In addition to the services we provide, there is a wide range of care services available from others, including:   

• Help and advice about money matters - The Department for Work and Pensions Pension Service provides benefits and allowances. They also offer advice on benefits, along with Citizens Advice Bureaux and Welfare Benefits offices. Some charities have money available to help local people in need.     

• Advocacy, support and counselling - These may be available from voluntary organisations like Age Concern. Advocacy offers someone to help you and to act on your behalf, especially with official matters.   

• Luncheon clubs, social clubs and self help groups - These are run by many different groups across the county.   

• Alarm telephones and Carelines - These allow you to summon help in an emergency.     

• Sheltered housing - This may be available through Housing offices.   

• Voluntary organisations - These may provide a range of different services such as shopping, transport and visiting. Carers support groups are available providing emotional and practical support. Citizens Advice Bureaux offer advice on a wide range of problems including employment, debt, housing and tax.   

• Health services  - These are provided in the community and in hospital. You can get information about them from your Doctor, Nurse or Health Visitor, or from Community Health Councils and telephone helplines like NHS Direct.   

• Private services  - There is a range of services available privately from companies and individuals. These include cleaning and other domestic help at home, nursing care, care at home and care in residential and nursing homes.     

• Equipment for daily living and adaptations  - These can be bought from local and national companies, chemists and other shops.     

• Help with mobility  -There is a range of services available to those with difficulties getting around. Shopmobility schemes which hire out electric vehicles to people with mobility problems are available in some towns. Keys for toilets for disabled people and advice for disabled drivers are available from local Disability groups.