Many people with a learning disability live with their families (we think 60%), and get most of the support they need from them. Valuing People said that this should be recognised and that family carers should get more support from services to help them.
In Southampton we
We have a Family Link Service which is based at Southampton Mencap at their Centre in Portswood. Through this there is a Family Link Worker whose role is to link up with family carers in Southampton; providing them with information relevant to their caring role and supporting them to plan for the future by developing an emergency action plan.
You can find out more about the Family Link Service by contacting:
Tel: 023 80584088Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Find out more about our Family Link Service by clicking here
There is also a monthly Carers Lunch Club at the Mencap Centre. These meetings have a range of speakers of interest to family carers of people with a learning disability. Transport is also available for carers who would struggle to get to the Mencap Centre. Please contact Southampton Mencap for the dates or more details.
Why not tell your doctor about being a carer? Click here to find out about how to tell your GP and what support you can get.
The City Council recognises that Carers have support needs of their own and will carry out a carer assessment to assess their needs separately from the needs of the person that they care for.
You can use this link to get to the City Council's information
http://www.southampton.gov.uk/health/carers/
or click here to find out about Carers Direct and NHS Choices
