Our Aims
It is estimated that 15% of the population are Carers. That means there are approximately 5.8million Carers in the UK and 112,000 Carers in Derbyshire. Of those Carers in Derbyshire 40,000 care for someone in their own home.
Derbyshire Carers Association recognise that the responsibility of caring for someone who cannot manage at home without help often places great physical and emotional strain upon the Carer.
Whether you Care for someone for a few hours a week or for 24 hours a day, we can offer you a wide range of confidential and independent services, helping you to Care.
We campaign for better resources, help with planning of services with appropriate agencies, and liaise with organisations with similar aims.
We have offices in all parts of the county with local Area Co ordinators responding to the needs of Carers in the community.
INFORMATION
We provide a wide range of information to assist you in your role as a Carer. We have information on specific illnesses and disabilities, aids and adaptations, respite care, agency services, holidays, support groups, and carer publications. If we cannot give you the information that you are requesting, we will certainly do our best to find it for you as quick as possible.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
We realise the importance of individual support. You may wish to talk privately, face to face, and we can arrange to visit you in your own home or some other suitable venue to discuss whatever you wish.
TELEPHONE SUPPORT
We can also offer you telephone support, for times when perhaps you may have a problem you want to talk through with someone, or you may simply wish to talk about your feelings and needs
ADVOCACY SUPPORT
Our Area Co ordinators can act as advocate for you - supporting you, or speaking on your behalf - whilst attending meetings with you. We can support you by telephone to obtain services for you as a Carer.
SUPPORT GROUPS
DCA has established Support Groups throughout the county to support Carers locally. These groups give Carers the opportunity to discuss problems and share experiences together in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, and they also organise social events on occasions.
CRISIS SUPPORT LINE
A 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, Crisis Support Line is operated by trained staff who will speak to you in confidence. Telephone 01332 364444 for this service. This service is operated by the Derby Samaritans
More information, including a printed information pack, is available from our Head Office.
