Why you might need some one-to-one support?
Whether you’re new to caring, have been caring for years, or have only just realised you’re a carer, there’s a lot to come to terms with. Caring can impact all areas of your life. The team at Action for Carers are here to support you.
There’s a lot we can do for you one-to-one
Our Carer Helpline
Our Carer Helpline is your first point of call for advice, information and just a friendly chat with someone who really understands what you’re going through.
The Advisors are experts, and will talk you through any concerns you have and answer your queries on all caring matters – practical, emotional and financial.
We can:
- offer advice and information
- provide you with materials and publications
- talk through the various benefits and payments you might be entitled to
- help with the forms and paperwork for benefits and other kinds of support
- get you up to speed on your rights as a carer, including the Carer’s Assessment
- help you think about emergency planning
- Provide advocacy, when appropriate
- Give emotional support.
The Carer Helpline is open 9am-5pm, Monday, Thursday and Friday, and open 9am-6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The number is 0303 040 1234
You can also email [email protected] or text us (SMS) 07723 486730.
Surrey wide support and Hubs
We have two broad area teams, one for Surrey Heath, Farnham, Guildford, Waverley and East Surrey, and one for North West Surrey and Surrey Downs, with teams of Carer Support Advisors operating in each area.
These Advisers can talk to you one-to-one – either face to face or over the phone – and offer advice, information and support.
Drop in Hubs
We also have 14 Hubs – drop in locations for advice, information and chat – right across Surrey.
The Hubs also run a programme of events, including workshops on carer issues (such as rights, or dementia), well being sessions like crafts or mindfulness, as well as other special events and of course our support groups.
Moving and Handling
Many carers have to give physical support to the person they care for. It’s so important to make sure you’re doing this well and safely – for yourself and the person you care for. Our Moving and Handling team can help.
Hospital Advisors
When the person you care for goes into hospital it can be a particularly stressful and difficult time. That’s why we have Hospital Advisors working in Surrey’s main hospitals to support you.
Armed Forces carers
We have information and support available to anyone in Surrey who is caring for someone who is currently serving, a reservist or veteran, or an armed forces family member.
Support Groups
It really helps to speak to other people in similar situations. We have regular Support Groups running each month for carers to meet up, share issues and chat.
Events
We run lots of events – information, training, wellbeing and more. Take a look at at our event listings page to see what’s going on.
Our information and support is free, but you need to register with us to access our events and support groups.
I don’t feel alone now. I know I can contact you if I need to. Thank you for being there.