Local Support Groups and Information
Please advise the surgery if you are involved in a group or organisation that offers support to patients and their carers and we can include the information on this web page.
We Are A Veteran Friendly Practice!
This means as a Veteran Friendly practice we:
- Have a clinical lead for veteran health
- Ask patients when they register if they have ever served with the armed forces
- Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services
- Ensure veterans are referred to appropriate services within the correct timeframes to services
If you are a veteran patient, please let us know that you have served so that we can make sure we understand your health needs
This scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practitioners in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement
Dementia Support for Patients and their Families and Carers
Alzheimer’s Society
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/find-support-near-you
We are committed to meeting the health and wellbeing needs of people affected by dementia. We are working closely with the Alzheimer’s Society to make our surgery a Dementia Friendly GP Practice. Did you know we provide:
- Include services you already provide for people living with dementia e.g. Dementia Support Clinic/Signage/Dementia Board/Carer Support
Did you also know that the Alzheimer’s Society provide a range of local support and services for people affected by dementia? These include:
A Family Navigators Service - Family Navigators offer information and practical guidance to help you understand dementia, cope with day-to-day challenges and prepare for the future. They offer information to people who are worried about their memory and ongoing support to people affected by dementia face to face, over the phone or in writing.
Information Hubs - An Information Hub will provide information about dementia, local services and practical tips about living well with dementia.
Peer Support - Peer support groups give carers the opportunity to meet with others who understand some of what you are going through. Run by a facilitator, the sessions offer a chance for people affected by dementia to ask questions, get information and share experiences in a safe and supportive environment
Singing for the Brain - Singing for the Brain brings people together in a friendly, fun and social environment. Based around the principles of music therapy, the stimulating sessions include vocal warm-ups and singing a wide variety of familiar and new songs.
Activity groups – The Alzheimer’s Society skill or interest-based activity group can give you the opportunity to take part in a fun, structured activity, including art and craft groups, bowling groups, skittles groups, walking groups, yoga or tai chi classes, etc. The groups are run by an expert facilitator with relevant skills and are open to anyone affected by dementia.
Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have currently had to suspend our face-to-face services, but can offer support in the following areas:
- The introduction of new virtual social opportunities:
- Peer Support Groups
- Virtual Singing for the Brain
- Ring and Sing for those without online connectivity
- Weekly bingo, seated dancercise, coffee morning sessions and more…
- Telephone support from our Dementia Connect and Family Navigator Service
- Our online community, Talking Point, which offers support day and night
For more information on any of the above, please call our Dementia Connect Support Service on 0333 150 3456 to speak to one of our dementia advisors.
Mobility issues
where equipment, adaptations, or technology could support independence, or where, travel, social interaction and physical activity could sustain and improve wellbeing
Practical living skills
after a significant life event, such as bereavement or hospital stay, supporting people to gain or regain practical skills such as paying bills, taking medication or getting to appointments
Social inclusion
connecting people into one-to-one and group interactions or activities; or supporting the use of technology-based interaction and social media
Healthy living
enabling or supporting people to prepare meals or linking individuals into community activities such as lunch clubs
Caring for someone
for people new to caring or for people who have been caring for some time and struggling to cope in their changing role. Helping them to access practical support, information, advice and peer support
Individual resilience
by providing advice and support that ensures correct entitlement to benefits and pension and increases personal safety and security.
Phone: 07540 720611
Parkinson's UK
A welcoming and friendly group who are concerned with Parkinson's meet on the second and fourth Friday of each month between 7:30 and 9:30 pm at Christchurch Hall, 164 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW
Age UK Essex's Befriending Service is available to people over the age of 60 who are living with the effects of loneliness or social isolation. You can refer yourself or be referred by family and friends.
Befriending volunteers are all carefully checked and fully trained and they try to match people with similar interests so there's always something to talk about.
Information and Advice line: 01245 346 106
EssexConnects is the place to find local activities and to help you to get in touch with hundreds of local charities, voluntary groups, and community sector services, based throughout Essex including Chelmsford.
http://connectwellessex.org.uk/
Contact the Elderly Sunday Afternoon Tea
Contact the Elderly groups have been running for 50 years. Volunteers offer companionship one Sunday afternoon a month for people over 75 who live alone, are unable to get out and about without help and have lost touch with family and friends.
What does each Contact the Elderly group do? Older people are invited to join a small group of volunteer drivers and other older guests for an afternoon get-together one Sunday afternoon a month. It is a great way to make new friends of all ages.
What do Contact the Elderly volunteers do? Your regular volunteer driver will come to your door, walk with you to their car and drive you to the place where you all spend the afternoon together. The get-togethers usually start at 3.00 pm and ends at 5.30 pm. You will be collected in time to have a pleasurable drive to the host’s home and at the end of the afternoon the driver will take you home safely.
Where do we visit for afternoon tea? Each group of volunteer drivers and their older guests visit a volunteer’s home each month. Different homes are visited throughout the year. Your hosts will usually provide a lovely afternoon tea.
When would you take me out? One Sunday afternoon each month - so you will have a regular date on your calendar to look forward to.
Are there any costs? There are no charges involved at all.
How are the groups organised? Contact the Elderly has groups in many different parts of the UK. Each group is run by a group coordinator. S/he makes the arrangements for each month’s visit to a volunteer host and will let your volunteer driver know where you are going.
How can I join? If you would like to join your local group please call
Contact the Elderly on Freephone 0800 716 543.
Bereavement Advice Centre
There are many practical issues to manage when someone dies. Bereavement Advice Centre supports and advises on what to do next.
Call freephone 0800 082 1215 - www.bereavementadvice.org
Domestic Abuse Support
COMPASS is the point of access for victims of domestic abuse across Essex, providing information, advice and guidance and, where appropriate assessment and access to specialist services.
COMPASS helps women, men and young people aged over 16 to access specialist support including community-based services and specialist accommodation to help them recover and move on from domestic abuse.
COMPASS is accessible 24hrs a day. Callers can speak with a trained member of staff and there is also an online form for both public and professionals.