Carers in Southampton (CiS) is a free service for adults who give their time, unpaid, to look after a family member, friend or neighbour with additional support needs.
The service is funded by Southampton City Council to manage statutory carer's assessments. These identify needs and determine eligibility to receive specific services and a discretionary personal budget.
CiS also provide support and relevant information to informal carers. More details may be found below.
Who can use the service?
Any adult who gives up their time, unpaid, to look after someone who needs additional support, such as a family member, a friend, or a neighbour.
You must be resident in a Southampton city postcode or looking after someone who lives in a Southampton city postcode.
The service offers:
Carers Assessments
Carer’s assessments in England are for adult carers of adults (over 18 years) who are disabled, ill or elderly. It aims to identify your needs as a carer and should pinpoint what help and support you might need in maintaining your own health and well-being, while continuing your caring role.
Your completed assessment will be used to determine your eligibility to receive services and support; however, all carers are eligible for information and advice. Southampton City Council offer a Carers Assessment to carers who are resident in a Southampton city postcode or looking after someone who lives in a Southampton city postcode.
Carers Cards
Carers Cards provide proof of your role as a carer and also offer discounts to you if you live or look after someone who lives in a property with a Southampton city postcode. It will not affect your benefits.
Applicants must register for or have completed a Carers Assessment. NB Parent carers and young carers are also eligible.
Information, resources and news updates
The CiS Website holds a wide range of information and resources that are easy to search.
Our Newsletters, Website, Facebook and Twitter feeds provide useful, timely information to carers on relevant issues, news and events, rights and entitlements.
Personal support
CiS give advice and support via our dedicated phone line 023 8058 2387 staffed by our team 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.
You can talk to any one of our experienced team of link workers, each with their own specialist area, who can be a key point of contact to provide advice and information to you.
Learning and training opportunities
CiS publicise a range of social and learning opportunities across Southampton that aim to be relevant to carers in a range of different caring situations and with a variety of interests.
Social engagement
CiS host a monthly Carers Lunch in Portswood with an invited guest speaker.
Emergency Planning
When someone relies on you being there, most of us nominate a friend or family member you can phone and ask to step in if there is a crisis. Carers are now able to put their emergency plans on the Southampton City Council (SCC) database so that they are accessible to emergency services and adult social care if needed, even during outside of normal working hours. You can choose which sections of the form you complete. The form, along with information and guidance is available to download or complete online here: Emergency Plan.
Carer Friendly Companies
Any business in Southampton can use this free resource. The CiS Carer Friendly Company Charter encourages organisations to identify unpaid carers, signpost our service and create policies to provide an environment where carers’ needs can be met within the scope of their employment structure.