Carers service
If you are providing regular unpaid care for a loved one, then the Carers Service can help you and your family by providing practical, social and emotional support to you in your own home.
The Carers Service is for unpaid carers who live in Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. Our Carers Service Coordinator will offer an assessment of your needs, giving you the time to talk about what is most important to you as a carer. We can offer information on how to access more support at home and signposting to local carer support in your area.
We can offer you six sessions of carer respite with a volunteer. During these sessions we will provide companionship to the person you care for so you can take a break for a few hours. Alternatively, our volunteers can offer you, the carer, befriending support. The visits will take place in your own home or a community venue.
There is also a monthly carer group which meets at the Hospice, providing a friendly space to meet with others and share experiences over tea and cake.
What help can we provide?
We can help with light tasks, prepare drinks or snacks, wash a few dishes, walk the dog, or pick up prescriptions. Some people just want to chat over a cup of tea.
What we can’t provide
We can’t provide transport, shopping, or cleaning services or assistance with medications, or any medical equipment. We are unable to give personal care to the person you care for.
We aim to make a match within four weeks of initial contact with the carer following a referral, subject to volunteer availability. The service operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
All our Carers Service volunteers have to complete an initial training programme and have been DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and reference checked, so you can rest assured you are in safe hands. The volunteers also receive regular supervision and support.
To make a referral call the First Contact Team on 0300 30 30 400 or email carers@stjh.org.uk