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Carers in Southampton is a free service for adults who give their time, unpaid, to look after a family member, friend or neighbour with additional support needs.

 

The service is managed by Southampton Mencap and is funded by Southampton City Council to manage statutory carer’s assessments.  These identify needs and determine eligibility to receive specific services and a discretionary personal budget.  Carers in Southampton also provide support and relevant information to informal carers.  

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Who can use the service?

Any adult who gives up their time, unpaid, to look after someone who needs additional support, such as a family member, a friend, or a neighbour. You must be resident in a Southampton city postcode or looking after someone who lives in a Southampton city postcode.

 

The service offers:

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• Carers Assessments
  Carer’s assessments in England are for adult carers of adults (over 18 years) who are disabled, ill or elderly.  It aims to identify your needs as a carer and should pinpoint what help and support you might need in maintaining your own health and well-being, while continuing your caring role.  Your completed assessment will be used to determine your eligibility to receive services and support; however, all carers are eligible for information and advice.  Southampton City Council offer a Carers Assessment to carers who are resident in a Southampton city postcode or looking after someone who lives in a Southampton city postcode.

• Carers Cards
  Carers Cards offer discounts to you if you live or look after someone who lives in a property with a Southampton city postcode.  It will not affect your benefits.  Applicants must register for or have completed a Carers Assessment.  NB Parent carers and young carers are also eligible.

• Information, resources and news updates
  The Carers in Southampton Website holds a wide range of information and resources that are easy to search.
  The Newsletters, Website, Facebook and Twitter feeds provide useful, timely information to carers on relevant issues, news and events, rights and entitlements.

• Personal support
  The service gives advice and support via a dedicated phone line 023 8058 2387 staffed by our team 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

  • Carers can talk to one of the experienced team, each with their own specialist area, who can be a key point of contact to provide advice and information.

• Learning and training opportunities
  The service publicises a range of relevant social and learning opportunities across Southampton to carers in a range of different caring situations and with a variety of interests.

• Social engagement
  In conjunction with Southampton Mencap, CiS host a monthly Carers Lunch with an invited guest speaker which is held at the Victory Centre in Portswood.

• Emergency Planning guidance
  The service has information and guidance to help carers start writing an Emergency Plan here.

• Carer Friendly Companies
  Any business in Southampton can use this free resource.  There is a Carer Friendly Company Charter encouraging organisations to identify unpaid carers, signpost to the service and create policies to provide an environment where carers’ needs can be met within the scope of their employment structure.

• Young carers
  The service works with No Limits to provide the Young Carers Service for a smooth transition into the adult carer support service where needed.

 

Drop in to the Carers in Southampton offices to find out more:
Meon House, Rear of 189 Portswood Road, Southampton, SO17 2NF
Telephone: 02380 582 387
Visit the website: www.carersinsouthampton.co.uk
Email: enquiries@carersinsouthampton.co.uk