New national freephone support for family carers of people with learning disabilities

A new freephone support and advice service for family carers of people with learning disabilities has been launched by The Family Carer Support Service (FCSS).

The service, which is run by learning disability charity Hft, will offer free telephone support between 8.30am and 4.30pm weekdays to ensure that family carers have sufficient access to information.

Support can also be accessed using The Big Word telephone translation service, which is available for people who don’t speak English.

Rhianon Gale, FCSS manager, said: “Access to accurate and up-to-date information is a right; family carers are often financially disadvantaged and shouldn’t have to pay for the support they need. The FCSS is dedicated to helping family carers support their relative with learning disabilities to stay safe, well and live a good life, while keeping well in their own right.”

Support provided via the service includes helping family carers know their rights, understand the law, how to navigate health and social care systems and challenge decisions.

FCSS has been supporting family carers for more than 20 years through its one-to-one support, family carer focused guides and free workshops.

For family carers who are looking for support, the freephone number is 0808 801 0448 and e-mail support can be accessed by contacting: [email protected]

For more information visit www.hft.org.uk/familycarersupport.

LDT Editor

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