Who decides if I am/we are able to access these respite care services?
Respite needs should be identified via an assessment under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990. This includes an assessment of carers' needs under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995. Your care manager will carry out this assessment. You should contact your allocated social worker and discuss your respite needs.
What do I do if I don't have an allocated care manager?
If you do not have an allocated care manager you should, in the first instance contact us at Lewisham Council to arrange an assessment.
Are there other organisations that can help with respite care in Lewisham?
You may also be able to access services provided by the private and voluntary sector - to access these resources you will need to use the contact list below.
Contact Carers Lewisham on 020 8699 8686 for:
- advise on accessing breaks
- arrange sitting for an occasional break
- have a holiday scheme - ‘fix yourself a break’.
Contact Crossroads on 020 8690 7009:
- provides a regular sitting service at home.
Contact Mental health of Older Adults Service - 020 8355 5958/ 020 7919 3250:
- provide multidisciplinary mental health assessments and carers assessments plus access to a range of support services for carers.
Contact the Ravensbourne Project on 020 8698 2021 or 020 8695 2661 for:
- home sitting service for children with disabilities
- summer holiday play scheme.
Support and breaks for carers of younger adults with mental health problems please contact:
- Southbrook Road 0203 228 9200
- Speedwell 0203 228 1200.
Where can I find help and advice about benefits?
You and the person you care for may be entitled to financial benefits, some of which are not means tested. Below are some of the places you can get help. It is important to get advice as the benefits system is extremely complex.
To find out which benefits you may be entitled to contact:
- National Benefits Free Line
0800 882200
- Carers Lewisham
020 8699 8686
- Evelyn 190 Centre
020 8691 7180
Carers Lewisham and 190 Centre will help with form filling.
Do I need help looking after my own health?
Yes. Tell your GP or health centre that you are a carer.
You may be given:
- information and advice on the medical needs of the person you are caring for
- a health check and access to a stress relieving project
- advice and training in moving and handling.
Am I young carer?
A young carer is a child or young person, whose life is in some way restricted by the need to look after or help a parent, other relative or friend who needs extra help with daily living because of a disability.
Help is available for young carers and their families. Contact the Young Carers Project.