At Kingston Carers’ Network we work alongside Social Services teams in South West London to support unpaid carers who live in the borough or provide care for someone living in the borough. Social Services offer carers’ assessments to understand more about carers' needs and to identify additional support carers may be entitled to and benefit from.

The Social Services teams are keen to learn about carer experiences. They are especially interested to know how carer support, including carers’ assessments, could be improved. The team would love to hear from carers who are considering doing a carer’s assessment or have recently completed one (either online or face to face).

This month, Social Services are conducting 1:1 and small group discussions with unpaid carers lasting approximately 1 hour. These can be arranged in person, online or by phone. If you are interested in taking part in this research to share your experience and insights, or would like to know more, please contact Martin Monteiro on martin.monteiro@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.

Tea, coffee and light snacks are available for in-person sessions. A small 'thank you' is available for all participants.

Please respond with your interest by Friday May 17th.

As we reflect on three decades of dedication to carers in Kingston, we invite you to join us for an evening celebration on Saturday 15th June, 6pm to 8pm, at Searchlight, New Malden.

Spaces must be booked by contacting Meera on 020 3031 2757 or wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk by Tuesday 28th May. Refreshments will be provided along with music, games and a raffle.

Seasons Greeting to all our Carers, Volunteers and their Families.

We will be closed from Monday 25th December and reopening on Tuesday 2nd January 2024.

You can make a referral to KCN here: 

https://www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/professionals/make-a-referral/

or email us admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk and we will get back to you when we reopen.

We look forward to speaking to you again in the New Year.

Click here for a list of contact numbers for other organisations in the Borough that will be open over Christmas.

If you need urgent help over the Christmas period, you should contact Adult Social Care at Kingston Council:

Adult social care
Call 020 8547 5000. If you think someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Children's social care
If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, please contact the Emergency Duty Service on 020 8547 5000 to speak to the duty social worker. If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Domestic or sexual violence
The Kingston DV Hub is open except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
If you’re in immediate danger, please call 999. If you need support and advice out of hours, please contact the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. The helpline is open on bank holidays.

The Samaritans

Offers confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Free helpline number: 116 123.

Adfam - Tips for Coping at Christmas

Adfam have some fantastic tips on coping at Christmas.