Practical help
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Looking after your own health
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Free breaks and time out
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Groups, clubs and activities
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Training opportunities
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Library offers
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We are leading on Wiltshire Investors in Carers which aims to raise awareness of work already being undertaken to support Carers in GP practices in Wiltshire.
This scheme has been developed by local Carers, members of voluntary agencies, a number of GP surgeries and NHS Wiltshire and Wiltshire Council. There are three levels of attainments: bronze, silver and gold.
All practices in Wiltshire have a protocol for the identification of Carers and a mechanism to refer Carers for social services assessment. However, how actively the benefits of identifying yourself as a Carer to the practice are publicised, and the additional support and services Carers receive varies greatly between practices.
We hope the scheme will encourage all surgeries to understand and support carers by implementing the suggested actions in the award scheme and develop partnership working with Carer Support Wiltshire.
Carers Clinics
Many GP surgeries in Wiltshire offer regular FREE health check clinics especially for carers. It's a chance for carers to have routine tests done such as blood pressure and cholesterol as well as an opportunity to speak to a support worker and/or someone about finance and benefits.
Being a carer often takes up a lot of time and can often have an effect on your health so having a routine check-up could be beneficial to look after yourself like you look after another.
Some GP surgeries also have a Carers Register where you can record your carer status.
Ask in your surgery if they offer a Carers Clinic to find out more.
Breaks Prescription Service
Is caring for your family member or friend having a negative impact on your own health? Are you in need of a break?
We hav e launc hed a new scheme which means you can access a FREE break (up to the value of £50) through your local GP Surgery. The break can be something like a gym membership, a sports activity, complementary therapy, hair and beauty appointment, or, if circumstances allow, a day out. Anything which ensures you get some time to yourself and a bit of a treat.
All you have to do is go and see your GP, Practice Nurse or Health Care Worker and enquire about having a break through Carer Support Wiltshire.
Counselling Services
Counselling is sometimes called “Talking Therapy”. Telling the counsellor about your feelings may help to clarify why you feel the way you do. You will not normally be given advice or opinions but will be offered an opportunity to look at your problems from several angles and decide what you would like to try and do about them.
Please get in touch with us if you think that counselling may help you.