Statutory Services
Carers Direct
What is Carers Direct?
Carers Direct is a national information, advice and support service for carers in England. Available online at www.nhs.uk/carersdirect and as a free, confidential helpline seven days a week on 0808 802 0202, it provides accurate, relevant information for carers and those who support them.
Website information
- All information on Carers Direct is Information Standard accredited and was developed in conjunction with carers and national carers organisations.
- Since its launch in Jan 2009, Carers Direct has grown to become a substantial online resource for carers and those who support them. It now has more than 1,000 articles, 12 videos and web tools available on the site.
- Visitors to the website are regularly surveyed to ensure Carers Direct offers the information they need.
- Carers Direct provides online blogs and forums for carers. It also has an active Facebook fan page with over 7,000 carers available at www.facebook.com/carersdirect, and a twitter account with nearly 3,000 followers at www.twitter.com/carersdirect
Helpline information
- All calls to Carers Direct are free and confidential.
- Over 20 specially trained advisors are available to give information and advice to carers, allowing them to take decisions about their personal support needs and the needs of the person they are looking after.
- The Carers Direct helpline advisors can put callers in touch with specialist national or local sources of help, including social care departments, respite centres, specialist charities and other carers support groups.
- Enquires can be made by phone, email, post, Type talk, Text Relay and language line*.
Telephone enquiries - The Carers Direct helpline number is 0808 802 0202. Lines are open seven days a week, from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 11am until 4pm on weekends and Bank Holidays. All calls, including mobiles, are free.
Language Line - If you need help in a language other than English, you can request a call back in the language of your choice [LINK: http://www.carersdirectenquiry.nhs.uk/callback]. We use Language Line, a telephone translation and interpreting service that allows a conversation in one of more than 170 languages.
Email and online enquiries - If you have a question about caring you can ask it using the Carers Direct online enquiry form at http://www.carersdirectenquiry.nhs.uk . A Carers Direct advisor will normally respond within 24 hours of you submitting your enquiry. Carers Direct web address is www.nhs.uk/carersdirect
Text Relay and Typetalk - Deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people who use a textphone can contact Carers Direct by textphone/minicom, on 0800 988 8657.
Postal enquiries - You can send a written enquiry by post to Carers Direct, PO Box 4338, Manchester M61 0BY. |
Adult Services (formerly Social Services)
Carers
It is important that you find the balance between your new responsibilities caring for a stroke survivor and your needs as a carer.
Remember that you are not alone, and getting in touch with other people in similar circumstances to share ideas and experiences can be extremely beneficial and therapeutic.
Carers Assessments
A carer’s assessment looks at your role as a carer, how it affects you, and any help you may need to carry out your role as a carer. Anyone who cares for someone for a ‘substantial amount of time on a regular basis’ can have a Carer’s assessment. This will include carers who:
- Live with the person they care for
- Live away from the person they care for
- Care for someone full time
- Care for someone as well as working full or part time
It’s up to you as a carer to request a Carer’s assessment from your local authority Adult Services Department. The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 says that all Local Authorities/councils must inform carers of their right to an assessment.
Adult Services – Central Duty Team
What is an 'assessment'?
An assessment is the way Adult Services obtain relevant information about you to help work out if you are eligible for services. A member of the occupational therapy team will visit you at home to talk to you about the help you feel you need and look at how you cope with everyday tasks, especially those you find most difficult.
Adults
Adult Services use the Government’s 'Fair Access to Care Services' guidelines to help to decide whether or not you are entitled to care services. Unfortunately, if you are assessed as ‘low’ or ‘moderate’ need or risk, you will not qualify for care services from the council. However, Adult Services may be able to offer you advice and some other help, or put you in touch with other organisations that may be able to help.
The government's Fair Access to Care Services guidelines define the four categories of need and risk, as follows:
Critical risks are when:
- life is, or will be, threatened; and/or
- significant health problems have developed or will develop; and/or
- there is or will be, little or no choice and control over vital aspects of the immediate environment; and/or
- serious abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur; and/or
- there is, or will be, an inability to carry out vital personal care or domestic routines; and/or
- vital involvement in work, education or learning cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- vital social support systems and relationships cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- vital family or other social roles and responsibilities cannot or will not be undertaken
Substantial risks are when:
- there is, or will be, only partial choice and control over the immediate environment; and/or
- abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur; and/or
- there is or will be, an inability to carry out the majority or personal care or domestic routines; and/or
- involvement in many aspects or work, education or learning cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- the majority of social support systems and relationships
- cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- the majority of family and other social roles and responsibilities cannot or will not be undertaken
Moderate risks are when:
- there is, or will be, an inability to carry out several personal care or domestic routines; and/or
- involvement in several aspects or work, education or learning cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- several social support systems and relationships cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- several family or social roles and responsibilities cannot or will not be undertaken
Low risks are when:
- there is, or will be, an inability to carry out one or two personal care or domestic routines; and/or
- involvement in one or two aspects or work, education or learning cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- one or two social support systems and relationships cannot or will not be sustained; and/or
- one or two family and other social roles and responsibilities cannot or will not be undertaken
If you are assessed as ‘low’ or ‘moderate’ need or risk, you will not qualify for services from the council. However, Adult Services may be able to offer you advice and some other help, or put you in touch with other organisations that may be able to help, like ‘Starting Point’ at Age Concern.
Starting Point
Is a helpline run by Age Concern. They provide advice and information about local services that help people to live independently, for example: cleaning services, personal care, shopping services, hairdressers, companies which provide or prepare meals, handymen services, lunch clubs, befrienders, laundry and ironing services. They can also put you in touch with approved gardeners, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters and decorators, as well as volunteer drivers (for when you have to attend hospital or doctor's appointments).
Liaison officers can also visit you at home to help you to complete benefit forms, or arrange for care services (when you don't qualify for help from the council).
Starting Point & Age Concern Wigan
For referrals for occupational therapy or sensory support services contact the Disability Resource Centre
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
Disability Resource Centre
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Wigan Disability Resource Centre
Hamilton Square
Wigan
WN5 9RX |
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Tel: 01942 700 889 |
Fax: 01942 766 959 |
| Minicom: 01942 766 997 |
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Email: ssddrc@wigan.gov.uk |
Hospital Social Workers
Hospital social workers are based in hospitals, but are employed by Wigan Council’s Department of Adult Services. This means that although we work jointly with the health service, we are independent from the NHS Trust.
How can we help you or your carer?
When requested, a hospital social worker will carry out an assessment of your care needs based on your physical and mental health and individual circumstances. We plan for your discharge by enabling you to receive appropriate support when you leave hospital. If you are being cared for by a friend or relative, we can also assess their needs to help them to continue to care for you.
In addition, the hospital finance and benefits officer can also help by answering any questions you might have about your benefits, and can advise you about other benefits that you and/or your carer may be entitled to receive.
What kind of help is available?
There is a range of support available, including:
- support for you and your carers;
- advocacy;
- personal care;
- community meals;
- day care;
- short term or long term care;
- assistive technology;
- direct payments;
- social work support
We can provide you or your carers with information and leaflets that explain more about the above. Just ask your social worker for more information.
How much will it cost?
There is no charge for your social work assessment, or the advice provided by the finance and benefits officer.
However, there may be a charge for care services, and the cost will depend on your financial circumstances. You may have to pay a small amount, we may expect you to pay the full charge, or you may have to pay nothing at all.
See the section: Paying for Social Care, or ask the social worker for more information and for a copy of the leaflet ‘Paying for community care services’.
Community Social Workers
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Wigan Older Persons Team
64 Larch Ave
Worsley Hall
Wigan |
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Tel: 01942 487 910 |
Carrying out assessments to determine the best outcome for the Service User and whether the Service User is eligible for services within the borough under Fair Access to Care criteria, Critical and Substantial.
The Community Social Workers role also includes carrying out Carer’s assessments and support the Carer to continue caring for the Service User at home.
Services include the following:
- Care packages-carers assisting at home
- Reablement Services-trained carers provide up to 6 weeks rehabilitation in building confidence to remain independent at home
- Community meals- hot meals and sandwich service
- Assistive technology- falls pendent, medication dispenser, sensors, alarms, etc
- Day care- day centre, lunch on clubs, social groups
- Age concern- private services such as: laundry, cleaning, shopping, volunteer service, DIY, etc
- Multi Disciplinary Team’s for safe discharge from hospitals, hospice
- Continuing care Multi Disciplinary Team’s
- Alternative accommodation- Residential/nursing placements. Respite breaks, Wickham Hall or other sheltered accommodation
- Adult placement- this service matches volunteers to the Service User and provide services such as: befriending/counseling, confidence/motivation to Service User in going out, etc
- Working with District nurses to provide end of life services
- Working with Physio/OT to provide mobility aids/adaptations
- Refer to other services i.e.: saffa, stroke groups, carers groups, prevention services, benefits checks, continence service, etc
Paying for Social Care
How will I know if I have to pay?
Your social worker will let the Financial Assessment Team know that you are getting care services. A financial assessment officer will then contact you to arrange to fill in form CCF1 with you. They will usually visit you at home. You will need to provide details of your income and savings. The information you give will help us to work out how much you should pay.
As well as working out your charge, the financial assessment officer will help you to apply for any other social security benefits you may be entitled to.
What will the cost be?
Adult Services have a fairer charging policy for home care and day care services, which has been set in line with government guidance, ‘Fairer charging policies for home care and other nonresidential social services’.
The amount Adult Services ask you to pay is based on your income, matched against a needs allowance which is set in line with basic levels of Income Support or Pension Credit.
The financial assessment officer will explain how Adult Services will work out your charge when they visit you to fill in the financial assessment form CCF1.
How will my savings affect the cost?
If you have more than £22,250, Adult Services will ask you to pay the full cost of services. If you have more than £50,000, Adult Services will ask you to pay a higher rate for home care. (Costs may be subject to change)
If you have less than £22,250, the amount you should pay will depend on your financial assessment. Adult Services will ignore payments you get for the savings part of Pension Credit. (Costs may be subject to change)
What about the high cost of disability?
Disability-related costs to cover essential items or outgoings can be offset against your charge, for example, if you have to buy a stairlift or pay for incontinence pads. This also applies to anyone paying for private care provided by someone other than the council.
How often will I get a bill?
Adult Services will send you a bill every four weeks for services you have already received.
How do I pay the bill?
You can:
- pay at your local post office
- pay at a PayPoint outlet
- pay by credit or debit card
- pay by calling into the Civic Centre in Wigan or Leigh Town Hall
- pay by post
- pay by standing order
- pay your bill on-line
Look on the back of your bill for more details of how you can pay.
What happens if I don’t agree with the charge?
If you don't agree with the amount we are asking you to pay for your care, you should contact the person who has told you about your charge, or fill in the online 'Customer Care: Tell us What You Think' form.
What do you charge for?
| Service |
Cost |
| Assistive Technology - Monitoring and maintenance of equipment |
£3 per week |
| Assistive Technology - Mobile response service |
£1.50 per week |
| Community Alarm Service (Careline) |
£2.10 a week rental |
| Home Care with savings under £50,000 |
£2.33 per unit* |
| Home Care with savings over £50,000 |
£3.16 per unit* |
| Day centre - Learning disability day care - one session a day |
£12.60 per day or part day session |
Day centre - Elderly mentally infirm (EMI) day care -
- Two sessions a day (Monday to Friday)
- One session a day (Saturday and Sunday)
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£10.55 per session |
| Day centre - Elderly and physical disability day care - one session a day |
£10.55 per day or part day session |
| Day centre - Admission charge for people using day care with Direct Payments, Individualised Budgets or Independent Living Fund |
£2.60 per attendance |
* The cost of home care is worked out in units of 15 minutes. For example, if you receive home care for 30 minutes per day, you will be charged at a total of £4.66 (2 units at £2.33). If you need to cancel a visit, please give a minimum of 24 hours notice, otherwise you will be charged one unit for the missed visit (these costs maybe subject to change).
Vision
Visual problems do not affect everybody who has had a stroke, but they are more common than many people realise. Visual difficulties can vary from slight to more severe, but they are often difficult to define and not always easy for friends and family to recognise or understand. For information about further help and support contact:
Wigan Sensory Team
Skilled in assisting people with visual impairment. They will carry out an assessment of your needs and work with you to acquire the skills or resources to overcome your difficulties.
Wigan Sensory Team
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Tel: 01942 700 889 |
Minicom: 01942 766 997 |
Wigan & Leigh District Society for the Blind
Provides social holiday opportunities for blind people who live in our area.
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Room 8,
28 Upper Dicconson Street,
Wigan,
WN1 2AG |
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Tel: 01942 242 891 |
Complaining about care
If you are dissatisfied with the services you receive from any Statutory, voluntary or private social care service provider, apart from complaining directly to your service provider, you can also complain to the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)
CSCI
Statutory Services
Health Services
Hospital At Home Service
Designed to ensure patients receive the best possible care, in the best possible location matched to their health condition.
The service offers the support of enhanced community therapy and nursing care with the back-up of specialist hospital medical and nursing staff. Patients will receive the same level of care they would receive in the Hospital but within the convenience of their own home.
Hospital at Home
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Tel: 01942 482 667 or 01942 822 483 |
Comments & Complaints
The Patient Relations Department
The Patient Relations Department provides confidential on the spot advice, information and support to patients, relatives, friends and carers. The Patient Relations Department will do its best to help you sort out any concerns you may have about the care received. The Patient Relations Department can also give you information on the services provided by the Trust.
If you have a concern or there is a problem, the best way to get it resolved is usually to tell someone there and then. On a ward, talk to the sister or charge nurse on duty. In a clinic, talk to the receptionist or one of the nursing staff. If you want to talk to a senior manager or to someone who has not been directly involved in your care and treatment, the Patient Relations Department can usually arrange this straight away during office hours. You can also ask to speak to a member of the Patient Relations Department.
Staff in any ward or department will be able to contact a member of the team for you or you can telephone 01942 822376. The Patient Relations Department is open Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm. Outside of these hours there is an answer-phone service.
If you wish to make a formal complaint you can telephone or write to:
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The Patient Relations Manager
Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan
WN1 2NN |
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Tel: 01942 822 376 |
PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison Service)
The PALS is one of the services Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT NHS Trust offers to help patients tell us of their experiences so that the services provided are improved to best meet their needs.
PALS (Primary Care e.g. GP, Dentists, Physiotherapy)
PALS (Hospital)
Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust (PCT)
Physiotherapy, Speech & language therapy, Podiatry, Occupational therapy, District nursing, Health visiting, Specialist nursing services, Learning disability services, Counselling, Children’s services, Intermediate care, Out-of-hours medical services, Community dental services, Wheelchair service, Nutrition & dietetics
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Tel: 01942 482 711 or 01942 482 712 |
Primary Care Centres (Health Centres)
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Atherton Health Centre
Ormerod House
Nelson Street
Atherton
M46 0LE
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Tel: 01942 481 000 |
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Lower Ince Health Centre
Claire House
Phoenix Way
Ince
Wigan
WN3 4NW
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Tel: 01942 481 100 |
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Worsley Mesnes Health Centre
Chandler House
Poolstock Lane
Wigan
WN3 5HL
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Tel: 01942 481 460 |
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Golborne Health Centre
Kidglove House
Kidglove Road
Golborne
WN3 3GS
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Tel: 01942 481 655 |
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Wigan Health Centre
Boston House
Frog Lane
Wigan
WN6 7LB
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Tel: 01942 482 070 |
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Platt Bridge Health Centre
Rivington Avenue
Platt Bridge
Wigan
WN2 5NG
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Tel: 01942 482 300 |
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Accident & Emergency Department
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan
WN1 2NN
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Tel: 01942 822 440 |
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Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT
PCT Headquarters
Bryan House
61 Standishgate
Wigan
WN1 1AH
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Tel: 01942 482 711/2 |
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Leigh Health Information Centre
Leigh Library
The Civic Square
Leigh
WN7 1EB
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Tel: 01942 404 470/1 |
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Leigh NHS Walk-in Centre
Leigh Infirmary
The Avenue
Leigh
WN7 1HS
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For healthcare advice, information and treatment.
Open from 7am-9pm seven days a week, no appointment necessary. |
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Tel: 01942 264 000 |
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Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust
Trust Headquarters
The Elms
Wigan Lane
Wigan
WN1 2NN
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Tel: 01942 244 000 |
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Wigan Services: Access Service (Mental Health)
Inpatient Services
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Tel: 01942 672 333 |
Stroke Services Contact Numbers – Wigan Infirmary
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Speech & Language Therapists
Tel: 01942 822 182 |
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Occupational Therapists
Tel: 01942 822 300 |
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Dietician Service
Tel: 01942 822 189 |
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Stoma Nurse Specialist
Tel: 01942 822 034
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Pharmacy
Tel: 01942 822 492
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Leigh & District Branch - Parkinson Disease Society
Meet 1st Monday of each month except on Public Holidays
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Kingsleigh Methodist Church
King Street
Leigh
WN7 |
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Tel: 01942 672 722 - Secretary |
Dental Emergencies
In – Hours Emergency
Non Registered patients – contact the In-Hours Emergency Dental Service on weekdays between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm
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Tel: 01942 614 390 |
Dental Emergencies (cont)
Out–of-Hours Emergency
Available on weekdays between 6.00 pm to 8.00 am and weekends and bank holidays available 24 hours
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Tel: 0845 603 8504 |
NHS Direct
24 hour confidential advice and health information, including
- What to do if you or your family feels ill
- Particular health conditions
- Local health services (eg doctors, dentists or out of hours chemists)
- Self help or support organisations
NHS Direct
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Tel: 0845 4647 |
Voluntary Sector
Think Ahead Community Stroke Group
The group, a registered charity, was set up to help Stroke Survivors, their families and carers in the Borough of Wigan to improve the quality of their lives.
To achieve this the group will:
- listen to, be aware of and respond to members needs
- provide practical, physical and emotional support to members
- promote stimulation and diversification through outings and activities
- enrich the lives of members through friendship
- promote a positive attitude by looking forward, planning striving to achieve the members agreed goals
- encourage and welcome new members through promotion and advertising
- raise funds to pay for the groups activities and running costs
Group Activities:
- Monthly meetings
- Monthly trips (we co-ordinate accessible transport)
- Annual respite breaks
- Provide information including our newsletter (Community News)
- Activity classes for carers and stroke survivors in a friendly and stimulating atmosphere. Art and IT classes. Book club
- Provide volunteering opportunities
Way Ahead Peer Support Programme
The Way Ahead Peer Support Programme, part of the Think Ahead Community Stroke Group, is aimed at stroke survivors and carers, ensuring that they are put in touch with a named peer supporter, who will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, and act as a intermediary link in supporting them to access crucial advice, information and support and advocating with and for them during the weeks and months following a stroke.
The peer support role will encourage stroke survivors and their carers to develop their own capacity and positive coping strategies, as well as encouraging healthier lifestyle and associated strategies to prevent further strokes and other health problems.
The Way Ahead information guidebook, and website, will be used by Peer Supporters to enable stroke survivors and their carers to access tailor-made easily understood information, and support they need.
The Way Ahead programme will be provided in consultation with stroke survivors and their carers, other local voluntary organisations, and statutory health and social care agencies.
Think Ahead Community Stroke Group and Way Ahead Programme
Stroke Association – Wigan Family Support Workers
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Tel: 01942 494 541 |
The Family and Carer support service is designed to provide information, emotional support and practical advice to people affected by stroke, their families and carers.
Stroke Association – Family Support Workers – Dysphagia (Difficulty in swallowing)
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Tel: 0207 566 0300 |
Crossroads Caring For Carers St Helens & Halton – (Includes Wigan & Leigh)
A Crossroads service is about giving time - improving the lives of carers by giving them time to be themselves and have a break from their caring responsibilities. Their aim is to provide a reliable respite service, tailored to meet the individual needs of each carer and the person they are caring for.
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Tel: 01744 612 499 |
Crossroads Carers Support Group (CCSG)
Staffed by volunteer carers who understand the difficulties faced by family carers in the Wigan Borough
Carers UK
For information and factsheets about a wide range of issues affecting Carers
Carers Helpline – Wigan & Leigh
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Tel: 01942 606 086 |
Different Strokes
Different Strokes provides a unique, free service to younger stroke survivors throughout the United Kingdom. Run by stroke survivors for stroke survivors, for active self help and mutual support.
Wigan Relate
When someone in the family has a stroke it may have an impact and put a strain on personal and family relationships. Relate is a registered charity that provides confidential advice and counselling. Relate can help families, parents and young people in their family life.
Disability Forum – Wigan & Leigh
The Disability Forum represents people with disabilities across the Wigan & Leigh Borough. Enabling anyone with a disability to have a say on local issues and take an active part in local life.
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Tel: 01942 734 554 or 07835 98836 |
Connect UK
Connect works to promote communication access – teaching others how to include and also to give an equal voice to everyone who needs help with communication, not just people with aphasia.
Speakability
Supports those living with aphasia and their carers (Aphasia is one form of communication disability)
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