Find Some Help
Our Carers Helpline is here to help you. Our team of friendly, trained staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help give you some advice and support to help you in your caring role. If you look after someone, here are a few examples of reasons why you may want to give us a call:
- You may want some information or advice about a particular benefit or legal issue, or have heard about a Carers Assessment and want to know how to get one?
- Perhaps you would like to find out about some social groups going on in your area, or are looking for a practical course to brush up on some skills?
- Maybe you look after someone with a certain illness or disability and would like to find out about some expert organisations that can help with support and advice?
For any of these reasons, and for any other you can think of (relating to caring) please give us a call.
Do you look after someone? If you do, whether you are a friend, neighbour or relative, the Carers Emergency Card has been designed with you in mind. The idea is very simple. You carry the yellow card with you and should you have an accident or be taken ill it will immediately let people know that someone is depending on you.
Read more...
We have a number of informal, friendly groups for carers in locations throughout the County. You can:
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Being a carer is often difficult, stressful and isolating. Carers who join Carer Talktime will receive a call at least once a month from our trained volunteers. The same person will call each time to chat confidentially with the carer. The aim is to help carers feel less isolated and more supported.
If you are a carer who would like to have a regular call contact Alison on 01905 751347
Or email:
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The GP Carer Support Service is designed to reach out to carers via GP practices, telling them about the support available to them and looking at numerous issues including social isolation, accessing correct benefits, respite care etc.
We are very excited to have launched our countywide GP Carer Support Service providing one to one support, within each of the 68 GP Practices within Worcestershire, for informal or family carers.
One to one support will provide a vital link for carers and offers:
• Information and support
• Signposting and onward referral to both statutory and voluntary sectors where appropriate
• Emotional support
• Peer group meetings
• Direct referrals to services provided by Worcestershire Association of Carers, a member of Cares Action Worcestershire
Our team of GP Carer Support Advisers will conduct appointments in the practices and also make home visits for those people who are unable to leave the person they care for on their own. If you are a carer and would like to access this service please speak to any member of staff at your GP Surgery and ask to be referred to a GP Carer Support Adviser.
There are lots of free courses and information sessions available for carers living in Worcestershire. They focus on providing information, useful hints and tips, practical knowledge and skills, and (most importantly we think) confidence to help support your caring role. They are also a great opportunity to get out the house for a few hours and chat to other carers who may be in similar situations. Please take a look below at the different courses that are available, along with the time and dates they are running and information on how to book a place.
For a printable version of the page please click here.
Read more...
Legal and Financial Information Sessions
To help carers to keep up to date on all the issues around financial and legal matters related to caring, Worcestershire Association of Carers runs a series of information sessions. To book a place on a session, or for further information please call 01905 751340.
|
Date & Time |
Venue |
Subject |
|
Monday April 15th 10.30-12.30 |
Perdiswell Young People’s Centre Droitwich Rd Worcester WR3 7SN
|
Paying for Care A carer focussed look at how to maximize capital and income to pay for care. Mark Oswell, Accredited Later Life Financial Adviser |
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Tuesday April 23rd 10.30-12.30 |
Simply Limitless Puxton Lane Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 5DF
|
Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Home ownership Carer focussed information about making wills, lasting powers of attorney, Trusts, tax planning and home ownership to protect estates of carers and those they care for. Chris Milne, Solicitor
|
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Wednesday May 8th 10.30-12.30 |
Life after Stroke Centre Church Lane Bromsgrove B61 8RA
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Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Home ownership Carer focussed information about making wills, lasting powers of attorney, Trusts, tax planning and home ownership to protect estates of carers and those they care for. Chris Milne, Solicitor
|
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Thursday May 9th 10.30-12.30 |
Pershore Civic Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive Pershore WR10 1PT (Committee Room) |
Carers Assessments The process and Procedure Carers Direct Payments etc. Worcestershire Carers Unit |
|
Monday May 13th 10.30-12.30 |
Malvern Library Graham Rd Malvern WR14 2HU
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Paying for Care A carer focussed look at how to maximize capital and income to pay for care. Mark Oswell, Accredited Later Life Financial Adviser |
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Monday June 3rd 10.30 -12.30 |
Perdiswell Young People’s Centre Droitwich Rd Worcester WR3 7SN
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Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Home ownership Carer focussed information about making wills, lasting powers of attorney, Trusts, Living Wills, Tax planning and home ownership to protect estates of carers and those they care for. Annabel Kay, Solicitor
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Tuesday June 4th 10.30-12.30
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Simply Limitless Puxton Lane Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 5DF
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Benefits Advice Covering all aspects for carers claiming benefits. Including Carers Allowance, Pension and Tax credits, DLA,PIP,ESA Disability Premiums, Attendance allowances, mobility allowances, income replacement benefits, council tax benefits and grants. Emma Cook, Benefits Adviser |
|
Wednesday June 5th 7.00-10.00 |
Perdiswell Young People’s Centre Droitwich Rd Worcester WR3 7SN
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Benefits Advice Employment Support Allowance Personal Independence Payment Disability Living Allowance This session will be aimed at ALL AGE. Emma Cook, Benefits Adviser |
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Monday 8th July 10.30-12.30 |
Pershore Civic Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive Pershore WR10 1PT (Committee Room)
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The Mental Capacity Act Getting to know your legal rights for assessments and care packages
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Wednesday July 10th 10.30-12.30 |
Malvern Library Graham Rd Malvern WR14 2HU |
Benefits Advice Personal Independence Payment Disability Living Allowance
Council tax benefits and grants.
|
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Thursday July 18th 10.30-12.30 |
Perdiswell Young People’s Centre Droitwich Rd Worcester WR3 7SN
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Being aware of safeguarding issues and what you should know about protecting the person you care fo. Worcestershire County Council, Adult Safeguarding Team |
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Wednesday September 11th 10.30-12.30 |
Simply Limitless Puxton Lane Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 5DF
|
Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Home ownership Carer focussed information about making wills, lasting powers of attorney, Trusts, tax planning and home ownership to protect estates of carers and those they care for. Chris Milne, Solicitor
|
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Thursday September 12th 10.00-1.00 |
Perdiswell Young People’s Centre Droitwich Rd Worcester WR3 7SN |
Benefits Changes What you need to know about benefits changes around Universal credits Employment Support Allowance Personal Independence Payment. Emma Cook, Benefits Adviser
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Tuesday September 17th 10.30-12.30 |
Pershore Civic Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive Pershore WR10 1PT (Committee Room)
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Paying for Care A carer focussed look at how to maximize capital and income to pay for care. Mark Oswell, Accredited Later Life Financial Adviser |
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Wednesday September 18th 10.30-12.30 |
Malvern Library Graham Rd Malvern WR14 2HU
|
Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Home ownership Carer focussed information about making wills, lasting powers of attorney, Trusts, Living Wills, Tax planning and home ownership to protect estates of carers and those they care for. Annabel Kay, Solicitor.
|
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Wednesday 25th September 10.00-1.00 |
Perdiswell Young People’s Centre Droitwich Rd Worcester WR3 7SN
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Benefits Advice More about Personal independence payments Top tips for form filling. Emma Cook, Benefits Adviser. |
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Friday 27th September 10.30-12.30 |
Life after Stroke Centre Church Lane Bromsgrove B61 8RA
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Benefits Advice Covering all aspects for carers claiming benefits Employment Support Allowance Personal Independence Payment Disability Living Allowance Council tax benefits and grants. Emma Cook, Benefits Adviser |
To view a printable version of all the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Caring With Confidence
‘Caring with Confidence’ is a free programme of support sessions being delivered across Worcestershire in recognition of the £119 BILLION annual contribution carers make to society. The aim of the programme is exactly what it says - it is about building confidence to deal with the day-to-day stresses, problems and frustrations of being a carer.
There are 7 different sessions - each focuses on a different aspect of life as a carer. The programme helps carers to consider their own needs, health and well-being and potential resources. It is also about the shared experience of being a carer and because these are group sessions they are successful in reducing the isolation that many carers feel. Each session stands alone, but attending many helps to build a portfolio of information.
Worcestershire Association of Carers will pay for replacement care where the need is exceptional. Carers can attend as few or as many of the sessions as they like, each session is 3 hours long and that includes a refreshment break before and during the session. For further information, and to book please contact Wendy Rothwell, on 01905 751351 Mobile: 07866 947831 Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For the dates and times of the forthcoming sessions please see below:
|
Finding Your Way 10th April. 10.00am - 1pm |
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Caring and Coping 24th April. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
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Caring Day to Day 8th May. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
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Caring and Me 22nd May. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
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Caring and Resources 5th June. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
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Caring and Communicating 19th June. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
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Caring and Life 3rd July. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
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Caring for someone living with Dementia 17th July. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
Location: St Andrews Parish Centre, Pershore Abbey, Pershore WR10 1PQ
To view a printable version of all the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Caring With Confidence - Near End of Life
For carers of someone with a life-limiting illness, sessions offer emotional support, information and practical help around end of life care and legal and financial information and advice specific to this difficult period. For further information, and to book please contact Wendy Rothwell, on: 01905 751351 Mobile: 07866 947831 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it For the dates and times of the forthcoming sessions please see below:
| Session | Location |
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Finding your Way 21st February. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
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Caring and Me 28th February. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
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Caring and Communicating 14th March. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
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Legal and Financial 11th April. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
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Caring Day by Day 25th April. 10.00am - 1.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
To view a printable version of the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
CWC After Caring
For bereaved carers where the cared-for person died more than 6 months ago. Moving on, building a new life post-caring and making new connections and support networks, After Caring sessions offer practical help and group support. Contact details as above. For further information, and to book please contact Wendy Rothwell, on: 01905 751351 Mobile: 07866 947831 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it For the dates and times of the forthcoming sessions please see below:
| Session | Location |
|
Finding Your Way 7th February. 10.00am - 1p.m |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
|
Coping After Caring 7th March. 10.00 am – 1.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
|
Life After Caring 18thApril. 10.00 – 1.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
To view a printable version of the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Moving With Confidence
This session looks at how to take care of yourself and the person you care for, in relation to moving and handling e.g. someone in and out of bed, car or bath/shower. You will gather information on better approaches to moving and handling, carry out some practical exercises and have an opportunity to raise your specific concerns in relation to this subject.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend a group session, the trainer could visit you in your home, or a combination of both. To book a place on this course please call Age UK on 0800 0086077.
| Date | Location |
|
7th February 10.00am - 2.00pm |
St David's House, Redditch |
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19th March 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Age UK, Malvern Gate, Worcester. |
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22nd April 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Amphlett Hall, Bromsgrove. |
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9th May 10.00 - 2.00pm |
KEMP Hospice, Kidderminster |
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15th May 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Age UK, Malvern Gate, Worcester. |
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21st June 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Indy Store, Evesham. |
|
25th July 10.00am - 2.00pm |
St David's House, Redditch |
To view a printable version of the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Stress Management
This course consists of two sessions. The first session aims to help you understand the 'cause and effects' of stress and the second session looks at strategies and techniques to combat stress when it occurs e.g. deep breathing techniques and relaxation. To book a place on this course, please call the Worcestershire Carers Unit on 01905 728824 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| Session | Date |
|
Stress Therapies 25th Feb. 10.00 am – 1.00pm |
Amphlett Hall, Bromsgrove. |
|
Managing Stress 13th March. 10.00 – 1.30pm |
Age UK, Malvern Gate, Worcester. |
To view a printable version of the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Dementia Awareness
Specifically designed for carers of someone with dementia and focuses on the different types of dementia, how the diagnosis may shape behaviour and how to support the person with dementia to lead a more fulfilling daily life. Also includes an introduction to reminiscence/life history work with people with dementia. To book a place on this course please call Age UK on 0800 0086077.
| Session | Location |
|
19th February 10.00 - 2.00pm |
Age UK, Malvern Gate, Worcester. |
|
6th March 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Kidderminster Library, Kidderminster. |
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26th April 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Age UK, Malvern Gate, Worcester. |
|
23rd May 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Amphlett Hall, Bromsgrove. |
|
9th July 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Prospect View, Malvern. |
|
9th September 10.00am - 2.00pm |
Age UK, Malvern Gate, Worcester. |
|
23rd October 10.00am - 2.00pm |
St David's House, Redditch |
To view a printable version of the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Emergency First Aid
This session is designed to give you confidence to use simple life-saving techniques for adults in everyday life. This includes resuscitation and care of an unconscious adult. It is a hands on session where you have the opportunity to practice your new skills. On completion of the course, you will receive a certificate that is valid for 3 years. To book a place on this course, please call the Worcestershire Carers Unit on 01905 728824 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| Session | Location |
|
7th February 10.00am - 2.30pm |
Bromsgrove Methodist Centre |
|
18th February (part 1) 6.30pm - 8.30pm |
British Red Cross Bradbury Court, Worcester, WR4 9GY |
|
21st February (part 2) 6.30pm - 8.30pm |
British Red Cross Bradbury Court, Worcester, WR4 9GY |
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8th March 10.00am – 14.30pm |
British Red Cross, Howsell Road, Malvern, WR14 1TH. |
|
13th May 10.00am – 14.30pm |
British Red Cross Bradbury Court, Worcester, WR4 9GY. |
|
3rd June 10.00am – 14.30pm |
British Red Cross, Lax Lane, Bewdley, DY12 2DZ |
To view a printable version of the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Mental Health First Aid
Do you care for someone with a mental health problem? Do you want to know how you can help that person? Mental Health First Aid could help you understand First Aid for: Depression, Overdose, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Distress, Suicide and Psychosis. Both sessions need to be attended. If you are interested in the course please call Worcestershire Carers Unit on 01905 728824 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| Session | Venue |
|
25th February 9.30am - 4.30pm |
Malvern Library |
|
1st March 9.30am - 4.30pm |
Malvern Library |
To view a printable version of the courses please click here
To view the other courses for carers please click here
Transitions
For Parents of Young People and Children with additional needs as they reach adulthood.
Worcestershire Association of Carers and a group of interested parents are pleased to say the County Council has invested in a new team to help parents and young people to plan better for adult life.
The move from services provided in childhood and those as an adult has always been very worrying and challenging. Parents need to help the young people they support to look at the options available to them as adults whether they are eligible for adult services or not.
Jonathan Monk manager for the Young Adult team which will focus very specifically on this area said:
‘Worcestershire County Council has identified the transition to adulthood for young people with additional need as a priority for development. The council is committed to the vision that all young people with additional needs will experience the transition to adulthood as a positive, exciting and challenging time so that they can be independent and have the opportunity to achieve their potential and aspirations.
To do this, the Council has set up a dedicated Young Adults Team to work with young people with additional needs aged 16 – 25 years and their families. There is a dedicated Carer Support Officer in the team to make sure that family carers receive the information, advice and support they need at this important stage in the young person's life.’
Worcestershire Association of Carers hosts successful information sessions for parents on the issues people should consider at this time.
We are working to set up a forum for parents to join to help them help the County Council and other providers of services to develop appropriate services.
We will also host some more events later in the year.....So watch this space and our website for more information or contact Judy Adams on 01905 751340 or
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.
The details of latest Transitions Information Sessions can be found here.
The latest transitions newsletter can be found here
Transition to Adulthood: A Practitioners Guide
Housing Options Guide - Worcestershire County Council
Transitions Questionnaire
As part of the work we are doing to support the involvement of families of young people (14-25) with additional needs we would like to involve as many people as possible. However, we realise that coming to meetings organised by Worcestershire Association of Carers is not always possible and that many families have other responsibilities and commitments.
So we want to know the best way for you to Get Your Voice Heard...so please let us know by filling out the questionnaire here
Things to do
Friday Craft Activities - Where Next Hub, Redditch
Coffee Morning - Where Next Hub, Redditch
Dance Sessions - Where Next Hub, Redditch
Disability Sport Worcester - February Half Term
Autism and Learning Disabilities Group - For family members and carers
Translator
Am I A Carer?
In my culture, there's no word for 'carer' but I always look out for my neighbour...
I'm a friend...
I'm a Carer.
