Community Support For Patients Being Discharged From Hospital

Community support for patients being dischargedfrom hospital following an acquired brain injuryBetter Together

ContentsCharity information 4 - 5British Red CrossCanine PartnersHandyvan ServiceInTouch Home Improvement Agencies East KentCinnamon Trust (national charity)Stroke and brain injuryThe Encephalitis SocietyShopmobilityInformation about stroke 5 - 6Stroke HelplineThe Stroke AssociationLocal Stroke Support GroupsWorking Age Stroke Communication GroupVolcareDifferent Strokes: a charity set up for younger stroke survivorsGovernment and Non Government Agencies 7 - 9British Red Cross Home from Hospital ServiceCitizens Advice BureauBenefitsTaxHelp for Older People (over 60)Disability Information ServiceDisablement Services Centre (DSC)Disability Information Services Kent (DISK)Social Services information and advice about equipment and care needs 9 - 12Kent Social ServicesKent Contact and Assessment Service (KCAS)Kent Supported EmploymentKent Association for the BlindLifelineThe Court of ProtectionCitizens’ Rights for Older People (CROP)Kent County Council Home Library ServiceKABIF (Kent Acquired Brain Injury Forum)Health 12 - 13Kent Cardiovascular NetworkSpeakability ServiceFind A Voice, AshfordKent SportMaidstone Swimming ClubNational Key SchemeMental Health support servicesMental Health support services 13 - 16Psychological Therapies (also known as PTP and IAPT)2

Ashford KCA Drug Alcohol and Mental Health ServicesMental Health Matters HelplineEast Kent Stop Smoking ServiceIntermediate Care TeamsLeisure activities 16 - 18Rough Guide to Accessible BritainFree cinema tickets for carersTourism for AllVitaliseKent Association for the DisabledEnable HolidaysHorse riding clubs for the disabledSailing clubs for the disabledHospital Support 18 - 19League of Friends – Kent and Canterbury HospitalPatient Experience Team (formerly known as PALS)Wheelchair ServicesInformation for Carers 19 - 22Carers DirectCarers UKCarers support groupsCrossroads AssociationKent Cardiovascular NetworkThe Relatives and Residents AssociationThe Stroke AssociationFamily and Carer Stroke SupportCarers Emergency Card SchemeSocial Support 22 - 24Age UK (formerly known as Age Concern)Carers Emergency Card SchemeCommunity Peer SupportSpinal Injuries AssociationCrossroadsHeadwayTransport 24 - 27Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)Driving Assessment and Advice CentreDisabled bus passDisabled Motoring UKBlue Badge Parking PermitCanterbury and Herne Bay Volunteer BureauDisabled Persons RailcardSoutheastern TrainsMotabilitySubsidised transport servicesAbout this leaflet 283

Charity informationBritish Red CrossTelephone: 01622 690011Volunteer Bureau - Herne Bay Telephone: 01227 366434Volunteer Bureau - Deal Telephone: 01304 380513Volunteer Bureau - Ramsgate Telephone: 01843 590935Canine PartnersTraining assistance dogs for people with disabilities.• Telephone: 08456 580 480 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.• Fax: 08456 580 481Handyvan ServiceRun by Age UK Handyvan offers a free service carrying out small repairs and helping to make your home safeand secure. Eligibility criteria applies.• Telephone: 0845 026 1055• Email: handyvan@ageuk.co.ukInTouch Home Improvement Agencies East KentHome improvement agencies (HIAs) help older, disabled and vulnerable people repair or adapt their propertyso they can continue living independently in their own homes. Their advice services are available to people whoare private homeowners or tenants of private landlords and live in either of the following local authority districts:Ashford (including Tenterden Town), Shepway and Dover.• Contact: Lorraine Pepper, Administrator, telephone: 01303 854370• Web: www.intouchsupport.co.ukCinnamon Trust (national charity)Free advice and practical support (such as dog walking, feeding and temporary fostering) for older pet ownerswho are unable to look after their animals due to ill health or hospital stays.• Telephone: 01736 757 900• Email: admin@cinnamon.org.ukStroke and brain injuryYou will find information on the stroke charities’ websites:• Different Strokes: www.differentstrokes.co.uk• Connect: www.ukconnect.org• Speakability: www.speakability.org.uk• Brain and Spine Foundation: www.brainandspine.org.uk• Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust: www.birt.co.uk4

The Encephalitis SocietyThe Encephalitis Society supports adults and children affected by encephalitis, and their families and carers.The Society provides advice and information, and works at national level to improve services.• Administration line: 01653 692583• Support line: 01653 699599• Email: mail@encephalitis.info• Web: www.encephalitis.infoShopmobilityFor those with mobility challenges. Allen Jones - Chairman, Folkestone• Telephone: 01303 226500• Support helpline: 0800 074 0948• Email: wchairuser@aol.com• Web: www.wheelchairusers.org.uk and www.shopmobility.org.ukWhat is Shopmobility?Shopmobility is a service that helps all people who consider themselves to have mobility problems (whetherthrough disability, illness or injury) to get around city and town centres independently, with freedom, confidenceand dignity. There are several different kinds of Shopmobility equipment to make your shopping experienceeasier and more convenient, although the following are the most commonly available:• Manual and electric wheelchairs• Scooters• Rollators (walking aids with seats)• Portable hearing loopsIf you are visually impaired or require the use of a manual wheelchair some Shopmobility schemes also offer aservice whereby a staff member or volunteer can help guide you for anything up to two hours.Who can use Shopmobility?Anyone who considers themselves to have problems with mobility due to injury or disability, whether short orlong term, can use Shopmobility to access shops and other services in the town or city centre. Please note:you do NOT have to be registered as disabled, have a blue badge, or be in receipt of disability benefits to takeadvantage of any Shopmobility service.Information about strokeStroke helpline• Telephone 0303 3033 100• Email info@stroke.org.uk• Web: www.kentcvn.nhs.uk5

The Stroke AssociationStroke House240 City RoadLondon, EC1V 2PR• Telephone: 020 7566 0300• Fax: 020 7490 2686• Textphone: 020 7251 9096• Web: www.stroke.org.ukLocal stroke support groupsEast Kent Stroke Group• Robin Cant telephone: 01304 840196• Email: eastkentstrokes@btinternet.comWorking Age Stroke Communication GroupSupport group for adults of working age who have been affected by stroke. The group meets every thirdThursday of the month.• Freda Rickard telephone: 01622 351963• Email: Freda.Rickard@stroke.org.uk• Web: www.stroke.org.ukVolcareOffers a home-based respite care service for carers.Beach HouseBeach StreetHerne BayKent CT6 5PT• Kate Gollop telephone: 01227 749400• Email: volcare@aol.comDifferent Strokes: A Charity set up for younger stroke survivorsRun by stroke survivors for stroke survivors, for active self-help and mutual support.• Telephone: 0845 130 7172• Web: www.differentstrokes.co.uk6

Government and Non Government AgenciesBritish Red Cross, Home from Hospital ServicePractical help and support for people discharged from hospital, including shopping, light housework andcompanionship.• Telephone: 01622 625106• Freephone: 0800 028 0831Citizens Advice BureauOffers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice from over 3,500 locations. These include high streets,community centres, doctors’ surgeries, courts and prisons. Our advice helps people resolve their problems withsuch things as debt, benefits, employment, housing and discrimination. The Service is available to everyone.Advice may be given face-to-face or by phone. Most bureaus can arrange home visits and some also provideemail advice. A growing number are piloting the use of text, online chat and webcams. Search for your localbureau to see the full range of services it provides.Citizens Advice Bureau, Canterbury3 Westgate Hall RoadCanterbury CT1 2BT• Telephone: 01227 452 762• Web: www.citizensadvice.org.ukCitizens Advice Bureau, Swale-Sittingbourne17 Station StreetSittingbourneKent ME10 3DU• Telephone: 0844 499 4124 or 0844 499 4125• Fax: 01795 431315• Web: www.cabinswale.org.ukCitizens Advice Bureau, Swale-Faversham43 Stone StreetFavershamKent ME13 8PH• Telephone: 0844 499 4125• Fax: 01795 597953• Web: www.cabinswale.org.uk7

Citizens Advice Bureau, AshfordSeabrooke House10 Norwood StreetAshfordKent TN23 1QT• Telephone: 01233 626185• Fax: 01233 610653Citizens Advice Bureau, Folkestone20 Church StreetFolkestoneKent CT20 1SE• Telephone: 0844 4994118 (advice line)• General enquiries: 01303 249310 (no advice/appointments on this line)Benefits• Disability Benefits advice line 08457 123456• Pension Credit 0800 991234• Carers Allowance support 01253 856123• Benefits Enquiry Form Completion Service 0800 441144• Local Pensions Service 01233 208019Tax help for older people (over 60)• Telephone: 0845 601 3321Disability Information ServiceThe Disability Information Service provides services for:• People with disabilities, their carers and families• People whose work involves providing rehabilitation services• Students and researchers and anyone else who needs advice about issues relating to a disability.Disablement Services Centre (DSC)Medway Maritime HospitalWindmill RoadGillingham Kent ME7 5NY• Telephone: 01634 838947 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm• Fax: 01634 833940• Web: www.kmpt.nhs.uk/disabilityinformationservice8

Disability Information Services Kent (DISK)DISK are an independent organisation whose aim is to provide a one-stop point of information to any personwith a disability, the elderly, carers, family and service providers. DISK is run by people with a disability for thebenefit of people with disabilities.7 Town WalkFolkestoneKent CT20 2AD• Telephone: 01303 226464• Fax: 01303 226312• Email: disabilinf@aol.comSocial Services information and advice about equipment and care needsKent Social ServicesKent Social ServicesBishops Terrace, Bishops WayMaidstoneKent ME14 1LA• Telephone: 01622 691640• Fax: 01622 691135Kent Contact and Assessment Service (KCAS)If you need a new self-referral form, phone your local council and ask to be put through to the Kent Contact andAssessment Service. They can then email you an online referral form. The social services referral form shouldbe emailed to Contact.Assessment.Service@kent.gov.uk.Kroner House, Eurogate Business ParkAshfordKent TN24 8XU• Telephone: 08458 247100• Fax: 01732 221709Kent Supported EmploymentThis service is for people with a disability who currently work, or want to work through Kent SupportedEmployment. It is also for employers who currently support, or want to support Kent Support Employment in thefuture. You will need to be referred to, or known to Social Services, in order to access this service.9

Maidstone Kent Supported EmploymentKent Social ServicesBishops TerraceBishops WayMaidstoneKent ME14 1LA• Telephone: 01622 691640• Fax: 01622 691135Kent Association for the BlindCanterbury51 London RoadCanterburyKent CT2 8LF• Telephone: 01227 763366DoverCairn Ryan101–103 London RoadDoverKent CT16 3AA• Telephone: 01304 828575• Email: rehab.dover@kab.org.ukLifeline24 hour personal alarm. Applications can be made online and demonstrations are available.Canterbury City Council• Telephone: 01227 862 540• Email: lifeline@canterbury.gov.ukAshford TelecareAshford Monitoring CentreCivic CentreTannery LaneAshford TN23 1PL• Telephone: 01233 64209510

Shepway LifelineShepway District CouncilCastle Hill AvenueFolkestoneKent CT20 2QY• Telephone: 01303 242615 or 01303 242971The Court of ProtectionThe Court provides information about the Mental Capacity Act and applying for Power of Attorney. It alsoprovides advice about applying for ‘Deputyships’ for finances or care (if someone has not made an LPA and theylose capacity then there needs to be an application to the Court of Protection asking the Court to appoint adeputy to act in the same way for that individual as an attorney would).Archway Tower2 Junction RoadLondon N19 5SZ• Telephone: 0300 456 4600• Text phone: 020 7664 7755• Email: courtofprotectionenquiries@hmcts.gsi.gov.ukCitizens’ Rights for Older People (CROP)CROP is not a campaigning organisation, but a confidential advocacy service. They use trained volunteers, whovisit older people in their own home to express their individual needs, either for themselves or through a visitingadvocate. All volunteers are police checked to deal with vulnerable old people and carry identity badges withthem. CROP ensure that the volunteers are regularly updated and trained to a high standard.• Ashford: 01223 633444• Canterbury: 01227 789777• Maidstone: 01622 851200• Web: www.cropkent.org.uk/default.aspKent County Council Home Library Service• Telephone: 08458 247200• Web: www.kent.gov.uk/libs• Ashford Telephone: 01233 620649• Canterbury Telephone: 01227 463608• Dartford Telephone: 01322 221133• Deal Telephone: 01322 221133• Folkestone Telephone: 01303 85012311

KABIF (Kent Acquired Brain Injury Forum)KABIF is a group of brain injury survivors, carers, front-line professionals and policy makers who wish toadvance issues concerning acquired brain injury across Kent. To join KABIF, please go to www.kabif.org.uk andclick on ‘Join KABIF’ or contact:Tanesh BhugobaunKABIFPO Box 383Ashford TN23 9HJ• Telephone: 01732 833924• Web: www.kabif.org.uk/index.phpHealthInformation about all issues relating to cardiovascular health.Kent Cardiovascular NetworkKent House, Station RoadAshfordKent TN23 1PP• Telephone: 01233 618135Speakability ServiceSpeakability is the national charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people (and their carers) who havedifficulties speaking, reading, writing or understanding language.1 Royal StreetLondon SE1 7EL• Telephone: 0808 808 9572• Web: www.speakability.org.ukFind A Voice, AshfordFind A Voice was registered as a charity in October 1996. Since 2001 the organisation has operated from asingle storey centre in Ashford, Kent providing services primarily to those in Kent.Find A Voice supports children and adults who have a severe speech, language or communicationdifficulty, and who may require some form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) support.This can include signing, symbols or a communication aid. Support is provided in person, by telephone andvia their website.• Telephone: 01233 634625 (teaching and library enquiries) or 01233 640443• Web: www.findavoice.org.uk/12

Kent SportLeisure and Olympics for disabled people.Kent County Council30 Gibson Drive, Kings HillWest MallingKent ME19 4QG• Telephone: 01622 605054 or 605055• Fax: 01732 874836• Web: www.kentsport.org.ukMaidstone Swimming ClubFor people with physical disabilities and limited mobility.Meet every Tuesday 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm at Maidstone Leisure Centre.• Telephone: Clive 01622 747819National Key SchemeThe National Key Scheme enables key holders to unlock all disabled toilets in the scheme. Keys cost £3.50.Keys are also available from Age UK.• Telephone: 0207 250 3222Mental Health support servicesPsychological Therapies (also known as PTP and IAPT)A free confidential service to contact a trained mental health specialist who can work with you to developstrategies to enable you to feel more in control of your life, able to cope with feelings of depression andanxiety, and to make decisions.ThanetPTP (KCA)38 West Cliff RoadRamsgate, Kent CT11 9NT• Telephone: 01843 593832• Fax: 01843 582083• Email: ThanetPTP@kca.org.uk• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm (Wednesdays appointments are offered up to 8.30pm).• Referral: Through your GP or self-refer.13

ShepwayCounselling Team LtdFirst Floor Offices6–8 Bank StHythe, Kent CT21 5AN• Telephone: 0845 456 8972 Fax: 0845 456 8973• Email: admin@counsellingteam.comCounselling Team Ltd can also see clients at its Folkestone office or at various GP surgeries within the Shepwaylocality.• Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9.00am to 8.00pmTuesdays and Thursdays, 9.00am to 5.00pm• Referral: Through your GP.Dover and DealKMPT Primary Care Psychological Therapy ServiceColeman House, Brookfield AvenueDover, Kent CT16 2AH• Telephone: 01304 216692• Fax: 01304 216677• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm• Referral: Through your GP.Ashford KCA Drug Alcohol and Mental Health ServicesLive It Well CentreGore HillCanterbury RoadAshford, Kent TN24 8QF• Telephone: 01233 639 383• Opening hours: Monday and Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pmTuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9.00am to 5.00pm• Referral: Professional or self referral in writing by letter, fax or email.Mental Health Matters Helpline• Kent and Medway: 0800 107 0160Mental Health Matters Helpline is a confidential service staffed by highly trained and experienced telephonehelpline workers, offering emotional support to people. The helpline also provides information on local andnational mental health services and can signpost you to further support. You do not need to have beendiagnosed with a mental health need to call our helpline. Anyone can contact the helpline about a range ofissues, for which they may need emotional support, including bereavement, relationship problems, loneliness,isolation and stress. The helpline can provide ongoing support over a period of time. It is also here to supportpeople who are caring for others with mental health needs.14

East Kent Stop Smoking Service• Telephone: 0800 849 4444Intermediate Care TeamsHerne BayQueen Victoria Memorial HospitalHerne Bay, CT6 6EB• Telephone: 01227 594838CanterburyAylesham Health Centre, Queens RoadAyleshamCanterbury CT3 3BB• Telephone: 01304 843765SwaleSheppey Community HospitalPlover Road, Minster-on-SeaSheppey ME12 3LT• Telephone: 01795 879138AshfordUnit 3, High Point Business VillageHenwood, Ashford TN24 8DH• Telephone: 01233 649262ShepwayRoyal Victoria HospitalRadnor Park AvenueFolkestone CT19 5BM• Telephone: 01303 854451New RomneyRomney Marsh Day CentreRolfe LaneNew Romney TN28 8JR• Telephone: 01797 366774TenterdenWestview Integrated Care CentrePlummer LaneTenterden TN30 6TX15

• Telephone: 01580 261500Dover and Deal (single point of access for both services)Victoria Memorial HospitalLondon RoadDeal CT14 9UA• Telephone: 01304 865310ThanetWestbrook House, 150 Canterbury RoadMargate CT9 5DD• Telephone: 01843 254134Leisure activitiesRough Guide to Accessible BritainIdeas on days out across the UK, featuring 100 accessible locations. The guide is £6.99 (including postage andpackaging) or free to Blue Badge Holders (£1.99 postage and packaging).• Telephone: 0800 953 7070Free cinema tickets for carersPeople in receipt of Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance or who are registered blind can applyfor a Cinema Exhibitors Card (for a small processing fee). The card is valid for three years and entitles a carer toaccompany them free of charge to films.• Telephone: 0845 123 1292Tourism for AllInformation about holidays and travel for people with special needs and or disabilities.• Telephone: 0845 124 9971• Web: www.tourismforall.co.ukVitaliseHolidays for disabled people, and for disabled people and their carers together with volunteers who enablecarers to rest.• Telephone: 0845 3451970• Web: www.vitalise.org.ukKent Association for the DisabledHolidays with care arranged, care provided by volunteers and also short break respite holidays.• Telephone: 01622 75644416

Enable HolidaysProvides package holidays for disabled people, their families and friends.• Telephone: 0871 222 4939• Web: www.enableholidays.comHorse riding clubs for the disabledAshfordAshford Valley Group RDA Blue Barn Equestrian CentreGreat Chart, Near AshfordKent TN23 3DH• Telephone: 0845 241 1351DoverAlkham Valley Community ProjectNear Dover, Kent• Telephone: 0781 6664529• Web: www.avcp.co.ukCanterburyCobbes Meadow Riding and Driving Group RDAChartham, Near CanterburyKent CT4 7TU• Telephone: 01227 831963 or 0845 241 4338• Email: Carole@cobbesmeadow-rda.com or Richard@cobbesmeadow-rda.com• Web: www.cobbesmeadow-rda.comThe Paddocks Riding for AllJean Sharratt76 New House LaneThanington, Near CanterburyKent CT4 7BJ• Telephone: 01227 451721 or 07734189902• Email: sharratt_jean@hotmail.com• Web: www.thepaddocks.orgDoverCornilo Group RDASutton Court Farm, Sutton by DoverKent CT15 5DF• Telephone: 01304 380369• Email: corniloriding@btinternet.com17

ThanetThanet Disabled Riding CentreMaurice House, Callis Court RoadBroadstairs, Kent CT10 3AH• Telephone: 01843 863481Sailing clubs for the disabledCanterbury Sailing Club for the disabledRichard GaskellWSO ChairmanMulberry HouseChurch Lane, SturryKent CT2 0BB• Mobile number: 07504 545276 (9:30amto 3.00pm on sailing days only)• Email: richard@wsosail.org.ukHospital SupportLeague of Friends, Kent and Canterbury HospitalThe League of Friends is a charity providing support to patients, staff and visitors in the hospital.• Telephone: 01227 864030• Email: league.friends@ekht.nhs.ukPatient Experience Team (formerly known as PALS)PET helps to resolve any problems or concerns you may have. They listen to your views and experiences andalert hospital staff if any changes need to be made to services.The Team provides patients with information about local health services such as GP services.You are welcome to come to one of the offices in person; they are usually manned from 10:00am to 4:00pm,Monday to Friday, or telephone at any time. A messaging service is available and you will be called back within24 hours or, the following Monday if your message is left at the weekend.First Floor, Trust OfficesKent and Canterbury HospitalEthelbert RoadCanterbury CT1 3NG• Telephone: 01227 783145• Email: patientexperience@ekht.nhs.uk18

Wheelchair ServicesCanterbury Area OfficeWheelchair Assessment ServiceTrust HeadquartersSt Martin’s HospitalCanterbury CT1 1AZ• Telephone: 01227 812398• Fax: 01227 812392Folkestone Area OfficeWheelchair Assessment ServiceNew Aylesham Health CentreQueen’s RoadAylesham CT3 3BB• Telephone: 01304 843777• Fax: 01304 843778Information for carersNational carers organisations provide information to support carers:Princess Royal Trust for Carers www.carers.org.ukCarers DirectTelephone if you need help with your caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available toyou. The helpline is open from 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls fromUK landlines and Vodaphone, T-Mobile and O2 mobile phone networks are free.• Telephone: 0808 802 0202• Web: www.nhs.ukcarersdirectCarers UKGeneral enquiries, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.• Telephone: 020 7490 8818• Web: www.carersuk.org/Home• Email: info@carersuk.org• Free phone helpline only available Wednesday and Thursday 10.00am to 12 noon and 2.00pm to 4.00pm- Telephone: 0808 808 777719

Carers support groupsAshford, Folkestone and ShepwayNorman HouseBeaver Business ParkBeaver RoadAshfordKent TN23 7SH• Telephone: 01233 664393• Email: admin@carers-ashford.org.uk• Web: www.carers-ashford.org.ukA young carers service is also provided.Swale and Canterbury CarersSuite 9, Bank HouseBroadwaySheernessKent ME12 1TW• Telephone: 01795 583440Carers Support, Dover District and ThanetTricia Cole10 Victoria RoadDeal CT14 7AP• Telephone: 01304 364637 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm)Crossroads AssociationThe Crossroads scheme allows carers a few hours break by providing trained Care Support Workers to comeand look after the person they care for in their own home.10 Regent Place, RugbyWarwickshire CV21 2PN• Telephone: 0845 450 0350• Web: www.crossroads.org.ukKent Cardiovascular NetworkMany carers experience that their responsibilities have a negative effect on their mental, emotional, physical,and financial state. Accordingly, there are support networks and services offered to carers that can help alleviatethese difficulties. This website provides information on a variety of services that caters to meeting carers’ needs.• Web: www.kentcvn.nhs.uk/home/stroke/for-patients-carers-and-families/carers20

The Relatives and Residents AssociationProviding help and advice for people in long term care (long-stay hospitals, residential and nursing homes) andtheir families.The Ivories, 6-18 Northampton StreetLondon N1 2HY• Telephone: 020 7359 8148• Fax: 020 7226 6603• Advice line: 020 7359 8136 (Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm)• Email: info@relres.org• Web: www.relres.orgThe Stroke Association• Telephone: 0845 303 3100 (calls at local rates Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm)• Email: info@stroke.org.uk• Web: www.stroke.org.ukFamily and Carer Stroke SupportMarta Skrzypiec (Canterbury)Family and Carer Support Co-ordinatorSustainKent and Canterbury HospitalEthelbert RoadCanterbury CT1 3NG• Telephone: 07940 481554• Email: marta.skrzypiec@stroke.org.ukAnn Lewis (Thanet, Aylesham, Ash, Wingham)Family and Carer Support Co-ordinatorStroke AssociationQueen Elizabeth the Queen Mother HospitalSt Peters RoadMargate CT9 4AN• Telephone: 01843 234474• Email: ann.lewis@stroke.org.ukMargaret Willson (Ashford and Shepway)Family and Carer Support Co-ordinatorKingsnorth Industrial EstateAshfordKent TN23 6JS• Mobile: 07799 436060• Email: margaret.willson@stroke org.uk21

Carers Emergency Card SchemeCarers can register for a free card which, in the event of an emergency [for example sudden illness or accident]will alert others to their caring role. The card has a 24 hour call centre number to ring and an unique identificationnumber which will enable the call centre to activate a pre-arranged care plan. To find out more or to registercontact Maidstone Carers Project• Telephone: 01622 685276• Web: www.kentcarersemergencycard.org.ukSocial supportAge UK (formerly known as Age Concern)Offers advice on:• Money matters• Health and wellbeing• Travel and lifestyle• Home and care• Working and learning• Products and services.• Freephone: 0800 169 6565• Web: www.ageuk.org.ukCanterbury officeThe Centre, Castle RowCanterbury CT1 2QY• Telephone: 01227 462368Dover officeRiverside Centre, Maison Dieu RoadDover CT16 1RL• Telephone: 01304 207268Folkestone office65 Shaftesbury AvenueCheritonFolkestone CT19 4NS• Telephone: 01303 279031Ashford officeSt Johns LaneAshford TN23 1QD• Telephone: 01233 62063522

Community Peer SupportSpinal Injuries AssociationFor people with spinal cord injury.Community Peer Support Service, Greater London contact Simon Brierley• Telephone: 07817 758144• Email: s.brierley@spinal.co.ukCrossroads (Befriending service, run by volunteers)Crossroads Care East Kent• Telephone: 0845 095 6700• Web: www.crossroads.org.uk/eastkentHeadwayThe aim of Headway is to promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury and to provide information,support and services to people with a brain injury, their families and carers.Headway East Kent25 High StreetHerne Bay CT6 5LJ• Telephone Linda Kerley: 01227 370442Headway CanterburyHeadway HouseKent and Canterbury HospitalEthelbert RdCanterbury CT1 3NG• Day Centre Manager: Paula Brown• Telephone: 01227 783002Headway Ashford Day CentreHeadway House, Wotton RoadKingsnorth Industrial EstateAshfordKent TN23 6JS• Telephone: 01233 663881 (24 hour answerphone)• Contact: Sharon Todman, Facilitator or Naomi Jackman Assistant Facilitator• Email: ashfordheadway@talktalkbusiness.net23

Headway Folkestone Day CentreHeadway House125 Pleydell GardensFolkestoneKentCT20 2DN• Telephone: 01303 850881 (24 hour answerphone)• Contact: Liz Hatfield, Facilitator or Paula McCormack, Facilitators• Email: support@headwayfolkestone.fsnet.co.ukHeadway Thanet Day CentreHeadway HouseUnit J4, Channel RoadWestwood Industrial EstateMargateKent CT9 4JR• Contact: Coralie Harding Facilitator, Diane Gate-Ide Facilitator, Paul Marchant Support Facilitator• Telephone: 01843 230252 (24 hour answerphone)• Email: support@headwaythanet.fsworld.co.ukHeadway Dover Day CentreHeadway HouseThe Ark Christian CentreNoah’s Ark RoadDoverKent CT17 0DD• Contact: Janie Casemore• Telephone: 01304 208616 (24 hour answerphone)• Email: headwayek.dover@hotmail.co.ukTransportDriver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)Drivers Medical GroupDVLASwansea SA99 1TU• Fax: 0845 850 0095• Email: eftd@dvla.gsi.gov.uk24

Driving Assessment and Advice CentreSouth East DriveabilityPreston HallAylesfordKent ME20 7NJ• Telephone: 01622 795719• Fax: 01622 795766• Email: Wk-pct.sedriveability@nhs.netSatellite Centre at Strode Park, Herne Bay, further information available on the telephone number above.Disabled bus passThe scheme provides free off-peak travel on local bus services across Kent for older people and people withdisabilities. It is coordinated by Kent County Council on behalf of the English National Concessionary TravelScheme (ENCTS).• Telephone: 08458 247 802• Email: buspass@kent.gov.uk• Web: www.kent.gov.uk/buspassDisabled Motoring UKDisabled Motoring UK is the only campaigning charity in the UK that represents the interests of Blue Badgeholders and disabled motorists at a national level.National HeadquartersAshwellthorpeNorwich NR16 1EX• Telephone: 01508 489449• Email: info@disabledmotoring.orgBlue Badge Parking PermitApplications via local council authority and can also be made online at www.bluebadge.direct.gov.ukAshford Borough CouncilCivic CentreTannery LaneAshford TN23 1PL• Telephone: 01233 331111• Web: www.ashford.gov.ukCanterbury City CouncilMilitary RoadCanterbury CT1 1YW• Telephone: 01227 862000• Web: www.canterbury.gov.uk25

Maidstone Borough CouncilMaidstone HouseKing StreetMaidstone ME15 6JQ• Telephone: 01622 602000• Web: www.maidstone.gov.ukThanet District CouncilPO Box 9Cecil StreetMargate CT9 1XZ• Telephone: 01843 577000• Web: www.thanet.gov.ukCanterbury and Herne Bay Volunteer BureauWhitstable Volunteer Centre• Telephone: 01227 743700 / 01227 772248 (Monday to Friday 10.00am to 12.30pm)Disabled Persons RailcardThis is a national railcard that entitles a disabled person to travel at a reduced rate.• Telephone: 0845 6050 525Southeastern TrainsAssisted travel arrangements for disabled people.• Telephone: 01732 770099 or freephone 0800 783 4524MotabilityA scheme that enables people in receipt of higher mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or WarPensioners’ Mobility Supplement to purchase or hire, new or used cars. Carer can be the driver. Can also beused to buy motorised wheelchairs or scooters.• Telephone: 0845 456 4566Subsidised transport servicesFor wheelchair users in the Canterbury/Whitstable area.Maidstone (Central Office) Kent Karrier / Dial a Ride• Telephone: 01622 605349Canterbury Area, Kent Karrier / Dial a Ride• Telephone: 01227 862436 for an application form26

Volunteer Bureau Transport Ashford• Telephone: 01233 633219Volunteer Bureau Transport Shepway• Telephone: 01303 253339Your Notes27

This leaflet has been produced by:Dr Melanie George, Principal Clinical NeuropsychologistKent Clinical Neuropsychology Service in Partnership with East Kent Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, Kent andCanterbury Hospital.Complaints and ComplimentsIf you wish to comment on this leaflet call 01732 520441 or Email communications@kmpt.nhs.ukYou may have some concerns about your care and treatment, but feel unable to speak to our staff providing yourcare. You may just want some information about local health services. You can contact the confidential KMPTPatient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or the East Kent Hospitals Patient Experience Team (PET). Bothteams are available to help you with any health difficulties you may have.The KMPT PALS Team can be contacted by calling free:• Telephone: 0800 587 6757 (West Kent and Medway)• Telephone: 0800 783 9972 (East Kent)• Email: pals@kmpt.nhs.ukEast Kent Hospitals Patient Experience TeamFirst Floor, Trust OfficesKent and Canterbury HospitalEthelbert RoadCanterbury CT1 3NG• Telephone: 01227 783145• Email: patientexperience@ekht.nhs.ukIf you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint you can contact the Care Quality Commission at www.cqc.org.uk28Publish Date: March 2012This leaflet will be reviewed no more than 2 years after issueRef No.172