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Carers Kensington & Chelsea Information Booklet 2016

CARERSKensington & Chelsea

Contents Carers Kensington & Chelsea / 3

Getting support from family, friends and other carers / 4

Young carers / 6

An assessment for you and for the person you are looking after / 8

Personal budgets for carers / 10

Local services for you / 12

Local services for the person you are looking after / 14

Working and caring – employment rights / 19

Money and caring – benefits and help with council tax / 22

Looking after yourself / 24

Time for you / 26

Are you a carer?Seeing yourself as a carer is the first step to getting thesupport you need.

Most carers do not see themselves as carers straight away.Mums, dads, husbands, wives, partners, brothers, sisters,family, friends and neighbours usually consider themselves tobe doing what anyone would; caring for a loved one or friend,unpaid, helping them through when they are unable to dothings for themselves.

Understanding that you are a carer can be the first step ingetting access to a range of help and support. This guide aimsto let you know about your local services in the Royal Boroughof Kensington and Chelsea.

CARERSKensington & Chelsea

Carers Kensington & Chelsea

You can also meet us at one of our advice sessions. These are held at the:

• Customer Services Centre, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street,London W8 7NX, Monday 10am to 12pm. Drop-in session.

• Redcliffe Surgery, 10 Redcliffe Street, London SW10 9DT, Tuesday2pm to 4pm. Please contact us to book an appointment.

• Portland Road Practice, 16 Portland Road, London W11 4LA,Wednesday 10am to12pm. Please contact us to book an appointment.

We run a forum for carers where you can meet other carers and discuss issuesthat are relevant to you, and we produce a newsletter, News for Carers that wesend to carers free of charge. Please contact us if you want to know more.

For help and advice on issues related to caring including financial support,practical support, health and work visit the Carers UK website atwww.carersuk.org/help

For information from RBKC visit the Looking After Someone section of thePeople First website at http://www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk/looking-after-someone.aspx

3Carers Kensington & Chelsea Information Booklet 2016

Whether you are new to caring, have been caring for many years orhave just recognised yourself as a carer, Carers Kensington &Chelsea is here for you. We can give you advice and information on:

• benefits and grants for you and the person you care for

• carer’s assessments and needs assessments

• carers’ personal budgets

• local services available to you such as health services,support, activities, outings and counselling)

• how to get support for the person with care needs.

You can call us on 0800 032 1089 (freephone) between 9am and5pm Monday to Friday. If we are not there to answer your call, leave amessage with your name and phone number and we will get back toyou as soon as we can, usually the same day. Alternatively you canemail us at [email protected].

4 Carers Kensington & Chelsea Information Booklet 2016

Getting support from family, friends and other carersMany carers turn to family and friends for support. It is importantthat you try not to cope alone, as this can affect your own health.

Speaking to family and friends can help them to know the extent of yourcaring role. Many family members or friends may not know the level of careyou are providing. They may be embarrassed or don’t want you to thinkthat they are interfering. Other people may be reluctant to ask if you needhelp, in case you think they are saying you can’t cope. What this means isthat you may have to bring the subject up yourself first. It can feel difficult,but it’s an important step to getting the help and support you need.

You may feel that family and friends are not the best people for you to talkto about your caring role. Some carers prefer to talk to other carers or youmay want to talk to a professional counsellor. Choose whoever you think isbest for you.

Deciding what support you needcould be the first step to finding it.

Talking things over will help you to make choices about how much caringyou want to do and the support you need. Deciding what support youneed could be the first step to finding it.


Who can you talk to? i

Age UK Kensington & Chelsea ‘Carers’ Get Together’An informal, relaxing workshop for carers held every three months.Join the group for food, chat, music, information and a chance toexperience something new. First session will be held late November/early December 2015. Phone Kate Nash 020 8960 8137Email [email protected]

HestiaOffers 2 monthly social events whereby carers aged 18 – 50 canaccess both peer support and enjoyable activities to help relievesome of the stresses of caring.Phone 020 7221 0052Email [email protected]

Kensington & Chelsea Mental Health Carers AssociationProvides advocacy and support services for carers, offering monthlymeetings often with external speakers.Phone 020 8960 3873Email [email protected]

Full of Life Offer a range of services for carers of disabled children/adultsincluding forums that take place every two weeks during school termtime. Phone 0208 962 9994 Email [email protected]

Carers UK online forum Our warm and welcoming online community is a place where you canshare what’s on your mind, day and night, with people whounderstand and who can support you through everything caring hasto throw at you. Join the discussion or just take a look at www.carersuk.org/forum

Young carersIf you are under 18 and looking after someonein your family who is ill or disabled then youmay be a young carer.

It may seem a strange way to describe yourself,because looking after someone in your family mayfeel like a natural role. But being a carer means youhave a right to help and support to make life easier.

It can be stressful as well as hard work looking aftersomeone, even when you love them. And it canmake it harder to keep up with things at school orcollege or to find time for yourself to relax, have funor see your friends.

You can get help and support from the Young CarersProject in Kensington and Chelsea. They organiseactivities so you can get a break and have some fun.


Who supports young carers?i

Family Action Young Carers ServiceProvides personal budgets to purchasephysical activities to help young carers (underthe age of 18) improve their health andwellbeing.Phone 020 7619 1727Email [email protected]

SpurgeonsProvides support for young carers aged 5 to19. They offer weekly activities during termtime and the school holidays for young carers Phone 020 8969 7812Email [email protected]

7

Being a carer meansyou have a right tohelp and support.

An assessment for youand for the person you are looking afterAssessments are the first step in getting support from your localcouncil. If you are caring for an adult then ask for

• a carer’s assessment for you • a needs assessment for the person you are looking after

If you are looking after a child, then you can ask for a Childrens Actassessment for them and a parent carers assessment for yourself.

Carer’s assessment

Any carer who appears to have a need for support should be offered acarer’s assessment by the local authority.

You can have an assessment no matter what your level of need, theamount of care you provide or your financial means. You can have anassessment whether or not the person you care for has had a needsassessment or if they have been considered to be not eligible for support.

The assessment will look at how caring affects your life, and whether youare able or willing to carry on caring. Following the assessment, socialservices will decide if you are eligible for support to be provided either to youas a carer or to the person you care for to reduce the impact of caring onyou. You will be eligible if caring has a significant impact on your wellbeing.

You may be also given details of services that can support you and youmay be eligible for a personal budget, see page 10 for more informationabout personal budgets.

Needs assessments

If the person you care for appears to have a need for support they shouldbe offered a needs assessment by the local authority. The person you carefor can have an assessment no matter their level of need or their financialmeans.

The assessment will look at their physical, mental and emotional needs.Carers are entitled to be involved in the assessment. Following theassessment, social services will decide whether the person you care for iseligible for support. Whether social services will pay for any support


provided will depend on the financial situation of the person you care for.

Even if the person you care for is not considered to be eligible for support,social services must still provide them with information and advice.

To get a carer’s assessment or needs assessment phone SocialServicesline on 020 7361 3013 or email [email protected]

Assessments for Disabled Children

Disabled children and their families can access support through ChildrenAct assessments. The assessment should consider all the help that thedisabled child needs, the needs of any other children in the family and thehelp that you may need to care for the disabled child. You can also ask fora parent carers assessment if you feel the assessment for you child hasnot addressed all your needs as a carer.

To get a Children Act assessment phone Tracy Beard or CheneenGrove at St Quintin Centre for Disabled Children on 020 8968 2570.

Assessment for Mental Health Carers

To get a carer’s assessment if you are looking after someone with a mentalhealth problem who has a care co-ordinator (such as a social worker or acommunity psychiatric nurse) then the co-ordinator should carry out yourcarer’s assessment. Contact them to arrange it.

If the person you care for only sees a lead professional, for example theirGP, then the council still has a legal duty to carry out a carer’s assessmentfor you. In RBKC the Advice, Information and Assessment Team shouldcarry out the assessment. To arrange this or find out more please callSocial Services Line on 020 7361 3013


Who can help you with assessments?iAt Carers Kensington & Chelsea we can provide you with moreinformation about assessments and how they can help you..Phone us on 0800 032 1089 or email [email protected]

Full of Life Carers Advocacy Service can advise and support carersof people with learning disabilities about the assessment processincluding Education, Health and Social Care plans.Phone 020 8962 9917 Email [email protected]

A personal budget for a carer is a sum of money paid by thecouncil to a carer to pay for things that will help you in your caringrole following a carer’s assessment. In RBKC up to £600 per yearcan be available for carers, depending on your circumstances

You must spend it on what was agreed in your carer’s support planfollowing your carer’s assessment. This could include it being spent on:

• travel expenses

• course fees

• exercise classes

• relaxation sessions or complementary therapies

• practical items such as a washing machine or a computer

• driving lessons

• respite breaks so you have some time for yourself

• a holiday so you can have a break either with or without theperson you care for.

To be eligible for a personal budget you must be looking after someonewho lives in Kensington and Chelsea. It does not matter where youyourself live. For more details from the Council contact RBKC Adult SocialCare on

020 7361 3013 or [email protected]


Who provides information on personal budgets?iAt Carers Kensington & Chelsea we can provide you with moreinformation about personal budgets for carers, how to apply and helpwith getting one.Phone us on 0800 032 1089 or Email [email protected]

Full of Life Carers Advocacy Service offers advice on personalbudgets for carers of children and young adults with disabilities. Phone 020 8962 9917 Email [email protected]

Personal budgets for carers

Leaving hospitalIf the person you are looking after goes into hospital you may haveconcerns about what will happen when they leave. Leaving hospitalis called the discharge process.

As a carer, if the person you look after gives their permission, you should bekept informed throughout the discharge process.

Your views and concerns should be listened to. You have a choice aboutwhether you'll provide care when the person you look after leaves hospital. Ifyou need support in your caring role or do not feel that you can provide carefor the person you are looking after you should say so.

Each hospital has its own discharge policy – so how do you know what to do?

• Talk with the nurses and medical practitioners about what needsto be done after discharge.

• Ask the nursing team for a copy of the hospital discharge policy.

• Remember that you should be kept informed about what happenswhen the person you are looking after leaves the hospital.

• Always ask for social worker involvement if you feel the personyou are looking after has substantial, ongoing or complex needs.

At Carers Kensington & Chelsea we can provide you with moreinformation about hospital discharge. Phone 0800 032 1089 or [email protected]. We also have a factsheet that has more details aboutthe process of discharge and your rights as a carer.


Carers Kensington & ChelseaSee page 3 for details of the serviceswe offer.

Carers’ Emergency Card Scheme Puts in place back-up carearrangements if you are involved in anaccident or crisis that stops youcontinuing your caring role. For moreinformation, you can contact theCouncil’s Community Alarm Service.Phone 020 7605 6509Email [email protected]

Equal People MencapSupports carers of people with learningdisabilities and other vulnerable peopleand their families and carers byproviding advice, activities and outings.Phone 020 8964 0544 and ask for [email protected]

Full of Life Carers AdvocacyService Offers independent and practicalsupport to families of disabledchildren/adults, advice and informationon issues relating to education,accessing local support and services,support with transition from children toadult services, and help families throughtheir advocacy work.Phone 020 8962 9917 Email [email protected]

Kensington and Chelsea CarersForum

A quarterly meeting where carers canhave their say on health and social careservices in the Royal Borough ofKensington and Chelsea. Contact theForum via Carers Kensington &Chelsea.Phone 0800 032 1089 Email [email protected]

Legal advice

Nucleus Legal Advice Centreprovides specialist advice, includingdebt management, employment, family,housing and consumer issues andwelfare benefits appeals. Phone 020 7373 4005Email [email protected]

Citizens Advice Bureau providesadvice on income maximization, debtand employment issues.Phone 020 8962 3485

North Kensington Law Centre offerslegal advice and in the areas ofemployment, housing, welfare benefits,asylum and immigration. Phone 020 8969 7473Email [email protected]


Your local services


IT and TrainingLocal Libraries Learning SupportOffer free or low cost online e-learningcourses that can help to learn andimprove your computer, business andlanguage skills. There is also a wideselection of online courses that you canaccess if you are a member of the libraryand have a valid email address.Phone 020 7361 3010Email [email protected]

Computer and Internet access atthe LibrariesYou can book a computer with accessto internet and a printer at your locallibrary. You need to be a member to usethis free service. Phone 020 7361 3010Email [email protected]

Open Age Offers variety of free and low costcourses and IT classes for residents ofKensington and Chelsea who are 50and over. The courses includecomputers for beginners, IPad classes,Smartphone training, online shopping ,internet and emails for beginners,Microsoft Office and Computer Skills foremployment, foreign languages as wellas Free Computer Time (drop-in).Phone 020 8962 4141 Email [email protected]


Older people Age UK Kensington & Chelsea Provides a range of services includinginformation and advice, group shoppingtrips, de-cluttering, escorting,befriending, gardening, personal care,dementia support, health promotion andintergenerational work. The At Homeservice also provides help with personalcare and domestic tasks.Phone 020 8960 8137 or 020 89699105Email [email protected]

Open Age Enables retired and older people aged50 and over to sustain their physical andmental fitness, maintain active lifestylesand develop new and stimulatinginterests.Phone 020 8962 4141Email [email protected]

Continence Promotion Service Provides clinical advice and treatmentfor men and women with bladder and/orbowel dysfunction and information fortheir carers as required. Phone 020 8962 [email protected]

Falls Prevention ServiceOffers an assessment at home or atspecialist Falls Clinic to identify riskfactors and rehabilitation needs foranyone who: has a fear of or history offalls; lack confidence with their balanceor walking; has a diagnosis ofosteoporosis or fragility fracture.Phone 020 7361 2600

People with mental healthproblemsKensington & Chelsea Mind Offers information and a range ofservices supporting and promoting therecovery, growth and well-being ofpeople suffering from mental distress,to enable them to live full andindependent lives.Phone 020 8964 1333Email [email protected]

Depression Alliance Depression Alliance offers Friends inNeed, a local social network for peoplewith experience of depression oranxiety. The network includes a rangeof meet-ups and activities bringingpeople together to reduce lonelinessand isolation associated withdepression.Phone 020 3011 0433 or 020 [email protected] online social networkis www.friendsinneed.co.uk

Mental Health Carers Support GroupProvides monthly support to carers ofpeople experiencing mental healthproblems. The group is facilitated byNicky Lancaster and Pat Nkoyo fromCentral and North West London(CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust.Phone 07966 045238 or 0208 2066900Email or [email protected]

Local services for the personyou are looking after

Kensington and Chelsea MentalHealth Carers AssociationRuns carers support groups on everythird Thursday of every month andoffers advocacy service to carers ofpeople with mental health problems.Phone 020 8960 3873Email [email protected]

CNWL Recovery CollegeThe college offers training opportunitiesfor the recovery and social inclusion ofpeople with experience of mentalillness. A range of free wellbeingcourses and workshops are available toCentral and North West London serviceusers and their supporters (relatives,carers and friends).Phone 020 3214 5686Email [email protected]

Community Mental Health Teams Provide statutory services for peoplewith severe and enduring mental healthproblems who are living in thecommunity. The teams are responsiblefor the care and treatment in thecommunity and some of the care in thehospital. Phone 020 8206 6900

Older People’s Community MentalHealth TeamsProvide specialist ongoing assessmentand support to people over 65 withmental health problems who live in thecommunity.Phone 020 8206 7148

People with dementiaKensington & Chelsea andWestminster Memory Service For people experiencing memoryproblems and other undiagnosedcognitive impairments. They offerassessments and ongoing support forcarers throughout the assessment

process and intervention plan. Phone 0203 219 0910 Email [email protected]

Admiral Nurses Provides specialist support andinformation and advice for carers ofpeople living with/affected by dementia. Phone 0203 219 0911

Age UK Dementia Services Provide a regular programme of activitiesfor people affected by dementia andtheir carers. These include Young OnsetDementia Group, Victoria and AlbertMuseum Workshop, My Memories Caféand Befriending Service Phone 020 8960 8137Email [email protected]

People with learningdisabilitiesEqual People MencapSupports people with learningdisabilities and other vulnerable peopleand their families and carers inKensington & Chelsea. Families andcarers can access advice andparticipate in events throughout theyear including barbecues, parties,theatre, exhibition, garden and concerttrips. Phone 020 8964 [email protected]

Autism Carers Support Group A regular support group which offersinformation, advice and a chance tomeet other carers affected by Autism isrun by Carers Network and NationalAutistic Society West London. Phone Natalie Doyle at Carers Networkon 020 7386 9417 Email [email protected]


People with physicaldisabilitiesAction Disability Kensington &Chelsea Works to increase opportunities fordisabled people and provide a range ofservices including advice andinformation, help with completingforms, a lifelong learning project and aResource Centre.Phone 020 8960 8888Email [email protected]

Parkinson’s UKProvides information and support forcarers of people with Parkinson’s anddetails of local support groups. Pleasecontact Nick Ephgrave, ParkinsonsLocal Adviser.Phone 0344 225 3709Email [email protected] free phone helplineavailable on 0808 800 0303.

Maggie’s Cancer Carers Centre Provides emotional, practical and socialsupport to people living with cancerand their carers. Maggie’s Centre alsoprovides training courses for carers andruns a regular support group.Phone 0207 386 1750Email [email protected]

Paul’s Cancer Support CentreProvides advice and information,counselling and life coaching, a rangeof relaxation and alternative therapies,regular support group, training coursesand home visits. Phone 020 7924 [email protected]

Cara Trust A local volunteer organisation thatprovides a range of services for peopleliving with HIV, helping them to live life

to the full. Cara offers ComplementaryTherapies, Peer Support Groups,Information, Discussion and PersonalDevelopment, Residential Respite. Phone 020 7243 6147Email [email protected]

People with drug oralcohol problemsKensington and Chelsea North HubSpecialises in a variety of treatmentoptions for clients aged 18 and overwith substance misuse and alcoholproblems.Phone 020 8960 5599.

INSIGHT A confidential support service foryoung people under 25, living with oraffected by drug and alcohol issues.Phone 020 8960 5510.

AdfamWorks to improve support for familiesaffected by drugs and alcohol use andruns a monthly group for people aged55 and over which includes peersupport and relaxation session. Phone Rachel Evans on 020 7553 7640Email [email protected]

Families and childrenFull of Life Full of Life offers a range of informationservices, including advocacy andfamily support for disabled childrenand adult services, an IndependentAdvice and Support Service (I.A.S.S)and an Independent Support Service(I.S.S) offering Special EducationalNeeds advice. Full of Life also has aservice for young adults for complexneeds, running 6 days a week with afocus on communication, personal


development, new experiences andlearning new skills.Phone 0208 962 9994 Email [email protected]

Black Asian and MinorityEthnic (BAME)CommunitiesOremi Resource Centre Provides a mental health day service,reablement, outreach, day centre, andrecovery group programmes for AfricanCaribbean and Arabic Speaking adults.Gives information and support tomental health service users, theirfamilies and carers.Phone 020 8964 0033

Dadihiye Provides language specific service forSomali community through advice andinformation, advocacy and guidance,translation and practical support.Phone 020 8960 4133Email [email protected]

BME Carers and Families Forum Provides multi lingual services andactivities to support carers and theirfamilies to get access to the localservices and information.Phone 020 8969 7456Email [email protected]

Culture Dementia UK Provides support for carers of peoplesuffering from dementia who are fromBlack and Minority Ethnic background.Culture Dementia UK providesbefriending, advocacy service andrespite breaks.Phone 0800 014 8682

Transport and mobilityWestway Community Transport Provides essential transport services

for individuals and community groupssuch as Door-to-Door Shopper,Community Car Scheme and privatehire mini cab service Green CT Cars. Phone 020 8964 4928 Email [email protected]

Wheelchair service Provides mobility equipment to adultsand children who have serious andpermanent difficulties in walking. A rangeof equipment available includes manualand powered wheelchairs, specialseating, cushions and other accessories,and modifications to suit individualneeds. The Wheelchair Service also runsa short-term loan scheme.Phone 020 8962 3939Email [email protected]

RBKC Accessible Transport TeamProvides information on FreedomPasses, Taxicard, parking badges andbays for people with disabilities.Phone 020 7361 [email protected]



You may feel you needmore help so you canstay in employment.

Working and caringWorking and caring can feel like holding down two jobs. But thereis support available and as a carer you do have rights.

If you are a carer in paid employment it is a good idea to check youremployer’s policies for supporting carers. You do not have to tell youremployer about your caring responsibilities, but you might find that if youinform your employer of your situation they can help you manage your tworoles. They may have their own workplace policies on things like careerbreaks and flexible working.

Your rights at work as a carer include:

• Your right to take time off in an emergency, for example, toarrange alternative care if the care package you have in placebreaks down.

• Your right to ask for flexible working, for example, to work part-time, flexi-time, or to do some or all of your job from home.Employers can only refuse requests for certain specified reasonsand should deal with requests in a ‘reasonable manner’.

You could also ask your employer for more practical help such as accessto a phone – perhaps in a private space – so that you can contact theperson you care for if you need to.

You may feel you need more help so you can stay in employment. You cancontact your care manager or the social worker of the person you lookafter and ask what help or additional support the council can provide.


Who provides informationabout working whilst caring?

i

At Carers Kensington & Chelsea we can provide you with moreinformation about your rights and how working carers can getsupport.Phone 0800 032 1089 Email [email protected]


Help with finding employmentiJobcentre Plus Is part of the Department for Work and Pensions, helps employers filltheir vacancies and provides services that support people of workingage into work.Phone 0845 604 3719

Local Libraries Offer free career advice sessions and hold a selection of books that canhelp in getting started with job search and give you tips about writing aCV and application forms and how to perform well at job interviews. Phone 020 7361 3010Email [email protected]

Campden CharitiesProvides assistance through Gate Advice project to working ageindividuals who live in Kensington to help them identify achievable stepsrelating to education and employment.Phone 020 7243 0551

Open Age New Futures 50 PlusRuns an employment programme that offers free, confidential advice,guidance and job brokerage for unemployed residents of Kensington andChelsea who are over 50 and want to get back into work and training.Phone 020 8960 4853

The Clement James Centre Runs IntoWork programme that supports long-term unemployed peopleto find secure employment. Assistance includes CV writing, jobpreparation and applications, identifying job and training opportunities,IT qualifications and a programme of career/life coaching and workexperience. Specific provision available for 16 – 24 year olds, Women’sEmpowerment, Life Coaching and Work Experience days with localbusinesses. Phone 020 3220 0164


You can get personalisedassistance to identify yourneeds and overcomebarriers to work.

Money and caringBecoming a carer can bring big changes to your financial situation.Your income may take a dramatic drop through giving up work orreducing your working hours and you may face extra costs, suchas heating or travel costs, because you are looking after someone.Sorting out your financial situation can seem daunting. But helpwith claiming benefits is available.

Benefits

The benefits system is complicated. Finding out what you are entitled tocan be difficult and many people miss out. Carer’s Allowance is the mainbenefit for carers. You may be eligible if you are looking after someone for35 hours a week or more. There are also benefits to help pay for the extracosts of long-term illness or disability, such as Personal IndependencePayment and Attendance Allowance. They are not dependent on howmuch money you or the person you care for have, but there are importantcriteria that need to be met in order to receive them.


The benefits system canseem like a maze.

Who can help with money queries? i

At Carers Kensington & Chelsea we can provide a full benefitcheck for you and the person you are looking after, help withcompleting forms and information about other sources of financialsupport. We also have a range of factsheets about the importantother benefits you may be able to claim. Phone 0800 032 1089 Email [email protected]

Kensington Citizens Advice Bureau Provides income maximisation service plus advice on debt andemployment issues.Phone 020 8962 3485

Age UK Kensington & ChelseaProvides financial advice for people ages 55+ including benefitchecks and reducing fuel bills.Phone 020 8969 9105Email [email protected]

Money Advice Service Find out if your finances are in a healthy state and get tips for ahealthier financial lifestyle by visiting www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Other help

Benefits are not the only way of getting financial help. You may be able toapply for:

• a reduction in your Council Tax bill

• help with the cost of a holiday

• a grant to help adapt your home to meet the needs of the personyou care for

• help to manage your heating costs, for example, to install centralheating or changing to a better tariff to reduce fuel bills

• charity grants

Carers Kensington & Chelsea Information Booklet 2016 23

Looking after yourselfThere is no doubt that without the right support caring can damageyour health. You’ll need to find the balance between caring andlooking after your own health needs. It’s not an easy balance to find,but remember, the better your physical and emotional well-being,the better you will be able to cope with the demands of caring.

Tell your GPTell your GP that you are a carer. If they know you are a carer and likely tobe under pressure at times, they will find it easier to offer the advice andsupport you need and if necessary diagnose and treat you in the future.

Different practices may be able to offer different services, so do check withyour practice about what they might be able to offer you and the personthat you care for. They will register you as a carer at your practice whichmay lead to many benefits such as flexible appointments, free annual flujabs, depression screening and arranging for repeat prescriptions to bedelivered to your local pharmacy.

Your GP practice can also provide you with information and advice onservices provided by NHS such as continence services or patient transportfrom and to hospital appointments and link you with other primary careservices such as occupational therapist, physiotherapist, continenceadvisors, district nurses and dieticians.

CounsellingSome carers find it very helpful to talk over their caring role with someonewho isn’t family or a friend. It gives you some time to think about yourselfand talk things over with someone who is impartial and independent.

Getting some exerciseWhether it is a walk in the park, a swim at the local pool or an hour at thegym – any exercise that you enjoy is good for you! It’s great for reducingstress and can help you to get through those difficult days.

EmergenciesMany carers worry about what will happen if they become ill or anemergency arises and they cannot continue to provide care or support.Kensington and Chelsea run an emergency card scheme to ensure that


alternative care is put in place if there is an emergency. ContactCommunity Alarm Service for further details or to join the scheme.Phone 020 7605 6509 Email [email protected]

Emergency Duty Team deals with Social Care emergencies forvulnerable adults, children and their families.Phone 020 7373 2227 (daily from 5pm- 9am, Bank Holidays andWeekends 24 hours)


Who can help you look after yourself?iCarers Counselling Service Take Time to Talk can offer a seriesof individual counselling sessionsat various times Monday- Friday,including some evenings.Phone 020 8962 4748Email [email protected]

Cook and TasteA free six week communityprogramme offering local peoplethe opportunity to develop basichealthy eating and cookingskills. The fun programme whichinvolves cooking and tastinghealthy recipes each week isdelivered by local people whohave been trained to teach theirpeers to live healthier livesthrough better nutrition and diet. Phone 020 8962 4270 Email cook&[email protected]

Kensington and ChelseaHealth Trainers Service Provides free, one-to-onesessions for people who wish tomake positive healthy changesto their lifestyle. Health Trainers

work across the borough to helppeople to access existing localservices and offer direct supportwith healthy eating, physicalactivity, general well-being andstopping smoking.Phone 020 7099 [email protected]

Westway Trust (PortobelloGreen Fitness Club)Has a free carers membershipscheme and runs a free yogaclass that carers can attend. Phone 020 8960 2221 [email protected]

Octavia Foundation’sBefriending Service inKensington and Chelsea Provides one-to-one emotionalsupport that reduces isolationand promotes positivewellbeing. It is an opportunity forindividuals to have time to lookafter themselves and connectwith others and the community.Phone 020 8354 5532 [email protected]

Getting some time for yourselfIt’s important to make sure that you can organise some time awayfrom caring.

• If you are looking after an adult, get a carer’s assessment so thatthe council can look into providing you with someone to takeover for a while.

• If you have already had assessments but you are not managingto get some time for yourself, ask the council for a review.

• Remember that one of the ways you can use a personal budgetis to get a holiday – and taking a break can make a realdifference.

• If you are looking after a child get a Children Act assessment.This will look at the support the whole family needs.

You may also want to meet up with other carers for activities, trips out andthe chance to share your experiences.


You can use a personalbudget to get a holiday.


Who can help you to get some time for yourself?iAt Carers Kensington &Chelsea we can provide youwith information about free anddiscounted leisure activities foryou and the person you care for.We also have a leaflet with allthe details of what’s available.Phone 0800 032 1089 Email [email protected]

Full of Life Carers AdvocacyService Supports carers of children andadults with disabilities.Phone 020 8962 9994 Email [email protected]

New Horizons Time for MeSouth Kensington & ChelseaRuns a programme of activitiesfor carers aged 50 or over livingin the centre or south of theborough.Phone 020 7590 8970Email [email protected]

Open Age Time for Me NorthKensingtonRuns a weekly support andactivities group for carers aged50 and over living in NorthKensington.Phone 020 8962 4141Email [email protected]

Revitalise (formerly Vitalise) Has been providing respite caresolutions for people withdisabilities and carers for over50 years. Take a break togetheror the person you care for canhave a break on their own, withall the care and support theyneed provided by experiencednursing and care staff.Alzheimer’s breaks are alsoavailable.Phone 0303 303 0145 Email [email protected]

Adult Social CareCan provide help with getting abreak from caring usingpersonal budgets and respitecare.Phone 020 7361 [email protected]

Carers UK provides the Carers Kensington & Chelsea service.

JOIN AND SUPPORT CARERS UK

However caring affects you and your family, we are here for you.

By joining Carers UK, you can be part of a supportive community and amovement for change.

We are here to:

• give expert advice, information and support

• connect carers so no-one has to care alone

• campaign together for lasting change

• innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers

To join visit www.carersuk.org/join or contact us at:Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX020 7378 4999 [email protected]

For expert advice and information about caring call the Carers UKAdviceline on 0808 808 7777 – Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.

Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307)and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097). Registeredoffice 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX.

© Carers UK (November 2015). The information in this leaflet is for guidance only and is notan authoritative statement of the law. The information is correct as of November 2015.

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