Support for carers

Alliance Homes Group

The Alliance Homes Group provide a single point of contact for carers of any age to access the help and practical support that you need.

Their support workers work with you to identify problems related to your caring responsibilities and to find potential solutions to them. They can support you to have some time of your own, separate from your caring responsibilities, if this is what you want to do.

They deliver their carers support services in North Somerset in partnership with ‘Age UK Somerset’ and ‘North Somerset Community Partnership’. Their partnership is called ‘The Carers Support Alliance’

Click here to visit their website.

Crossroads Care

Crossroads Care is Britain’s leading provider of support for carers and the people they care for. We work with over 35,000 individuals and their families, helping carers to make a life of their own outside caring. We provide the special quality of care that gives them the peace of mind to let someone else step into their shoes.

If you would like to find out if Crossroads Care can help you, please get in touch with your local Crossroads Care office.

The Carer’s Centre, 1 Graham Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, BS23 1YA

Tel: 01934 411 840

Group A Streptococcus - Information for families and carers of children

You may have seen reports about a higher-than-usual level of Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections in children this year, and we understand if you are concerned.

GAS is a common bacteria – lots of people carry it without being unwell.

It can cause many common mild infections, including sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics. 

The information below explains how it is spread, and what to look for when your child is unwell.

How is it spread?

GAS spreads by close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound.

Which infections does GAS cause?

The bacteria usually causes a mild infection, producing sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics.

What is invasive group A strep?

This is when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream and causes serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). These cases are very rare.

Symptoms of mild GAS infections

Symptoms of mild infections include: sore throat; fever; chills; muscle aches; and in cases of scarlet fever, a rash and a white coating on the tongue, which peels leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in bumps

When to contact us:

– If your child is not recovering after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection, and you are concerned they are becoming more unwell

– If your child is drinking much less (50% less) than normal

– If your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration

– If your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher

– If your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

– Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs

– There are pauses when your child breathes

– Your child’s tongue or lips are blue, or their skin is mottled/pale

– Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

– Your child has a weak, continuous, or high-pitched cry