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CRISP and services for carers

CRISP (Carers Resource, Information and Support Programme) is our Carers Support Service. They offer a range of advice, information and support for carers, including:

The Carers Support Service has a friendly, and knowledgeable team. You can call them on 01202 128 787 during weekday office hours. If you call outside office hours or you cannot get through straight away please leave a message and someone will get back to you.

Other support services

Carers Information Service

A free regular newsletter with information on carers services, events and updates throughout the year. Sign up or call the Carers Support Service on 01202 128 787.

Carers In Crisis

Carers in Crisis is a scheme that can provide support in an emergency which means you are unable to provide your normal level of care. It is free to join.

Carers’ Choir

Enjoy singing with the 'Care Free' choir.

FOCUS Carers Support Mentoring and Befriending

FOCUS offers a befriending or mentoring scheme to join your up with someone to talk to as a befriender, or with a mentor who is an experienced carer themselves. Call PramaLIFE on 01202 207 300.

Advocacy

SWAN advocacy helps you express your views and worries. Call 03333 447 928.

Learning Disability Carers Representation

Minstead Trust support carers of people with learning disabilities to share their experiences.

Conditions and diagnosis

If you're looking after someone who has been diagnosed with a long-term health condition or illness, you are likely to face many practical issues. It's important to get information about the condition and how it will affect the person you care for. This will help you to understand any changes they may go through and support them in retaining their independence, confidence and self-esteem.

NHS Choice has information about specific long-term health conditions.

Register with your GP as a carer

It is important to tell your GP you are a carer, as they will also be able to offer you advice and support such as:

  • information about support available to carers
  • know about your caring responsibilities if you are unwell yourself
  • know about the risks to your health from caring, and offer you a flu vaccination and/or other support
  • offer you more convenient appointments, so that you can manage your caring responsibilities while still looking after yourself

Your GP will also be aware of your caring responsibilities should you need treatment or hospitalisation.

Free annual flu vaccination

Carers of people with serious/chronic health conditions or who are frail may also qualify for an annual flu vaccination. Ask your GP for more information.

Keeping safe

It may be helpful to understand more about abuse, what to do if it happens and how

to get advice and support as a carer. This could be because:

  • the person you look after may be vulnerable to abuse
  • you may need support to ensure the person you care for is kept safe
  • the person you care for may become more dependent or challenging in their own behaviour and you need support to avoid harm to yourself and continue your caring role

Please ask your GP or a health professional for advice.

If you have concerns about the welfare of a vulnerable adult and think that they may be at risk of harm or abuse, you should report abuse.

Leonardo Trust

Leonardo Trust is an independent charity to help people in Dorset who care full-time for a sick or disabled relative or friend at home. They may be able to help you with:

  • funds for a short break
  • help in the home including cleaning and gardening
  • replacing a broken washing machine or tumble dryer
  • funds to help you learn something new

Hospital stays

We have information about hospital stays if you or the person you care for are going into hospital.

Helplines

Some charities have helplines and online forums that can give you advice and support. You can find a list of these on the NHS website.

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