Support
Having any kind of arthritis can affect how you feel about yourself. It can help to share how you are feeling so others can support you.
In this section you’ll find advice about helplines and support groups, charities, financial support and benefits, social care and housing, aids and adaptations, support for carers and support from healthcare professionals.
For support with mental health issues please see the ‘addressing wellbeing page’ in ‘Living well’
Support for Carers
CarersUK
CarersUK are there to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Their expert telephone advice and support service is available if you want to talk about caring. They also have an online information service.
North Staffs Carers Association
Across the UK today 6.5 million people are carers, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill. We’re here to make life better for carers. Help us be there for the 6,000 people who start looking after someone each day.
S-O-T All Age Carers Service | North Staffs Carers (carersfirst.com)
Beth Johnson Foundation
The Beth Johnson Foundation provides a single point of access for carers of all ages and ensures that carers have access to a wide range of support services, information, advice and guidance. The service brings together a range of partners to provide holistic support; enabling carers to feel better supported so they are able to make informed choices about their caring role and own health and wellbeing.
Carers Support – Beth Johnson Foundation (bjf.org.uk)
Staffordshire County Council
There are a number of organisations available across Staffordshire that can support you as a carer. This website can help you find organisations that can help.
What support may be available for me? – Staffordshire County Council
Staffordshire Connects
If you need help to look after your husband, wife, partner, a parent, or child if they are sick or disabled? A relative, neighbour or friend? Then click on the weblink below to see what information is available
What support may be available for me? – Staffordshire County Council
AgeUK
Have produced a guide that looks at the practical and emotional sides of caring, such as:
getting the help you need
financial support
practical tips and advice
looking after yourself.
This guide also lets you know where to go if you need help – so you always know you’re not alone
Advice for carers downloadable information guide | Age UK
Arthritis UK | Information and Support on Arthritis | Age UK
Arthritis Action
Arthritis Action provides an online resource centre that can help and guide you as a carer.
Caring for someone with Arthritis – Arthritis Action
NHS Carers Break and Respite Care
Respite care means taking a break from caring, while the person you care for is looked after by someone else. It lets you take time out to look after yourself and helps stop you becoming exhausted and run down. There are lots of respite options. They range from getting a volunteer to sit with the person you look after for a few hours, to a short stay in a care home while you go on holiday.
Carers’ breaks and respite care – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Crossroads Care Staffordshire – Respite Services
The services provided by Crossroads Care Staffordshire are about giving carers time for themselves. Time to go shopping, to the gym, meet friends or just have a well earned rest.
Overview – Crossroads Care Staffordshire – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Beefree Support Hive
Bee free to chat to people who care…
Explore the resources available here on the support hive, request more information through the online form or ask your healthcare team for more information.
