Mental Health Carers Support

For people caring or supporting someone of working age with a mental health difficulty (including young onset dementia and Aspergers Syndrome.) We also offer support to carers, family and friends of anyone with an eating disorder.

SUPPORT

someone to talk to

INFORMATION

on a range of services helpful to you and the person you care for

INFORMAL ADVOCACY

someone to speak with you, or on your behalf

RESPITE

Short breaks from your caring role

No matter how many hours your caring role involves, one of our support workers can meet with you at an agreed location, to look at ways of enabling you to improve your quality of life and to help you in your caring role.

Our support is flexible and creative. We can offer the following:

access to information on diagnosis and medication
access to benefits, housing, legal and budgeting advice
assistance in accessing a Carers Assessment
information on how to obtain funding for short breaks, education and leisure activities
regular carers support groups tailored to meet specific carers needs. For example, specialist groups for carers include: Eating Disorder groups and Emotional Intensity Disorder groups.
cafe groups - a relaxed way to meet with other carers
opportunities for you to contribute to the planning and development of local mental health services
provision of regular visiting speakers covering health related topics

Contact Sarah or Debbie on 01243 380937

sarah.robinson@carerssupportservice.org.uk

debbie.pimenta@carerssupportservice.org.uk

Comments from carers who have used the service:

‘It has helped me to recognise my own needs are also important and in order to care I have to look after my own wellbeing’.

‘Made me realise what a difficult job I do as a Carer and to take time out for myself occasionally’.

‘I now have the ability to access other services’.

‘Great support, a change for someone to listen to me’.

‘Given me a better outlook on life’.

Would you like a break from your caring role?

Why not apply to the Short Breaks for Carers fund administered here at the Carers Support Service (CSS). Telephone 01243 537011 for more details

Come to one of our events to talk to other carers about their similar situations or just come to relax in a friendly environment.

Please see Events for more information.

If you need respite care for your cared for, please call the CSS on 01243 537011.

We also have Carers Support Groups that run monthly in Bognor Regis, Chichester, Selsey and the Wittering area.

They are there to support you through your caring role and organise days outs, tea and chat and speakers both fun and educational.

For more information or to come to one of our events or support groups please call the CSS on 01243 537011.

Grants for Carers

A Princess Royal Trust for Carers Grant may be able to help Carers financially. Click here for more details.

We also have information on the Kathleen and Sidney Linkins Memorial Trust Fund offering help to people in need over the age of 60

Please call the CSS on 01243 537011 for more information

Top Ten is a list of the organisations that we refer carers to most often.

Carers Information Highway is an exercise to help those working with carers assess their information provision.