A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who is frail, disabled or ill
Southwark Carers
Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Rd
London
SE5 0HF
T: 020 7708 4497
About Southwark Carers
Southwark Carers provides information, advice and support to carers across the borough. We also aim to raise awareness of the rights and needs of carers in Southwark. We work in partnership with other local organisations to make sure that carers get as much support as possible.
We provide:
- advice on issues such as benefits and dealing with social services
- advocacy service
- an information pack and regular newsletter
- a confidential counselling service
- financial assistance to help carers take a break
- carers' support groups
- social activity groups
- massage and relaxation sessions
- training and information sharing events
- a voice for carers in the borough
All of our services are free to carers in Southwark.
We are an independent charity funded by Southwark Council. We are part of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers national network.
How we can help you
Members of Southwark Carers can receive:-
Advice: we offer confidential one-to-one advice, by telephone, e-mail or in person. We can answer questions you may have relating to your caring role and we can provide information on the services or benefits you may be entitled to.
Advocacy: we offer confidential one-to-one advocacy, by telephone, e-mail or in person. We can assist you in voicing your complaints and issues to various authorities.
Information: upon joining Southwark Carers you will receive an information pack designed to make sure you are aware of the services available to you, and how to access them. A bi-monthly newsletter contains information on news and forthcoming events. Regular information days / forums give you the chance to share and gather information on different topics and talk to guest speakers and staff. You are also welcome to drop in to our Carers' Resource Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm-5pm.
Counselling: our free counselling service gives you the chance to talk to someone about your situation in a confidential setting. Work is done around the emotions arising from the caring role and in many cases can help improve your well-being and outlook.
Carers Groups: a number of carers support and social groups operate in Southwark. Joining a group can be a great way to share experiences in a supportive environment, or to enjoy a welcome break. Southwark Carers can put you in touch with a group that suits you.
Health Liaison Project: works in GPs' surgeries and hospitals throughout the borough helping primary care staff identify carers in their practices.
Breaks Schemes: We have a range of breaks schemes to assist you in your caring role.
Fix-Yourself-a-Break is designed to help you take a break from your caring duties. Eligible carers receive a payment of up to £300 to help with the costs associated with taking a break (e.g. accommodation or transport).
Fix-Yourself-a-Cab provides £50 towards the cost of cab fares to help with hospital appointments, for example.
We are currently running a pilot scheme for a limited time called Fix-Yourself-an-Oystercard. This allows you to put upto £50 onto your oystercard for travel on public transport.Other activities: we run a number of activities and groups at our Carers Centre, at any time this might include massage, relaxation and positive thinking, Reiki, book group and art and crafts. We also arrange regular social outings for groups of carers, such as day trips to the seaside.
Support and representation: whatever problems you face as a carer, we aim to provide support. We campaign for change on behalf of the borough's carers and make sure that your voice is heard.
Contact us for more details, to become a member and to request any of these services.
Management of Southwark Carers
Southwark Carers is run by a board of carers and former carers. The current board (elected in December 2007) are:
- David Lebon – Chair
- Dan Brennan
- Peter Cather
- June Hollands
- Hussain Malik
- Ben Mshila
- Abdul Quddus
- Carol Vincent
Please contact us for a copy of our latest annual report.
Quick
Links
Read all the latest news and articles in our bi-monthly newsletter
Come to our next Carers Forum - book your place now!
Have you had a Carer's Assessment? If not, you could be missing out on extra support.
Need to speak to someone? Call us on 020 7708 4497, Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm.
Southwark Carers is incorporated as a non-profit making company limited by guarantee number 4146495. Charity number 1085300.