Advocare - Caring for Carers

We are a small charity that supports those looking after frail, sick or disabled loved-ones. Carers generally come to us when they are at their wits' end having tried everyone else. As former carers ourselves we can appreciate some of the difficulties of unpaid family caregivers. Using our own insights when listening to their story we can understand their perspective.

Our free, Caring for Carers service is run for carers by former carers who offer help, information, support and advocacy.

Help and information

Relevant to the carer's unique situation including how to access expert advice on, for example, assessments, rights and entitlements; guidance on how to obtain services and small-scale financial help.

Below are some of the issues that have prompted people to contact us:

Dealing with a shock diagnosis;
Having a Carers Assessment;
Being included on the Carers Register;
Obtaining respite breaks;
Obtaining reliable, appropriate home care;
Funding for continuing health care;
How to deal with abuse or neglect of loved-ones;
How to deal with complaints;
Appeals process.
Benefit entitlements.

Support

Support is available for carers whilst in their caregiving role and at any time afterwards for as long as they feel it is of benefit to them. Some of what we do is a confidence-building process, indvidually or through our groups and workshops including:

The Advocare Assert Programme empowers carers and bring them long-lasting change.
Counselling and therapy for depression, stress, anxiety, bereavement and loss.
After-care workshops for those who feel 'stuck' when no longer caring full-time.

Advocacy

We can accompany carers to meetings, assessments, consultations, help with reviews, complaints, appeals. We can also make representations to the appropriate authorities or ask questions on the carer's behalf.

Self-Advocacy

We can help carers deal more effectively with some of the difficulties of their caregiving role and help them to see that they do have options. We can sometimes open fresh channels of communication and encourage statutory bodies to appreciate carers' concerns which improves understanding on all sides.

By caring appropriately for carers Advocare helps them to feel valued. With our independent, carer-centred support we can help to prevent crisis and the unwanted or premature institutionalisation of vulnerable people.

If you are a carer or former carer and are feeling 'stuck' or isolated, or if you need help with any of the above issues please contact Cathey on (01202) 737592.

Join Advocare now!

By becoming a member of Advocare you can:

Join our Advocarers group where you can meet people with similar experiences to your own. Advocarers meet regularly to discuss matters of special concern to carers, organise social events and arrange workshops.
Join our Advocarers Forum and air your burning issues about caring.
Help us to enhance the status of carers, especially those who are the sole advocates of vulnerable people.