St Helens Carers Centre

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	AGE UK INFORMATION AND ADVICE (formerly Age Concern)- 01744 755877 (50+) Advice sessions by telephone. Appointments for specialist help or lengthy interviews can be made. www.ageconcern.org.uk ART AND CRAFT GROUPS - 735436, Citadel St.Helens. Various art groups, some specifically for disabled people. Drama, creative writing and art club. £ 4 per session/£ 2 concessions. Contact Citadel for times and further details BRITISH LEGION - 08457 725 725 - www.britishlegion.org.uk Run the 'START HERE' Scheme, which provides information for ex forces personnel seeking assistance due to a disability CARERS CENTRES - Halton-01928 580182 Knowsley-0151 549 1412 Liverpool-0151 709 0990 Sefton-0151 288 6060 Warrington-01925 644212 West Lancs-01695 711243 Wigan-01942 606086 CAREWELL- A partnership between BUPA, Carers UK and MEND is a new website designed to encourage and support carers to make positive changes to be healthier and happier. There is a range of information, support and guidance aimed at helping to improve the health and quality of life for carers. www.carewelluk.org top of page CHIROPODY - 0151 290 2000 – You can self refer for chiropody unless you require a home visit, in which case your GP surgery need to make a referral. You can contact the service by calling between 10.00 and 12.00 noon or 2.00 and 4.00 pm. Chiropody services in St Helens are provided by Knowsley Podiatry Service, based at Whiston Primary Care Resource Centre, Old Colliery Road, Whiston, L35 3SX. CINEMA EXHIBITOR'S ASSOCIATION CARD - The CEA card entitles the holder to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema. To apply for the card a person must meet at least one of the following criteria: Be in receipt of DLA Be registered blind Note: Receipt of Attendance Allowance or Disabled Person's Railcard is no longer part of the criteria. The card is valid for one year from the issue date and costs £5.50. Application forms are available at all participating cinemas, or from the Card Network website www.ceacard.co.uk CLINICAL WASTE DISPOSAL - This service can be arranged by contacting the Council on 01744 456000, and requesting an application form. Services for picking up waste such as soiled dressings and incontinence pads can then be arranged. Carer Support Workers will obtain these forms at your request DASH – 01744 453053 - www.merseyworld.com/dash - Stall 55 at St Mary's Market, Church St, St Helens. Information and advice officers are available at this site Monday to Thursday from 10am to 1.30pm, there is a telephone answer service at all other times. During staff leave this site cannot be operated so it is advised that you ring 01744 453053 before visiting to check the stall is open. DASH assist with benefit claims, and have access to information around: Employment and Disability Welfare Benefits Disability Discrimination Community Care Leisure Transport Sources of Aids and Equipment Support Services Education Local Services DAWN PATROL - 01925 292740 - A Partnership scheme for older residents in St Helens. Scheme users place a card in the window each morning and volunteer school children are asked to check. If no card is visible, they inform responsible person at school, and health or social care staff are alerted. In areas where there is no Dawn Patrol service provided by schools, the Dawn Patrol office will phone scheme users every morning. From November 2010 the service will have the facility to be able to phone people who have typetalk for their morning call - therefore this service would now be appropriate for people who are deaf and use type talk. DEBT/MONEY ADVICE - National Debt Helpline on 0808 808 4000 or CCCS on 0800 138 1111 DENTAL EMERGENCIES - 01744 731395 (daytime). 01744 451252 (evening and weekend) - The Rota Service is triaging calls for this service. Anyone requiring emergency dental treatment should ring after 6pm. The call will go through to the Rota service who will triage the patient. Depending on their findings they may pass on the number for the emergency dentist. The emergency dentist will also triage the patient, (by phone), before making a decision as to the treatment required. Anyone with issues about dental services can telephone the PALS service on 0800 849 7088 CENTRAL DENTAL CLINIC - Operates a drop-in for dental emergencies. Times are 09:30-11:30 weekends and Bank Holidays FIRE PREVENTION - 0800 731 5958 - Community Fire Service . Will fit or repair fire alarms FOOD/SHOPPING DELIVERY SERVICES HOME SHOPPING DELIVERY SERVICE - 0151 493 9115 (Quality Home Foods, Prescot based company) - Purchase and deliver a range of fresh and frozen food, fruit and veg, household cleaning, pet food and stationary goods. All staff CRB checked. Will take orders over the phone, and will put shopping away for clients. Deliver weekly, fortnightly or monthly SHOOTS - St Helens Community Food Co-op - 675775 - The project has set up food clubs in venues all over the borough. People living in a food club area can purchase bags of fresh fruits and/or vegetables at low cost. There is also the opportunity to attend cookery sessions, and volunteer to assist on allotments which will be affiliated to each of the food clubs. Leaflets available at the Carers Centre show the location of the food clubs, or ring the number above for details. WILTSHIRE FARM FOODS - 0800 773 773 to request brochure which contains telephone order details, or www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com to shop on line. Service which delivers meals straight to the door. Individually frozen, can be prepared in a microwave. Cater for diabetic, low fat, gluten free and other specific diets top of page FUEL BILLS - see 'Benefits and Finances/Fuel Bills' GARDENING SERVICE - 677828 - Based at Stephenson Resource Centre in Rainhill, this service is provided by the Supported Employment Service, and is run as a Social Enterprise. Please ring the above number for further details HEALTH ACTIVITIES - 0300 300 0103 - St Helens Health Improvement Team. The Health Improvement Team offer a wide range of activities to promote the health and wellbeing of local people. Activities to manage weight, promote healthy eating, stop smoking and increase activity are all available. They range from planned walks, cook and taste sessions, and one to one appointments with health trainers and lifestyle advisors. Full details are on the website www.healthimprovementteam.co.uk Age 50+:Senior Activities Class - A wide variety of sport and recreational activities for the over 50s. Wednesdays 1.00pm-3.00pm at Selwyn Jones Sports centre, and Fridays 1.00pm-3.00pm at Queens park Health and Fitness Centre. For more information contact Michaylo on 01744 675402 HEALTH COMPLAINTS - PALS - A service based within health locations such as hospitals and community health authorities (PCT's). They are staffed by NHS employee's and help to resolve local issues quickly and informally. They allow patients and Carers to speak up for themselves, provide information to enable people to get the best from their health service, and feed back information from the public to senior managers of their service Halton and St Helens NHS Customer Care (incorporating PALS service) (info cards available) - 0800 849 7088 9:30am to 4:00pm email: customer.care@hsthpct.nhs.uk St Helens and Knowsley Acute Trust PALS - Whiston - 0151 430 1144 St Helens - 01744 646465 5 Boroughs PALS - 01925 664450 ICAS - Local office - 0300 456 8350 - Based within the Gateway Centre, London Road, Liverpool, L3 8HY - ICAS is an independent complaints advocacy service. They help anyone who feels they have not had the service they expect from the NHS and wish to complain. It is a free, confidential service. They can support people by helping to write letters, prepare people for meetings and accompany them as well, help people to know their options at every stage of a complaint. HEALTH COSTS ADVICE LINE - 0845 850 1166 - Provide information on who may be eligible to help with costs such as prescriptions, glasses, travel to and from hospital. HELENA - Information on services, telephone numbers for area offices etc are available on website - www.helenahomes HELPING HANDS SERVICE a service provided by Age Concern volunteers. They can help with all low level domestic tasks such as changing light bulbs, changing curtains or chair covers, moving furniture clearing clutter. They cannot do any DIY jobs or any job which requires technical skills or tools of any kind. They do not undertake cleaning. Available to any St Helens resident aged 50+ free of charge. Contact Ian Hodgson 01744 752644 HOME IMPROVEMENT AGENCY - 01744 676555, this is not answered, but messages are taken and calls returned. The HIA is run by St Helens Council. It comprises Carer and Repair and the Handy Person's Scheme, the Affordable Warmth Unit, and it supports the technical side of both Careline and Assistive Technology. The Agency provide guidance and assistance to enable people to carry out whatever repairs, improvements or adaptations are necessary to help to continue living independently in their own home in comfort and safety. Minor aids and adaptations are carried out following an OT assessment, but the agency will work with individuals who need work doing on their home, but are not confident about what is required or who to get to do the work. HOME VISITING OPTICIAN SERVICES - Able to diagnose conditions such as Cataract, Glaucoma and Diabetic eye problems, as well as complete eye test and spectacle delivery service Eye Visits - 07707 210777 - 374 Church Road, Haydock www.eyevisits.co.uk The Outside Clinic - 0500 295 245. National Service www.outsideclinic.com HOME-START ST HELENS - 737400 - www.home-start.org.uk Based in Peter Street Community Centre. Charity that match Volunteer Visitors with local families, aiming to increase confidence and independence by visiting at home. Offer support, friendship and practical assistance HOPE CENTRE - 26414 - Atherton Street, St Helens - Training and support with housing issues, money management, life skills, IT skills and work experience. Have a community cafe and allotment, which provide work experience, and are an accredited to the Open College for various training courses including IT and assertiveness HOUSEBOUND LIBRARY SERVICES - 01744 677898. Free to Carers and those they care for who are confined to the house. Will conduct initial visit to establish your needs and preferences, and will then visit regularly. Have range of books, large print and talking books and magazines top of page MEDICATION REVIEW SERVICE - 01744 457244 - Service provided by Halton and St Helens PCT. The Medicines Management Team will review medication and look for any conflicting tablets, or tablets which may be causing unwanted symptoms. They are particularly keen to review anyone who has fallen recently, takes eight or more different medications or anyone with questions about their medication. Ask your GP for a referral or telephone for more information MOBILITY ASSISTANCE MERSEYLINK (Dial-a-ride scheme) - 0151 709 1929 - Dial-a-ride operates like a taxi service with members having to book their journey. The vehicles are specially adapted for wheelchairs. The service is for people with mobility problems or difficulties who cannot use ordinary public transport some or all of the time. The service runs from 8am-11pm daily (including a limited service on Christmas Day) and can be used by members for travel anywhere in Merseyside. The service is free for members and one essential travel companion. You are eligible for Merseylink membership if you live in Merseyside and receive the high rate mobility element of Disability Living Allowance, high rate Attendance or you are registered blind. Documentary proof of eligibility will be required. Alternatively your G.P can confirm that, because of your disability, you cannot use public transport and would benefit from the Merseylink dial-a-ride service (your G.P must supply a letter and you may be asked to have a medical examination at Merseytravel's medical centre) For further details and to become a member please click www.merseytravel.gov.uk ST.HELENS COMMUNITY TRANSPORT - 22221 - St Helens Community Transport operates across the whole of St Helens area to provide fully accessible transport to meet the transport needs of local communities and groups, which are not being met by public transport. St Helens Community Transport is a registered charity and there is a charge for users of the service, minimum charge of £ 90 for transport and driver plus 50p/mile fuel. AMBULANCE PATIENT TRANSPORT SERVICE - 0845 148 1733 - Non emergency transport to clinic appointments. Patients have to have a medical and/or mobility condition that prevents them from using other forms of transport. Bookings need to be made one week in advance of appointment MOTABILITY - 0845 456 4566 - www.motability.co.uk - Eligibility depends on person who is applying being in receipt of higher rate mobility component of DLA or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement. No qualification for those on AA. Enables disabled people to use mobility allowance to hire or buy a car or wheelchair. If they cannot drive, they can nominate up to two drivers who may be friends or relatives, and parents and Carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three years and upwards. Special terms arranged with car and wheelchair manufacturers. Also have grants available for people eligible for Motability, but require further help to purchase cars or make adaptations to cars. Variety of schemes. MOBILISE - 01508 489449 - Campaigning charity for disabled motorists and those with mobility problems. They have information officers to advise on parking issues, the Blue Badge scheme, adapted vehicles and other access and mobility issues. They produce a monthly magazine, information leaflets and have discount schemes for motoring organisations and travel services. Membership costs £ 16 per year, £ 21 for joint membership. www.mobilise.info EXEMPTION FROM ROAD TAX is available if person receives higher rate mobility component of the DLA or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement. If they are not a driver they can nominate Carer, but the vehicle must be registered to them or the Carer, only be used for their benefit, and be insured for the Carer to drive. The Carer's car can be nominated but it must be used only for the purposes of supporting the person receiving the benefit. Exemption from road tax will not affect other benefits. If on DLA, an exemption certificate can be obtained from the Disability Benefits Unit - 0845 712 3456, if on War Pensioners benefit, the certificate is available from the Veterans Agency - 0800 169 2277. This certificate is then used when applying for a tax disc SHOPMOBILITY - 613388 - open Mon to Sat. £ 10 to join, then £ 3 per hire session. One off hire sessions available, cost £ 6 per session. Need two forms of ID to hire equipment. Also do long term loan subject to availability www.shopmobilitysthelens.org.uk M0BILITY/DISABLED PERSONS RAILCARD - Those with visual or hearing impairment, epilepsy or those in receipt of a disability benefit may qualify for this card, which allows the person with disability and one other to get 1/3 off most rail fares in Great Britain. www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/ NATIONAL TRUST ACCESS GUIDE - click here for copy National Trust allow free access to those accompanying someone with a disability. They also allow free admission for a severely disabled adult or child who is accompanying a visitor to their sites NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAVEL TEAM - 01744 21132 - Project operated by St Helens Community Transport, St Helens Chamber and Merseytravel. Provide travel advice, assist in making travel plans and identify gaps in services top of page PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES Adult services - 626686/88 - Based at Cowley Hill Lane Children's services - 611501 - Based at Lingholme Health Centre PAMS (Physical Activity Mentoring Scheme) - 01744 697432 - A scheme that provides volunteer mentors who support anyone who needs help accessing and using recreation, dance and exercise activities. May be an elderly person, or someone with a Learning Disability. Can provide one-to-one support and information on other activity classes PERENNIAL - 01757 229474 - www.perennial.org.uk - Charity dedicated to supporting those who work or have worked in the horticultural industry. Also support partners and spouse RAPID RESPONSE SERVICE - 620378 - Delivered by the Reablement team. Service for 18 years or older. Available if a person has experienced a crisis or sudden onset of illness at home and they need support to avoid admission to hospital. Also available if main Carer becomes ill suddenly. Also if Cared For person requires information or assessment to prevent falls. Aim to respond to referrals within 2 hours and maintain service for 7 days SSAFA - (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) 0845 1300 975 - www.ssafa.org.uk - have a welfare department which will carry out assessment of ex forces personnel with a view to providing services and funding ST. HELENS COUNCIL - 01744 456000 ST.HELENS COLLEGE - 01744 733766. Have a Learner Support Department, to offer advice and support to anyone with a learning difficulty, physical disability, visual impairment or communication difficulty. Contact Eric Gorse, Head of Learner Support on ext 3326. Also have Cop/Fire Shop were students can receive prevention advice about their personal, home and property safety, and can report incidents ST. HELENS FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS - 01744 758002 ST. HELENS HOUSING ASSOCIATION (General Office) - 01744 739370 ST.HELENS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT - 07717 547515 - Supported Employment Service aims to enable people with extra needs to make the next steps towards the world of work. They offer work tasters, placements and source voluntary opportunities. They also offer tailor made support to those who need a little extra help to find and hold down real jobs within their community. Service is based within Stephenson's Resource Centre in Rainhill. ST. HELENS TRADING STANDARDS (Consumer Advice)01744 456306 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE - 21814/21826 - Service provided by St.Helens Council. Promote employment opportunities for disabled people and provide practical support to assist disabled adults into employment TANGO PROJECTS - Haydock - 01744 607388/07708 883568 Moss Bank - 01744 732330 Local projects to support vulnerable families by providing donated household items including furniture, clothing and group meetings. Aim to give people hope and assist them to make a fresh start. Moss Bank sell items every Wednesday with cafe facility. Haydock is open Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday. They also have a cafe, and sell items on Thursday. Volunteers run cafe area, and have groups meet there, including Vulnerable Adults day service users top of page Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information provided to Carers, St.Helens Carers Centre do not undertake any liability for any error or omission. The products and services listed are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by St.Helens Carers Centre