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such as read a book, go for a walk, or see family and friends. For more information on local support to take a break see Action for Carers .…

If you have been caring for a number of years you may be feeling very isolated and would like to link up with other former carers in a similar situation. Contact your local hospice to find out about support groups for former carers, or contact Action for Carers in Surrey. You can also speak to former carers on the Carers UK Forum . How about returning to an interest or hobby, or perhaps learning a new skill? There may be some courses and training in your area. You may also find it a great way to meet new people with similar interests. During your caring role, you will have gained new skills which you may feel you want to put to good use. This could be through volunteering . Alternatively, you can contact your borough's social prescribing service to find out about local volunteer opportunities. Some former carers are keen to put the skills and knowledge they have acquired during…

There are benefits available to help with the costs when somebody dies. You might be able to get help to pay for the funeral of a partner, close relative, close friend, or child. You must be responsible for the funeral and you must meet certain criteria, including being in receipt of certain benefits. If your husband, wife, or civil partner has died you might be able to claim Bereavement Support Payment, but only if they died on or after 6 April 2017. Seek advice if you were not married to your partner and they have died as this has been contested in the courts. You need to have been… won’t get the lump sum, but you will get any remaining monthly payments due. See Bereavement Support Payment (GOV.UK).…

and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. ChildLine: 0800 1111 - a 24 hour private and confidential helpline for children Samaritans: 116 123 - a 24 hour emotional support helpline (free to call) Sane Emotional Support: 0845 767 8000 - provides crisis support (6pm to 11pm 7 days a week) Mental Health Crisis helpline (Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust): Telephone: 0300 456 8342 SMS : 07717 989 8342 Textphone (via Text Relay): 18001 0300 456 8342 If you have a question you can contact Connect to Support…

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) runs a range of groups and courses to support adults across Surrey.…

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme supports adults living with obesity to manage their weight and improve their health.

their local social services team to get support with social care needs such as personal care. You may find caring for someone challenging, so ask for your own needs assessment to look at what support you might need in your caring role. This is called a carers assessment . Healthcare is provided free… or they may need to go into hospital in an emergency. Decisions about their end of life care may be made by staff in Accident and Emergency or by an assessment unit or ward. The hospital may have a palliative care unit or team where staff will help to control symptoms and provide emotional support…

influenced the course of your life. If you are a grandchild you can let your grandparent know how much they have meant to you. If you are a friend you can talk about how you have valued years of support and friendship. Family and friends who can’t be present could send a recording of what they would…

You can find arts and sports and groups on Connect to Support Surrey . These groups can help you out of the house and make new friends. The groups include: art choirs gardening walking groups walking sports like footfall or netball Social prescribing can help you to improve your health and wellbeing. The service helps you find things you can do in your local community. It's free to use, although some of activities may charge. All the services can give you advice and support on topics like: mental health emotional wellbeing a chance to get out and meet new people Depending on where you live you may have to go through: a GP or nurse social worker benefits advisor community pharmacist In other areas you can contact them direct. Healthy Surrey can provide help and support if you want to: improve your mental wellbeing get more active…

If you are starting to struggle with washing, dressing or laundry, you may need support to help you remain independent at home. Home care (sometimes known as personal care) organisations can provide this type of support for as little as a couple of hours a week, all the way to full-time. Enter search terms such as ' bathing ' or ' cleaning ' in the search box along with your postcode to find a list of organisations near you. Equipment and adaptations Bathroom aids, including things like shower seats or support rails, can be helpful if you are having trouble getting into or out… your bathroom or toilet an adaptation to your home could help. Surrey’s Adult Social Care web pages provide more information on adaptations and how a home improvement agency could support you. Short term help at home If you've just come out of hospital, or have had a period of illness, you may…