Helpful organisations
Useful links & further reading…
There are plenty of places where you can get additional support. We have compiled this list of all the useful organisations we use and regularly pass onto our clients
Contents:
General help & advice
Carer support groups
Befriending & socialisation groups
Condition specific support
Mental health support
Financial support
Equipment & adaptations
Transport
Food & drink
General help & advice
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Hertfordshire County Council offer a range of support and advice for Adult social services.
This includes:
Social care help
Equipment, homecare, and housing
Arranging and paying for care
Support for unpaid carers
Dementia, autism, and mental health support
Blue Badge applications
hertfordshire.gov.uk/adult-social-service
Factsheets are available on the website covering a range of topics such as Advocacy, Financial support and advice, Assistive Technology and Tips for unpaid carers.
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Herts Help is a countywide service that offers advice and practical support to people across Hertfordshire. They can listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information to help you get the most out of life, including:
Support in a crisis (help with finding specialist services)
Help to manage at home
Finding the right care and support
Advice on funding your care
Advocacy to help you explain a problem/ have your say
Help finding community support to maintain independence
Winter Health
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Information and advice services for older people.
Telephone (Herts): 0300 345 3446
General advice line: 0800 678 1602
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Provides clear, free and impartial advice on issues that matter, care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.
Carer support groups
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Carers in Hertfordshire provides information, advice, workshops and support free to carers on a range of matters related to their caring role and wellbeing, including finances, legal planning, the Mental Capacity Act and making or altering a Lasting Power of Attorney.
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We’re here for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support, and also campaign to make life better for carers. Alongside this there are opportunities to connect with other unpaid Carers through online forums and training for unpaid carers.
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A weekly drop-in session for anyone living with Dementia or who is worried about their memory to come along with a family member or their carer in a safe and relaxed environment.
Runs every Thursday from 10:00 – 12:00
Ernest Gardiner Treatment Centre, Pearsall Close, Letchworth, SG6 1QZ
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Facilitated by Garden House Hospice, Wellbeing Hubs offer opportunities for people to come together for information, to socialise and promote wellbeing and engage in activities.
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Memory support groups are facilitated by Memory Support Hertfordshire and Alzheimer’s Society. Chat to people with dementia, their carers, family and friends at our friendly and relaxed dementia café. At each session you can ask questions, share your experiences and get the help, advice and information you need in an informal and sociable setting. Groups are available across Hertfordshire.
Befriending & socialising groups
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A free telephone friendship service run by Age UK for the over 60s.
Please include as much detail as possible and ensure you have permission to refer from the service user.
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National, free, and completely confidential helpline available for older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. It offers much-needed friendship, engaging conversation, and compassionate support whenever it is needed.
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Re-engage provides vital, life-enhancing social connections for older people at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing., including tea parties, call companions and activity groups.
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Providing support to community members experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Compassionate Neighbours are local volunteers who provide support to members of our community who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. The effects of social isolation and loneliness in people of all ages can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and, with around 200,000 older people in the UK not having had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month, Garden House Hospice Care wants to raise awareness and help people connect with their community.
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Happy & Healthy Men - Connection, conversation and creation – that’s what joining a Men’s Shed is all about.
Men’s Sheds encourage people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities.
Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combating social isolation.
Financial support
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To support with the cost of living, Hertfordshire County Council has been provided with funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF). This funding will be used to help people in need with things like the cost of energy and food.
Hertfordshire County Council is working with a range of partners across the county to make sure they can get the right help to those who need it, at the right time.
Residents are not able to apply directly for the Household Support Fund, however, if you need help or support you can call Herts Help on 0300 123 4044 who may be able to help. If support is available, it will be based on your current situation, and you may be asked about your finances.
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Provides free confidential and independent advice, including finances and benefits.
03444 111 444 or 0800 144 8848 (Freephone)
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Age UK Hertfordshire gives information, guidance and emotional support for carers living in Hertfordshire where they or the person they care for is over age 50.