Family Link is a service for family carers living in Southampton who have a relative with a learning disability. It is managed and delivered by Southampton Mencap, and receives funding from the Local Authority.

The Service provides support to family carers so they understand and take up their entitlements; offers practical assistance to help them plan for the future and develop an Emergency Action Pan. Statistical information is shared on a regular basis with the Local Authority and the PCT to enable improvements to be made to the services they provide for family carers and their relatives.

The Family Link Service will:

• Ensure family carers are empowered, especially in considering and dealing with changes in their own and their relatives;
• Provide information about support and services they are entitled to;
• Empower them to voice their views on issues affecting them or their relatives;
• Assist them to plan ahead and think about what would happen to their relative in an emergency;
• Work with them to draw up an Emergency Action Plan which supports their relative in a crisis, e.g. sudden illness/accident or bereavement;
• Encourage them to share the plan appropriately.

How can I get in touch with the Family Link Service

• Telephone: 023 8058 4088
• E-mail: familycarers@southamptonmencap.co.uk
• Call in to the Mencap Offices and speak to one of the staff team.