Are you looking after someone? Would you like a chat? Just call 01865 901012 at any time and leave your details. A befriender will call back between 11am and 12 noon, Monday to Friday.

This is Oxford Health’s Family & Carer befriending phoneline which was launched in June 2020 with funding from Oxford Health Charity.

Di Hilson, carers’ lead for the trust, said:

“Looking after someone, of any age, with a mental health illness, a physical health condition or a learning disability can be challenging. It can be lonely and make people feel cut off from others. The impact of COVID-19 is likely to have made some carers feel even more isolated and alone, with little or no contact with others.

“We recognise that family members, friends and carers of our patients may be having a difficult time and we want to support them. The befriending line offers an opportunity to have a friendly chat with someone, and to find out about support available for carers.”

The line is not for emergencies and responders will not have access to any clinical information or be able to answer questions about a patient’s care. It is purely to support a family member, friend or carer. The service is being supported by staff and volunteers from Oxford Health, offering also a new role to volunteers who may not have been able to do their normal roles because of Covid restrictions.

So, if you care for a chat, pick up the phone and dial 01865 901012!

Download the poster and share with carers you know.

See our Carers website for more support and resources: www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/carers