Deafblind UK has launched a new package of services for people who care for, support or look after anyone with sight and hearing loss living in Cambridgeshire.
Head of National Services, Clare Watson said: “We believe there are over 60,000 people who care for others in Cambridgeshire and many of these will be caring for people with sight and hearing loss.”
“We speak to so many people who are caring for loved ones with sight and hearing loss and they’re exhausted. They are continually being someone else’s eyes and ears, taking on their emotional challenges as well as their own and putting their own wellbeing aside.
“We understand that carers are facing their own battles too. Our ‘Caring for you’ service aims to give you the time, attention and headspace to feel more like you. We can help you to deal with the stress and anxiety that comes with caring for someone who is deafblind and help to motivate you to be the best carer you can.”
The new services from Deafblind UK include emotional support to help you make sense of your emotions, and social opportunities to connect you to other people in a similar position to you.
The service has been kindly funded by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Innovate & Cultivate Fund and includes:
- Remote friendship groups to give you the opportunity to socialise with other carers of deafblind people and discuss real issues with people who are in a similar situation
- Telephone befriending service – specifically for those who care for people who are deafblind. We can introduce you to a friendly volunteer for regular chats and support
- Six-week support service – giving you emotional support via telephone or video call, to help you through particularly tough times
- Counselling service (remote) – If you are going through a particularly difficult time then our counselling service can help you to understand your emotions and make sense of what’s going on. This service is via telephone or video call.
- Carers Facebook Group – Our Carers Facebook Group gives you the chance to connect with other carers of people who are deafblind in a safe, private online environment
- Technology support (remote) – We can help you to use the latest technology to stay connected and access online services to make your life a little bit easier
- A friendly, accessible helpline available five days a week to answer any questions you and your family might have
- Holidays – Book a stay in one of our self catering caravans to relax and unwind. Holidays are available in Norfolk and North Wales, at a heavily reduced rates
- Open Hand – Our quarterly magazine, Open Hand, is free for carers and contains useful and interesting information for people who have sight and hearing loss
- Christmas and birthday wishes – We can contact you at Christmas or on your birthday to remind you that someone is thinking of you.
To find out more or to access any of the above free services, contact Deafblind UK:
Call: 0800 132 320
Web: www.deafblind.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Text: 07903572885
Twitter and Facebook: @DeafblindUK
