Information

Information

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An Advice Service & a
Listening Ear

Black and Minority Ethnic Community

Bereavement Support Groups

Carers Centre Staff
and Activities

Children with Special Needs

Counselling Services

Emergency Numbers

Further Information

Health Provision in the
Medway Towns

How do people
become family carers?

Medway Carers Centre

Medway Social Services

Money Benefits

Self Assessment

Support Groups for Carers

Taking a Break

Transport

Voluntary Organisations

Who is a Carer?

Young Carers

       

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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

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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.

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Drop in Monday and Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm.

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Appointments can be made.

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Phone 10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday.  (Answer-phone available)

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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:

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Take part in friendly social groups.

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A chance to meet other Carers.

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Someone to talk to in confidence.

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Access the Information Library.

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Internet Information.

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Help writing letters and filling in forms.

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Male Carers Group.

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Young Carers Activities.

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bullet BLACK AND ETHNIC COMMUNITY
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

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Carers Centre Staff   
Medway Carers Centre 3 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5TP + 44 (0) 1634 577340
bulletRon
Chief Exec Carers FIRST / Medway Carers Centre
bulletBobbie
Manager
bulletAngie
Administration Manager
bulletTracey
 Young Carers Activities Co-ordinator & Parent Carer Support Worker
bulletHolly
Young Carers Support Worker
bulletMaya
Minority Ethnic Carers Support Worker
bulletKrishna
Minority Ethnic Carers Support Worker
bulletLucy
Young Carers Support Worker
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Email

The Carers Centre

Please click here to email us.....

bulletChris

Volunteer:  Office and Website Co-ordinator

 
 

Email Chris  

Please click here to email us.....

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bullet ACTIVITIES
bulletAdvice Information & Support
Quarterly Newsletter - Form Filling / Letter Writing - One-to-one Advocacy - Listening Ear- Signposting
bulletOngoing Activities
Trip in Summer - Information Days - Young Carers Group - Minority Ethnic Carers Group - Young Carers Project -
Young Carers Project Drop in (call for details)
bulletMonday
Support Group for those family carers who care for some one with a mental health problem  (First Monday of the Month 10:00 -12:00)
Yoga  (Every Tuesday 13:30 – 15:00)
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Carers Coffee Morning (Alternate Tuesdays (11:00 to 13:00)
bulletWednesday
Working Carers Evening (Once a Month 19:00 to 21:00)
bulletThursday
D.I.A.L. Kent  – Benefits Advice and Information (10:30 – 14:00)

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bullet CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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

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Emergency Numbers: Medway Area
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Fire
Police 
Ambulance 

999 In an emergency, do not hesitate to call the appropriate service.
NB: you cannot dial 999 from a mobile phone.
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Gas

0800 111 999 (24 Hour)  

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Electricity

0800 783 886  (24 Hour)

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Water

0845 603 2603 (24 Hour)

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Council Services

0345 62 67 77 - (Out of Hours) 

bulletSocial Services
0845 7626777 (Out Of Hours)
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Samaritans

01634 730 981 - Number for Medway Towns / 0845 790 909 090 National Number

 

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How do people become family carers? - Through a person they care about:

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Becoming ill

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Being born with a disability

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Getting old

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Having an accident

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Having problems with their mental health

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Having drug or alcohol addiction problems

This is usually:
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Unexpected

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Unpredictable

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Stressful

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Tiring

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Time consuming

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Expensive

It may mean:
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A change of role and relationships

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Feelings of Isolation

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A restricted lifestyle

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The need to learn new skills

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Losing sight of their own needs

Who are the Carers?
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Husbands and Wives

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Sons and Daughters

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Neighbours

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Mother’s and Father’s

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Friends

Why do they Care?
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Love

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Duty

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It’s their responsibility

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Because they want to

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bullet COUNSELLING SERVICES

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 o
ne 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

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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS

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/ 

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bullet Further Information

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

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bullet 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. 

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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:

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do research and projects that help people be included

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support local people and services to include people with learning disabilities

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improve services for people with learning disabilities

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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

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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

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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.

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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:-

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Assessment & Care plans       

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Advice for family carers

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Home Helps 

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Financial difficulties

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Meals on Wheels

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Sheltered housing

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Care-phones   

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Adoption and fostering

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Day Centres

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Respite care

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Luncheon Clubs 

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Day Nurseries

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Aids and Adaptations

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Services for disabled people 

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Bus passes (concessionary fares)  

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Family problems

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Blue Badge parking scheme

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Residential care

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Advice on Benefits/entitlements

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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:-

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Gillingham Office Kingsley House,  37-39 Balmoral Road, Gillingham Kent ME7 4PF

bulletMental Health Team          +44 (0) 1634 331914
bulletOlder Persons Team         +44 (0) 1634 331988
bulletSubstance 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
.

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An Advice Service & a
Listening Ear

Black and Minority Ethnic Community

Bereavement Support Groups

Carers Centre Staff
and Activities

Children with Special Needs

Counselling Services

Emergency Numbers

Further Information

Health Provision in the
Medway Towns

How do people
become family carers?

Medway Carers Centre

Medway Social Services

Money Benefits

Self Assessment

Support Groups for Carers

Taking a Break

Transport

Voluntary Organisations

Who is a Carer?

Young Carers

       

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This page was last updated 24/06/2010

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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