someone? Carers clinic Our new service, based at The Orchards, St James’s Hospital, helps carers whose relative or friend is a patient. It’s especially for people caring for new patients, as we know admission is a particularly difficult time. For more details contact the Carers Centre (details on these pages).
a special event for you You can find out lots of useful information, and meet people in the same situation as you, at a free conference for adult mental health carers on 6 April. The Connecting Carers event at the Royal Maritime Club will have workshops on subjects such as medications and benefits, plus speakers on topics like health and social care reorganisation, a new one-to-one service, the work of the Carers Centre and self-assessment. Lunch and refreshments are free. Places must be booked before 28 February – call 023 9285 1864 for more details.
If you need urgent help If you need to contact a mental health professional during office hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm), please visit your GP or your social worker/ care coordinator if you have one. Out of hours (after 5pm): if your care coordinator, social worker or GP is not available call the crisis team on 023 9268 0200.
adult mental health carers groups Take a Break Second and fourth Monday of the month (except bank holidays), 10.30am–12.30pm at the Carers Centre. Contact the centre (details on these pages). PO6 Friends Second and fourth Thursday of the month, 1.30pm–3.30pm, at Paulsgrove and Wymering Healthy Living Centre, Allaway Avenue. Contact the Carers Centre (details on these pages). Compass Carers Support Group Second Wednesday of the month at St James’ Hospital, Locksway Road. Call Mary Joseph on 023 9273 3637.
Carers contacts To find information, advice and support: f Portsmouth Carers Centre: 023 9285 1864 carerscentre@portsmouthcc. gov.uk www.portsmouthcarers.org f Carers Council Portsmouth: carerscouncilportsmouth@ gmail.com (chair Thelma TurnerHill or vice-chair Ken Ebbens) www.carerstogether.org.uk/ carerscouncil The Carers Council is an independent forum made up of carers, which influences services. More information is also available from Sylvia Hutchins on 023 9259 5455 or sylvia.hutchins@ carerstogether.org.uk f The local branch of national charity Carers UK: Sue Dawkins, 023 9235 9018 (6pm-9pm and weekends) or suedawkins59@googlemail.com Jennifer Stenson, 023 9283 1229 or j.stenson@btinternet.com www.carersukportsmouth. org.uk (includes a list of carers’ groups)
To learn more about our carers strategy: f Go to www.portsmouth.gov.uk and search for carers strategy f call 023 9268 8169 for a paper copy
Diverse Carers For carers and cared-for people from minority ethnic communities or multi-cultural backgrounds. Third Wednesday of each month, 11am–1pm, at the Carers Centre. Contact the centre (details on these pages).
City helpdesk Tel 023 9283 4092 I Email cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
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