Support services
Lots of organisations can help support you on your path to recovery, including with information, practical help, and referrals on to other organisations.
East Anglian Driveability
They have experts in the field of assessment of those with disabilities, stroke survivors, and those who may have lost limbs, or suffered brain damage in accidents. They have specialist knowledge (and computer programs) in the field of assessment, and in the way that they can propose vehicle modifications for individuals based on their particular disability or injury. East Anglian Driveability is a brilliant resource and they can be found at: www.eastangliandriveability.org.uk
Stroke Association
If you would like information about stroke, or sources of support available after a stroke, please contact the Association’s helpline on 0303 303 3100 (usually open Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 8am to 6pm; and Saturday 10am to 1pm) or access the website on: https://www.stroke.org.uk/finding-support/stroke-helpline
Headway (Ipswich & East Suffolk)
A charity supporting people with an acquired brain injury and those who care for them, offering advice, support, rehabilitation and support services to anyone (over the age of 16) who has, during their lifetime, sustained a brain injury through traumatic, stroke, virus, tumour, neurological conditions or other similar events.
Neuro hubs are based in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds:
Ipswich hub: 01473 712 225
Bury hub: 01284 702 535
Or visit: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk
Different Strokes
A British charity run by working age stroke survivors and their families, for the younger-aged stroke survivors. Empowering younger stroke survivors, their families and friends to reclaim their lives and ambitions through active support.
Tel: 0345 130 7172 Or visit: www.differentstrokes.co.uk
Red Cross
Provide short-term loans of equipment including wheelchairs, locations include:
- 15 Chevalier Street, Ipswich, IP1 2PF - 01473 219 261
- Unit 1 Wallis Court, James Carter Road, Mildenhall, IP28 7DD - 01638 712911
- Unit C, 511 Coldhams Lane, Cambridge, CB1 3JS - 01223 868696
- Woodfarm Lane, Beacon Park, Great Yarmouth, NR31 9AQ - 01493 663626
- General enquiries 0344 871 1111
Suffolk Family Carers
A registered charity, working with unpaid family carers across Suffolk. The charity provides information, advice and guidance for those caring for family members.
Tel: 01473 835 477
Website: www.suffolkfamilycarers.org
Suffolk Wellbeing Service
Provides a range of psychological interventions to help people with common mental health problems and negative emotions such as low mood, anxiety, depression or stress.Self-refer online or through your GP or phone 0300 123 1781
https://www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/suffolk/
Customer First
Customer First is the initial point of contact for social services in Suffolk, with trained staff who can advise on services within Suffolk including carer need, support for carers, as well as offering advice and a ‘signposting’ service of who else to contact that may be able to help.