Being a carer for someone with a long term illness or disability is hard work. Balancing the caring role with space and time for yourself is very important. Having a break from that pressure, whilst still having the assurance and support you, or the person you care for, needs, can be invaluable.
Fortunately, help is out there. The organisations listed below can provide advice, respite services and practical support for carers.
Carers Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled. You don’t have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
For more details follow the links below or see our page on Benefits and Finance
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/Carers Allowance
Worcester Association of Carers
Worcestershire Association of Carers is an independent source of information, advice and support for the 57,000 unpaid adult carers in Worcestershire. They aim to raise awareness of the issues and experiences carers face whilst caring and can provide a variety of different services to support you in your role as a carer.
They run Carers Groups in Bewdley, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Evesham, Inkberrow, Kidderminster, Malvern, Martley, Pershore, Stourport and Worcester.
Telephone: 0300 0124272
24hr Telephone Helpline: 0300 012 4272
Website: www.carersworcs.org.uk
St Richard’s Hospice Carer’s Group
The only group in Worcestershire supporting carers of people facing life-limiting illnesses. The group meets on the second Monday of every month and usually on one other Monday as well as organising outings and other events. The service is free and are able to arrange sitters and transport.
Telephone: 01905 763963
Website: www.strichards.org.uk/our-care/supporting-the-family/caring-for-carers/
Worcestershire County Council
Worcestershire County Council provide social care services for all in the county and can provide respite and short breaks for people with a variety of needs. Contact them on the details below if you need to access a respite service for yourself or someone you care for.
Worcestershire HUB Telephone: 01905 722233
Website:https://ylyc.worcestershire.gov.uk/
Carers UK
Carers UK is a membership organisation of carers, led by carers for carers. They seek to support and represent carers in their day to day role and develop wider understanding of carers and the work they do through representation in the media and political lobbying.
Telephone: 0808 8087777
Website: www.carersuk.org
Worcestershire Young Carers Project
This project aims to provide information, support and advice for young carers, as well as practical activities.
Telephone: 01905 730780
Website: www.yss.org.uk
Headway Worcester
Provides friendship and support to families following a acquired brain injury
Telephone: 01905 729729
Website: www.headwayworcestershire.org.uk
ReVitalise
Vitalise is a national charity providing short breaks and respite care for people with disabilities, visually impaired people, and carers.
Telephone: 0303 3030145
Website: revitalise.org.uk
Worcestershire Stroke Recovery Service
Information, practical advice and emotional support to carers
Telephone: 01527 903716
National Number: 0303 3033100
Website: www.stroke.org.uk
Worcestershire ME Social Group
Social group only
Telephone: 0344 5765326 (National)
Website: www.meassociation.org.uk
Website: www.worcsmegroup.weebly.com
Worcester Long Term Stroke Support Group
Telephone: 01527 903716
Website: www.stroke.org.uk/finding-support/worcester-long-term-stroke-support
Worcestershire Stroke Recovery Service provides practical advice, emotional support and high-quality information following a stroke. Whether you are a stroke survivor, carer or family member, we will work with you to identify and address your needs through a personalised plan, and support you to rebuild your life after stroke.
Worcester Breast Unit Haven
Breast Cancer Haven – Worcester
Breast Cancer Haven is a unique charity that supports anyone affected by breast cancer.
They provide a wide range of therapies and approaches to help you cope with the physical and emotional effects of breast cancer and treatment.
Contact
Telephone: 01905 733780
Website: www.worcsbreastunithaven.com
Wyre Forest Breast Cancer Support Group
The support group meets at 10.30am on Monday mornings for coffee near Kidderminster and on the evening of the 3rd Monday of each month at the Black Boy, Kidderminster Road, Bewdley at 7.30pm.
Contact
Telephone: – 07875 161880 or 07402 869210
Email: yourbosombuddies2017@gmail.com
Facebook group – Your Local Bosom Buddies Breast cancer Support.
Malvern Breast Cancer Support Group
For women who are going through treatment or have done so recently and would like to meet in an informal social setting with others who have had the same experiences.
Day: Third Tuesday of each month
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Gallery 36, 36 Belle Vue Terrace, Great Malvern, WR14 4PZ
Contact
Telephone – 01684 876112
Email: malvernbcsg@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/MalvernBreastCancerSupportGroup
Cool2care
Is an information site for carers
Website:www.cool2care.co.uk
Crossroads Care Caring for Carers
Whilst operating as a social care provider Crossroads Care also provide a sitting service to give respite to carers.
Telephone: 01905 729293 (Worcester, Malvern & North Worcestershire)
01386 49926 ( Evesham & Pershore)
Website: www.crossroadsworcs.org.uk