Signal 4 Carers

A carer is someone who provides unpaid, informal help and support to family or friends. You could be caring for a partner, child, relative, friend or a neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or who has mental health or substance misuse problems; anyone can become a carer at any age.

Recognising yourself as a carer can be a way of acknowledging that you have an important role. Your role may be rewarding but one which can also be stressful and demanding.

Being a carer can mean:

• You risk injury helping someone out of bed
• Physically and emotionally tired when you do not get a break
• You are socially isolated not having time for friends and family
• You lose self-confidence
• Do not have the time to continue with your hobbies and interests
• You face financial difficulties
• You feel guilty, angry or frustrated

As a carer, it is important you are aware of the range of help and services available, locally and nationally, so you can get the help and support you need to continue caring without putting your own health or emotional well-being at risk.

SIGNAL
SIGNAL is run by local charity The Ark Trust CIO, and is funded by Bracknell Forest Council and East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group.  SIGNAL provides the following free services for unpaid (non-professional) or informal carers who care for someone in Bracknell Forest;

Support
Listening, encouragement and emotional support to help you and directing you to the services you need to help in your caring role. We have also been making regular phone calls to isolated carers during the pandemic.
Information
Through newsletters, email bulletins or social media.
Guidance
For example; helping to complete forms or emergency planning.
Networking
Meeting other carers at support groups, lunches or virtually.
Advice
We can provide more detailed information and advice on local services and topics such as the Mental Capacity Act or Continuing Health Care.
Learning
We provide some training to help you fulfil your caring role e.g. first aid.

SIGNAL’s community workers can provide advice and guidance over the telephone, via email, a home visit or from our offices in North Ascot (subject to Government restrictions during the pandemic). Our office is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Please book an appointment in advance with our community workers.