General information

This section is intended particularly for people caring for adults unable to look after themselves due to old age or a disability.

A selection of local and specialist services are listed below. You can find more sources of general information at the foot of the page.

Safeguarding

• Adult services teams: Southampton 023 8083 3033, Portsmouth 023 9268 0810, Hampshire 0845 603 5630.
• Confidential whistle blowing helpline: 0800 072 4725 (set up for NHS and Social Care employees, but now advertised to the wider public.)

Local support

• Carers in Southampton - Carers in Southampton offer statutory carers assessments, personal support, carers cards for identity and discounts, online information, emergency planning guidance and work with No Limits to provide a young carers service. You can download their leaflet in the link below.
• Carers Together is a consortium of carers, based in Romsey, and with support workers across Hampshire.
• Enham Trust provides employment, therapy, gardening services and housing for people with disabilities, plus advice on claiming benefits.
• Memory & Alzheimer's Cafes is a UK-wide directory of venues - often day centres or residential homes - with regular events. Cafes listed include several in Southampton plus others in the Waterside and New Forest areas. Additionally, you could ask your local residential homes if they run, say, a music session that is open to non-residents.
• Dementia Partnerships' website lists some related community and national initiatives, for example iSpace, encouraging GP surgeries in Wessex to become more dementia-friendly.

It's also worth checking with your GP practice or specialist clinic for support organisations that could help you and your family better understand and manage a physical or mental health condition.

Dementia

• Bournemouth University Dementia Institute has produced a video, Living Well with Dementia, Dorset, to increase awareness of the condition and break down stigma and discrimination. It features both those with recently-diagnosed dementia and their partners sharing their experiences.
• A branch of the Alzheimer's Society called Dementia Friends promote better understanding of dementia, including a booklet of hints and tips. There are monthly meetings  in Southampton and other locations. The Society has a range of resources including advice on helping someone with dementia to stay involved and active, and explaining dementia to children and young people.

Parkinson's

• As well as a regular over 50's dance fitness class, Portswood-based DM Dance Centre currently run a class for people with Parkinson's Disease. You can find other classes in the region through Dance for Parkinsons.

Cancer

• Macmillan have information centres and support groups across the UK, and can help with claiming benefits and support as well as with understanding the condition and possible treatments.
• A number of cancer charities have strong local links. They can typically help with information on specific conditions, and provide spaces where people affected by cancer and their families can meet away from clinical settings. Some organisations may be able to help with funding for additional requirements. Wessex Cancer Trust has support centres in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight. Cancer Active's website includes links to local self-help groups nationally.  
• You may also find local networks for specific conditions, often co-ordinated by a dedicated national charity.

Healthcare

• With the SayItOnce scheme, you can record key medical and social care information and wishes in one place. The organisation also offers workshops on, for example, improving the end of life experience.
• Optamise (Older Persons Targeted Alcohol & Medicines Information Support Engagement) is a spin-off from the Southampton-based Options counselling service.

Caring with Confidence

• The NHS Choices Caring with Confidence programme aims to give all carers a better understanding of the problems they face and helps find new ways to tackle them, including promoting their own health and wellbeing. You can access both an interactive online programme and a self study workbook.
• The national charity Carers UK has developed an e-learning course for carers, helping to both find support and develop resilience.  It also advises on assistive technology, and campaigns on behalf of carers and their families.

The Care Act 2014

• Parts of this Act came into force in April 2015. It sets out the responsibilities of the local authority to support both those in need of care and their carers. This is the very first time carers have been given rights alongside that of the person they care for.  You can find more information from Carers in Southampton, the GOV.UK factsheets and a Guardian analysis.

Considering a care home?

• Look at Care Quality Commission ratings.

Other sources

• Find a Helpline brings together a comprehensive list of helplines for both carers and other sometimes specialised interests.

Have other organisations been particularly helpful to you as a current or potential carer?  Please let us know.

Links to external sites are given in good faith.

Age UK

This national charity (resulting from a merge between Help the Aged and Age Concern) provides valuable advice and downloadable guides on many topics. Find out more.