SUPPORT we offer
Information
Emotional support
Telephone support
Face-to-face support
Training
Advocacy
Outreach
Home Visits
Regular Support Group Meetings
Coffee Mornings
Contact Details
Information
DPFC holds information on a wide range of issues affecting carers from how to access services to specialised holidays. If we do not hold the information required we will research it for you.
We believe that by giving the carer appropriate information they are then in a position to make informed choices.
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Emotional support
Carers are often under enormous pressure both emotionally and physically. Many care for another person day and night, seven days a week that can continue for a number of years.
Becoming a carer for another person can happen very suddenly but it can also creep up gradually, by the carer taking on more and more responsibility for the person they care for.
The majority of carers take on this role out of a sense of love, commitment or duty, but many are often overlooked and undervalued.
Often carers feel alone in their caring role with no-one to turn to. It may be that they find it very difficult to talk about their caring role, especially if they are caring for someone with a ‘hidden’ or stigmatised difficulty or they may feel disloyal and uncomfortable to talk about any problems they are experiencing with those who know both them and the person they care for.
They struggle with mixed feelings. For some it may give great satisfaction, but there may also be feelings of loneliness, guilt, resentment, stress, depression, physical and mental exhaustion. Many continue for a number of years unaware that there is help available.
Carers don’t have to do it alone – When you are caring for another person it can be extremely difficult to think about your needs and feelings, but many carers find that by having someone they can talk to, to whom they can ‘ off-load’, is an enormous help and essential for their own mental and physical well being.
DPFC is here to help and support carers living in Doncaster in their caring role. The aim of our work is to ensure that no carer has to reach crisis point to get the support they need. We provide emotional support by telephone and face-to-face contact
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Telephone support
We offer support over the telephone to carers who do not wish or have the time to speak with someone face to face. Telephone contact will continue for as long as it is needed.
Our telephone help line offers emotional support, information and advice on a wide range of issues affecting carers.
You can phone with a query, for information or just to talk.
If we cannot give you the information you require or answer your query when you contact us we will research and get back to you.
To talk - For carers who prefer telephone support, we also offer emotional support over the telephone. We will provide telephone contact with them for as long as they want or need.
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Face-to-face support
For carers who wish to speak with someone face-to-face, we offer to visit carers in their own home, but if they prefer they can arrange to come to our main office or another suitable venue.
We believe that by providing opportunities for carers to talk through their concerns with people who understand their situation will help to alleviate isolation and stress and improve their health and well being.
If you feel you would benefit by speaking with one of our Outreach Support Workers you can either telephone or download the Carers Self Referral Form (new window) and return the completed form by posting, faxing or emailing (see details below).
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Training
DPFC can give carers information of any available training relevant to their caring role. We provide free in-house training and facilitate external training for carers. Previous training has included:
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Moving and handling
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First-aid
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Stress reduction through reflexology and aromatherapy.
If you feel you would benefit from any training, please either telephone or complete the Carer Training Request Form (new window) and return the completed form by posting, faxing or emailing (see details below).
Also, to receive a FREE copy of our newsletter please either telephone or complete the Membership Form (new window) and return the completed form by posting, faxing or emailing (see details below). Alternatively, you can view/download a copy of the newsletter here (new window - Adobe Reader required - download from Adobe.com).
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Advocacy - Individual representation
An Advocate's role is to enable a person to speak up for themselves or to speak on their behalf.
Caring for another person can be an enormous responsibility and can take its toll on the carer's career, family and every other aspect of their life.
From time to time they may have to deal with people working in social care, health, housing, education etc on behalf of the person they care for. These may be situations where they may not feel comfortable and need support for themselves – an Advocate.
An Advocate can give support to the carer in a way that suits their needs. It may be by just being with them in meetings or if they feel unable to get across their views or feelings and need someone to speak on their behalf or help to prepare for a meeting. The Advocate’s role is to put across views and preferences of the carer and will not say or do anything they have not been asked to do.
We can support carers in a variety of settings such as at assessments, case reviews, to access services or with complaints etc. There are many situations where people do not feel confident and need an Advocate such as:
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To research information or explain written information that they have received
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Writing letters or completing forms
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When talking to people working in health and social care on the telephone or face-to-face
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Need someone to attend meetings with them to give them confidence to attend or get involved
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Support to prepare for a meeting such as go through the paperwork so they fully understand what the meeting is about and what is going to be discussed, help to prepare any questions they want to ask or ask questions on their behalf
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When they feel they are not being listened to or feel they have been messed around and need extra support from an independent body
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When they may have concerns over service provision or problems accessing services.
If you would like support in any of these areas, you can either telephone or download the Carer Self Referral Form (new window) and return the completed form by posting, faxing or emailing (see details below).
Or, if you wish to request further information or support by email, please include as much detail about your situation as possible.
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Outreach Surgeries
We hold outreach surgeries in various venues in the community to enable carers to drop-in for a chat, information and support. It is an opportunity for carers to speak openly and in confidence to a professional who understands their situation.
To view a larger version of the Outreach poster and/or download a copy, click on the image below (new window - Adobe Reader required - download from Adobe.com).
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Home Visits
Home visits are offered to people who need emotional support, cannot access an outreach surgery or need more in depth support. We normally offer to visit carers in their own home, but if this is not convenient we can arrange for them to come to our main office or meet at another suitable venue.
To arrange a home visit with your outreach support worker, please contact our main office on 01302 531333.
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Regular support group meetings in Doncaster
A carers' support group is an opportunity for you to meet other carers, share problems and solutions, and where you support one another. Many carers find that having an opportunity to talk to other carers who are experiencing similar things really helpful.
You need to share your feelings about your caring experience with others. If you keep them to yourself it may be increasingly difficult in your caring role. If you can realise that the feelings you are experiencing is a natural response to your situation, it will be easier for you to cope.
Sometimes people find the thought of joining a group daunting but, once people start, they usually enjoy it and feel less isolated. If you would like, we can accompany you to your first meeting.
There are many support groups in and around Doncaster. If you would like to find out about one that may suit you please ring our main office.
We are also happy to give support to any established carers groups or carers / professionals who are looking to set up a carers group.
Groups
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DPFC Coffee morning - see below
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Carers Forum
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DAS
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MAD
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Parent Carers.
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Coffee mornings
Our coffee mornings take place every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, except in December, at St Wilfrid’s, 10.00 am-12.00 pm.
The coffee mornings are an ideal place for carers to enjoy a chat with others in a similar situation, share information and find out about services as speakers are often invited to come along and talk about their work.
It is the carers who volunteer for DPFC who run them and there is always a member of staff available if a carer needs a chat, information or has a concern.
Some carers attend the coffee mornings on a regular basis, some pop in and out due to other commitments and there are always new carers joining. Everyone is made to feel welcome and you can stay as long as you choose whether it is half an hour or the whole morning.
Even though coffee mornings are intended to give the carer a break from their caring responsibilities, we also welcome the person they care for, as we understand carers cannot always leave the person they care for on their own.
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Contact/Home Visit Details
Post: |
Doncaster Partnership for Carers (DPFC) |
Fax: |
01302 536645 |
Tel: |
01302 531333 |
Monday - Friday |
9.00 am - 5.00 pm except Bank Holidays |
At all other times there is an answering machine where you can leave a message, which we will respond to the next working day. Remember to also leave your name and contact details. |
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Home visits: |
Monday - Friday |
9.00 am - 6.30 pm |
Saturday |
9.30 am - 12.30 pm |