Carers in Southampton offer free services for adults providing unpaid care to someone with ill health or disability
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 or be looking after someone who lives in a Southampton city postcode.
Free services:
- Support workers offer information, service navigation and onward referral.
- Carer cards provide identity and access to discounts.
- Emergency plan template with option for storage/access by SCC.
- Statutory carers assessments evaluate eligibility for services and a small discretionary budget.
- Regular information sessions covering common issues.
- Website with directory of services and information.
Specialist Carer Support Workers
Support is provided 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 carer support workers, each with their own specialist area, who can be a key point of contact to provide information to you, signpost relevant services and make referrals to other organisations, for example, for specific advice or support.
Carer's Cards
Carer's 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 Carer's Assessment (NB Parent carers and young carers are also eligible.)
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's Assessments
Statutory carer’s assessments in England are for adult carers of adults (over 18 years) who are disabled, ill or elderly. They aim to identify what help and support you need in maintaining your own health and well-being, while continuing your caring role.
Whilst all carers are eligible for information and support via CiS staff, your completed Carer's Assessment will be used to determine your eligibility to receive specific services and support from the local authority. Southampton City Council offer a Carer's Assessment to carers who are resident in a Southampton city postcode or looking after someone who lives in a Southampton city postcode.
Social Engagement
CiS host a monthly Carers Lunch in Portswood with an invited guest speaker on relevant topics. Details of all events are posted on our website here.
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.
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. See here.
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.