Information

Information

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Black and Minority Ethnic Community

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

To download the whole Info Pack 86KB Zip File (Virus Free) - Click Here - April 06    

The information on these pages was correct at the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge (April 2006).  
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

Emergency Numbers: Medway Area
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Fire
Police 
Ambulance 

999 In an emergency, do not hesitate to call the appropriate service.
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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 (8:00am - 8:00pm)

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Council Services

016364 304 400 - (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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Black and Minority Ethnic Community
 
Listed below, are all the addresses of voluntary groups who offer help and support specifically to the ethnic community.

Mental Health Helpline

This help line covers Kent and East Sussex,
and operates between 6.00 p.m. and midnight.  
Tel 0345 697590  All calls are charged at the local rate.

Community Interpreting Service

All interpreters are impartial, professional, confidential and linguistically skilled.  The service has a pool of interpreters who live and work in the community.
There is a charge for the service.  The cost is £31.00 per hour plus expenses.  There is no charge to GP’s in Medway.  If you require an interpreter, telephone social services on 01634 331303/331348 during normal office hours.

Welcome Day Centre

Harjinder Bansel (Chief Officer)
44/46 High Street,     
Chatham,    
Kent.                
ME4 4DS 
Tel: 01634 844639
Fax: 01634 828212

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 Business Centre, 
17 New Road Avenue, 
Chatham, 
Kent.
ME4 6BA
Tel: 01634 830101


This organisation offers independent advocacy to individuals who have mental health problems aged over 18.  The 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.

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Medway Adult Education Service

Outreach Workers, 
Adult Education Centre, 
Green Street, 
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5TJ  
Tel: 01634 338400

An adult education based project, offering outreach, education and guidance to minority ethnic residents.  No charge for this service.

Chinese Women's Group

Based at the Adult Education Centre  
Eastgate, 
Rochester. 
Tel: 01634 338400

Medway Race Equality Council
2nd Floor
Municipal Buildings, Canterbury Street,
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 5LA
Tel: 01634 333880

Racial Equality councils to develop a culture of fairness in employment.
Medway Equality Council telephone No. 01634 333880

Medway Action Against Racial Attacks (MAARA)

Azhar Mahmood 
Medway Council
Civic Centre
Strood
Rochester
Kent.
Tel: 01634 338156 / 338169


 

Social Services, Medway Council

Community Service Development Officer.
Tel: 01634 331369


Home APNA CHAR Residential

The Manager     
1 Kingswood Road,   
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 1EA    
Tel: 01634 850445

Small home for ethnic minority people with mental health difficulties.

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Ethnic Minority Counselling Service

C/O Medway Racial Equality Council 
Municipal Buildings,
Canterbury Street
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5LA
Tel: 01634 333880
 

This service was set up to address the needs for counselling for minority ethnic people in relation to cultural and language differences.  The Service is currently managed by Medway Racial Equality Council.  
The Counsellors are qualified to Diploma level, and are fully aware of trans-cultural issues.  The counselling offered is generic.

Ethnic Minority  Carers Forum, 

Maya Banga.
The Princess Royal Trust
Medway Carers Centre
3 Canterbury Street
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 5TP
Tel: 01634 577340

This is a group for family carers from the ethnic minority communities and is working as a project at the Medway Carers Centre.

 

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Carers Centre Staff     
bulletBobbie
Manager   +44 (0) 1634 577340
bulletSeonaid
Young Carers Project Manager Young Carers Project +44 (0) 1634 577340
bulletLiz
Young Carers Support Officer Young Carers Project +44 (0) 1634 852458
bulletTracey
Young Carers Activities Co-ordinator   +44 (0) 1634 852458
bulletMaya
Volunteer - Minority Ethnic  Community  Worker Volunteer +44 (0) 1634 577340
bulletGina
Adult Carers Support Officer   +44 (0) 1634 577340
bulletDavid
Clerical Officer   +44 (0) 1634 577340
bulletDave
Young Carers Project Schools Officer Young Carers School +44 (0) 1634 574358

 

  The Carers Centre

Please click here to email us.....

 

     

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Activities
bulletAdvice Information & Support
Quarterly Newsletter - Form Filling / Letter Writing - One-to-one Advocacy - Listening Ear- Signposting
bulletOngoing Activities
Trip in Summer - Information Days - Christmas Pantomime - Young Carers Group - Minority Ethnic Carers Group
bulletMonday
Support Group for those family carers who care for someone with mental health problems (Once a Month 16:30 to 18:00)
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Carers Coffee Morning (Alternate Tuesdays (10:30 to 14:00) - Aromatherapy massage (By Appointment Only)
bulletFriday
D.I.A.L. Kent - Benefits Advice and Information (10:03 - 14:00)

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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 and North Kent Portage Service. OAASIS

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:-
Portage Co-ordinator, 
Compass Centre, 
Chatham, Kent.  
Tel: 01634 881194

 (Office for Advice, Assistance, Support and Information on Special Needs).

Oasis provides information on various learning difficulties, advice on the difficult   aspects of assessment and statementing, and training for parents. 

For more information contact:-
Hesley Group Southern Office, 
Brock House, 
Grigg Lane, 
Brockenhurst, 
Hants. 
SO42 7RE.   
Tel: 01590 624484

Mencap Contact A Family

Information and support for Carers of children with learning difficulties.

123 Golden Lane, 
London,
EC1Y 0RT  
Tel: 0171 454 0454

Puts you in touch with other families in your area for support.  For more information.

209-211 City Road
London
EC1V 1JN
Tel: 020 7068 8700
Fax: 020 7608 8701
Helpline: 0808 808 3555 or  Textphone 0808 808 3556
Freephone for parents and families (10am-4pm Mon-Fri)
Email: info@cafamily.org.uk

 Home-Start Medway Sanderson Child Development Centre,

Support, friendship and practical help to families under stress, with at least one child under the age of five years.  
Drop in Centres, run a parent and toddler group.
 
Sue Hockley (Admin co-ordinator)
46 Green Street
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 1XA
Tel: 01634 570717

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.

Medway Maritime Hospital,                                           
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5NY
 
Tel: 01634 825190

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation  

Provides an effective information service for people with severe learning difficulties and challenging behaviour. 

32 Twydall Lane
Gillingham
Kent                                                                            
Tel:01634 3022007

Counselling Services

Counselling Service (Medway Towns)

Cruise Bereavement Care, Medway Branch

First Floor,
The Whitehouse,
Chatham, 
Kent. 
ME4 4SL 
Tel 01634 828484

Funded counselling service to residents of the Medway Towns only.  Phone for appointment

Tel: 01634 818080

Support, advice and counselling service to the bereaved.

Samaritans

KCK (Kent Council For Addiction)

 9am - 10pm for callers

Priory Road,

Strood,
Rochester,
Kent.
ME2 2EG
Tel: 01634 730981

Offers emotional support for people from every walk of life, age or creed.  Available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.  
9:00am - 10:00pm no appointment needed.

National Telephone Number: 08457 909090

Dan House,
44 East Street
Faversham,
Kent.
CT1 3RX
Tel: 01795 590635

Support to those who suffer from addiction, or those who live with a sufferer.  Centres across the country.  Wide range of services offered.

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Baby Bereavement Support Group (Swale and Medway)

Equinox (Victoria Centre)

1 Marsh Lane,
Cliffe, 
Rochester,
Kent.
ME3 7UQ

One-to-one support.  Information and support to other close relatives.

 

Victoria Centre,
23-25 Victoria Street,
Rochester,
Kent.
ME3 7UQ
Tel: 01634 831999

Information and advice about alcohol and its effects.  Confidential individual counselling sessions.  Residential support.

Drop in Tuesday's 12 - 1pm

St. Philip and St. James' Church Community Office

The Information Shop for Young People

Community Office and Church Hall,
King George Road,
Chatham,
Kent.
ME5 0TZ
Tel: 01634 681671

Support with D.S.S 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 terms)

Upbury Manor Site,
Marlborough Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
Tel: 01634 811900
Free-Phone for Young People Only 0500 991999

Provides information, advice and counselling to young people aged 10-25 on all types of problems or queries.

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Compassionate Friends

 

15 Dean Road
Strood
Rochester
Kent
ME2 3QH
Tel: 01634 718299

Counselling to bereaved families following the death of a child

 

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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: 01634 577340.
The Carers Centre -   Website: www.medwaycarerscentre.org.uk

Carers UK for anybody with a caring responsibility.
20/25 Glasshouse Yard, London EC1A 4JS Tel: Carers-Line: 0345 573369.
Free Phone Carersline : 0808 808 7777

Princess Royal Trust for Carers – London Office 142 Minories, London EC3N 1NB Tel: 0207 480 7788.

N.H.S DIRECT Tel: 0845 4647  (24 hour helpline) 

Information Shop for Young People - Upbury Manor School, Marlborough Road, Gillingham, Kent.  Tel: 01634 852341

H.I.V. AIDS  
Both the health service 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 Help-lines are: Free AIDS literature 0800 567123

Confidential discussion 0800 567123.  Drugs & Solvent Abuse 0800 776600.

Callers can ring both the above numbers, free of charge – 24 hours a day, from any part of the country.

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Health Provision in the Medway Towns
Medway N.H.S TRUST  provides Health Services in Medway.  The following information provides a guide to the services available and where to go for advice and assistance.
 
Medway N.H.S. Trust Headquarters West Kent NHS and Social Care Trust

Medway Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent
ME7 5NY
Tel: 01634 830000

35 Kings Hill Avenue, 
Kings Hill,
West Malling, Kent,
ME19 4AX
Phone: 01732 520400
Fax: 01732 520401
Email: adrian.lowther@icc.wkentmht.nhs.uk

Medway N.H.S. Trust (Learning Disability Team) Respite Care & Residential Units 

Residence 13
Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5NY
Tel: 01634 830000

(Residential Unit for adults with learning disabilities)

The Ridgeway
20 The Ridgeway, 
Chatham, 
Kent. 
ME4 6PD
Tel: 01634 826783

Preston Skreens (Respite unit for children 0 -19 years)

402 Minster Road,
Isle of Sheppy 
Kent. 
ME12 3NZ
Tel: 01795 874865    
     

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Special Needs Nurseries Special Needs Nurseries

Woodlands Road,
Gillingham. 
Tel: 01634 582273

Parkwood Health Centre,
Long Catlis Road, 
Parkwood,
Rainham,
Kent.
ME8 9PR
Tel: 01634 234400

Admirals Nurses Services Continuing Care

Thames Gateway NHS Trust,
Southlands Assessment Unit,
Rook Lane,
Bobbing,
Sittingbourne,
Kent.
Tel:01795 845019

Special nursing service for family carers of people with Dementia
Offering advice & support to the family carers of people with dementia..

Equipment and Funding
Keystone Centre
Gun Lane
Strood
Kent
ME2 4UL
Tel: 01634 295577
Fax: 01634 725466

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Twilight Nursing Services Opticians

Hawthorne Road Clinic
Tel: 01634 294654

Twilight (From 7 -11pm) and Night (from 10pm) sitting service.  Both of these services require a referral from Care Manager/District Nurse.

List of Domiciliary Opticians are available from the Centre.

N.H.S. Direct
Health Service 24 Hour Help-Line. Tel: 0845  4647
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Care Direct Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme

This site can be accessed via the Department of Health website.
www.doh.gov.uk/caredirect/links
Tel: 0800 444 000

(Gillingham, Rainham & Chatham)

Lennox Wood Old People's Home
Petham Green
Twydall
Gillingham
Kent
Tel: 01634 379131

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Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme (Rochester) Day Care Centres

The Day Centre,
Shaws Wood,
Mill Road,
Strood, Rochester,
Kent.
ME2 3BU
Tel: 01634 716238

Robert Browning Day Hospital,
Medway Maritime Hospital,
A Block
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5EY
Tel: 01634 830000

Walter Brice Day Centre Occupational Therapy & Deaf Services

Main Road,
Tilley Close
Hoo St. Werburgh,
Rochester,
Kent.
ME3 9AE
Tel: 01634 253611

Disability Services,
Pembroke
Compass Centre,
Chatham Maritime,
Chatham,
Kent.
ME4 4YH

Duty Telephone Number: 01634 331262 (10am - 1pm Monday to Friday).  Voicemail for out of hours contact.

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Adult Physiotherapy Services (Outpatients Department) Dental Services (Emergency Treatment)

Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5EY
Tel: 01634 830000

Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5EY
Tel: 01634 830000

Demelza House Children's Hospital Peter Simon Diabetes Centre

Rook Lane,
Bobbing,
Sittingbourne,
Kent.
ME9 8DZ
Tel: 01795 845200

Lynsey Shepherd
Residence 9
Medway Maritime Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 5EY
TeL 01634 830000


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Breast Cancer Support Group  

Barbara Peachey
Medway N.H.S. Trust,
Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5EY
Tel: 01634 830000

 

Complaints - If you would like to complain about any hospital or GP Service then contact:-

Patient Advice & Liaison Service within the hospital
Kent Primary Care Agency

Medway Primary Care Trust

11 Station Road
Maidstone
Kent
Tel: 01622 655000

 

 

35 Kings Hill Avenue, 
Kings Hill,
West Malling, Kent,
ME19 4AX
Phone: 01732 520400
Fax: 01732 520401
Email: adrian.lowther@icc.wkentmht.nhs.uk

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Primary Care Psychology and Counselling Service Community Brain Injury Team (CBIT)

Psychology Department
St. Barts Hospital
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1DS
Tel: 01634 810972/3

This service offers brief therapy for general psychological problems for people aged 16 & above, with problems that can be addressed within 6 - 8 weeks.

Disablement Services Centre
Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5YX
Tel: 01634 833937

The team provides community based services to clients between the ages of 16 and 65, with Acquired Brain Injury, for instances following an R.T.A, or stroke.


Speech and Language Therapy Service Mental Health Services Directorate Manager

Disablement Services Centre
Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5YX
Tel: 01634 830000 

'A' Block
Disablement Services Centre
Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5NY
Tel: 01634 830000

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Clinical Director for Learning Disabilities Services  

Dr. S. Sadiki,
Rochester Health Centre,
Delce Road,
Rochester,
Kent.
ME1 2EL

 

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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