• Are you caring for someone who has a general disability/frailty or is becoming more confused and forgetful
• Do you feel you would like someone to talk to?
• Would you like to know what services are available - perhaps not to use immediately, but you feel you may need help in the future?
• You might find it useful to make contact with the Scheme.

Elmbridge Relief Carers Scheme offers:

Counselling: On everyday problems including emotional support.

Advice: On obtaining benefits, entry to special care homes and other services available.

Relief: A paid Sitting Service to provide regular breaks is available to those suffering from any disability or frailty and day care for those with a dementing illness is available in local Centres for Retired People.

Education: Training for carers held periodically throughout the Borough.

Support: This is given through ongoing contact with the Managers. There are monthly Support Groups held at various venues in Elmbridge, plus a telephone Support Service at night-time, weekends and Bank Holidays for Carers of people suffering from dementia, confusion and Alzheimer's Disease.

|Sitting Service
|Specialist Care Groups
|Support Groups
|Training
|Out of Hours Support Line
|Alz Cafe
|Molesey Coffee and Chat Group

• |The Sitting Service
  This can vary according to the individual's needs. It might be preparing a light snack, going for walks, writing letters. More importantly it relieves the carers to give them a few hours break.
  For carers who would like to use the sitting service while they go out themselves the cost is £8.45 per hour, and £9.60 per hour on weekends/bank holidays. Mileage is charged at 43p.
  
  
• |Specialist Care Groups
  For those with a dementing illness we offer day care in small, friendly groups in an informal setting at various local venues in Elmbridge under the guidance of trained staff.
  Monday |Weybridge (Free) and |Claygate £18.50 per day.
  Tuesday |Molesey (Free) and |Weybridge £18.50 per day.
  Wednesday |Walton (Free)
  Thursday |Claygate £18.50 per day.
  Friday |Hersham and |Walton £18.50 per day.
  

It is hoped that those groups funded by Social Services but organised by this Scheme (Tuesday Group at Radnor House, |Molesey and the Wednesday Group at |Walton Centre for Retired People) will enable carers to have additional time to themselves while encouraging the sufferer to maintain social skills, as with all the groups.

• |Support Groups for Carers of those with a dementing illness. |There are several support groups which meet during afternoons in Centres for Retired People where you can meet other carers in an informal atmosphere. A trained member of staff is available to give support and advice if needed.
• |Training for Carers
  The Elmbridge Relief Carers Scheme runs regular training sessions for carers in conjunction with Health and Social Services. These sessions are specifically geared to carers having recently started caring for a partner, relative or friend with dementia, confusion or Alzheimer's Disease. Details of future courses planned are available from the Relief Carer Managers.
• |Out of Hours Support Line for Carers
  The Elmbridge Relief Carers Scheme operate an out of hours Support Line. The line aims to give carers support during evenings, weekends and particularly over holiday periods when other services are unavailable. There is always someone on call at these times whom you can talk to in complete confidence. For more information download the |Carers Support Line leaflet.
• |Alz Café
  The |Alz Café is a meeting place for those affected by diseases causing memory loss and confusion, their carers, families and friends. All are welcome to meet others in similar circumstances, gain information and support from professionals, join discussion groups and listen to speakers.
• |Molesey Coffee and Chat Group
  The Group provides a meeting place for sufferers, carers and ex carers. For information on meeting dates please download the |Coffee and Chat leaflet.
  

For more information on any of the above services, please contact the |Relief Carers Service.

Or, if you would prefer them to contact you directly, please |complete the Online Enquiry Form for Relief Carers Scheme.

|See our Aims, Objectives and Service Standards leaflet