appointment, or join our expert-led session.

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Caring for someone close to you after a stroke

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Stroke Association is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales (No 61274). Registered office: Stroke Association House, 240 City Road, London EC1V 2PR. Registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No 211015) and in Scotland (SC037789).

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Support for Carers

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Being a carer can be extremely rewarding but also challenging at times. Get support on looking after yourself, caring for a child and managing your finances.

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We provide individual advocacy and self advocacy groups for vulnerable children, young people and adults, to ensure they have a voice, choice and rights. This includes working with people who are non verbal or have communication difficulties (known as non instructed advocacy). Our aim is to offer advocacy to Hampshire residents who are struggling to get the right care and support. However, most of our work is project funded for specific geographical areas in Hampshire or people with certain characteristics (for example a learning disability and/or autism).

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What we do...

We provide individual advocacy and self advocacy groups for vulnerable children, young people and adults, to ensure they have a voice, choice and rights. This includes working with people who are non verbal or have communication difficulties (known as non instructed advocacy). Our aim is to offer advocacy to Hampshire residents who are struggling to get the right care and support. However, most of our work is project funded for specific geographical areas in Hampshire or people with certain characteristics (for example a learning disability and/or autism).

The importance of us...

People and their families (and some professionals) tell us that it has never been more difficult to get the right care and support. We work with people in a very different way than other services so that everything we do with you and on your behalf is person centred and at your pace. As part of local communities in Hampshire, we have first hand knowledge of activities and support networks. We have extensive knowledge of health and social care legislation so can talk to services on your behalf 'in their language'.

Contact us

Find out more about how Advocacy can help you today.

What People Think of us...

The weight loss charts the advocate did with me have helped me eat the right foods. It's made a real difference to my life I have never felt so happy. It's stopped me going back to the dark place (self harm)."

"I have heard such great things about your Advocacy Safety Net Project from the Social Prescribers, it will be such a shame if it can't continue"

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We provide individual advocacy and self advocacy groups for vulnerable children, young people and adults, to ensure they have a voice, choice and rights. This includes working with people who are non verbal or have communication difficulties (known as non instructed advocacy).

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Advocacy   Advocates are people who can help you to make decisions or to say what you want

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Advocacy   Advocates are people who can help you to make decisions or to say what you want

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Hampshire County Council

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We’ll make sure you’re heard when it matters most.

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We provide advocacy and involvement services so that people are heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing.

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Carer's Allowance: How it works - GOV.UK

Help For Carers | Comprehensive Support from Carers Trust

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Carers Together - Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton

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Benefits help and advice for unpaid carers. Help with filling in forms.

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 Getting a carer’s assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. 

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 Getting a carer’s assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. 

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Family Information and Services Hub | Carers' assessments (hants.gov.uk)

Complete a carers self-assessment - Portsmouth City Council - Introduction - Section 1 - My Portsmouth

Carers Assessment - Unpaid Carers Support Southampton

Your care assessment (iow.gov.uk)

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Why have a carer's assessment?

Getting a carer's assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. It's your chance to discuss the help you need as a carer. Find out how it could make life easier for you and the person you care for.

In Scotland, this is usually referred to as an adult carer support plan and in Wales, it is often called a carer's needs assessment. For ease of reference, we will use the term 'carer's assessment'.

See below for answers to common questions

Don't be put off by the word 'assessment' - it's certainly not a test of your abilities as a carer. It's a chance to let your local council or trust know how your caring responsibilities affect you physically and emotionally. They will use the assessment to find out what support you need, whether you're willing or able to carry on caring, what you want to achieve in your daily life and whether you qualify for help.

Most assessments are carried out face to face, although some local councils or trusts offer the option to have the assessment online or over the phone. It should be done at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Some local care centres will also carry out carers' assessments - it's worth checking with your local carers organisation.

If you're over 18 and provide regular unpaid care for someone, you're entitled to a carer's assessment. It doesn't matter how much or what sort of care you provide. For more details, see our 'Assessments' factsheets (
England, NI, Scotland and Wales).

A carer's assessment is different from a needs assessment, which is for the person you are caring for. You can have them both done at the same time if you want. You're entitled to a carer's assessment whether or not the person you care for has had a needs assessment.

If you're under 18

If you're younger than 18, you can benefit from some extra support and have certain legal rights to help you.

You can request support from your local authority or local Health and Social Care Trust (in Northern Ireland).

We have more guidance on this page ' Support for young carers' and you can also contact Carers Trust who have specialist support services for younger carers in partnership with local charities. Find out more on their online page for younger carers.

Contact adult social services at your local council or trust (in Northern Ireland). If the person you care for lives in another area, contact their local council or trust instead (except in Wales, where you should still contact your own local council).

If you're a carer for your child, contact the children with disabilities department.

The assessment will last at least an hour. You can ask to have someone with you such as the person you care for, a friend or relative.

Collect all the relevant information you'll need: Things to think about beforehand

your NHS number

your GP's name, address and phone number details

your email address

contact details of anyone coming to the assessment with you

details of the person you care for including their name, address, date of birth and NHS number.

Make a list of the different ways you are providing support, such as offering emotional support, managing finances, helping someone with practical activities such as shopping, ensuring someone is safe from harm, or helping with personal needs such as using the bathroom.

Consider how caring affects your life. Does it leave enough time for you? Does it affect your emotional wellbeing - for example, do you often feel drained or lonely? Does it affect you physically - for example, do you lose sleep or get back ache from lifting someone regularly? Has it affected your work, social life or education?

If the person you care for will be present at the assessment, will you be able to speak freely about any difficulties you have?

The assessor will discuss how caring affects your life, including your physical, mental and emotional needs. They should cover:

your role as a carer

how you feel about caring

whether you're able or willing to carry on as a carer

your health

other caring responsibilities

what you enjoy doing in your free time

planning for emergencies.

Be honest and realistic about your caring role. If you put on a brave face or play down any difficulties, you could miss out on help and support.

Your local council or trust will work out whether your needs are eligible for support. If so, they will create a support plan for you. They might provide you with care and support directly, or provide it to the person you care for.

If you're not eligible for support, they must still give you information and advice on where you can go for help.

There are lots of different types of support you could be entitled to, including:

practical help with housework or gardening jobs

training to help you with your caring role, for example in moving and handling the person you care for

equipment or alterations to your home

emotional support such as counselling

breaks from caring, such as respite care for the person you care for

advice about benefits

support to improve your wellbeing, such as access to exercise classes, social activities or adult education.

Will I have to pay?
Councils are advised not to charge carers for support provided to them, but some will give you a financial assessment to work out what you can afford to pay. They should never charge for care and support provided for the person you care for. See our factsheet for more information about this ( England, NI, Scotland and Wales).

If you disagree with the decision following your assessment, there are ways to challenge it. See our guidance on making complaints
here.

Even if your council or trust claim they can't give you financial or practical support at the moment, they must still provide you with guidance and information to look after your health, welfare and overall wellbeing and to prevent you from developing support needs in the future.

If the person you are looking after is an adult and appears to have a need for support, they should be offered a needs authority by the adult social services team.

They can have an assessment no matter what their financial situation or level of need is. You can also be involved as their carer if they are happy with this option. See our 'Having a needs assessment' guidance for more information.

Our tips sheet may be helpful as a starting point if you are unsure where to start with regard to arranging a carer's assessment.

Got a question about caring?

Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member

Become a member for free

Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.

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Getting a carer's assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. It's your chance to discuss the help you need as a carer. Find out how it could make life easier for you and the person you care for.

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ManGang is a network of men who believe that it’s not weak to speak. We provide a peer to peer platform for men across Hampshire who struggle with the pressures of modern day life. We want to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

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ManGang is a network of men who believe that it's not weak to speak. We provide a peer to peer platform for men across Hampshire who struggle with the pressures of modern day life. We want to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

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Connection, conversation and creation – that’s what joining a Men’s Shed is all about.

Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation.

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We support Men’s Sheds in the UK. Men’s Sheds are community workshops where men can create converse and connect.

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Here for everyone with MS

No matter how MS affects you, we're here for you every step of the way.

Tel: 0808 800 8000

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MS Society UK | Information, research and support

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Multiple sclerosis news, information, research, and support for everyone affected by MS

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Carers Support

Finding advice and information about learning disabilities can be difficult.

These pages can help you or your loved ones to get the support and information you need.

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Learning Disability - Autism - Down's Syndrome

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Mencap is a UK charity for people with a learning disability. We support their families and carers, too. We want the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

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We provide peer support services to empower people affected by bipolar to live well.

Email: info@bipolaruk.org

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Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of bipolar, their families and carers.

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Our national Helpline exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because we know the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery. People can contact us online or by phone. We listen to them, help them to understand the illness, and support them to take positive steps towards recovery. We also support family and friends, equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help their loved ones recover whilst also looking after their own mental health

Tel: 0808 801 0677

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Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

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Find supSupport for people with Tourette Syndrome can range from healthcare services, statutory benefits and school provision, through to Tourettes Action services - peer support, information resources, ID cards and grants.port for TS

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Tourettes Action knows that having Tourette Syndrome means much more than shouting out a few unusual words. The impact of TS on your life and the lives of people around you can be significant, which is why there is support available to you.

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NHS England Substance misuse and gambling support

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NHS England Substance misuse and gambling support

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Substance misuse and gambling support

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Smoking, drinking, drugs and gambling - Every Mind Matters

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Drug abuse, alcohol misuse, and gambling can affect your mental health, and poor mental health can lead to substance abuse, smoking, and addictive behaviour.

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Dementia Adventure

Dementia Adventure | Dementia Holidays, Training and Support

A more active and fulfilled life for everyone living with dementia

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You may be able to access support for travel costs

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You may be able to access support for travel costs

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Travel Costs

Carers can access funding for travel via the ICB/CCG Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Also for mental health carers the ICB/CCG will pay for carers to visit family or those they are caring for General Enquiries :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICS (hantsiowhealthandcare.org.uk)

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

If you are referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

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Support Line 0808 196 3651

Email: contactus@redcross.org.uk

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of loneliness, the Red Cross may be able to help.

They also help with hiring a wheelchair/toilet aid.

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Get help with loneliness | British Red Cross

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If you’re coping with loneliness and social isolation, or just feeling lonely, the Red Cross can help you combat loneliness.

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Caring for someone with a brain injury

This section is for the carers and family members of people with a brain injury. If you are caring for someone with a brain injury, or have a relative being treated in hospital, then the information should help you to meet the challenges ahead and find the support you need.

Tel: 0115 924 0800

e-mail: enquiries@headway.org.uk

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If you are caring for someone with a brain injury, or have a relative being treated in hospital, this information should help you to meet the challenges ahead and find the support you need.