Hillingdon Carers is an independent charity that delivers a wide range of local support services to meet the needs of carers in London Borough of Hillingdon.

Hillingdon Carers Video – To view the Hillingdon Carers video, click on the image on the left (will open in a new window)

We can provide:

• Information and advice about all issues affecting carers, including benefits, breaks, respite and support services, carer assessment procedures, aids and adaptations
• Emotional support for carers to talk through their concerns, thus helping to alleviate isolation and stress.
• Community consultation – carers need a unified voice in any locality to ensure that they have an impact on decision-making. By working with other agencies and consulting carers, Hillingdon Carers can have an influence on local policy, planning procedures and outcomes.
• Advocacy – at tribunals, assessments, case reviews, assistance to access funds and services, or whenever a carer needs a friend or supporter
• Practical help – befriending, breaks, benefits advice
• Training and education – in skills often needed by carers, such as moving and handling, first aid, from personal development to stress reduction through relaxation and counselling.
• Fun – time out, breaks, the opportunity to enjoy a social life, taking into account carers special needs and sense of isolation

Our Services:

-      Information, Advice and Support for carers of all ages includes drop-in Advice Centre for Carers in Uxbridge, websites, written information, provision of Carer Advisors, benefit checks, advocacy, home visiting service, availability at venues across the borough.

-      Health and Wellbeing Services for adult carers includes GP outreach service, advocacy with health services, development work with health services, drop-in cafes for carers, relaxation sessions, counselling, arts courses, training for carers, step up support to access other leisure services.

-      Young Carers Services includes one to one support, specialist support for children and young people affected by substance misuse of an adult, Saturday Clubs for fun activities with other young carers and learning opportunities, school holiday activities, residential breaks, advocacy with education and training providers.

Support groups

SHHAJO Support Group
The group aims to provide culturally sensitive support to carers, alleviate social isolation, empower the carers to voice their needs and concerns and to organise social/recreational activities. For more information please call the office on 01895 811206.

Carers Cafes

Northwood Cafe
Emmanuel Church, High Street, Northwood
1.30-3.00pm
2nd Tuesday of every month

West Drayton Cafe
Southlands Art Centre, The Green, West Drayton
2.00-3.30pm
1st Thursday of every month.

Harefield Cafe
St Marys Church Hall, Church Hill, Harefield
1.30-3.00pm
4th Thursday of every month.

Hayes Cafe
Hayes & Harlington Community Centre, Albert Road, Hayes
11.00am-1.00pm
Last Thursday of every month

These are drop-in cafes which are open to all carers and their families.
Speakers are regularly invited to speak on topics that are relevant to carers.
For more information please call the office on 01895 811206.

Partnership Projects

Carers Therapeutic Care (The British Red Cross)

The British Red Cross Therapeutic Care for Carers is designed to help relieve the stress of caring. The treatment provided is a gentle neck and shoulder massage, hand and forearm treatment and a manicure. These sessions are offered in both the south and the north of the borough. A light lunch is provided and staff from Hillingdon Carers are present to give information and emotional support if needed.

Carers Arts (LBH Arts Service)

This is an Arts for Carers service that offers carers the opportunity to access structured arts-based courses which allows them to take a short break from their caring responsibilities. They range from all sorts of themes from floristry, creative crafts and music appreciation. The project is supported by the London Borough of Hillingdon Arts Service.
These courses are only available through Hillingdon Carers newsletter

Counselling

Counselling is offered to carers that feel they are under a lot of stress and need to talk to someone who is not within the family environment. The Counselling sessions usually last 50 minutes and take place regularly in a private and confidential setting. The overall length of time spent in counselling depends on the concerns and issues of the carer.

Please note there is a waiting list, but we can signpost carers to an alternative counselling service.