What is a Break?

A break is different things to different people. It could be:

• Having your hair done
• Going shopping
• Visit to the pub
• A few hours on your own
• Day out together with the person you care for
• Doing the garden
• Having a holiday
• Learning something new
• Going to a carer support group
• Visiting relatives/ friends
• Getting a good night's sleep

Whatever you consider is a break for you, it might be difficult for you to see how you would manage it.

Why take a break?

There are many benefits to be gained both for you and the person you are caring for, to have a change from your normal daily routine. It gives you a chance to recharge your batteries and have time for yourself.

How do I get a break with the help of Social Services?

There are different types of services available to help you to take some time off and they are provided according to the needs of the person you are caring for. The most common form of respite care is provided through one or more of the following:

• Day Care Centres - within the borough, provided for different client groups. Activity programmes and therapies may be available within these centres.
  
  
• Sitting services in the home - a service providing appropriate care at home, enabling you to have time to yourself.
  
  
• Respite in a residential/ nursing home - this provides an opportunity for you to have the house to yourself for a short time, or to go away. It can also give the person you are caring for a change of scenery and meet new people.

If you have a social worker/ care manager/ CPN - you should ask for a Carers Assessment where you will have the opportunity to discuss your needs.

If you are not already in contact with services - you should contact the Initial Contact Services (ICS) on
Tel: 020 8227 2915 and ask for a Carers Assessment.

You need to be aware that although there are eligibility criteria for services provided by Social Services, you should always contact them first, as the assessment will determine your eligibility.

What are the alternatives?

If you:

• Are not eligible for support from Social Services
• Choose not to be in contact with Social Services or
• Want to arrange a break additional to your normal respite

Contact Carers of Barking & Dagenham who will discuss your needs with you. We may then be able to make the necessary arrangements to assist you in 'taking a break'. Carers of B&D also receive funding from Social Services to enable creative and flexible respite for carers and their families. Telephone us on 020 8593 4422 and ask to speak to a support worker.

You might find the following information useful:

ANCHOR CARE
Provides Flexi break, sitting service, personal care and domestic services.

Anchor Care
124 Goodmayes Lane
Ilford
Essex IG3 9FX
Tel: 020 8590 6604

BARKING & DAGENHAM CROSSROADS
Crossroads provide support for those who care for people with disabilities in their own home. Trained staff take over the duties of the carer for a short while to provide respite for carers. Crossroads also run a holiday activity scheme for children with disabilities aged 5 - 16 yrs during the Easter and Summer school holidays.

Barking & Dagenham Crossroads
13 Althorne Way
Dagenham
Essex RM10 7AY
Tel: 020 8984 7689
E-Mail: bark.dag-crosssroads@care4 free.net

BARKING & DAGENHAM MENCAP
Mencap provide a Holiday Service for people with learning difficulties and their carers. For more information contact:

Mencap,
29 Woodward Road
Dagenham
Essex RM9 4SJ
Tel: 020 8517 6515
E-Mail: bdmencap@hotmail.com

DISABLEMENT ASSOCIATION OF BARKING & DAGENHAM
The Disablement Association run a Holiday and Leisure Service and frequently organise trips and holidays that cater for people with disabilities and their carers.

Disablement Association
Central Office
Pembroke Gardens
Degenham
Essex RM10 7YP
Tel: 020 8592 8603
E-Mail: dabd@btconnect.com

HOLIDAY CARE SERVICE
The Holiday Care Service provide information for people with disabilities and their carers about suitable holiday and short break accommodation.

Holiday Care Service
7th Floor,                                                                Sunley House,                                                                4 Bedford Park,                                                       Croydon, Surrey                                                           CR0 2AP
InfoLine: 0845 124 9971

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to know about respite and holiday facilities that are available for a particular disability, then some of the national and regional organisations can provide you with this information, and in some cases the service itself. Below are some other organisations that may be able to help you.

Arthritis Care                                                                   Freephone HelpLine: 0808 800 4050                     

Huntington's Disease Association                                Tel: 020 7223 7000

Multiple Sclerosis Society                                                 Tel: 020 8938 8148

Royal National Institute for the Blind                                Tel: 0845 766 9999

Royal National Institute for the Deaf                                Tel: 0870 605 0123

Scope                                                                       Tel: 0808 800 3333

Terrence Higgins Trust                                               Tel: 0845 1221 200

If you need further information please call
Carers of Barking & Dagenham on
Telephone No:  0208 593 4422