A NEW service to support carers and residents with dementia in Hampshire has been launched.

The 133,000 adult carers and 12,400 residents living with dementia across the county can  now access a new service which will provide them with one-to-one assistance, either over the phone Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, online or face-to-face with a trained carer support worker or dementia advisor at a time that is convenient for the person needing assistance.

They can also receive general information and advice either online and over the phone and atten local carer support groups held across Hampshire.

The new service has been commissioned by Hampshire County Council, NHS West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and is provided by Andover Mind.

The county council said there has been no merger but said the new service brings together a number of services that were previously commissioned separately.

It stressed there hasn’t been any job loss and no savings will be made.

A spokesperson for the authority added: “This represents continued better use of public resources as greater co-ordination means we can ensure people get the support they need. For the public, this provides a ‘one-stop’ shop – making it easier and quicker to access support. For commissioners, it represents a better use of public funds. Jointly commissioning a single service also improves the links and consistency of services between adult social care and health partners.”

Cllr Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care and health at Hampshire County Council , said: “It is vital that we support the county’s carers and those living with dementia in the best way possible. People need to be able to access help quickly and easily, so we have brought together the various support services that were previously provided separately by the county council and our Health partners. By doing this, we are using our collective resources in a much more effective way.”

Maggie MacIsaac, chief executive for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of CCGs and accountable officer for West Hampshire CCG, said: “Carers often are unpaid family members or friends, looking after those with long-term physical and mental health conditions while juggling their career, family life and their own health. By working with our partners at Hampshire County Council and Andover Mind, we are able to offer people crucial support, guidance and information to help them with their caring commitments.”

For more information about the Carers’ Support and Dementia Advisor Service, visit www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/adultsocialcare/dementia or phone the service support line on 01264 332297.