What does Advocare do?

We are a small, independent, not for profit organisation that supports carers and former carers and enables them to have a free voice. If you are or have been giving up a substantial amount of your time to look after someone who is frail, sick or disabled you are important to us: Advocare could be important to you.

Our Caring for Carers service is free to carers and former carers and offers help, information, advocacy and support. Some of what we do is a confidence-building process which can be on an indvidual basis or through our groups and workshops. Having all been unpaid family caregivers ourselves we can appreciate the perspective of those experiencing difficulty with the demands of the caregiving role and help to reduce their anxiety, stress or isolation.

We can also help with practical issues such as:

• Requesting a Carers Assessment;
• Inclusion on the Carers Register;
• Obtaining respite breaks;
• Obtaining reliable, appropriate home care;
• Obtaining small-scale financial help;
• Accessing free NHS-funded continuing health care;
• What to do when services are unsatisfactory;
• What to do about abuse or neglect of vulnerable people;
• Complaints processes.

Our Advocarers group usually meets once a month to exchange news and views and discuss matters of special concern to carers. We also have social gatherings from time to time and an American-style lunch if we have a guest speaker or workshop.

Advocarers also act as a reference group on strategies for moving Advocare forward.

Some Advocarers seek to use their collective wisdom and experience to improve the 'lot' of fellow-carers through our Advocarers Forum.

If you are feeling alone and you think we may be able to help you, or you would like more information on Advocare's activities, please ring our Caring for Carers line: (01202) 737592.