Connect to Support Surrey
Connect to Support Surrey is an online resource that provides information on how to stay independent, safe and well. It offers a central location to find details of sources for care and support, local groups, charities, transport and public bodies.
https://www.connecttosupportsurrey.org.uk/
Day Centres
Day centres are run by the local district or borough council and often include activities and lunch clubs. Some can also provide mini-bus pick-up should you need it. Find out more:
https://www.connecttosupportsurrey.org.uk/information-and-advice/loneliness-and-social-isolation/day-centres/
Exercise and Leisure Groups
To find exercise and leisure groups in your local area, search for them on https://www.connecttosupportsurrey.org.uk/
Transport
Community transport is for people who are unable to access conventional public transport. There are a number of transport schemes across the county. This can include community buses, Dial-a-ride, volunteer car schemes and Demand responsive Transport (DRT).
Contact your local borough council for further information on what transport schemes you can access.
Charitable Organisations offering Transport
There is an overview below of some charitable local transport options below which are not provided by the local council. These organisations often ask drivers for a small donation towards each journey.
- Care in Weybridge (KT13 postcode). Website: www.careinweybridge.org.uk. Contact information: 07881 698381 / info@careinweybridge.org.uk
- Spelthorne Volunteer Drivers. Website: https://spelthornevolunteerdrivers.org.uk/. If you want this support call: 07817 926736
- Stanwell good neighbours’ scheme (SIGNS).Website: https://familyinformationdirectory.surreycc.gov.uk/kb5/surrey/fsd/service.page?id=j9ZD_xTse_c. If you would like this support you can call 07553 221796
- Ashford helping hands (TW15 postcode). Website: https://www.ashfordhelpinghands.co.uk/community/ashford-helping-hands-19766/home/. If you want this support call 07754 083502 (Mon-Fri: 9 am to 11 am)
- Care in Shepperton (TW17 postcode). Website: http://www.care-in-shepperton.org.uk// If you want like this support, call 07824 833863 (Mon-Fri, 09.30-12.00)
Handyman/Person Schemes
Borough and district councils across Surrey have employed or commissioned handyman services to carry out small repairs and adaptations for people experiencing difficulties living safely in their home.
For further information, go to https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/adults/choosing-the-right-care/staying-independent/adapting-your-home
Carers support
Action for carers
Action for Carers is a Charity that offers help to carers of all ages, right across Surrey, with information, emotional support, and advice. If you are looking after a friend or family member who couldn’t manage without your help, they can support you.
Please see their website for more information: https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk/how-we-help/
Crossroads
Crossroads Care Surrey is a registered charity dedicated to providing information, advice and practical support to all unpaid carers, their families and the people for whom they care.
The main service is the Care Replacement Break (respite):
- Fully trained care support worker goes into the home and spends time with the patient to provide the carer with respite. Approximately 35 hours of respite is provided free of charge (usually 3.5 hours for 10 weeks). This is not means tested.
- The Care support worker provides companionship, helps with therapeutic activities and completes any care needs during that time e.g. medication, food prep, PEG feeding, personal care tasks. Can also take them out in their own vehicle e.g. to garden centre.
The 2nd main service is the Surrey carers card:
- The first option simply contains the contact details of a substitute carer and is a good option if you already have a trusted second person who can step in to provide care.
- The second option comes with a unique reference number, which enables a personalised 24/7 Emergency Care Plan to be implemented and comes with up to 48 hours of emergency support. In an emergency, Crossroads is called and a care support worker can go to be with the cared for person for up to 48 hours and complete all caring tasks until carer or another family member is available.
Please see their website for more information: https://crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk/
Surrey Community Action – Good Neighbours Scheme
There are over 100 voluntary good neighbour schemes in Surrey. Most of the groups take people to and from hospital, GP and other health appointments. Some groups offer befriending, shopping, library book and prescription collections, or run lunch and social clubs. It is always worth asking if a Good Neighbours group can help you.
AbilityNet
AbilityNet is a charity that supports older people and disabled people to access the digital world. They also offer support with building a workplace that suits you.
They can either support over the phone or come out to your home.
For more information, visit their website https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-tech-support-and-info