Lewisham council is strengthening the advice and support it offers to unpaid carers in the community.
It has set up an unpaid carers hub at the Glass Mill Leisure Centre on Loampit Vale.
The hub is run by Imago, a social action charity that delivers a range of services designed to support and empower some of the most vulnerable groups across London, East Sussex and Kent.
The Glass Mill hub offers a range of support services, a helpline, financial support for carers seeking specific advice on finance and benefits, free counselling, and a mutual support group.
The hub also offers assistance with completing statutory carer assessments.
An assessment can clarify what benefits an unpaid carer can claim and what other help might be needed so an individual can carry on as a carer.
Carers may be able to claim a range of benefits from one-off payments and the carer’s allowance to additional council grants and help with healthcare costs.
Carers can attend Lewisham Council leisure centres (operated by Better) for free, gain free access to some cinemas and access a subsidised black taxi service when other modes of transport are unavailable.
The council has put together a guide to the support available in Lewisham. Find out more at
www.imago.community/Carers/lewishamcarers
The Glass Mill hub is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 1pm
Just walk in.
Info on Imago here ucwellbeing@imago.community
Tel: 0300 373 5769