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Information 2
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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
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Money
Benefits |
| Check out the 'rightsnet'
website loads of info and resources |
|
A shorter and simpler Carer’s Allowance claim
form, ref DS700 (SP), is available from 11th December 2006. All Carers who
get State
Pension, regardless of rate, should use the form to claim Carer’s
Allowance.
The form which has been developed with the Pension Service, only asks
basic questions about entitlement. And some information has been moved to
the separate Notes booklet that helps customers to fill in the form which
is itself much shorter than before. The new form, along with the shorter
Attendance Allowance claim form, is part of Disability and Carers
Service’s commitment to improve the quality of claim packs and information
gathering. Customers can get a claim form by contacting the Carer’s
Allowance Unit or their local Pension Centre. A copy of the claim form
will be available to download at
www.direct.gov.uk.
Further Information:
www.direct.gov.uk/carers |
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The
information here contains details about the following benefits, which
are likely to be of interest to Carers:-
Attendance
Allowance
Carers Allowance
Disability
Living Allowance (which contains a care & mobility component)
Severe Disability Allowance
Council Tax Discounts for Family Carers
Council Tax Benefit
If
you have a problem or enquiry about Income Support, which replaced
supplementary benefit in April 1988 or Housing Benefit, also known as
Rent and Rate Rebates, then contact one of the organisations mentioned
at the end.
Disability
Living Allowance
Is
payable to people under 65. This
claim form also includes a section to claim Mobility Allowance.
Disability Living Allowance provides three rates of help with
care needs and two rates for mobility ‘getting around’ needs.
:
Care
needs may mean help with normal bodily functions such as eating, going
to the toilet, washing, ensuring medicine is taken regularly/correctly,
or ensuring safety, watching over somebody. In addition help with seeing
and hearing for social activities.
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Component needs:-
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 | Higher rate -
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£43.45 |
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Lower rate - |
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£16.50 |
Mobility
needs may mean that the disabled person cannot walk, or has difficulty
in walking. It is intended
for outdoor mobility and can be used in any way the person likes, e.g.
hiring taxis etc.
To
qualify the person must have become unable or virtually unable to walk
because of physical disablement and a claim must be made before they
reach the age of 65. The
allowance can be paid for life as long as the qualifying conditions
continue to be satisfied.
Disability
Living Allowance Customer Services Line. Tel: 0345 123456
Attendance Allowance
Is a benefit payable to people over 65.
To get an application form ring 0800 882 200
This claim form
does not include a section for mobility, although it covers care needs
comprehensively. There are 2 rates.
| Higher rate -
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£64.50 |
| Lower rate - |
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£43.15 |
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Carers Allowance
| £48.65 |
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This is for people who look
after someone who is receiving higher or lower Attendance Allowance or
higher or middle rate Care Component of the Disability Living allowance
and spends at least 35 hours a week caring for that person.
Carers Allowance is taxable.
A Carer can earn £75 per week after deductions (there are some
conditions that apply on this. Please
telephone for further advice).
Anyone
between the age of 16 – 65 can claim and the person they are caring
for does not have to be a relative.
There
are quite a number of regulations to do with this allowance, so contact
the D.S.S or The Medway Carers Centre.
If you want to know more or to get a copy of leaflet DS700.
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PLEASE NOTE CLAIMING
CARERS ALLOWANCE
CAN AFFECT YOUR PENSION, PLEASE TAKE ADVICE BEFORE MAKING AN
APPLICATION!! |
The Severe Disability Premium
is:
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| £46.75 per qualifying person |
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Benefits Agency, Crown House, The Brook, Chatham, Kent.
Tel:01634 810200
Welfare Benefits Unit, Chatham Help Centre,
Riverside 1, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent.
Tel:01634 331857
Benefit
enquiry line for people with disabilities – Tel: 0800 882200 (free-phone)
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Council Tax
discounts for Family Carers |
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When determining the number of residents
in a property for the purpose of council tax, a person can be
disregarded if he or she is a carer. To qualify as a carer, a person
must be:
A). Providing care to a person who is entitled to
qualifying benefit (see below) and resident in the same dwelling as
the person to whom he / she is providing care.
B). Providing care for at least 35 hours a week on average.
C). Not the spouse or partner of the person receiving
care nor the parent of a child receiving care if the child is under 18
years of age.
QUALIFYING BENEFITS
A). Higher rate attendance allowance under section 65 of
the Social Security Contribution & Benefits Act 1992.
B). The highest rate of the care component of a
disability living allowance under Section 72 (4) (a) of that act.
C). An increase in the rate of his / her disablement
pension under Section 104 of the Act by an amount which is the highest
amount determined in accordance with paragraph (a)
of regulation 19 of the Social Security (General Benefit) Regulations
1982 or, in a case to which paragraph (b) of the regulation applies,
the amount determined in accordance with that paragraph
D). An increase in a constant attendance allowance under
the provision to Article 14 of the Personal Injuries (Civilians)
scheme 1983, or under Article (1) (b) of the Naval, Military & Air
Forces, etc. (Disablement & Death) Service Pensions Order 1983
(including that provision as applied, whether with or without
modifications, by any other instrument)
Please note: Evidence of entitlement to
one of those benefits must accompany your application. |
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Council Tax Benefit |
Housing Benefit Reception,
Civic Centre, Strood
Housing Benefit reception, Municipal Buildings,
Gillingham,
Medway Council local office
17-19 Military Road, Chatham
You can telephone the Council on (01634) 306000
and ask for any of these departments. |
| D.I.A.L Kent are available for
advice and information at the Medway Carers Centre on Fridays 11:30am
- 15:00pm. Please ring to make an appointment. |
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|
The
information given above is a guide supplied by Welfare Benefits Agency,
and was up to date at the original time of publishing.
Please use only as a guide always check information with the
relevant agency. |
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| Self
Assessment |
|
It would assist the Medway Carers Centre greatly, if
you would fill in this self-assessment form and return it to the Princess
Royal Trust Medway Carers Centre, 3 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent.
ME7 5TP. |
If you would like to download an
Self Assessment Form, fill it in and return it to us please
click here. All information supplied is strictly confidential.
You
will only be entered into the database if you request it. |
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Support
Groups for Family Carers |
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The following groups offer Carers the chance to share experiences and
concerns with other Carers in similar situations, to gain information on
specific topics. |
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AD(H)D Support Group
Support
Group run by parents of AD(H)D Children.
Tel: 01634 880932
Email: info@adhd-add.org
Web: www.adhd-add.org
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Carers Support Scheme
Operates in Medway and Swale, offering support to Carers of people aged
65 and over with Dementia. Information, regular newsletter and
fortnightly coffee mornings.
The Training Room
Old School House
North Pondside Road
Historic Dockyard,
Chatham,
Kent.
ME4 4TY
Tel: 01634 840866 |
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Relatives
and Residents Association
The Relatives Association offers a listening ear and practical
advice. They offer the chance to join a local group, and receive a
regular newsletter.
5 Tavistock Place,
London.
WC1H 9SN
Tel: 0207 916 6055 |
Kent Autistic Trust
Telephone support and information, help with statutory and
voluntary agencies promotes awareness.
14 High Street,
Brompton,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5AE
Tel: 01634 405168 |
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Alzheimer's Disease Society
Support Group
To provide support to people who care or who have cared for
someone with dementia.
Weekly meetings. Fridays 10:15am – 1:45pm
at
Marlborough House,
Rainham High Street
Rainham, Kent.
David Royal
7
Water Meadow Close
Hempstead
Kent
ME7 3QF
Tel: 01634 377254
Email:
droyle7@aol.com |
Princess Royal Trust - Medway Carers Centre
Open regular office hours. Offers help and support for all
family carers in a caring role. Regular coffee mornings,
newsletter, social functions. Listening ear, practical help and information.
E-mail
Medwaycarers@aol.com www.medwaycarerscentre.org.uk
3 Canterbury Street
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 3TP
Tel: 01634
577340 |
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Darland House Carers Group
Meeting every two months. Contact the secretary for further
information.
Secretary, Mrs. Alma Attwood,
Darland House,
29 Darland Avenue,
Gillingham,
Kent.
Tel: 01634 852323 |
Prostate Cancer
Help and Support
For men with prostate cancer, wives, partners and families, people
who are concerned and for those who want to know more, by providing
support and information to all those affected by Prostate Cancer.
Telephone Helpline: 0845 6010766 - Local Helpline: 01732
841192
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| Kitten Contacts For Parent Carers
of disabled children - Phone 01634 400638 Monday to Friday 9-5 |
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Taking
a Break |
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It
is important that everybody takes a break from the demands of caring,
whether it be for the odd hour in a day, the odd day each week or month,
or maybe even for a holiday. Being
a family carer also means that you need to care for yourself, taking time out
and giving yourself the opportunity to relax, meet friends, or perhaps
tackle some jobs, that you cannot normally do.
A break also makes it possible for you to carry on caring,
otherwise ill health or exhaustion may mean that in time you simply will
not be able to continue. There
can also be real benefits for the person you are caring for, such as
social contact, new friends and new interests and activities.
There
are also breaks available for those who wish to go as a couple or family
with the cared for person. We realise that some people would wish
to do this.
The
following information will hopefully provide you with some ideas on how
to get a break, and also where to go to get help.
Your social services department may be able to help you, however,
the demand on these services is high and you may not be able to get help
immediately.
Day Care Centres
These are run by local authorities and voluntary organisations,
providing an opportunity for adults to meet and take part in organised
activities such as craftwork, games etc. Meals and transport are usually
provided, and attendance at such a Centre by the cared for, gives the
Carer some time to
themselves. Centres in the
Medway area include The Walter Brice Centre, Tel: 01634 253611, (an open
referral system exists) or Robert Browning Day Hospital, Tel:01634
833812 (assessment of needs, and support and advice to the carer is also
offered).
Cross Roads
Crossroads can help with regular planned care,
or an occasional break.
Trained and reliable Care Attendants work through the day, evening, and in
exceptional circumstances at night.
Crossroads is a registered charity, and the service is free,
however donations are greatly appreciated.
The Care attendants offer practical support to ‘family carers’
supporting them to care for a dependant living at home. For
your local office and telephone number, see under
Health Provision Section.
Winged Fellowship Trust
The Trust provides a flexible range of holiday
choices for people with disabilities.
These range from short breaks to week-long stays, and age
interests or budget is not a barrier.
For further details:-
Winged Fellowship Trust
Angel House,
20 - 32 Pentonville Road,
London.
N1 9XD
There are many respite homes advertised on the internet, and staff
at the Centre would be happy to provide any information about homes who
currently advertise on the internet.
The Centre also has a large collection of brochures and
information on respite care throughout the country.
The
Princess Royal Trust
The Princess Royal Trust, along with other charitable organisations, can
offer assistance in gaining grants. Please
contact the Manager at your Princess
Royal Trust, Medway Carers Centre for details. Contact
Information.
The Kiloran Trust
The Kiloran
Trust is a registered charity and has been established to provide
residential supportive breaks to all those caring for others, who feel
the need for a break away. Carers
can apply to Kiloran directly themselves, or through a Carer Centre,
Social Worker or health organisation.
For further details telephone 0207 602 7404.
Carers Relief Service
Charity providing care
assistants to look after adults with learning disabilities in order to
give the carer a break.
Room 222
Main Office Block
Crest Complex
Courtney Road
Gillingham
Kent ME8 0RX
Tel: 01634 302654 |
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Transport |
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The following
information gives details of Transport services, which may be of
particular interest to Carers and the people for whom they are caring.
Blue Badge Parking Scheme
The Blue Badge parking scheme, (which replaced the old orange badge
scheme), enables a car to be parked where other vehicles are restricted
for a maximum of two hours, is available for disabled people who are
either car drivers or passengers. You
are entitled to a badge if:-
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You
receive higher rate mobility allowance or, |
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You
are blind or |
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You
use a vehicle supplied by a Government Department or |
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You
get a grant towards your own vehicle. |
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You
may also be entitled to an Blue Badge if you have a permanent and
substantial disability which makes walking very difficult.
You will need a letter supporting this from your Doctor.
Anyone over the age of Two, satisfying these conditions can get a
badge.
Information
for the Blue Badge Parking Scheme are held at the Centre.
Application can also be made from Access and Information, Social
Services Department,
Municipal Buildings, Gillingham, Kent.
Tel: 01634 334466
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Bus Permit
People who have a disability may also be entitled to a bus pass.
there are certain criteria to be met, and application should be
made direct to the bus company. |
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Medway Mobility,
Medway Council,
Planning & Transport,
Compass Centre,
Chatham Maritime,
Chatham,
Kent.
ME4 4YH
Medway Mobility and Medway Mobility Plus are operated by A.S.D.
Coaches for Medway Council, and is a service for Elderly and
Disabled People, who cannot use ordinary buses.
Applications to be signed by Doctor/Care Manager. It is
also necessary to register with the service.
For further information call ASD on 01634 726412. |
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Tripscope
The Courtyard
Evelyn Road
London
W4 5JL
Tel: 08457 58 56 41 (local call rate)
Triscope is the National Information Service to help and support
with transport difficulties in this country and abroad.
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Mobility
Advice and Vehicle Information Service
TRRL
Crowthorne
Berkshire
RG11 6AU
Tel: 01344 770456
Information
about car adaptations. There
is a charge for assessments. |
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Vokes Taxis
3 Old Road
Chatham
Kent
Tel: 01634 222222
Taxi Service that is able to take a wheelchair user sitting
in the wheelchair. Notification necessary on booking. |
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Voluntary Organisations |
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Arthritis Care (Chatham & District)
Tel: 01634 718938
Monthly meetings and general improvement for the social life of its
members. |
Kent Autistic Trust
Kay Benning (General Manager)
14 High Street,
Brompton,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 5AE
Tel: 01634 405168 Fax: 01634 811282
To provide residential and day services, family
support and training. |
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Aspergers Support Group
01474 355897
01474 560936 (Debbie)
01474 362634 (Janet) |
The Compassionate Friends
Support and friendship for bereaved parents and their
families
Irene Baldock
The Compassionate Friends
15 Dean Road
Strood, Rochester
Kent
ME2 3QH
Tel: 01634 718299
Email:
irenebaldock@deanroad.fsnet.co.uk |
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Alzheimers Disease Society
Gordon House,
10 Greencoat Place,
London.
SW1P 1PH
Tel:
0171 306 0606
Helpline
Mon - Fri 8:30am – 6:30pm Tel:
0845 300 0336
E-mail:
enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk
Website:
www.alzheimers.org.uk |
ADHD (Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity)
Disorder))
Mark Thompson (Chairperson)
AD(H)D Support Group
63 Green
Street,
Gillingham,
Kent.
ME7 1AE
Tel: 01634 880932
info@adhd-add.org
Web: www.adhd-add.org
To raise awareness, give advice and information. |
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Age Concern
(The Chief Officer - Chatham)
Riverside
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4SL
Tel: 01634 811938 |
Age Concern
(The Chief Officer - Gillingham)
The Mackenny Day Centre
Woodlands Road
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 2BX
Tel: 01634 572616 |
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Age Concern
(The Chief Officer - Strood)
The Chris Ellis Centre
130 Brompton Lane
Strood
Kent
ME2 3BA
Tel: 01634 724828 |
Kent Information Federation (Disabled and Carers)
Cygnet
House
132 Windmill Street
Gravesend
Kent
DA12 1BQ
Tel; 01474 534777
Email:
admin@cix.compulink.co.uk
Free independent and confidential information service
to disabled people, their Carers and those acting for them. |
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Osteoporosis Society, National (Medway Support Group)
Gwen Worcester
01634 833892
Aims to provide support for sufferers of osteoporosis. To create
awareness osteoporosis and prevention. To keep our members informed
of the advances in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
The group
meets every 3rd Tuesday of every month at St. Stephen's Church hall,
Maidstone Road, Chatham. 7.00pm - 9.00pm |
Parkinson's Disease Society (Medway Towns)
Mr Guy Sibley - Secretary
Tel: 01634 234209
To provide adequate welfare service for suffers and Carers. |
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Remap
Grove Cottage
Kingsdown Road
Dungate
Kent
ME9 0QU
Tel: 01795 830225
Unique
Charity designing and manufacturing technical aids for disabled people |
Stepping Stones
46 Green Street
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 1XA
Tel: 01634 300022
To promote the care, welfare and advancement
of children with special needs.
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Portage Co-Ordinator
Compass Centre
Chatham
Kent
Tel: 01634 881194
Parents group meeting fortnightly for informal chat and to meet other
parents of children with special needs. |
Talking Books
Most libraries offer a talking book service. Check your local
Library for details. |
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Moat Care and Repair
4 Ambley Green
Baily Drive
Gillingham Business Park
Kent
ME8 0NJ
Tel: 01634 283217/8 Help to the
elderly/disabled to apply for grants for essential home repairs.
Providing small job repairs to the elderly and disabled.
This is not an emergency service |
BODY POSITIVE
KENT LTD
Quaker Meeting House
Northgate
Rochester
Kent.
ME1 1LS
Tel: 01634 819071
Fax: 01634 828588
E-mail bpkent@netlink.co.uk
Web:
http://www2.netlink.co.uk/users2/bpkent
Support, advice and advocacy for those living with HIV/AID’s in Kent. |
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Hands Volunteer Centre - Rochester
5a New Road Avenue
Chatham
Kent
ME4 6BG
Tel: 01634 830371
Email:
rochestervb@carefree.net |
Hands Volunteer Bureau - Gillingham
Sunlight Centre
Richmond Road
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 1LX
Tel: 01634 338655 - Hands
Tel: 01634 338653 - Volunteer Bureau
Tel: 01634 338652 - Community Friendship
Email:
gillinghamb@hotmail.com
Web:
www.handsandgillinghamvb.ik.com |
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Shelter, Kent (North) Housing Aid
2 Ordnance Street
Chatham
Kent
ME4 6SL
Tel: 01634 811166 (Helpline)
Fax: 01634 813729
Email: medway@shelter.org.uk
Web: www.shelter.org.uk
Phone the helpline number above between 10 - 1 Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri and 2 -
4.30 on Thursdays. Free, confidential and independent advice and advocacy
on homelessness, rent and Mortgage arrears, disputes, harassment, eviction
and other housing problems. |
British Red Cross Society
Kent
Branch
25 College Road
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 6SX
Tel: 01622 690011
The Red Cross offer equipment hire, transport and escort and caring for
people in their own home. For further details, contact the Red Cross
in Maidstone, and they will give you the number of the branch nearest to
you. |
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Merge
Medway Residents Group
1 Canterbury Street
Gillingham
Kent
Tel: 01634 570037
Fax: 01634 570037
Email:
merge@medway.gov.uk
Advocate on behalf of all council tenants regarding housing, policies and
other environmental issues. |
Twydall Family Centre
32 - 34 Thornham Road
Twydall
Gillingham
Kent
ME8 6SG
Tel: 01634 374133
A new venture being developed in
association with a range of partners to offer family support services to
parents and Carers of children of all ages in the Twydall neighbourhood.
Drop in 9.30 – 12.30 Tuesdays Parent and Toddler group Thursdays 9.30
–11.30 |
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Balfour Resource Centre
Pattens Lane
Rochester
Kent
MW1 2RB
Tel: 01634 845 940
jackie.welch@medway.gov.uk
To meet most of the needs of the
physically handicapped.
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Disabled Persons Accommodation Agency
Peter Stokes
5A New Road Avenue
Chatham
ME4 6BG
Tel: 01634 819922
Fax: 01634 818906
Established to help disabled people find accessible housing. |
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Fibromyalgia Support Group
16 Barberry Avenue
Davis Estate
Chatham
Kent
ME5 9TE
Tel: 01634 865925
Email:
margaret@robson78.fsnet.co.uk
Web:
www.firomyalgia-associtationuk.org
Web: www.ukfibromyalgia.com
Support to people suffering from Fibromyalgia. |
Disability Information
Service
Disability Services Centre
Medway Maritime Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 5NY
Tel: 01634 830000 Ext: 3343 |
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Crossroads - Gillingham and Chatham
Lennox Wood Old People's Home
Petham Green
Twydall
Gillingham
Kent
Tel: 01634 379131
To provide trained care attendants,
allowing the carer time for themselves, either by going out, or resting. |
Crossroads - Rochester
The Day Centre
Shaws Wood
Mill Road
Strood
Kent
ME2 3BU
Tel: 01634 716238
To provide trained care attendants, allowing the
carer time for themselves, either by going out, or resting. |
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Cerebral Palsy Care
The Bradbury Centre
View Road
Cliffe Woods
Rochester
kent
ME3 8UJ
Tel: 01634 220120 |
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
C/o Friends Meeting House
Northgate
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1LS
Tel: 01634 838739 |
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Citizens Advice Bureau
The White House
Riverside
Chatham
Kent
ME4 5SL
Tel: 0870 1264095 |
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Guildhall
17 High Street
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1PY
Tel: 08701264095 |
| D.I.A.L. NORTH
WEST KENT
Ground Floor Tel: 01474 537666
Cygnet House Fax: 01474 532550
132 Windmill Street
Gravesend
Kent DA12 1BQ email: info@dialnwk.org.uk
Free, confidential and reliable advice on all aspects of disability,
including housing, equipment, motoring, leisure, welfare benefits
Advice line open 11am – 3pm, Monday to Friday (24 hour answerphone)
Minicom service available – use voice announcer |
DISABILITY LAW
SERVICE 39-45 Cavall Street Tel: 020 7 791 9800
London Minicom: 020 7 791 7801
E1 2BP Fax: 020 7 791 7802
Specialist legal advice for disabled people and their Carers.
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Who
is a Carer? |
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A family carer is anyone who spends regular and substantial
time looking after or being responsible for someone who is too ill or too
disabled to manage alone.
Very often people do not recognise themselves as
‘family carers’; they are wives, husbands, sons, daughters, parents, other
relatives, friends and neighbours who find themselves in a caring
situation, sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually, and simply get on with
what needs to be done.
A family carer does not always live with the person being
cared for, but their help may be essential to enable somebody to go on
living in their own home.
It can be a help to know you are a
family carer; it is a way
of recognising that you are doing a very important job, which can be
demanding physically and emotionally. It may be a help to know your work
is recognised by others and there are some benefits and services available
to help you in your role.
For many people, caring for somebody is a very
rewarding experience, but even in the best circumstances, a family carer can
become very tired and frustrated; a family carer may become isolated and
resentful because nobody seems to understand or offer help; and where the
caring task is very difficult, a family carer can resent their restricted life
and then feel very guilty at having such angry feelings.
Over 6 million people in Britain today are in this
caring situation, there are approximately 21,000 family carers in the Medway
Towns, and the feelings described are experienced by many of them at some
time or another. In the following pages, you will find information about
what help is available and how you can meet with other family carers to share
your experiences.
Perhaps you are somebody who is not yet a
family carer, but
think you may become one soon, due to the increasing age or disability of
somebody close to you. It is a good idea to think carefully before you
move in with somebody else, or they move in with you.
Caring can go on for many years, often without much
outside assistance. The person you care for may resist any help from
outside and you may have an increasingly heavy workload.
Will your own health stand up to the extra workload?
Remembering that you will also get older. It is wise to talk with others
such as your family; the Doctor and Social Services before you make such a
major decision. |
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Young
Carers |
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Young Carers are supported by: |
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| Liz |
|
Young Carers Support Officer |
Young Carers Project |
+44 (0) 1634 852458 |
| Tracey |
|
Young Carers Activities
Co-ordinator |
Young Carers Project |
+44 (0) 1634 852458 |
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Young Carers School Project |
Young Carers Project |
+44 (0) 1634 574358 |
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with FAO Young Carers Project
in the subject line |
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1. Young Carer is a child or
teenager (under 18years of age), who carers for, or helps to care for
someone in their family, who has a long term illness and/or
disability. This includes those children and young people, who care
for, or help to care for family members who misuse alcohol and/or drugs or
have HIV/AIDS related illnesses.
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2. Our aim for the
young
carers project is that young carers receive the support,
information and advice, particular to their individual needs
and family circumstances, that enables them to get the most
out of their childhood in all areas of their development. |
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3. The staff and volunteers at
the young carers project can offer Young Carers:- |
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1:1
Keyworker support |
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Opportunities to meet other
children and young people in similar situations. |
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Information |
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Respite in the form of trips and activities |
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Longer term holiday opportunities |
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Young Carers Forum (age 11+) |
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Specific information sessions |
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Support to access education/grants/other services appropriate
to the need |
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Advocacy both within families and other organisations |
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Drop in sessions |
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Anyone requiring and information should
contact Liz or Tracy at Medway Carers Centre Tel: 01634 852458 |
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Young
Carers are covered by four pieces of legislation:- |
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N.H.S
and Community Care Act, 1990, |
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The
Children’s
Act 1989, |
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Carers
(Recognition and Services) Act 1995 |
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Carers and Disabled Children's Act 2001 |
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As well as the UK Convention on the Rights of the Child |
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Other places for the young carer to get help and
support would be one or more of the following:
Social Worker
Sometimes the family will have been appointed a Care Manager,
and he or she can be contacted via Social Services
Medway
Carers Centre
The Princess Royal Trust
Medway Carers Centre
3 Canterbury Street
Gillingham
Kent
ME7 5TP
Telephone: (+44) 01634 577340
The Carers Centre
The Princess Royal Trust,
Medway Carers Centre is a good source of help and information.
The Centre is open from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For further information Telephone 01634 852458
EDUCATIONAL WELFARE OFFICER
There is a team of welfare
officers working in conjunction with Social Services.
For help and support write to :
Chief Officer
Educational Welfare Office
Civic Centre
Strood
Rochester,
Kent. ME4 4AU
Direct phone number is 01634 331309
INFORMATION SHOP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Based at New Brompton College,
the shop is a very good source of help and support
For 10 – 25 year olds.
New Brompton College
Marlborough Road
Gillingham
Kent
Telephone 01634 852341 Fax 01634 853574
Free Phone Number (for young people only) : 0500 991 999
informationshop@medway.gov.uk
MEDWAY YOUTH SERVICE
Social Inclusion Project Tel: 01634 854784
First Floor, Youth House
New Brompton College
Marlborough Road
Gillingham,
Kent.
SOCIAL WORKER
Sometimes the family have been appointed a Care Manager,
and he or she can be contacted via Social Services.
There are other young carers
Projects throughout Kent, including Swale, Herne Bay,
Dartford and Gravesham and Maidstone. Please contact Medway Carers Centre
for more details.
We also have details of ranges
of voluntary sector organisations that support people with varying and
specific needs.
Again contact the Medway Carers Centre for details.
Disabled Parents Network
National Centre for Disabled Parents
Unit F9
89 - 93 Fonthill Road
London
NW4 3JH
Tel: 08702 410 450
A nation-wide voluntary organisation that provides information advocacy and
support to disabled parents.
The Children's Society
The Children's Society has been awarded funding to develop the Young Carers
Initiative. The
Initiative Team provides information and support to professionals working
with young carers, including good practice guidelines and on a higher level
to promote policy. Their website provides information directly to
young carers.
The Young Carers
Initiative
The Children's Society
Unit 2
Wessex Business Park
Wessex Way
Colden Common
SO21 1WP
Email:
young-carers-initiative@chlidrenssociety.org.uk
Website:
www.thechildrenssociety.org.uk and click on the young carers mini
site.
Tel: 01962 711511
Help Lines
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
Childline - 0800 1111
There are other Young Carers Projects throughout Kent, including Swale, Herne Bay, Dartford and Gravesham and Maidstone.
Please contact Medway Carers Centre for more details.
We also have details of
ranges of voluntary sector organisations that support people with varying
and specific needs.
Again contact the Medway Carers Centre for details. |
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