Email

admin@carers-bs.org.uk

Web

www.carers-bs.org.uk

Telephone

0117 939 2562

Minicom/Textphone

Fax

0117 965 5847

Core Services

These services are available to all carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Carersline

Telephone 0117 965 2200

The Carersline provides direct access to a sympathetic worker who will really listen and try to help.

You can phone with any query, or just to talk.

If we don't have the answer we will find it and get back.

The Carersline is open from Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

If you have a specific query and wish to send us an email, please include a phone number and as much detail about your situation as possible. Email us at: carersl@carers-bs.org.uk 

Newsletter

Our Newsletter is produced four times a year. It contains information about services and news affecting carers locally and nationally, and is a way to make contact with other carers.

It includes a diary of events and is free to all carers. Articles, letters views and news are all welcome. Email here admin@carers-bs.org.uk

You can view the most recent newsletter on our website www.carers-bs.org.uk

Description of service or activity (continued)

Carers Support in South Gloucestershire

Carers Groups

Carers groups provide an opportunity to:

-    Meet other carers, make friends

-    Share experiences, tips and information

-    Enjoy speakers and activities.

Groups are run monthly at the Carers Centre in Fishponds, and at various locations around South Gloucestershire.

At the Carers Centre, The Vassall Centre Gill Avenue:

Many people living in Downend, Staple Hill and Kingswood find the Carers Centre in Fishponds convenient to travel to, whilst others come from further a field. Contact Gilly on 0117 9392562 or email gillyg@carers-bs.org.uk.

Evening Mental Health Carers Group: for carers of people experiencing mental distress. Third Wednesday in the month between 7.00pm and 9.00pm.

Local Carers Groups

Yate Carers Group

Meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month at Yate Library, (via the back door) 44 West Walk, Yate, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. For more information contact Penny Snow or Liz Doling by phone or e-mail: pennys@carers-sg.org.uk or lizd@carers-sg.org.uk.uk

Patchway Carers Group

Meets 3^rd Tuesday of each month at Patchway Town Council Offices, Rodway Rd, Patchway, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Contact Debbie Fear for more information by e-mail: debbief@carers-sg.org.uk

Thornbury Carers Group

Meets 1^st Friday of each month at Thornbury Council Offices, from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Contact Penny Snow for more information by e-mail: pennys@carers-sg.org.uk

Severn Beach Group

Meets at Severn Beach Visitors Centre, Shaft Road, Severn Beach on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Contact Penny Snow on 01454 851201 or e-mail: pennys@carers-sg.org.uk.

For more information about groups we run, or other groups in the area, email the centre carersl@carers-sg.org.uk 

Description of service or activity (continued)

South Gloucestershire Carers Advisory Network (CAN)

The Carers Advisory Network brings together carer advisors with senior officers from South Gloucestershire Council and South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust through quarterly CAN meetings.

The carer advisors act as representatives for carers throughout South Gloucestershire. Quarterly open meetings give all carers the opportunity to share information and opinions with their carer advisors.

Carers' advisors can also get directly involved in other planning groups such as the Mental Health Local Implementation Team or the Learning Difficulties Partnership Board. Carer advisors receive an hourly allowance for attending meetings. The Carers Advisory Network relates to adult services. To get involved, to find out what is going on, or to let your carer advisors know about issues of concern to you contact Debbie Fear by phone (0117 939 2562) or email: debbief@carers-sg.org.uk

South Gloucestershire ¥Break for Carers' Volunteer Scheme

The "Break for Carers" scheme aims to give carers regular short breaks so that they can have time for themselves to shop, do the garden, see a friend, etc.

A volunteer is matched with a carer and might typically spend two or three hours a week with the elderly or disabled person being cared for, in their own home. We aim for this to be a positive experience for the carer and their relative. The service is free and is being extended to the rural areas of South Gloucestershire.

Carers and/or professionals can contact Liz Doling at the Carers Centre, (0117 939 2562) or email lizd@carers-sg.org.uk

Time Out for Carers

The Time Out project helps Carers identify short breaks or holidays which are designed to support the Carers role.  The service also provides day trips and weekend breaks for Carers.  Contact Liz Doling at the Carers Centre (0117 939 2562) or on lizd@carers-sg.org.uk

Description of service or activity (continued)

Rural Project

A project funded by Age Concern England is extending our services to the rural areas, e.g. around Thornbury, Severn Beach, Pilning, Marshfield etc. We are identifying carers' needs and recruiting volunteers to support carers. Contact Penny Snow at the Carers Centre, as above or email pennys@carers-sg.org.uk

Carers Support Officer

Our South Gloucestershire Carer Support Officer, Keith Scanlon, is available for home visits. He can offer advice, information and emotional support to all carers. He can advise on benefits, community care assessments and provide advocacy support.

Where appropriate he can liase with, and refer carers to, relevant local and national services.

To make an appointment, please contact the Carersline on 0117 965 2200 between 10.00am and 1.00pm, Monday to Saturday. Interpreters can be accessed for carers who do not speak English. If you prefer, email keiths@carers-sg.org.uk with times you can speak on the phone:

Carers Training and Events

We sometimes run events and training, both during the day and evening.

Courses include: back care, stress management and relaxation, assertiveness, information technology.

For details of courses, please look in our newsletter, contact the Carersline, or email your local Carers Support Officer keiths@carers-sg.org.uk or lizd@carers-sg.org.uk