AMH Carers Support Service

CARER'S DIRECT

Call on 0808 802 0202

WHAT IS A CARER?
 
Definition of a carer within Adult Mental Health
 
We use the term "carer" in its broadest sense - to include the most significant people in the life of the services user, including children and young carers.
 
It is important to note that the carer is not always the "nearest relative"
 
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
 
If you are providing carer for someone with an enduring serious mental health problem, you have a right to request an assessment of needs and receive support from a Carers Worker.
 
If the person you care for is subject to the Care Programme Approach (CPA) then you can be referred for an assessment and support by the care coordinator from your local Mental Health Team (CMHT) or local inpatient unit.
 
THE AIMS OF OUR SERVICE

• Provide carers assessments
• Support carers maintain and/or improve a quality of life
• Enable carers who wish to continue caring effectively
• Acknowledge carers as individuals in their own right
• Identify the needs of carers that are not being met and link into service development.

WE CAN OFFER AS CARERS WORKERS

• Confidential listening and emotional support
• Carry out a carers assessment of needs for those providing regular and substantial care (including spirituality needs) and develop a care plan if required
• Discuss opportunities for respite care
• Provide information about mental health
• Network with agencies who provide support for services and carer to map resources and identify needs
• Provide information about local care support groups and help to develop new groups or drop ins.
• Signpost to and link with other agencies such as CAB, local housing, benefit agencies
• Provide regular communication with Care Coordinators and support the carers at the CPA if needed.
• Provide opportunities for the carer to be involved in the development of the service for carers

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CARERS WORKERS?
 
AMH Carers Development Worker
Carers Centre
117 Orchard Rd
Southsea
Hampshire
PO4 0AD
 
Contact: 023 92 756 780
Email: glenis.massey@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
 
You can get more information from the Portsmouth carers centre website - http://portsmouthcarers.org/