This is Surrey's awareness campaign to help people find the information they need to live more independently and make more informed choices about the different care and support available to them in the community.

People may need information to answer a range of questions, including

• What benefits am I eligible for?
• How do I find out about local support groups?
• What do I do if I have to go into hospital but I look after someone at home?
• How can I find a good home care agency locally?

The information may be for yourself, a friend or a family member.

How we've made a difference

Here are some examples of how the information and advice available and making contact with Adult Social Care has made a difference.

By calling us

Michael* contacted Adult Social Care in after picking up a leaflet in his local GP surgery. He needed advice and support to help him care for his frail 98 year-old mother.

"The call I made to the helpline literally transformed mine and my mother's life," said Michael*. "Ever since they became involved everything has been so much easier for us.

"They provided us with occupational therapy equipment, which gave my mother greater mobility and helped her spend less time in her bed. I was also able to use vouchers I'd been given to pay for someone to care for my mother whilst I went to the supermarket. This lifted an enormous weight from my mind; that mum was cared for and safe."

By looking online

Surrey Information Point

Help is at hand with a free, online directory of information, services and activities to support adults in Surrey to live independently. It has been developed as a partnership between Surrey County Council, Social Information on Disability (SID) and NHS Surrey.

The website is for all adults in Surrey, regardless of their eligibility or ability to pay for social care, bringing together in one place accurate and up to date local information and support for you and your family.

See www.surreyinformationpoint.org.uk

Local information and support for you and your family

By visiting us

Hubs are user-led, local centres for information and support catering specifically for the needs of disabled, older people and carers. The aim of The Hubs are to promote disabled people's independence by helping them to make more informed choices about the different care and support available to them in the community. They act as a gateway to information, advice, advocacy and services.

The Hubs in Epsom, Rehill and Woking are based in the heart of the community, so are very easy to find.

Recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Lisa* was feeling distressed and lonely. She didn't know what type of help or support she was entitled to, then one of her friends told her about the Epsom Hub.

"I didn’t know what to expect, but when I got there everyone was so helpful," said Lisa*. "I knew I was entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) but didn’t know how to apply for it.

The volunteers at the Hub were amazing. They helped me fill in the DLA form and put me in touch with other agencies, including the Adult Social Care Team."

The Department of Health requires all local authorities to inform the public about where they can go to get the best information and advice about their care and support needs. This supports the introduction of personalisation in adult social care which puts individuals at the centre of all decisions and gives them choice and control over the support and services they want.

Useful contacts

If you prefer to talk to someone directly you can call the Adult social care helpline on 0300 200 1005. The team will be able to provide information and advice, put you in touch with other relevant organisations or undertake simple assessment of your social care needs.

Alternatively, visit the www.thesurreyhubs.org.uk to see what services and support are available, or visit the online directory at www.surreyinformationpoint.org.uk

*Names changed to protect contributors identities.