Published 23rd May 2022 by

Please note that due to the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday we will be closed on Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June and will reopen on Monday 6 June.

Our opening hours on other days will be as normal and you can contact us in the normal ways. If you email over the Bank Holiday this will be picked up when our office re-opens.

With our office being closed for an additional two days it is worth remembering some of the support that is available and what you can do.

Have a plan – and an emergency plan

Planning can make life easier for you and the person you look after – especially if the person you care for needs routine or finds it beneficial to be clear on what is happening.

Talk to family and friends about any plans for the bank holiday period. Raise any worries or concerns you have. Manage the expectations of family and friends, and be realistic about what is doable or desirable for you and the person you care for.

It is always important to have an emergency plan for what would happen if something happened meaning you could not carry out your caring responsibilities. Having this in place will give some added peace of mind.

Find out more about emergency planning in Norfolk at carersmatternorfolk.org.uk/information-and-advice/your-rights/making-an-emergency-plan/

Support with your mental health and wellbeing

For urgent help with mental health call the NHS on 111 and choose option 2.

You can talk to Samaritans anytime on 116 123, please remember their support is not just for those who are feeling suicidal. If you are under 19 you can contact Childline about anything. Whatever your worry, it is better out than in. Call 0800 1111.

First Response is a 24/7 helpline for people of all ages in Norfolk and Suffolk who need urgent mental health support. If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health you can call the helpline on 0808 196 3494. Find out more at www.nsft.nhs.uk/first-response/

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust have resources about mental health conditions available at www.nsft.nhs.uk/mental-health-conditions

If you are feeling stressed, anxious low or depressed WellbeingNandS can help. You can visit their website at www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/norfolk/ or call their non-emergency number of 0300 123 1503.

Norfolk and Waveney Mind have a range of support and resources available to help whether you are managing your own mental health problem or supporting someone else with theirs. See www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk/ or call 0300 330 5488.

Virtual meet ups cuppas

If your usual activities are not happening over the Easter period you may want to join an online cuppa. Mobilise host a number of these.

See www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/cuppa-timetable

Or you can connect with other carers through the Carers UK forum at www.carersuk.org/forum

Emergency numbers

In an emergency call 999.

If you need help with your care or need to report an adult at risk of harm in Norfolk you can contact Norfolk County Council by phone or text relay.

  • Telephone: 0344 800 8020 – this number is open 24 hours a day
  • Text relay: 18001 0344 800 8020 – for people with hearing or speech impairments