St Helens Carers Centre

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	(LISTED ALPHABETICALLY) A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z ADHD PARENT SUPPORT GROUP - Meets at the Bridge centre, Lansbury Avenue, St Helens, WA9 1TB on the 2nd Monday of the month 1.00pm-2.30pm. If you are a parent of a child with ADHD and would like to chat to other parents about some of the issues you have then please go along to one of these meetings. A creche is not available but you may bring your children if you need to. E-Mail: sthelensadhd@hotmail.co.uk telephone 07428 015652 NORTHWEST REGION - 01524 822887. Nearest support group is in Warrington, contact Dorian Child 01925 852544 www.adders.org.uk ADDICTION See substance misuse AIRWAYS DISEASE BREATHE EASY SUPPORT GROUP - 604687 http://www.lunguk.org/abouttheblf/blf-across-the-uk/blfnorthwestp - Local group for patients and Carers living with airways disease. They meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Wesley Church, Corporation Street, St Helens. COPD HEALTH FORECASTING - St Helens PCT Scheme. All people with diagnosis of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are eligible to join. The person would receive twice weekly messages about local weather conditions, and in times of increased risk due to adverse weather would also get messages about service availability in A&E, arrangements with rota for extra cover for patients with COPD, arranging assistance with prescriptions and shopping if going out would increase risk of exacerbation (on a particular day only), and alerts about outbreaks of flu. Aim to reduce exacerbations of illness and admission to hospital. Can self refer. Contact PCT, 457277 for further details ALZHEIMER'S The Carers Centre provide a range of support including emotional support, Dementia Awareness training, Dementia Carers Support Group and Dementia Carer Cards - a pocket size card that allows you to inform someone that the person with you has dementia. Please contact us and speak to the Carer Support Team. DEMENTIA COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES - Click here for link to document. Kindly supplied by Stewart Day Ward. KERSHAW DAY CENTRE, EARLESTOWN - click here for link to information document ST HELENS ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY - There is no St Helens branch office at present, but the Society's Local Manager is Mandy Gough - tel 01925 572246 (direct line) who can be contacted for details of local meetings and services. The Area Service Manager is Hazel Bayley. She can be contacted via Warrington office 01925 572 239. Regional Office address: Alzheimer's Society, North West Area Office, Tannery Court, Tanners Lane, Warrington WA2 7NA. NATIONAL ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY www.alzheimers.org.uk - Useful site for information about the illness, and information sheets to give practical support to those caring for someone with dementia. ALZHEIMER'S HELPLINE - 0845 300 0336 THE MILK'S IN THE OVEN - a young person's guide to dementia - click for copy PSS ONLINE DEMENTIA CENTRE - www.dementiacafe.com PSS ADULT PLACEMENT - 609553 - This service places people with dementia with a family, who have been trained and supported by PSS, for a short break. Currently no families in St. Helens, but have them in Prescot, Runcorn and Penketh. Initial visit from Manager of the service allows them to identify your needs, and those of the person you care for. They then try and match these needs to a family placement provider WHO CARES - Information and support book for carers of confused people. This book is no longer in print, but a copy is available in the Carers Centre for reference COMPLETE CARE SOLUTIONS - 01925 292751 - A Domiciliary Care agency specialising in Dementia support. A list of other care agencies is available from the Carer's Centre on request DEMENTIA CARE - Catalogue of useful daily living aids which includes many technological aids to prompt or alert those with memory problems and their Carers. Copies are available from the Carers Centre. There are other companies who provide similar services and equipment may be available following a Community Care assessment from the Local Authority. Financial contributions to this would be decided following financial assessment, or the cost can be met in full by those requiring support and/or their family. AMPUTATION ACSIL - (Amputees & Carers Support in Liverpool and all areas of Merseyside) - 0151 226 3550 - Clubmoor Community Centre, Townsend Lane, Clubmoor. Hold monthly meetings and have information and advice service, including benefit entitlement. www.acsil.co.uk ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - For advice and support contact ASB Victim and Witness Champion on 01744 676789. For information about the ABS Victim and Witness Champion contact St Helens Council : 01744 676789 or www.safersthelens.org.uk STOP HATE UK- anonymous independant support for victims of hate crime or witnesses. 0800 138 1625. www.stophateuk.org ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP - 01924 882150 - Meets 2^nd Thursday each month at Windle Pilkington house - contact is Northern Office of Arthritis Care www.arthritiscare.org.uk - News and information about arthritis ASBESTOS DISEASE MERSEYSIDE ASBESTOS VICTIMS SUPPORT GROUP offers completely free and confidential services to victims of asbestos related disease and their families. Website: www.asbestosdiseases.org.uk ASTHMA www.asthma.org.uk - Information on coping with asthma, including smoking and drinking. X-hale, magazine for young people with asthma can be downloaded from this site top of page ATAXIA Ataxia UK 0207 582 1444 - Information on cerebellar ataxias, diagnosis, treatment and support available. (see sections on MS or Cerebral Palsy if ataxia is part of these illnesses) See also www.ataxia.org.uk AUTISM /ASPERGERS AUTISM SOCIAL GROUP - 678579 - 13 - 17 year age range. Range of activities for children and informal support between parents. Meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month, 2.00pm to 4.00pm, at Lansbury Bridge School, Lansbury Ave, Parr Click here for flyer PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM/ASPERGER'S SUPPORT GROUP - 01744 373900, 0797 1902586 - Meet at The Bridge Centre, Lansbury Avenue, St Helens,WA9 1TB. Parents can get together in the coffee lounge, there are support workers to help children use facilities such as sensory room and soft play area. Meet every other Thursday, 10.00am to 12noon click here for flyer ASPERGERS SOCIAL GROUP - aspergersthelens@hotmail.co.uk - Email to request place, currently have a waiting list. This group is run by volunteer parents and meets every other Sunday at Windlehurst Youth Centre, Gamble Ave. Have a range of activities for 10 - 16 year olds. Costs £ 2 per session. AUTISM AND ASPERGER UNION - 07972 390189 - The Union aim to achieve equality for adults experiencing Autism or Aspergers. By way of a support group and life and social skills training they promote emotional wellbeing and offer support as people access education and employment. The social group meet every Thursday at United Reform Church, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. AUTISM ALERT CARD - A card which can be carried by a person with autism and used in situations where they are having difficulty with communication. The card tells people about the condition and asks them to show respect and tolerance. It can also contain emergency contact details. Available from the National Autistic Society, the card costs £ 2.50 plus p&p. www.nas.org.uk NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY - 0845 070 4004 - Provide information, advice and advocacy. They will send you a parent pack on request. An excellent site for gaining understanding of Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Asperger's Syndrome. Also have Information Centre, a database of 17,000+ books, articles and multimedia information about autism. www.autism.co.uk www.managingmoney.org.uk NAS have launched 'Managing Money' - a new online resource, developed in consultation with people with autism, which gives impartial information, guidance, interactive quizzes and video content to help people develop their knowledge and confidence in managing money and financial decision-making. There is also a printable workbook which can be obtained via the site. THE AUTISM SERVICES DIRECTORY - An online database provided by the National Autistic Society listing autism services and support locally. www.autism.org.uk/directory ACTION FOR ASD – 01282 412021 - Lancashire support and action group, affiliated to the National Autistic Society. Offers advice and support for those affected and their families. Offices based in Burnley. www.actionasd.org.uk AUTISM TOOLKIT - www.autismtoolkit.com - This site allows parents to work with their children to plan for the transition from primary to secondary school. It has workbooks which can be downloaded, and modified to your child's needs. BEREAVEMENT ST HELENS BEREAVEMENT SERVICES AND BEFRIENDERS - 451793 - emotional and social support to people who have suffered loss CRUSE - CRUSE - 0844 477 9400 - Day by Day helpline available from 09:30am to 5:00pm. Cruse can also be contacted by email at helpline@cruse.org.uk see also www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk - tips on what is bereavement, and ways to manage BLIND/PARTIALLY SIGHTED ST.HELENS VISUAL IMPAIRMENT TEAM - 677338 - Based in the Millennium Centre, Corporation Street. The team hold a Drop In service for people with eye disease every Wednesday morning between 9 - 1pm. There is a room set up at the centre so people can try out various aids and equipment, from talking clocks/watches/mobile phones to kitchen equipment. They also offer training in kitchen skills, mobility and communication, touch typing, Braille etc. Some aids can be provided free of charge. The team also provide home visits, they aim to empower people to stay in their own homes safely. ACTION FOR BLIND PEOPLE - 0151 708 9008 - Provide employment/deployment opportunities for those wishing to go into work or retain their job. Work in partnership with other organisations to meet individual needs of the blind/partially sighted person ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND - www.rnib.org.uk - specialist advice, local support groups, helpline, telephone support groups, information on talking books, telephone book clubs BRAIN INJURY AND DISEASE CEREBRA PARENT SUPPORT - 0800 328 1159 - Cerebra provide information and support for under 16's, and their families, with brain injuries, neurological disorders, mental disabilities and developmental problems. Have grants available for equipment and a range of information about benefits and services www.cerebra.org.uk CHILD BRAIN INJURY TRUST (cbit) - 01869 341075 - UK wide charity offering support, information and training on acquired brain injury in children www.cbituk.org HEADWAY - 0808 800 2244 - National Organisation for Patients and Carers. www.headway.org.uk COLITIS & CROHN'S DISEASE www.nacc.org.uk - You can obtain fact sheets, details of Support Groups (dates, times, venues) & contact persons, and latest news. Local group held in Warrington, Contact Barry Gundry 01925 826192 CONTINENCE Adult Continence Promotion Services - 626718 - This service is based at Fingerpost Park Health Centre. It is accessed by completing self referral form. Click here to open form. The person having continence difficulties is asked to attend a clinic, or visited by District Nurses if they are housebound. They will then have an assessment, which will look at ways to improve continence, such as reducing caffeine drinks and monitoring fluid input. If, after these measures there is no way to improve continence, there will be an assessment for the provision of pads. There is no charge for this service. COMMODE HIRE - Red Cross - 01925 229740 - £20 Deposit, £5 to purchase pan. Open Mon, Wed, Fri for collection. Maximum one month hire. Need proof of address when collecting items TENA - www.tenadirect.co.uk - Can order goods online, discreet service. Endorsed by St.Helens&Halton NHS THE BLADDER AND BOWEL FOUNDATION - 0845 345 0165 - UK Charity providing information and support for people with bladder and bowel disorders, their carers and families. Have a full product directory, information sheets and chat room and support forums. Also have an 'ask the expert' section and a directory of Continence Clinics. www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org top of page DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING DEAFNESS RESOURCE CENTRE - 23887 - Provide environmental aids and equipment to support deaf people in their homes. Also have an advocate for the deaf, referrals to specialist Social Worker for the deaf, and access to communication services such as lip speakers and interpreters. Run a social club for the deaf, and social events. Signed church services also run in the chapel next door LISTENING BOOKS - 020 7407 9417 - www.listening-books.org.uk - Loan equipment and provide audio books by post. Cost £ 70/year, this covers all costs including postage DIABETES www.changingdiabetes.co.uk - website with information on diet, exercise, how to monitor condition Diabetes UK - 0151 480 0821 - St Helens Branch. There are monthly meetings at St Helens Town Hall, from 7.30pm until 9.00pm. DOWN'S SYNDROME www.downs-syndrome.org.uk - Information on all aspects of Down's, including education and leaving home DRUGS - see substance misuse DYSLEXIA ST HELENS DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION - 0870 990 7336 - Provides individual advice, help and support for parents of children who have, or may have dyslexia, and also for adult dyslexics. Drop in sessions are held at the Millennium Centre, 1st Floor, at 7:00pm on the third Tuesday of each month DYSPHASIA ST HELENS & KNOWSLEY DYSPHASIA SUPPORT - 01744 458349 - Support given by The Stroke Association, Kurtz Ward, St Helens Hospital, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens, WA9 3DA. Hold regular Group meeting at Haven Village Hall, Mansion House, City Road. Information available on www.speakability.org.uk DYSTONIA DYSTONIA SOCIETY - 0845 458 6322 - Helpline open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Information and support to people affected by dystonia in the UK. Raise awareness of the condition and the needs of those affected. www.dystonia.org.uk EMERGENCY SERVICES POLICE - St. Helens Police 0151 777 6050 - Help desk AMBULANCE SERVICE - 0151 2605220 - Mersey Regional Ambulance Service FIRE SERVICE - 0151 2274466 Merseyside Fire Service (admin calls) Hatton Gardens 01744 675158 St. Helens District Safety Command, Parr Stocks Road SOCIAL SERVICES Emergency Duty Team - 0845 050 0148 - Social Work Service operates outside normal office hours (Mon-Fri 5pm to 9am, and all day Sat, Sun and Bank Hols). Operator will pass details given to the Emergency Duty Social Worker, who will then telephone the caller to discuss the problems they face, and agree on a course of action Crisis Resolution Team - Provide out of hours service for Mental Health Service Users and Carers - 677153 RAPID RESPONSE TEAM - 01744 621724 - A service for 18+ age group operating between 10am and 8pm 365 days a year. The team have to respond to referrals within 2 hours. Suitable if Cared for experience sudden illness and then need support to stay at home, also suitable if main Carer suddenly became unable to care e.g. rushed to hospital with heart attack. Services offered will include home care, overnight care, residential or nursing placements. Support available for 7 days on this scheme, with no cost. After this time usual assessment criteria apply. Referral can come from GP, including Rota, or other medical or Social Care staff. HOSPITALS St. Helens Hospital 01744 26633 Whiston Hospital 0151 426 1600 Newton Community Hospital 01925 222731 EPILEPSY LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP - Meet 2^nd Tuesday each month at Windle Pilkington House. This group is affiliated to the Mersey region Epilepsy Association, more information about this charity can be found at www.epilepsymersey.org.uk EPILEPSY ACTION – 0808 800 5050 - National Charity provide information and services for patients and Carers. Membership forms and Information catalogues available in the Carer's Centre. Useful fact sheets on the website www.epilepsy.org.uk TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR EPILEPSY CARERS AND PATIENTS - www.epilepsymersey.org.uk/travel.htm - Excellent resource for travellers. Can print information cards and useful phrases to use when on holiday. Site is presented as a map, click on the area to be visited and obtain information in a variety of languages top of page FALLS PREVENTION CHOICES HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SERVICE - This service, provided by the Health Improvement Service based at Bold Miners, requires a referral from a GP or Practice Nurse (ask for a Choices Lifestyle referral). The team will then assess the needs of the person referred. They will provide a 3 tier service - Chair based exercises, Postural Stability sessions or Falls Prevention Tia Chi. Referral also means that the person will be monitored by a Lifestyle advisor for 12 months, and will be given information about other Healthy Lifestyle services. Click here to open CHOICES brochure FALSE MEMORY 01225 868 682 - Information, advice & support. FAMILY SUPPORT GRANDPARENTS GRANDPARENTS PLUS - www.grandparentsplus.org.uk - raise awareness of the valuable role that grandparents have in extended families and support those grandparents who take on parental responsibility for their grandchild CONTACT A FAMILY - Have a factsheet for grandparents at www.cafamily.org.uk/grandparents HEAD INJURY HEAD INJURY SUPPORT SERVICES (HISS) - 0808 202 2252. Based in Deansgate, Manchester. Charitable organisation who provide support for head injury victims, their Carers and family HEALTH SERVICES HOSPITALS - www.sthk.nhs.uk Whiston Hospital 0151 426 1600 St Helens Hospital 01744 26633 Newton Hospital 01925 222731 PRIMARY CARE SERVICES - website has links to information about local services in the community, including nursing services such as incontinence assessments, management of long term conditions and palliative care services www.haltonandsthelenspct.nhs.uk PCT head office 01928 593600 Cowley Hill site 01744 457221 PATIENT ADVICE AND LIAISON (PALS) Whiston Hospital 0151 430 1144 St Helens Hospital 01744 646465 Primary Care Trust 0800 849 7188 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. PATIENT OPINION - www.patientopinion.org.uk - national initiative for sharing healthcare experiences and providing feedback to NHS Managers and policy makers. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk HEART SUPPORT GROUP ST HELENS HEARTBEAT - contact Ernie Beeston 01744 811348 or Elsie Challenor 01744 739535 - For Carers and cared for person. Group meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of the month at the Unison Club, Bishop Road, St Helens. HIV/AIDS SAHIR HOUSE - 0151 708 9080 A multi-cultural support and information centre on Merseyside. Local area support workers to provide supported living service click for info sheet www.sahir.uk.com TERRANCE HIGGINS TRUST - National charity www.tht.org.uk Book of Support Organisations throughout UK (North West) available for reference at the Carers Centre HOUSING UnderOneRoof - 01744 636363 - ask for a membership pack. In this pack there will be an application form and some leaflets on how to become a member of the scheme. Scheme is a partnership between St Helens Council and Helena Housing Association as well as all other Housing Associations. Members are assessed on need and banded (Band A is for most urgent housing need e.g. people who are homeless though to Band D which is no housing need e.g. people who want to move for social reasons). Helena Housing Association manages UnderOneRoof and all Helena Housing Association properties that become available will be advertised through UnderOneRoof, along with properties from other associations. Members then bid for a property, and after closing date the person in the highest band will be offered the property. If someone has applied to another housing association then they can keep their details on those waiting lists but may also want to consider joining UnderOneRoof to ensure that they have maximum opportunities for housing that becomes available HOUSING ADVICE - 01744675150 - Millennium Centre, Corporation Street. If homeless, or threatened with homelessness, The Housing Advice Centre will be able to provide advice and assistance and can provide details on how to access housing, both in emergencies and for the longer term HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE LOCAL SUPPORT available via CMHT at Vista Road 01925 291094, and Merseyside regional office of Huntington's Disease Society 0151 353 8099 www.hda.org.uk - Fact Sheets available, and news and info on disease LESBIAN, GAY AND BI-SEXUAL THE LESBIAN AND GAY FOUNDATION CARER SUPPORT SERVICE - 0161 234 4254 - Service for LGBT Carers which offers information, news and events and online forum. Launching a Support Group meeting in June, to be held on the last Monday of each month at Princess House,105-107 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD. See website for more info and details of Forum www.lgf.org.uk/carers ARMISTEAD CENTRE - 0151 227 1893/07879 425 304/ 07799 418 675 - Stanley Street, Liverpool. The Armistead has been in operation since 1997 and is funded by the different PCT’s in Merseyside to work with the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual community. The centre offers support to the LGBT community around issues such as sexuality, coming out, sexual health, HIV & STI’s, relationships, Homophobia & other general health issues to name a few. They facilitate a number of specialist community support groups/ drop ins (such as HIV positive men’s group, youth groups, parents & carers and a group for LGBT people who have learning difficulties) & training workshops, as well as one to one support, counselling & outreach service. www.armisteadcentre.co.uk FFLAG - 0845 652 0311- Organisation of parents of lesbian and gay children which seeks to promote the well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, their families and friends by offering support, education and information and working on issues of equality. www.fflag.org.uk STONEWALL - 08000 502020 - National charity providing news, events and campaigns www.stonewall.org.uk top of page MEN'S HEALTH c.a.l.m. - 0800 58 58 58 - The campaign against living miserably. Targeted at young men between 15 - 35, the campaign offers help, information and advice via a helpline and website www.thecalmzone.net Male Domestic Violence Helpline - 01744 454290 AGE UK 50+ Men's activity sessions - to book places contact 01744 752644 Healthy Eating Sessions - Held on Thursday's 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mansion House, City Road Badminton Classes, no equipment needed Creative writing group Gentle Workouts Free allotment group Free golf lessons Free Aqua aerobics MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP - 01942 712740 (Contact Ted Pierce, 12 Langholme Road, Garswood) - South Lancs Branch of National Association, meet monthly at Waterside Hotel, East Lancs Road HELPLINE FOR PATIENTS AND CARERS - 08457 626262 RESOURCE PACK - available from Motor Neurone Disease Association, see Carer info in Centre for example NATIONAL ORGANISATION - www.mndassociation.org - information about the illness, information on support available for patient and Carer MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS www.mssociety.org.uk - links to regional societies and info on illness MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN (St. Helens Branch) – 01744 735242 - Meet 2nd Tuesday each month, St Julies Church Hall, Eccleston. Click here for link to local website MYALGIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (M.E.) www.meassociation.org.uk - Information on support services, treatments. www.afme.org.uk - Action for M.E. , national charity. Have publications to download, support group info www.nmec.org.uk - National M.E. Centre website OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER OCD ACTION - 0845 390 6232 - www.ocdaction.org.uk - Help and information about services. Information pack available online. National guidelines on treatment, may help those seeking services. Message boards including specific space for Carers www.rcpsych.ac.uk/PDF/Checklist_parents.pdf PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES Adult services - 626686/88 - Based at Cowley Hill Lane Children's services - 611501 - Based at Lingholme Health Centre PARKINSON'S DISEASE LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP - 819717- The Parkinson Group meet on alternate Wednesdays from 11 until 3 at the United Reform Church. The group is open to anyone who is affected by Parkinson or Parkinson type conditions (both carers and cared for). Contact for this group is Maureen Jenkins, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT WORKER - 0844 225 3656 - Local worker representing St.Helens, Halton and Warrington. Can provide up to date information on Parkinson's, emotional support to the whole family, benefits information and links to other local services HELPLINE - 0808 800 0303 - Mon-Fri 9.30am to 9.00pm Sat 9.30am to 5.00pm - the Helpline is confidential, staffed by expert nurses and advisors who offer information, advice and support. NATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP - 020 7931 8080 - Information for patients and Carers www.parkinsons.org.uk RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT CENTRE St Helens branch - 01925 221546 - Offer advice and support for both recently raped/abused, and those who require support with past abuse. Counselling, support through a report of rape or abuse, male and female clients www.rapecentre.org SAFE Place Merseyside - 0151 295 3550 - (It is vital that you telephone the centre, If a client arrives at the centre without prior arrangement, there may well be no-one available to see them. If the Police are already involved, they will be aware of the centre’s referral procedures). SAFE Place Merseyside’s primary aim is to provide access to a comprehensive forensic medical examination for men and women aged 16 or over (in some instances, adolescents may also be seen at the centre, but this would be determined on an individual basis) who have been sexually assaulted within the last seven days. This service is available whether or not the client chooses to report the assault to the police. The centre administration hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. However, access to the centre may be facilitated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Outside of office hours, calls to the centre would be directed to an on-call Crisis worker via a call-handling service. The Crisis worker, in conjunction with an on-call Forensic Medical Examiner would determine if a forensic medical examination is indicated, and if so, arrange for this to take place. Where indicated, clients would be offered emergency contraception, immunisation against Hepatitis B, and HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. After the examination, clients can choose to be referred for follow-on care within their locality, which may include screening for sexually transmitted infections, counselling, and support throughout any criminal justice proceedings. SURVIVORS - 020 7357 6677 - www.survivorsuk.org - Helpline and information for males who have suffered sexual abuse and rape RENAL ILLNESS www.kidneypatientguide.org.uk - have details of treatments, support groups. Provide emotional support and have section for Carers SCHIZOPHRENIA NATIONAL SCHIZOPHRENIA FELLOWSHIP - 01704 531019 SELF INJURY www.selfharm.org - this site shares information about young people who self harm. Please take care when accessing the site as it contains sensitive material No Secrets - Support Group for those who struggle with self injury. The group meets every Wednesday between 6-8pm in the Millennium Drop-in Lounge on Bickerstaffe St, St Helens. New members can meet up with the facilitator before the group should they wish to familiarise themselves with the surroundings. This is optional. Referrals can come from professionals, but the group encourage individuals to approach it themselves, giving them some autonomy. If necessary, professionals or family members can accompany a new individual for the first few sessions, then the group support the individual to come alone when possible. If you'd like to pass on any details of the group in St Helens, or you wish to speak to somebody regarding the service then please contact Tina at 'tina.sthelens@gmail.com' or call on 07863 736647 Click here to open information leaflet No Secrets are now forming a group to cover Wigan, please contact Kerri at 'kerri86@gmail.com' or call on 07846 889 300 www.nosecrets.moonfruit.com SEXUAL HEALTH COMMUNITY SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS - 0845 155 0156 - For information about contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and smears TEENAGE PREGNANCY/SEXUAL HEALTH TEAM - based in The Beacon, 25 College Street SIBLINGS SIBS - 01535 645453 - Sibs is a UK charity for people who grow up with a disabled brother or sister. They support siblings who are growing up with or who have grown up with a brother or sister with any disability, long term chronic illness, or life limiting condition. There are over half a million young siblings and over a million adult siblings in the UK. Siblings have specific needs that require attention at different stages of their lives, including relief of isolation, information, and strategies for coping with the situations they find themselves in. SIBS aim to enhance the lives of siblings by providing them with information and support, and by influencing service provision for siblings throughout the UK. Their long term vision is that each local authority in the UK will have a dedicated sibling service, providing sibling groups and one to one support for children who are siblings. www.sibs.org.uk SIGHT PROBLEMS SIGHT LOSS DROP IN - Managed by the Visual Impairment Resource Centre, Millennium Centre. Hold drop in on Wednesday mornings to provide information and advice and to demonstrate equipment - link to information sheet SKIN DISORDERS SKIN CAMOUFLAGE CLINIC - 01925 229740 - British Red Cross hold free monthly clinics at their Newton Le Willows Office. Provide advice on the selection and application of appropriate cover creams, and a prescription request to take to their GP SMOKING SUPPORT ST HELENS 'SUPPORT' - NHS STOP SMOKING SERVICE - 01744 814837 - No appointment needed. Sessions held in venues across the borough, lasting for approx 30-45mins. Other venues are available by appointment. Offer advice and help to quit, make plans to quit, advice to help with cravings. Provide vouchers for replacement therapy, to be used at local pharmacies. NHS SMOKING HELPLINE - 0800169 0169 STOMA Local support group based at Fazakerly hospital, contact - Barbara 0151 529 2842 www.colostomyassociation.org.uk - can obtain leaflets, access a 24 hour helpline and specific services for young people STROKE (ALSO KNOWN AS CVA) STROKE COORDINATORS - 646984 - Based at St Helens Hospital. Stroke Coordinators maintain a stroke register for patients who have been referred to them by hospital staff and run a rapid access TIA( mini stroke) clinic – GP’S can refer to this clinic if they see a patient with symptoms of TIA. Also, if a GP has concerns about a patient and they are refusing to go into hospital, the Stroke Coordinators will do home visits. They also run Post Stroke clinics where patients and Carers can access reviews and support, and the Dysphasia support group (see under 'Dysphasia') THE STROKE CLUB - Organised by Stroke Nurse Specialists, this is a social group for stroke patients who have received care at Whiston or St Helens hospital. The club meets between 2pm and 4pm on the third Saturday of every month, in the Post Grad Centre, Whiston Hospital. The club holds social activities such as quizzes and entertainment which aims to stimulate members, and provides opportunities for them to meet other people and share experiences. STROKE SUPPORT WORKERS – Based in same service as above. Contact patients whilst in hospital, and visit them after discharge to review them, and the Carer. Will visit people who have not been through hospital, referral by GP. STROKE ACTIVITY MENTORS - 697432 - Service provided by The Healthy Living team. SAM's will accompany those who have experienced stroke as they access physical activities, and will provide support and encouragement STROKE SUPPORT SERVICE - 01925 498264 - Domiciliary Care agency specialising in stroke support. THE STROKE ASSOCIATION ST. HELENS - 01744 646160 - Family and Carer Support Co-ordinators, Communication Support coordinator. Various services to support those affected by Stroke, and their Carers. Based in St Helens Hospital. STROKE ASSOCIATION WELFARE GRANTS - In cases of hardship The Stroke Association can make one-off means tested welfare grants to people who have had a stroke to pay for things such as extra heating costs, a holiday in the UK, hospital visiting fares, replacements for important household items or clothing or the installation of a telephone for someone who lives alone. For a full information sheet about the Grant, click here. Staff at the Carers Centre can assist you to apply for a grant, or alternatively you can call The Stroke Association on 020 7566 0300 THE STROKE ASSOCIATION – National Stroke Helpline 0845 30 33 100 - LEAFLET AVAILABLE - www.stroke.org.uk ST HELENS STROKE CLUB - 01744 732989 or 01744 609352- meet 4^th Monday each month at The United Reform Church ,King Street. STROKE SOCIAL GROUP - The Stroke Social Group, a development of the Dysphasia group, will commence in September 2010, and will be open to all those who have had a Stroke. Please contact Carer Support Workers at the Carers Centre for further details STROKE MATES - New from January 2011, this is an informal group, with conversation, tea and biscuits, quizzes and an optional raffle. It is open to anyone who has had a stroke and their Carers. Meetings take place at United Reformed Church, 10:30 to 12:30, running on alternate Thursdays (the other Thursday is the Stroke Association Social Group). There will be small subs of approx £ 1. DIFFERENT STROKES - Different Strokes is a registered charity providing a free service to younger stroke survivors throughout the United Kingdom run by stroke survivors for stroke survivors, for active self help and mutual support More info on www.differentstrokes.co.uk top of page SUBSTANCE MISUSE Local Services - ST HELENS DRUG AND ALCOHOL TEAM (DAAT) - Work with partners to look at public health, community safety, and to commission drug services for St. Helens. Treatment services in St Helens - click to open document - List of drop in centres and chemists operating services ST HELENS HEALTH IMPROVEMENT TEAM - Cowley Hill - 621785. Offer alcohol awareness, and brief interventions to raise awareness around units and safe consumption. Will assess and refer onto further services and treatment THE LIFESTYLES TEAM - Cowley Hill - 457237. Offer brief intervention clinics, community detoxification and hospital liaison services for alcohol users. Can self refer, GP or Carer can also contact the team COMMUNITY LINK -121 Church Street, St.Helens - 612411 An assertive outreach project supporting heavy drinkers, drug users and those addicted to gambling. Offering befriending, support, advocacy, harm reduction, 1:1 counselling, and alternative therapies. Project also supports families and Carers, even if Cared for do not access the service FOOTSTEPS - YMCA, 2 North Road, St Helens, WA10 2TJ - 808212. Support Group for parents, families and carers of people with drug misuse issues www.footstepsforfamilies.org MERSEYSIDE DRUGS COUNCIL - 01744 730072 LIFELINE (Drugs Advice) - 01925 653261 PARENTS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE (PADA) - 451267 Support Group in Parr, for parents, families and Carers of people with drug misuse issues THE WINDSOR CLINIC - University Hospital, Longmoor Lane, Aintree, L9 7AL - 0151 529 2450 - GP referral or referral from other services, such as CMHT. Offers medical treatment for alcohol abusers, including residential detox if required. The staff of the Windsor Clinic enter into a partnership with any client who wants help with a drinking problem. They aim to negotiate appropriate treatment for each individual. Offer a range of treatments to assist the client to achieve a suitable goal. Also committed to offering long-term support in order that clients may maintain successful behaviour change. Satellite clinic held at Millennium Centre on Tuesday afternoons, run by clinic staff Access by GP referral They hold weekly evening support groups on Tuesdays at 6pm and 7.30pm in the Millennium Centre, Bickerstaffe Street, St Helens National Organisations - DRINKLINE - 0800 917 8282 - Confidential information and advice ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - 0845 769 7555 -www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk - National website www.aagb.org.uk/northwest/sthelens-aa-meetings - can link to full list of locations and times of meetings in St Helens AL-ANON www.al-anonuk.org.uk Website has link to listings of group details, nearest local group meet in Whiston. Al-Anon and Alateen offer support for family and friends of problems drinkers. Alateen is specifically designed for people aged 12-20 who want support and advice NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS (NACOA) www.nacoa.org.uk - Offer advice and support to people of any age affected by parental drinking FRANK - www.talktofrank.com - 0800 776600 - Confidential and free (from a landline) helpline for information and advice about drug issues NATIONAL DRUGS HELPLINE - 0800 776600 Top of Page TERMINAL AND LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS ST HELENS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (115) – 01744 21831 - 93 Corporation Street . Hold Drop in sessions each Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 3pm. www.sthelenscancersupportgroup.org ST HELENS INTEGRATED CANCER CARE PROGRAMME - 611501 - This service aims to improve the quality of care for those who have cancer. The service coordinator acts as a point of contact for community services such as District Nurses and Cancer Nurse specialists. She will arrange for an assessment at home to agree a programme of visits by the District Nurses, and the programme could also include help with appointments, treatment and medication. Referrals can be made by patients and families as well as health care staff ST HELENS MACMILLAN TEAM - 0151 431 0156 - Based at Willowbrook Hospice HELLO AND HOW ARE YOU? – Handbook for carers of those with cancer, available at the Carers Centre MACMILLAN CANCER LINE – Free phone 0808 808 2020 - Helps people living with Cancer, their Carers, family and friends. Trained advisers offer information and emotional support MACMILLAN BENEFITS HELPLINE - 0808 801 0304 -Offers free, confidential advice and help to access benefits and other kinds of financial support MACMILLAN GRANTS - 0808 808 2020 - One off payments for people with cancer to cover a range of practical needs such as transport costs, laundry and household items and heating bills. Income and savings are assessed before a decision is made MACMILLAN BOOKLETS (copies available from the Centre) Practical help in Advanced Cancer Money Worries-How we can help When someone with Cancer is dying Help with the cost of Cancer Cancer-Survivors Guide Directory of Cancer Self Help and Support Groups MACMILLAN CANCER RELIEF – www.macmillan.org.uk CLIC SARGENT - 0800 197 0068 - Charity caring for children with cancer and leukaemia and their families. Factsheets available on website. Provide emotional and practical support and signpost to other services. Have care grants and holidays available to eligible families. www.clicsargent.org.uk HONEY ROSE FOUNDATION - 451919 - A Charity which organises memorable days for people over 40 years of age who have terminal and life threatening illnesses www.honeyrosefoundation.co.uk TOURETTE'S SYNDROME NATIONAL ASSOCIATION - Helpline 0845 458 1252. Nothing held locally. Information and support at www.tsa.org.uk VICTIM SUPPORT 0151 480 9704 - From June 2007 the St Helens and Knowsley branches of Victim Support are relocated to The Old School House, St Johns Road, Huyton, Merseyside WOMEN'S SERVICES - see emotional support YOUNG CARERS PSS YOUNG CARERS - 454802 - Offices located at St Helens Community Fire Station, Parr Stocks Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 1NU. Fax no: 01744 611979 Young Carers can self refer - click here to open form, or they can consent to referral by Parents or Agencies - click here to open form. YMCA 01744 22529 - Facilities & services available include HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION for male and female residents, MOVE ON accommodation for people who are ready to take on more independence FOYER PROJECT to provide work experience, job training and education opportunities designed to give participants greater control of their lives. The YMCA also have a Training Centre, provide childcare facilities and have a sport and fitness suite YWCA YWCA - 0151 5477800 / 0777 066 1432 - Access to counselling and other services. Debbie is now office based in Kirkby, but works with clients in St Helens, aged 11 - 19 years. http://ywca.coopa.net/whatwedo/ourwork/centres/sthelens 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