How our service can help you
The Dementia Carers' Support Service (DCSS) provides support to family or informal carers of people with a diagnosis of dementia at particularly challenging times throughout their caring journey. Carers eligible for support from our service are then matched to volunteers who often have first-hand carer experience.
What can I expect from a volunteer?
During the current Covid 19 pandemic we are unable to provide any face-to-face support. Consequently, support is offered virtually, by phone or by e-mail. Volunteers can provide:
- Emotional support
- Practical support
- Informational support
- Signposting to other services
- Opportunities for you and the person you care for to meet at our social events (social events currently not running due to Covid 19 restrictions).
Unfortunately, the service is unable to provide a sitting service or break for the carer.
About our volunteers
Volunteers are often experienced carers, who have a desire to help others. They have knowledge, skills, and qualities that they can pass on to current carers of people with dementia. As CPFT volunteers they undergo the normal recruitment process for volunteers such as assessment of capability, appropriateness, and DBS checks. Volunteers receive training and supervision (both peer group and 1 to 1) and adhere to the policies and procedures of the Trust. Volunteers also receive a work mobile phone and expenses will be remunerated.
Become a volunteer
Starting from as little as a couple of hours a month, or as much time as you can give, you really can make a difference in many ways. Whether you want to build upon your current skills or give some time to your local community, you can support us and make a real difference to dementia carers lives.
If you would like to help, make a difference to dementia carers’ lives please contact us. We would love to hear from you!
Comments from volunteers
"I can only say that giving my time to someone who may be in distress, lonely or disabled in some way, has hopefully benefitted their lives and has certainly enriched mine. I have learnt so much - I am a better person for it!'
“I find volunteering with DCSS very rewarding and love the fact I’m giving something back to other Carers who are just starting out on a Dementia journey with a loved one.”
Contact the service
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Coordinator: Louise Woolacott-Crow
Support worker: Susan Quesne
T: 01480 420331
E: dcss@cpft.nhs.ukOr write to:
Tracy Donnelly
Ely NT Dementia Carers' Support Service
New Cottages
Princess of Wales Hospital
Lynn Road, Ely
CB6 1DN.Please note: Due to the limited capacity of our service, we are not able to accept self-referrals, You will therefore need to ask your CPFT care coordinator or the care coordinator of the person you care for to support a referral. This is to ensure we offer the support where it is most needed and because DCSS is a time limited service.
Recommended websites
Referral Information
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How does the service work?
The service covers Cambridge City, South Cambs, East Cambs, Fenland and Huntingdonshire.
Due to the limited capacity of our service, we are not able to accept self-referrals, therefore, you will need to ask your CPFT care coordinator or the care coordinator of the person you care for to support this referral. This is to ensure we offer the support where it is most needed. Our service is a time limited service.
On receipt of a referral, the DCSS coordinator will contact you directly to discuss the service and how best you can be supported. A support plan will be developed, and a volunteer may then be matched and introduced to you.
