Carers Bromley Seeking and Supporting those who Care Freephone

What is Carers Bromley? Carers Bromley is an independent charity that has been in existence for 20 years and employs staff to support carers of all ages in the London Borough of Bromley. The majority of our funding comes from the LBB and the BPCT. We work in partnership with: The Princess Royal Trust for Carers Health and Social Care Sectors and other local and national organisations

Definition of a carer A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, parent, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help, due to physical or mental illness, addiction or disability. Becoming a carer can happen to anyone at any time and affects people from all cultures and of any age.

National Facts and Figures Figures calculated for Carers UK by the University of Leeds in 2007 state that: Carers Save the UK £119 billion per year – the average carer is saving the nation over £18,473 per year. Currently, 6.3m. carers in the UK – 9 m by % are men and 58% are women. One in five carers looks after more than one person.

Local Facts and Figures There are over 28,000 adult carers in the London Borough of Bromley alone. Carers Bromley supports approximately 4,000 of these. There are an estimated 2,000 young carers in the borough. We currently support approximately 750.

Hidden Carers There are many “hidden carers” i.e. themselves, family or friends not realising that they are providing a caring role or that there are services to support them. Carers Bromley actively promotes its services to ensure that all carers are able to access our support, advice and information.

What carers say they need National Carers Strategy 2009 Emotional support Information, advice and advocacy Respite Financial security Recognition Equality Training to care A life of their own A choice about work

Adults Services Carers Support workers visit carers at home and offer emotional support, information, guidance, advocacy, benefits check etc Support groups across the borough inc. social group ADHD - Parents Support Group Creative courses and training Hospital Link Worker Mental Health Link Worker Communities Development Worker

Respite Services The Respite Service, called Carers Breaks, is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission and has an “excellent” rating: Carers Breaks Service – suitable when a longer break is required by a carer. Such breaks can be for single days or longer – up to two weeks, subject to availability. An assessment will be undertaken by the Respite Manager and carers are asked to contribute £10 per day and £15 for 24 hour periods. Sitting Service – where sitters sit with the cared for person to give the carer a much needed regular break. Costs from £6.50 per hour - other charges applicable for evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Young Carers Services We provide support for young carers aged 4-18 in many different ways. Our core service includes: Home Visits One to one support Age appropriate activities Health information sessions Young Carers Forum (11+) Teenage Support Group (15+) Weekend respite opportunities A regular newsletter Freephone helpline Advocacy Transition support Mentors

Other Services Back care - moving and handling advice Carers Card Daily Check-in line Stressbusting Bi-monthly newsletters Carers Forum Freephone Telephone helpline

Accessing the Service We accept referrals by phone, , fax or via our website From: Carers Local voluntary organisations Local statutory services Its easy to refer!

How to Contact Us Carers Bromley Caritas House Tregony Road Orpington Kent BR6 9XA Telephone Freephone helpline number Fax Website: