1. Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Family and Carer Support Service – what the Service provides A needs-led service with an open referral system Needs assessment Emotional support/listening ear Preventing family breakdown and helping to optimise quality of life Information and advice Primary and secondary stroke prevention Practical help (eg form filling for benefits, advocacy) Signposting Home and hospital visits Encouraging compliance with and explaining treatment

2. Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Family and Carer Support Service (FCSS) – commissioning relationship with NHS Lewisham Service commissioned in 1993 – an identified need for such a service Originally funded by the then Health Authority Current Co-ordinator in post since 1999 New Service Level Agreement for the FCSS agreed in 2007 with clearly defined outcomes, data collection and monitoring requirements Re-commissioning of the Communication Support Group in May 2009 At least twice yearly meetings for service updates The Family and Carer Support Co-ordinator attends the Stroke Commissioning Group meetings

3. Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Family and Carer Support Service – challenges setting up a Service Inappropriate referrals Having an inaccessible base Promoting the service Limited resources Staff competencies Defining the role of the Co-ordinator Possible duplication of services Lack of recognition of the benefits of the Service

4. Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Family and Carer Support Service – positive outcomes Stroke survivors, their families and carers and those with a TIA have a contact point in the community Clients are followed through from hospital into the community Close working relationship between the Co-ordinator and the rehabilitation teams in and out of hospital and with other external agencies Assisting with navigation through health and social care systems Addressing the varied and complex needs of carers Health promotion Empowering stroke survivors and helping them to re-build their confidence and self esteem Attendance at the Neurovascular Clinic, multidisciplinary team meetings on the stroke ward etc

5. Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Family and Carer Support Service – lessons learnt There must be joined up working between health, social care and voluntary organisations Key worker role is vital Sufficient funding is needed Close working between hospital and community is imperative Clients and their families/carers need information and at different times throughout their stroke journey The needs of younger stroke survivors must be addressed

6. Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk Stroke helplineWebsite 0845 3033 100www.stroke.org.uk