Carer Support Service
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health, substance misuse or learning disability (NHS England).
Carers are unpaid and shouldn’t be confused with care workers or care assistants, who received payment for looking after someone.
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 whose life is restricted in some way by offering care, help and support to another person. Their protection and support is vital to ensure they can have all the opportunities that would be open to them if they weren’t undertaking this caring role.
Recognising the significance of carers, University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has stepped up to provide much-needed support, advice, and information to carers, both in the hospital and in the community.
Last year Southampton Hospitals Charity took over the funding and delivery responsibility for the Carers Support Service at UHS.
As a Charity, we are committed to supporting patients and delivering more services, and our carers support service is at the forefront of this. We aim to work closely with carers, offering emotional support and being an advocate for their involvement during the stay of their loved ones in the hospital.
Gloria Ede, our Carers Lead, works closely with partner agencies and local authorities, referring carers for assessments and signposting carers to voluntary community services for specialist support.
Our carers service is run by a team of volunteers under the supervision of Gloria. The support we provide includes the following:
- We offer emotional support to carers by telephone or in person.
- We refer for carers assessment.
- We signpost to other support services in the community.
- We advocate for carers involvement in decision making in line with the Health and Care Act 2022.
- We support carers through complaint processes.
- We collect feedback on carers involvement.
Carers Cafe
A weekly drop in session is held each Wednesday from 2pm to 5pm at the MOP hub discharge lounge, G level, West Wing, Southampton General Hospital, with carers lead Gloria Ede.
Carer meal voucher
If you are staying overnight to provide care while the person you care for is an inpatient, you may be entitled to a food voucher to use in the restaurant on B level. Please get in touch to find out if you are eligible.
Hear From Gloria our carers service lead
Because all carers have different responsibilities and requirements, our carers support service is centred around your individual needs and preferences. We aim to tailor the support we offer to you. You will have the opportunity to discuss your particular circumstances with a carers support volunteer on a one-to-one basis.
Please get in touch so that we may discuss how we can best support you.