The help available will depend on the condition of the person you care for and your situation.
Understanding your cared-for person’s illness, disability or condition can help. Many specialist organizations can provide information and support for the person you care for and for you.
The charity Contact: for families with disabled children has an A-Z list of medical conditions with links to appropriate support.
Local specialist health and social care services
Merton Talking Therapies is an integrated Primary Care Mental Health service accessible to anyone living in the borough of Merton or registered with a Merton GP who are 18 years and over. Merton Uplift supports anyone who has a mental health or wellbeing need (including Carers), whether this is due to emotional difficulties or life stressors.
Central London Community Healthcare Falls Prevention Service provides assessment, advice and exercises for older people who are at risk of falling.
Merton Council’s Occupational Therapy Service provides a range of services to people with a physical disability living in the London Borough of Merton. The service aims to help people to keep as safe and as independent as possible in their own homes.
NHS South West London – Recovering from Covid website provides information for people who may have Long Covid.
Specialist local organisations
Age UK Merton provides practical services for people who are 50+ and living in Merton to continue enjoying later life and receiving the help needed to remain independent in their own homes.
Merton Centre for Independent Living is the only user-led pan-disability Deaf and Disabled people’s organisation based in the London Borough of Merton.
Merton Dementia Hub is a community-based service for people with dementia, their families, friends and Carers run by Alzheimer’s Society.
Merton Mencap is an independent charity supporting people with a learning disability and/or autism, and their parents and Carers, in the London Borough of Merton.
Merton Vision is a local sight loss charity. Merton Vision employs a qualified Rehabilitation Officer Visual Impairment (ROVI).
Merton Sports & Social Club for Visually Impaired People is a sports and social club for both visually impaired and sighted adults of all ages and abilities.
Parkinson’s UK has a local group in Merton.
Pauls Cancer Support Centre provides physical and emotional support and wellbeing services to anyone affected by cancer.
South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust Recovery College provides courses and activities to support Carers of people with mental health conditions.
Wimbledon Stroke Club offers physical exercise rehab to stroke survivors living in the borough of Merton.
Specialist online forums for Carers
Some Carers find reading about others’ experiences or participating in an online forum useful.
There are many group pages on Facebook that support people and Carers with a variety of conditions. Try searching for the name of the condition.
Dementia Support Forum is an online community run by Alzheimer’s Society.
Macmillan Cancer Support has a variety of online forums including one specifically for friends and family.
Mencap has an online forum through Health Unlocked.
A Caring Mind is a blog for Carers of people mental health issues.
