|
Information
|
The information on
these pages was correct at the time of publication, to the best of our
knowledge (January 2009).
We cannot
accept any responsibility for changes made
since that time.
The information on these pages is up-dated on a
regular basis.
Please contact the relevant agency
|
|
An
Advice Service and a Listening Ear |
|
Sometimes what a Carer needs most is a
sympathetic and understanding person to talk to. We offer a confidential support and information Service throughout
the Medway Towns. We are developing Carers Groups, Training and
Time out events. |
 |
Drop in Monday and Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm. |
|
|
Appointments can be made. |
|
|
Phone 10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday. (Answer-phone
available) |
|
|
Visits by appointment. |
|
|
We will be pleased to see you at any time. |
|
There are many ways in which a Carer might
find support at the Carers' centre. Some are: |
|
|
Take part in friendly social groups. |
|
|
A chance to meet other Carers. |
|
|
Someone to talk to in confidence. |
|
|
Access the Information Library. |
|
|
Internet Information. |
|
|
Help writing letters and filling in forms. |
|
|
Male Carers Group. |
|
|
Young Carers Activities. |
|
|
|
| Listed below, are all the addresses of voluntary groups
who offer help and support specifically to the ethnic minority community. |
|
MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE
This help-line covers
Kent and East Sussex, and operates between 18:00 p.m. and midnight. Tel
+44 (0) 345 697590
(All calls are charged at the local rate.) |
|
COMMUNITY INTERPRETING SERVICE
Community Interpreting
Service
Medway Council
Municipal Buildings
Canterbury Street
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5LA
All interpreters are impartial,
professional, confidential and linguistically skilled. The service has a
pool of interpreters who live and work in the community.
Community Interpreting Service cost:
Current price lists of interpreting and translation charges are available
on request.
If you require an interpreter, telephone
Social Services on +44 (0)1634 335577 (Bookings) or + 44 (0) 1634 335578
(Enquiries) during normal office hours.
Email: cis@medway.gov.uk
Emergencies only:
Outside normal office hours, if it is a social services matter, CIS
interpreters can be booked through Social Services
Out-of-Hours on +44 (0)
845 7626777. |
|
WELCOME DAY CENTRE
Mrs Patel
Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association
44/46 High Street
Chatham
Kent ME4 4DS
Promotes the welfare of all elders, who
are unable to access the main line services due to cultural sensitivity,
language and other barriers.
The organisation serves as a combined
drop-in, Day Care and resource Centre, and is open to all, irrespective of
their colour, creed, race, religion or political standing. |
|
ADVOCACY
PARTNERSHIPS, MEDWAY AND SWALE
Medway & Swale Advocacy
Partnerships,
Avenue Business Centre
17 New Road Avenue
Chatham
Kent ME4 6BA
This organisation offers independent advocacy to individuals who have
mental health problems aged over 18.
They also advocate for the long-term
needs of people from minority ethnic communities. People can be seen at
the main office, or at home, by appointment only.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 830101
Web:
www.msap.org.uk
Email: medwayswale@btconnect.com |
|
MEDWAY
ADULT EDUCATION SERVICE (Gillingham & Rochester)
Medway Adult Education Service,
Adult Education Centre
Green Street,
Gillingham,
Kent. ME7 5TJ
&
Medway Adult Education Service,
Adult Education Centre,
Eastgate,
Rochester,
Kent ME1 1EW
An adult education based project, offering outreach, education and
guidance to minority ethnic residents. No charge for the service.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 338400 Email:
enquiries@medway.gov.uk
|
|
RACE EQUALITY IN EMPLOYMENT
27 Blackfriars Rd
London SE1 8NY
Encourages employers to ensure racial justice and equal opportunity in
employment policy and practice are implemented in the workplace.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7928 3970 |
|
RETHINK –
MENTAL HEATH HELP LINE
Head Office
5th Floor
Royal London House
22-25 Finsbury Square
London EC2A 1DX
Tel: +44 (0) 845 456 0455 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7330 9102
Rethink, the leading national mental health working to help everyone
affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life.
National advice service:
Web: www.rethink.org
Telephone: +44 (0) 208 974 68 14 (open 10am to 3pm Monday, Wednesday &
Friday; 10am to 1pm Tuesday & Thursday)
or e-mail: advice@rethink.org |
|
MEDWAY
RACIAL EQUALITY COUNCIL
2ND Floor
Municipal Buildings
Canterbury Street
Gillingham
Kent. ME7 5LA
Tel:+44 (0) 1634 333880 |
|
MEDWAY
ACTION AGAINST RACIAL ATTACKS (MAARA)
Medway Action Against Racial
Attacks (MAARA) is the racial incidents action group of the Medway
Community safety partnership. This is a multi-agency group with
representatives from the police, the council, the crown prosecution
service, Kent Probation, Moat Housing, MREC and the MEMF, set up to tackle
racially motivated crime in Medway.
MAARA
aims to:
ensure that racial incidents are responded to effectively and a
comprehensive service is provided for victims and to promote a
multi-agency response to victims of racial crime and provide support to
victims through counselling advice and representation to develop a
positive approach to racial equality and harmony through planned
activities, improving practices and devising policies.
Medway Action Against Racial Attacks can be contacted by writing to:
MAARA, 95 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1634-338169 or Fax: 01634-338150 or by e-mail:
rey.aziz@medway.gov.uk |
|
MINORITY ETHNIC WOMEN’S SUPPORT NETWORK
(MEWSN)
The Minority Ethnic Women’s Support Network was set up in 2001 to promote
greater awareness of issues affecting Black Minority Ethnic (BME) women
and improve the recognition and provision of BME women’s needs in the
community.
The Minority Ethnic Women’s Support Network now has over 100 individual
members, representing BME women’s groups in Medway.
Members regularly get together to raise awareness of issues affecting
them, to share good practice and to push for improvement in the
recognition and provision of women’s needs.
The Network has been an effective mechanism for enabling BME women to feel
supported and empowered to deal with issues affecting them. MEWSN has
produced a Directory of BME Women’s groups. A management committee was
also set up to serve the needs of its members.
If you are interested in having a voice on women’s issues or in getting
together with other minority ethnic women in Medway, for support, then
please join MEWSN.
MEWSN can be contacted by writing to:
MEWSN, C/o Medway Racial Equality Council, Municipal Buildings, Canterbury
Street, Gillingham, ME7 5LA. Or by telephone +44 (0) 1634-333880 or fax:
+44 (0) 1634-333889
or e-mail: shila.jassal@medwayrec.org.uk |
|
MEDWAY ETHNIC MINORITY FORUM
(MEMF)
The Medway Ethnic Minority Forum (MEMF)
is an independent organisation, which brings together people from
different ethnic minority communities and encourages them to become
involved or play a part in the development of the future of Medway.
The forum aims to:
v
To act as the representative
body for ethnic minority communities in Medway
v
To promote understanding and
awareness of the diverse cultural needs of ethnic minority communities in
Medway
v
To participate in the Local
Strategic Partnership and implement Medway’s Community Plan
v
To seek funding to initiate
community projects in partnership with Medway Council and other service
providers to facilitate social inclusion
v
To aid and support vulnerable and
disadvantaged individuals.
Medway Ethnic Minority Forum can be
contacted by writing to:
MEMF, 95 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX. By telephone +44 (0)
1634-338157 or 338158. Or by fax: +44 (0) 1634-338150
or by e-mail:
memf@medway.gov.uk |
|
APNA CHAR
RESIDENTIAL HOME
The Manager
1 Kingswood Road,
Gillingham
Kent ME7 1EA
Small home for ethnic minority people with mental health difficulties.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 850445 |
|
ETHNIC
MINORITY CARERS GROUP
Maya Bangar or Krisna Devi
The Princess Royal Trust
Medway Carers Centre
3 Canterbury Street
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5TP
This is a group for family carers from ethnic minority communities and is
based as a project at the Medway Carers Centre.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 577340 |
|
|
Many parents when
faced with the diagnosis of the Special Needs their child has been found
to have, will be confused and desperate as to why this has happened, how
do they get help, and where to go to get that help. Your child will need
various assessments to monitor his or her needs, and these will be on
going. It will be important to have a Social Services Assessment, as your
Social Worker will then be able to draw up a care plan for you child.
Listed below are some of the agencies who may be of
help with the ‘how’ and ‘where’. |
|
MEDWAY PORTAGE SERVICE
Portage is a
home visiting service for pre-school children who have special needs.
Parents can refer their own child, or they can be referred by a
Paediatrician, Health Visitor, Doctor or any other appropriate
professional.
For further help and advice contact Debbie Robinson, Civic Centre, Strood,
Kent. ME2 4AU
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 331632 or 331194 |
|
OAASIS (OFFICE FOR ADVICE, ASSISTANCE,
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION ON SPECIAL NEEDS).
OAASIS provides a free information and support service for parents,
teachers and other professionals with an interest in special education for
children and young adults.
For more information write to: OAASIS
Freepost RLYY-TAUC-YRYS, 1-2 Brock House, Grigg Lane, Brockenhurst, Hants.
SO42 7RE
Helpline +44 (0) 1590 622880 Web:
www.oaasis.co.uk
Email: oaasis@cambiangroup.com
Best time to telephone: 10am - 4.30pm, Monday – Friday Answer-phone at
all other times. |
|
MENCAP
Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity
working with people with a learning disability and their families and
carers.
For more information write to:
123 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0RT
Tel: 020
7454 0454 Fax: 020 7608 3254
Web:
www.mencap.org.uk
Email: information@mencap.org.uk |
|
THE LEARNING DISABILITY
HELPLINE
The Learning
Disability Helpline is a free, confidential service provided by Mencap and
supported by the Department of Health for anyone who wants information or
advice on anything to do with learning disability...everything from money
and benefits to the services and support groups that are available.
Telephone: +44 (0)
808 808 1111 Email:
helpline@mencap.org.uk
Text-phone: +44 (0) 808 808 8181 |
|
DISABLED CHILDREN’S TEAM
Medway Children's Services Directorate has a dedicated Disabled
Children’s Team that offers a range of flexible services to allow disabled
children to remain living at home with their families. The team works in
partnership with health and voluntary organisations to offer families
appropriate services to meet their individual needs.
Parklands Resource Centre, Oxford Road, Gillingham,
Kent ME7 4BY
Telephone: + 44 (0) 1634 338500 or 338502 Email:
childrens.services@medway.gov.uk |
|
DISABILITY INFORMATION SERVICE – KENT & MEDWAY
The Disability Information Service offers people with disabilities, their
carers and families help and advice on a wide range of issues relating to
disabilities.
All advice is free and confidential.
Information can also be given to people who work in rehabilitation
services, students and researchers. If they can not give you the
information you need they will put you in touch with someone who can.
Disablement Services Centre, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent.
ME7 5NY
General enquiries:
+44 (0) 1634 838 047 Fax: + 44 (0) 1634 833 940 |
|
CONTACT A FAMILY - For
families with disabled children
At our heart is a unique and powerful
combination of:
expert and comprehensive knowledge about rare disorders and all aspects
of disability, a wealth of personal experience and contacts, an approach
driven first and foremost by parents' points of view.
Our aim is never to dictate to families but always to enable them to
organise their own systems of support and contact. It is this enabling
rather than running approach that allows us to deliver social change far
beyond our resources and size.
For more information write to:
Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London. EC1V 1JN
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7608 8700 Fax: + (0) 20 7608 8701
Helpline +44(0) 808 808 3555 or
Text-phone +44 (0) 808 808 3556 Free-phone for parents and
families (10am-4pm, Mon-Fri) Email:
info@cafamily.org.uk Web: www.cafamily.org.uk/ |
|
HOME-START MEDWAY
Home-Start Medway is a voluntary
organisation supporting families with at least one child under the age of
five. Volunteers offer informal, friendly and confidential support.
For more information write to:
Sue Hockley, Home-Start Medway, 46 Green Street, Gillingham, Kent. ME7
1XA
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 570717 Email:
home-start@m-way.fsnet.co.uk |
|
THE
CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR FOUNDATION (with learning disabilities only)
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
exists to demonstrate that individuals with severe learning disabilities
who are described as having challenging behaviour can enjoy normal life
opportunities when their behaviour is properly understood and
appropriately managed, and to support parents and carers through education
and information to enable this to happen.
For more information write to:
The Old Courthouse, New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent. ME4 6BE
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 838739 Email:
info@thecbf.org.uk Web: www.thecbf.org.uk/ |
|
SANDERSON CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
A Centre that offers
multi-disciplinary assessment for children from birth up to 19 years of age.
The team sees children who may have a delay in their development, a disability
or some other special need.
For more information write to:
Karen Adgie, Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 825190 |
|
SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS
Special Needs Kids is an Information
Directory and shopping site to help parents and carers of children with special
needs.
Information on products and services
for special needs kids , events and campaigns, disability issues, support
groups, respite care, clothing, equipment, toys, leisure activities and days
out, holidays, where to go for help and advice, and much more.
Web:
http://www.special-needs-kids.co.uk
Email:
karen@special-needs-kids.co.uk
|
|
KIDS (East Kent)
In partnership with parents/carers it aims to help
children/young people with special needs to develop their skills, abilities and
interests.
Robert May, Phoenix House, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4BX
Tel: +44 (0) 1795 410510 Email
rmay@kids-online.org.uk |
|
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY TRIBUNAL
Parents whose children have special educational needs
can appeal to the Special Needs & Disability Tribunal against decisions made by
local education authorities
(LEAs) in England about their children's education.
Procession House, 55 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JW
Open from 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Please use
their helpline if you need general advice about rights and how to make an SEN
appeal or a disability discrimination claim.
SEN Help line: +44 (0) 870 241 2555 Discrimination
helpline: +44 (0) 870 606 5750
Email General Queries: sendistqueries@tribunals.gsi.gov.uk Email Hearing Queries:
sendistlistings@tribunals.gsi.gov.uk
|
|
KITH & KIDS
Kith and Kids' overall aim is to empower families living
with disability to overcome their social isolation and access the services they
need.
Winners of the Queens Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary
service by groups in the community, Kith and Kids supports its members who have
a disability by providing effective projects and services tailored to individual
needs.
The Irish Centre, Pretoria Road, London N17 8DX
Web:
www.kithandkids.org.uk
all general enquiries: +44 (0) 20 8801 7432
Family Support Team: +44 (0) 20 8801 7432
Carol Schaffer -
carol@kithandkids.org.uk
Helen Heath - helen@kithandkids.org.uk
|
|
KENT AUTISTIC TRUST
The family support officer can provide information and
support on diagnosis, education, benefits and behaviour management to families
of children or adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome.
14 High Street, Brompton, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5AE
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 405168 Email:
Jo@kentautistic.com
or
dwalker@kentautistic.com
Web:
www.kentautistic.com
|
|
Back to Top |
|
Emergency Numbers: |
Medway Area |
|
Fire
Police
Ambulance |
|
999 In an emergency, do not hesitate to call
the appropriate service.
NB: you cannot dial 999 from a mobile phone. |
|
Gas |
|
0800 111 999 (24 Hour) |
|
Electricity |
|
0800 783 886 (24 Hour) |
|
Water |
|
0845 603 2603 (24 Hour) |
|
Council Services |
|
0345 62 67 77 - (Out of Hours) |
| Social Services |
|
0845 7626777 (Out Of Hours) |
|
Samaritans |
|
01634 730 981 - Number for Medway Towns /
0845 790 909 090 National Number |
| |
Back to Top |
|
|
|
Becoming ill |
|
|
Being born with a disability |
|
|
Getting old |
|
|
Having an accident |
|
|
Having problems with their mental health |
|
|
Having drug or alcohol addiction problems |
|
| This is usually: |
|
Unexpected |
|
|
Unpredictable |
|
|
Stressful |
|
|
Tiring |
|
|
Time consuming |
|
|
Expensive |
|
| It may mean: |
|
A change of role and relationships |
|
|
Feelings of Isolation |
|
|
A restricted lifestyle |
|
|
The need to learn new skills |
|
|
Losing sight of their own needs |
|
| Who are the
Carers? |
|
Husbands and Wives |
|
|
Sons and Daughters |
|
|
Neighbours |
|
|
Mother’s and Father’s |
|
|
Friends |
|
| Why do they Care? |
|
Love |
|
|
Duty |
|
|
It’s their responsibility |
|
|
Because they want to |
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
SAMARITANS
Priory Road
Strood
Kent ME2 2EG
Samaritans' mission:
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to
provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing
feelings of distress or despair,
including those which may lead to suicide.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 730981
9.00am – 10pm for callers, facilities for visitors with disabilities.
National UK Number: 08457 90 90 90 Web:
www.samaritans.org |
|
KCA (Kent Council on
Addiction)
Dan House
44 East Street
Faversham
Kent CT1
3RX
KCA's aim is to prevent or reduce the harms and costs arising from the use
of alcohol, prescribed and non-prescribed drugs and to promote mental
health and social inclusion.
KCA was established in 1975 and has grown steadily over the years to
become the one of
largest providers
of community drug and alcohol services in
the South East.
Tel: +44 (0) 1795 590635 Web:
www.kca.org.uk Email:
admin@kca.org.uk |
EQUINOX,
VICTORIA CENTRE
25 Victoria Street
Rochester
Kent ME1 1XJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 831 999 E-mail:
admin@victoriactr.equinoxcare.org.uk Web:
www.equinoxcare.org.uk/service.asp?divisionid=4&id=8
Information and advice about alcohol and its
effects. Confidential individual counselling sessions. Drop in Tuesdays
12 – 1pm |
ST PHILIP AND ST JAMES’ CHURCH
COMMUNITY OFFICE
Community Office and Church Hall
King George Road
Chatham
Kent ME5 0TZ
Support with DSS form
filling, relating many of the practical and personal problems with
spiritual needs in a holistic ministry.
Monday – Friday 9.30 – 12 Noon (during school term).
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 681671 Email:
info@pipnjims.co.uk
Web: www.pipnjims.co.uk |
|
YOUTH STATION
Upbury Manor Site
Marlborough Road
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5HS
Youth Worker on duty Tuesday and Wednesday between 6pm and 9pm.
Provides information, advice and counselling to young people aged 10-25 on
all types of problems or queries.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 850531 Fax: +44 (0) 1634 576826 |
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
THE COMPASSIONATE
FRIENDS
Please write
to:
53 North Street,
Bristol BS3 1EN
The Compassionate Friends (TCF)
is an organisation of bereaved parents and their families offering
understanding, support and encouragement to others after the death of a
child or children. We also offer support, advice and information to other
relatives, friends and professionals who are helping the family.
Our Helpline is always
answered by a bereaved parent who is there to listen when you need someone
to talk to. They can also put you in touch with your nearest Local Contact
in the United Kingdom and provide you with information about our services.
The Helpline also offers support and information to those supporting
bereaved families. It is open every day of the year - 10am to 4.00pm /
6.30pm - 10.30pm (GMT).
Helpline: +44 (0) 845 123
2304 Email:
info@tcf.org.uk
Web:
www.tcf.org.uk
|
|
THE CHILD DEATH HELPLINE
The Child Death Helpline is staffed by volunteers, all of them
bereaved parents.
All volunteers are trained, supervised and supported by professional teams
within Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, and the Royal
Liverpool Children’s
NHS Trust, Alder Hey.
The helpline is a partnership between professionals and parents working
together to provide a professional service to anyone affected by the death
of a child of any age.
The Child Death Helpline aims to provide a quality freephone service to
anyone affected by the death of a child of any age.
Callers to the Helpline might be parents, grandparents, siblings, other
family members, friends or involved professionals.
The Child Death Helpline is a helpline for anyone affected by the death of
a child of any age, from pre-birth to adult, under any circumstances,
however recently or long ago.
Email:
contact@childdeathhelpline.org Web:
www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk FREEPHONE 0800 282 986
The helpline is open every day throughout the year:
Every evening 19.00 - 22.00 - Monday to Friday 10.00 - 13.00 - Wednesday
afternoons 13.00 to 16.00 your call will be answered by a
bereaved parent. |
|
THE CHILD BEREAVEMENT
TRUST
Aston House
West Wycombe
High Wycombe
Bucks HP14 3AG
The Child Bereavement Trust offers information, support and resources to
families and professionals when a child dies, and when a child is bereaved
of someone important in their life.
Information and Support Team: Tel:+44 (0) 1494
446648 Email:
support@childbereavement.org.uk
Web:
www.childbereavement.org.uk |
|
CHILD BEREAVEMENT
NETWORK
National Children's Bureau
8 Wakley Street
London EC1V 7QE
Provides access to information, guidance and support
services for bereaved children, their families and carers.
Tel: +44
(0)20 7843 6000 Fax:
+44 (0)20 7278 9512
Email via website:
www.ncb.org.uk |
|
COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
15 Dean Road
Strood
Rochester
Kent ME2
3QH
Befriending organisation of bereaved parents,
siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of bereaved
families after the death of a child whether young or adult.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 718299 |
|
COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
15 Dean Road
Strood
Rochester
Kent ME2
3QH
Befriending organisation of bereaved parents,
siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of bereaved
families after the death of a child whether young or adult.
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 718299 |
|
BABYLOSS
Write to us at:
Babyloss
PO Box 1168
Southampton SO15 8XZ
Babyloss is an exclusively
online resource for anyone whose life has been touched by pregnancy loss,
stillbirth or neonatal death. We cannot offer medical advice, but will
always endeavour to point our visitors at the relevant organisations or
individuals in order to receive the help required.
Website: www.babyloss.com
Email: support@babyloss.com
for contact details |
|
THE FOUNDATION FOR THE
STUDY OF INFANT DEATH (FSID)
Artillery House
11-19 Artillery Row
London SW1P 1RT
FSID is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and
promote health. FSID funds research supports bereaved families and
promotes safe baby care advice...
Helpline: +44 (0) 20 7233 2090 Email:
office@fsid.org.uk
Web: www.sids.org.uk/ |
|
|
|
The Information here is only
a basic guide. There is a
lot more information available about the needs of the person for whom
you are caring; specialist help which may be available; holidays for
family carers and the people they care for; private care agencies and other
topics relating to caring.
If you would like more
information on any of these topics, or helpful books and leaflets, you
should contact one of the following:
The Medway Carers Centre
3 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 5TP, Tel: +44 (0) 1634
577340.
The Carers Centre
- Website: www.medwaycarerscentre.org.uk
Princess Royal Trust for Carers – London Office
142 Minories, London EC3N 1NB
Tel: +44 (0) 171 480 7788 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7481 4729
Email: info@carers.org Web:
www.carers.org
Carers UK
Carers UK is the voice of carers. Carers provide unpaid care by looking
after an ill, frail or disabled family member,
friend or partner.
20/25 Glasshouse Yard, London EC1A 4JS
Carersline: Tel: +44 (0) 345 573369 Web:
www.carersuk.org/Home
Contact Carers UK
NHS DIRECT
Write to:
Chief Executive
NHS Direct, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA
(24 hour helpline) Tel: +44 (0) 845 4647
Web: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ Contact
NHS Direct
Information Shop for
Young People
New Brompton College, Marlborough Road, Gillingham, Kent. ME7 5HT
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 852341
H.I.V.AIDS
Both the health and social services provide a range of services
locally.
For more information contact your local Social Services Office
(see
Medway Social Services).
The National AIDS
Helplines
National AIDS Helpline for England, Scotland and Wales Tel: (0) 800
567123
Free AIDS literature: Tel: +44 (0) 800
567123
Confidential discussion: Tel: +44 (0) 800 567123
Drugs & Solvent abuse: Tel: +44 (0) 800 776600
Callers can ring both the above numbers, free of charge – 24 hours a day,
from any part of the country.
Talk To Frank
The National Drugs Helpline
Tel: +44 (0) 800 776600 Web:
www.talktofrank.com/ Email
Frank |
|
Back to Top |
|
HEALTH PROVISION IN THE
MEDWAY TOWNS |
|
|
Medway NHS Trust
HEADQUARTERS, Medway Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7
5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 830000 Web:
www.medway.nhs.uk/
Feedback
If you have any feedback, comments or enquiries, please contact the
Patients’ Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) in the first instance, on
Telephone +44 (0) 1634 830000 ext
5004 or via email to
vivien.bouttell@medway.nhs.uk
Complaints
If you would like to make a formal complaint about the Medway NHS Trust
or any aspect of our services, please contact Mrs Val Pettman,
Complaints Manager for Medway NHS Trust.
Telephone +44 (0) 1634
825216 or email
val.pettman@medway.nhs.uk
Complaints
If you would like to complain about any treatment you have
received in the/a hospital. You will have to contact the Patient Advice &
Liaison Service which is also within the hospital.
If you wish to complain about any G.P, Dentist etc, you will have to
complain to the relevant Primary Care Trust. |
|
Back to Top |
Medway
Primary Care Trust
Manager
Unit 7/8 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham
Business Park, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0NJ/
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 382777 Fax: +44 (0) 1634 382700 Web:
www.medwaypct.nhs.uk
|
|
National Health Direct
Chief Executive
NHS Direct, 7th Floor, 207 Old Street, London EC1V 9NR
Health Advice 24 hour helpline Tel: +44 (0) 845 4647 Web:
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
|
|
National Health Choices
NHS Choices is a service that aims to put you at the centre
of your healthcare.
It’s a web-based service which has been developed to help you make choices
about your health, from lifestyle decisions about things like smoking,
drinking and exercise, through to the practical aspects of finding and using
NHS services should you need them.
Web:
www.nhs.uk/Pages/index.html |
|
Foundation for People with
Learning Disabilities
9th Floor, Sea Containers House, 20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9QB
We work with people with learning disabilities, their families and the
people who support them. We:
|
do research and projects that help people be
included |
|
support local people and services to include
people with learning disabilities |
|
improve services for people with learning
disabilities |
|
spread knowledge and information
|
To find out about their work, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7803 1100, Fax + 44 (0) 20
7803 1111
or Email: fpld@fpld.org.uk Web:
www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/ |
|
Medway Team
For Adults With Learning Disabilities/
Lordswood Community & Healthy Living Centre, Sultan Road, Lordswood,
Chatham, Kent ME5 8JT
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 337433 |
|
Preston Skreens
402 Minster Road, Minster, Isle of Sheppey, Kent. ME12 3NZ
(Respite Unit for Parents run by the Health Service)
Tel: +44 (0) 1795 874865 Email:
jane.jarmaim@med.gov.uk |
|
Medway NHS Trust
Woodlands Special Needs Nursery
Woodlands Road,
Gillingham, Kent ME7 2BX
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 854452 |
|
Parkwood Health Centre
Long Catlis Road, Parkwood, Rainham, Kent ME8
9PR
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 234400 |
|
Admiral Nursing Service
Southlands Assessment Unit, Rook Lane, Bobbing, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8DZ
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses working in the community with
families, carers and
supporters of people with dementia.
Tel: +44 (0) 1795 845019 |
|
For
Dementia
6 Camden High Street, London NW1 0JH
Email: info@fordementia.org.uk
Web:
www.fordementia.org.uk/admiral.htm
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7874 7210 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7874 7219 |
|
Continuing Care
Equipment and
Funding
First Floor, South Block, Pembroke, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent ME4 4YH
Tel:
+44 (0) 1634 336300
Email:
louise.green@medway.gov.uk/
|
|
Medway Crossroads
Manager: Mrs Janet Price, Office 7, 55 Balmoral Road, Gillingham, Kent
ME7 4NP
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 577900 Fax: +44 (0) 1634 577900
Email:
medwaycrossroads@btconnect.com |
|
Day Care Centres |
|
Robert Browning Day Hospital
Medway Hospital
A Block
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 833812 |
|
Walter Brice Day Centre
Manager: Christine
Hornby
Tilley Close
Hoo St. Werburgh
Rochester
Kent ME3 9AE
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 253611 Fax: +44 (0)
1634 256080 Email:
christine.hornby@nhs.net
|
|
Demelza House
Children’s Hospice
Rook Lane
Bobbing,
Sittingbourne
Kent ME9 8DZ
General enquiries:
Tel: 01795 845 200 Fax: 01795 845 280
Web:
www.demelzahouse.org
Email:
info@demelza.org.uk
Fundraising: 01795 845 288
Care Team:
01795 845 200 |
|
|
Customer First – Medway
Adult and Children’s Team
All services apart from mental health
Phone in the first instance: Tel: +44 (0) 1634 334466 |
|
Adult Physiotherapy
Services (Out Patient Department)
Medway Maritime Hospital
Gillingham
Windmill Road
Kent ME7 5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 334466 Ext: 3009 |
|
Peter Simon Diabetes Centre
Lynsey Shepherd
Residence 9
Medway Maritime
Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 830000
Ext: 3857 |
|
Breast Care Support Group
Area 7
Medway Maritime Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 825033
The clinic is run by three Clinical Breast Care Specialists. It is held on
the first Tuesday of the month in Area 7 between 19:00 and 21:00.
Please ring in the first instance. Only people affected by
breast cancer and who live in the Medway Swale area are eligible to attend. |
|
Primary Care
Psychology & Counselling Service
Psychology
Department
St. Bart’s Hospital
Rochester
Kent. ME1 1DS Tel: +44 (0) 1634 810973 Fax: +44 (0) 1634 810972
This service offers brief therapy for general psychological problems for
people aged 16-64, with problems that can be addressed within 6-8 sessions. |
|
Community Brain Injury
Team (CBIT)
Disablement Services Centre
Medway Maritime Hospital
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5YX
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 830000 Ext: 3937
The team provides community based services to clients over 16 with
Acquired Brain Injury, for instance, following an RTA (Road Traffic
Accident)
or Stroke. |
|
Speech
and Language Therapy Service
Medway Maritime Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5YX
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 833711 Direct Line |
|
Mental
Health Directorate
‘A’ Block
Medway Maritime Hospital
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 830000 Ext: 3714 |
|
Learning Disability Team
(Children)
Residence 13
Medway Maritime Hospital
Gillingham
Kent ME7 5NY
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 830000 Suzanne Brooker Ext: 5175 Liz Walsh
Ext: 5538 |
|
Kent Community Care
Association
Please write to:
Cobdown House
London Road
Ditton
Kent ME20 6DQ
Web: www.carekent.org/ Tel: +44
(0) 1622 791245
The Kent Community Care Association (KCCA) was founded in 1998 by a
group of like-minded independent domiciliary providers, across the country,
who saw the advantages of working together to improve standards for both
Service Users and Care Workers. It also aimed to improve the discussion of
common issues and to share advice, experience and expertise. |
|
Dental Services (Emergency)
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 890300 |
|
Back to Top |
|
Medway
Carers Centre |
|
|
Medway Carers Centre aims to encourage people
who are family carers to make use of the help that is available to them as
family carers, both locally and nationally.
This pack has been designed by Medway Carers
Centre. We have tried to make it straightforward, but it may not include
everything you need to know; we hope it will help you to begin to find the
information you need, but if you do discover helpful information, which is
not included, please let us know.
Community Care Assessments are
assessments for a cared for person they should take account of the needs
of the individual, with the aim of providing appropriate services that
meet these needs. As part of this assessment, the opinions and concerns of
family carer’s should be taken into account. To have a Community Care
assessment you need to contact the local authority Social Services and
they will decide whether your cared for person meets their eligibility
criteria for services from the local authority. If they do meet the
criteria you are entitled to ask for a carers Assessment, and whilst you
are not eligible for services you may receive services indirectly through
the cared for persons care package.
The Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995
& The Carers & Disabled Children’s Act 2000
are important to family
carers. This means anybody who is giving or intends to give regular
and substantial care is entitled to an assessment of his or her ability to
care and to continue to care. Provided the person they care for has had a
Community Care Assessment and is eligible for services. If the person
refuses services they are eligible for, a family carer may still be
eligible for an assessment.
Occasionally you may receive a poor quality
service. If this happens please do not accept this. If you are not
satisfied, speak to the Manager of the service being provided. If the
problem is not resolved satisfactorily, you should make a formal complaint
through the organisation’s Complaints Procedure. Making a complaint need
not mean being negative. If service providers are not aware of your
concerns they cannot make changes and improve services.
May we encourage you not just to ask for an
assessment of your needs, but also to join with other family carers,
nationally and locally, to share your own experiences and also to add your
voice to those who are speaking on your behalf to planners, both at
government or local level. In this way, we hope understanding of family
carers’ needs will improve and better services will be provided. |
|
Back to Top |
|
Medway
Social Services |
|
|
What
are the Social Services? |
|
|
The Social Services is a
department of the local Council. Many
people confuse Social and Care Managers Services with Social Security.
The difference is that Social Security provides financial help,
whereas Social Services provide practical help and advice.
Social workers and Care Managers work for the Social Services.
This
is a list of the services, which they are responsible for, and the sort
of problems on which they can advise you:-
|
|
Assessment
& Care plans |
|
|
Advice
for family carers |
|
|
Home
Helps |
|
|
Financial
difficulties |
|
|
Meals
on Wheels |
|
|
Sheltered
housing |
|
|
Care-phones |
|
|
Adoption
and fostering |
|
|
Day
Centres |
|
|
Respite
care |
|
|
Luncheon
Clubs |
|
|
Day
Nurseries |
|
|
Aids
and Adaptations |
|
|
Services
for disabled people |
|
|
Bus
passes (concessionary fares) |
|
|
Family
problems |
|
|
Blue
Badge parking scheme |
|
|
Residential
care |
|
|
Advice
on Benefits/entitlements |
|
|
Telephones
for isolated/housebound people |
|
|
How do I Contact the
Social Services? |
|
All referrals for Adult
Services, Elderly Services, Occupational Therapy and Transport (see
separate Transport sheet), should be made to:-
Duty Social Manager
Social Services (Medway)
Civic Centre,
Strood, Rochester,
Kent. ME2 4AU
Telephone: +44 (0) 1634 334466 Email:
ss.access&info@medwaycouncil.gov.uk |
|
Emergency
Number: out of hours (after 5:00pm & before 9:00am) +44 (0) 345
626777 |
|
Once
your referral has been received it will be passed on to one of the Care
Management Teams and Social Worker Teams listed below. Your area
team in due course will contact you, however, should you want to know
the progress of your referral, you can contact Social Services directly
for more information. |
|
NB:
All professional referrals for Children go to
the Initial Assessment Team, Compass Centre, Chatham, Kent.
Telephone +44 (0)1634 306000, and ask for Duty Social Worker.
All public referrals should
be made via the Access and Information Team on +44 (0)1634 306000
Important! If you cannot get through to one of the above numbers,
please ring the main switchboard on +44 (0)1634 306000,
and ask for Social
Services. |
|
Social
Services Area Office:- |
|
Gillingham
Office Kingsley House,
37-39 Balmoral Road, Gillingham
Kent ME7 4PF |
|
| Mental Health Team
+44 (0) 1634 331914 |
|
| Older Persons Team
+44 (0) 1634 331988 |
|
| Substance Misuse Team +44 (0)
1634 336343 |
|
|
|
|
Hospital
Social Workers: |
|
There
are Social work teams based in all the hospitals.
If you need advice whilst the person you are caring for is in
hospital, you can ask the Ward Sister to contact the Social Workers
for you.
They can give advice if you are worried about a hospital
discharge. |
|
Patient Advice and
Liaison Service
These are small teams based in hospitals who can give advice,
support and information. |
|
Day Care Services for Adults with Learning
Disabilities
Greatfield Lodge is a day care service for adults between the ages of 18
and 65 years who have a learning disability.
Write to: Medway Day Opportunities, Greatfield Lodge, Darnley Road,
Strood, Kent ME2 2XB
Telephone +44 (0) 1634 294356 or +44 (0) 1634 715429
Email:
access.information@medway.gov.uk
Web:
www.medway.gov.uk/index/socialcare/daycare/dayserviceslearningdisabilities.htm
|
|
The Medway Service To
Adults With A Learning Disability
Lordswood Community & Healthy Living Centre, Sultan Road,
Lordswood,
Chatham, Kent ME5 8JT
Telephone: +44 (0) 1634 337433 – Main Switchboard Telephone: +44 (0) 1634
306000 |
|
Chatham Older Persons
Team
Compass Centre, Pembroke, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent ME4 4YH
Care Manager: +44 (0) 1634 331863 |
|
Strood Integrated
Health & Social Care Team
Keystone Centre, Gun Lane, Strood, Kent ME2 4UL
Care Manager: +44 (0) 1634 717755 |
|
The Occupational Therapy, Adults & Children’s
Service
Medway Council, Civic Centre, Strood, Rochester, Kent. ME2 4AU
Telephone:
+44 (0) 1634 334466 - Main Switchboard Telephone: +44 (0)
1634 306000
Out of Hours
Telephone:
+44 (0) 845 7626777
Email:
ss.access&info@medwaycouncil.gov.uk |
|
Access and Information
Team
Medway Council, Civic Centre, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 4AU
Telephone: +44 (0) 1634 334466 - Main Switchboard Telephone: +44 (0) 1634
306000
Out of Hours
Telephone:
+44 (0) 845 7626777
Email:
ss.access&info@medwaycouncil.gov.uk Web:
www.medway.gov.uk/index/socialcare
Also: Out-of-hours emergency requests for
a social worker are dealt with under an arrangement with Kent County
Council.
Tel: +44 (0) 84576277 for all initial referrals. |
|
Hospital Care Management Team,
Health & Community Services
Residence 8 Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent. ME7
5NY
Telephone: +44 (0) 1634 825286 and/or +44 (0) 1634 825287 |
|
Rapid Response Team
Unit 2 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham Business Park, Gillingham,
Kent ME8 0NJ
Telephone: +44 (0) 1634 382900 |
|
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL SOCIAL SERVICES AREA OFFICE
(Outside of Medway) |
|
West Kent Area Office
17 Kings Hill Avenue,
Kings Hill,
West Malling,
ME19 4UL
Tel: +44 (0) 1732
525000
Fax: +44 (0) 1732 525309
Tel: +44 (0) 84576277 24 Hour Emergency
The
West
Kent Area Office
covers Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge
Wells and Maidstone. |
|
Back to Top |
| This page was last updated
24/06/2010
|
|
