A blog for mental health Carers with upcoming dates for the monthly SW London online peer support groups.

Information and advice (including about diagnosis), research and support groups.

Great support when you don’t have a lot of time, including free online coaching and a monthly wellbeing calendar.

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who give expert practical, clinical and emotional support to families living with dementia to help them cope. They are registered nurses, and have significant experience of working with people with dementia before becoming an Admiral Nurse. You can contact us for a referral or visit their website for more information.

Information and advice on on a wide range of issues related to caring, including dementia, cost of living/benefits, and legal issues eg. power of attorney.

Age UK has lots of useful fact sheets, this one is on bereavement. You can also call Age UK and ask them to post their “Bereavement” leaflet to you. The Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602 Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year

Age UK have published a number of really useful factsheets covering all sorts of topics. This link takes you to the full list which have subheadings, e.g. head to the 'Social Care' section, for factsheets about paying for care.

Providing a range of services to guide, support and help older people, their families, carers, including a Help at Home service and Dementia wellbeing support group.

All Aboard Club runs play sessions for autistic and ADHD children, to build their confidence, develop their social skills and just be themselves, playing with huge train sets in a safe, understanding and supportive environment.

Research charity supporting anyone affected by any form of dementia, providing information, practical and emotional support to help people live well with dementia. Trained advisors available by phone and online community for peer support.

Support, information and advice from early years to adulthood and employment.

The Parent's Toolkit offers the parenting community, stories, expert advice and activities to help support children in a changing world, including autism, school refusal and SEND.

Support for who self-harm and parents, friends and carers or anyone affected by self-harm.

Supporting bladder and bowel health for everyone, providing information, advice and access to the 'I can't wait' card.

Parking benefits for people with disabilities. Ask us if you would like assistance applying.

There are over 600 known neurological conditions including strokes, head injuries, muscular dystrophy and motor neurone disease (MND). The Brain and Spine Foundation run a range of peer support groups for people affected by neurological conditions and their families and friends. The Neuro Carers group meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 10.30-11.30am online via Zoom.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) help Children and Young People who are experiencing mental health issues. Their services can be found in schools, local community clinics or at our main site at Spring University Hospital.

The CAMHS Crisis Line is for CYP or parents/carers concerned about a young person's mental health. The number is 020 3228 5980 Monday to Friday 5.00pm - 11.00pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9am - 11pm The main mental health crisis line operates outsides of these hours.

The Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema.

The independent regulator of health and social care in England where you can access inspection reports to find, compare and give feedback on services.

This organisation aims to turn unused holiday accommodation into free breaks to Carers. You have to pay an admin charge to register and you're all set to request a short break!

Find out if you're eligible for Carer's Credits to help fill gaps in your National Insurance record.  If you care for someone for over 20 hours a week, you could be eligible. 

Free club for Carers and parents providing discounts.

Carers Card UK offers a paid for ID card for anyone that looks after someone that needs help and support.

It provides reassurance by including your Emergency Contact details (ICE), whilst unlocking discounts, a Wellbeing Hub, Carer Circle tool, and more through their app.

We are a network partner of Carers Trust, which aims to ensure that unpaid carers are heard, valued and have access to the support, advice and resources they need to live a fulfilling life alongside caring.

A national charity offering expert information, advice and support and also campaigning to make life better for carers.

Charity supporting children with brain conditions and their families, with a free helpline for parents/ carers of children with autism, AHDH etc. Detailed support on sleep issues, toileting, filling in DLA forms etc.

Cheam Priory is a specialist Day Centre for those living with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Call 0800 1111 to discuss any issues issues causing distress or concern. Childline offers free support to anyone under 19 with any issue they’re going through. Young people can talk about anything, whether it’s something big or small, with trained counsellors. The
childline.org.uk/kids service is aimed at primary aged children.

Lots of free resources for families.

A registered charity that provides information and advice on issues such as housing, welfare benefits, employment, debt and relationship breakdown. Sutton CAB Service provide a free, confidential, independent and impartial service.

Commissioned by LBS to support schools, families and children/young people to access, enjoy and thrive in educational settings in school and in the community, including through Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, the Autism Service, SIASS and other support.

An education support service, focusing on supporting schools to provide an inclusive education for young people with social communication difficulties, or a diagnosis of autism.

Conquest Art run art groups for people with disabilities with groups in Cheam, Worcester Park, Epsom, Kingston and other locations.

Contact offer information and advice, early years support, benefit advice including tips on completing forms and educational and learning opportunities.

Unpaid carers may be able to claim a Council Tax discount if they are living with the person they care for (and if that person is not their partner or child under 18).

Cranstoun are a non-profit, independent, non-government organisation providing a range of high quality specialist services to tackle the impact and harm caused by drugs and/ or alcohol to individuals and communities.

Support in dealing with grief and bereavement.

A membership scheme for free door-to-door transport service for disabled people who can't use buses, trains or the Tube.

Details on eligibility and application for free local public transport.

Get a third off fares for the person with a disability and their companion.

Driving Miss Daisy companion drivers will ensure you arrive at your destination safely, comfortably and on time in our wheelchair accessible vehicles. They can accompany you to medical appointments and take notes, and also offer companionship, playing board games, organise shopping or join you for a stroll. Find out more on the website.

NHS website with practical ideas on looking after our wellbeing.

Based in Kingston, Express CIC offer support groups, social groups, clubs, events and counselling. They try to offer something for everyone with a link to ASD, including parents/ Carers.

FRANK is a helpline providing information and advice about drugs and information on local services. Open 24/7 call 0800 7766001. For people with hearing impairments Textphone 0300 123 10992.

Provides grants for low income families raising disabled or seriously ill child.

Advice regarding problems finding childcare or accessing services. Contact via the link or at any Sutton Children's Centre.

National helpline and support for all parents/carers, including a section on parenting teenagers.

Based in Kingston, providing support, friendship and understanding to adults in our community living with ADHD and comorbid disorders regardless of diagnoses.

First contact point for all enquiries related to the Children and Young People Disability Service, including support required from Occupational Therapy, Short breaks, iCount and Transitions, and any query relating to Children’s Social Care.

Read about the qualifying disabilities, travel allowances and apply. If you need help with any disability forms, give us a call.

Read about Freedom passes, how to apply and what travel allowance If. If you need help with any forms, give us a call as we may be able to help.

A local Day Centre in Wallington where staff are trained in supporting older people with a range of age related conditions, including short-term memory loss and dementia. Visit the website to find out more and arrange a visit. Transport may be available.

A guide to local health services and legal guidance to help and support children, young people and their families who have a range of needs.

A simple tool to voluntarily share with others that you – or the person you are caring for - has a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you or they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, on transport, or in public spaces.

Local charity providing home-visit support from trained volunteers for families with children under 5

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice is a charity offering free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including useful template letters to use.

A support group for adults with ASD covering the Croydon and Sutton areas.

Support, information and advice on a range of issues affecting older people from money to health and welfare. They provide lots of clear factsheets aimed at older people and their families which can be downloaded or requested by post.

Jigsaw4u provide a range of services for children, young people and families experiencing complex social emotional difficulties.

Free, safe, confidential and anonymous online support mental health service for young people aged between 11 and 21. Young people can get the support and help they need, when it's right for them, through a range of options from self-help articles and forums.

Information on the LBS disregard scheme for people who are mentally impaired, for example with dementia and in receipt of a disability benefit. If you need further assistance ask us for a benefit check.

Information and referral details for elderly and disabled friends and relatives who need support to stay living in their own homes. Contact us for assistance with referrals for Care Needs Assessments and Carers Assessments.

Information to make register or end a lasting power of attorney (LPA), a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.

Our local authority is responsible for the local area, from waste collection to housing, planning and maintaining our roads and parks. There social services department complete care and carer assessments to help access care and support.

Access annually publish directory of care facilities near you. You can access a pdf copy online or ask us for a hard copy.

A taxi card provides low cost journeys in a large Black Taxis. If you would like help applying, let us know.

Our Sutton Men in sheds group meets regularly for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. Further details on their Facebook page @HillHouseStHelier or by emailing meninsheds@communityactionsutton.org.uk. If you're not in Sutton, you may have a meet up closer to you, check the website.

If you - or the person you care for -  is in a mental health crisis, you can contact the Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 8000 which is staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and can link you to support. 

Practical advice to manage your own wellbeing while caring for someone else.

Useful tips, practical information, wellbeing advice on how to take care of yourself.

Money A+E provides money advice & education to disadvantaged groups, Diverse Ethnic Communities (DEC) and young people.

MoneyHelper offers free and useful guidance on money, benefits, pensions and more.

Services, support and tips if you care for someone under 21, and moving to adult social services.

NHS guide to help if you or someone you care about is autistic or might be autistic.

Lots of helpful information for anyone looking after another person including practical tips if you care for someone.

A supportive community dedicated to empowering parents of children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences or whose children present with neurodivergent characteristics.

The NATP run Listening Circles (peer support groups) for parents; our nearest one meets in Epsom. They also have a national virtual Listening Circle and a virtual Listening Circle just for men.

Lots of information for people on the spectrum and their families and friends.

Sutton branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS) run entirely by unpaid volunteers, many of whom are parents / carers of autistic children.

Parent-led organisation supporting parents and professionals to reduce violent, difficult and dangerous behaviour in children and young people with a disability and/or an additional need.

A Community Interest Company working with adults with learning disabilities. Focusing on employment through Social Enterprises.

An Adult Day Care Centre situated in South Carshalton and providing care for the elderly within the LB Sutton and its environs. Their main aim is to address loneliness and isolation and provide respite care for families and Carers. They can now support clients with dementia. Transport may be available.

Off the Record works with children and young people, offer counselling, a helpline and online services to young people aged 11-25, as well as support for parents and carers.

Offers information and support via their website, events and on-line enquiry service.

Are you affected by child to parent abuse? PEGS aims to reduce the impact of CPA by supporting parents and professionals.

Specialist playgroup and support for babies and children up to 8 with Special Educational Needs.

Practical advice about what to do when someone dies, including applying for benefits.

Practical, caring and innovative solutions to enable disabled children and adults to live their lives to the fullest extent possible. Includes transport option advice, support and assessments.

Online information and guidance regarding funeral costs and practicalities after a death as well as free and confidential advice if you are struggling with the cost of organising a funeral anywhere in the UK.

Disability Rights UK sell Radar Keys allow entrance to disability toilets (eg at stations).

Free befriending service offering regular, friendly chats for older people and regular socials and activities to reduce isolation and loneliness.

The Recovery College specialises in helping people with substance misuse issues, using a recovery-based approach to encourage people to become experts in their own self-care and wellbeing. They run courses giving students the tools to make informed choices, become experts in their own recovery, and to help them do the things they want to in life.

SES Water offer a priority list for vulnerable customers, discounts for low income households and free gadgets to help save water useage. You can check out their website or get in touch and we can make a referral for you.

If you can't afford a lawyer, Law Centres offer free and independent legal advice on social welfare issues including housing, debt, immigration and employment.

Our leading provider of mental health services across south west London. They serve over a million people across the London boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth, providing care and treatment through a variety of mental health services for adults and children, both in community and in-patient facilities.

Samaritans is a 24/7 helpline that offers free, confidential and anonymous support to people who are feeling depressed, lonely, suicidal, or just need to talk. Get support by phone on 116123 and if you need to speak to someone in another language, just ask.

Extra support for children with disabilities or SEN outside of school (funded by Sutton Council) are called “short breaks”.

The UK 's first 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in crisis. Text Shout at any time to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer .

Lots of ideas for brothers and sisters of children or adults with extra needs, including resources for younger siblings.