Winter support for older people in Kensington & Chelsea

Someone to talk to 

If you require someone to talk to, here are organisations that can help: 

Age UK Kensington & Chelsea offers befriending services with volunteers who provide regular calls or home visits for companionship and a chat. 

Call 020 8969 9105 or email information@aukc.org.uk.

Age UK Westminster also provides befriending and advice services. 

Call 0203 004 5610 or visit their office. 

For 24-hour support including Christmas Day, the Silverline helpline is always available on 0800 4 70 80 90 for a conversation. 

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea can arrange welfare checks during cold weather. 

Contact Adult Social Care on 020 7361 3013(9am-5pm weekdays) or 020 7373 2227 (out of hours). 

Westminster City Council Adult Social Care can be reached on 020 7641 2500 (office hours) or 020 7641 2388 (out of hours). 

Staying safe and well at home 

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury, but many can be prevented. 

For simple preventive measures, keep your home well-lit, especially stairs and hallways and remove loose rugs and trailing cables. 

For any daily routines, keep regularly used items within easy reach, and wear well-fitting slippers with non-slip soles.

Age UK Kensington & Chelsea offers a simple DIY service for small tasks like changing lightbulbs, putting up shelves, or hanging pictures. 

They also provide practical home help including shopping assistance and help taking you to appointments. 

Contact them on 020 8960 8137. 

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea provides a 24-hour Community Alarm Service via a pendant. 

If you fall or need help, pressing the button connects you to support immediately. Contact the Royal Borough's Adult Social Care for more information. 

Westminster residents should contact Westminster Adult Social Care on 020 7641 2500 to enquire about similar services. 

Living with Dementia Age UK Kensington & Chelsea provides specialist dementia support including Memory Cafés where you can meet others, enjoy activities, and benefit from refreshments in a welcoming environment. 

They offer one-to-one support with weekly visits to help you maintain social connections. Call 020 3181 0002 or email dementia@aukc.org.uk.

Age UK Westminster also offers face-to-face sessions for people living with dementia. 

The Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster Memory Service (part of the NHS) provides assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing support for residents of both boroughs. 

Ask your GP for a referral or contact them on 020 3317 3666. Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who support both people with dementia and their carers. 

Ask your GP for a referral, or contact Dementia UK on 0800 888 6678. 

The Alzheimer's Society National Helpline (0333 150 3456) can also provide information and support. 

Reminder of help and rights of carers

Carers are entitled to a Carer's Assessment from their local council to identify ways to make their lives easier. This is separate from the assessment for the person cared for.

Contact Adult Social Care Kensington & Chelsea on 020 7361 3013 or Westminster on 020 7641 2500 to arrange this. 

Age UK Kensington & Chelsea also runs monthly carer support groups providing practical advice, information, and peer support. Call 020 8969 9105 or email information@aukc.org.uk.

Carers Network provides assessments, advice, and support. 

Contact them on 020 8960 3033 or email carers@carers-network.org.uk.

They also organize the Kensington and Chelsea Carers Forum where you can have your say on local services. 

You may be eligible for Carer's Allowance (£81.90 per week) if you care for someone at least 35 hours weekly. 

Carers UK runs a helpline on 0808 808 7777 with information about benefits and your rights at work. Respite care can be arranged through social services to give you essential breaks.

Coping with stress and grief

If you've lost someone close, the holiday season can be a difficult time. Here are organisations that can help:

Cruse Bereavement Support offers specialist help with grief on 0808 808 1677. 

The Samaritans (116 123) are available 24/7 for emotional support, including Christmas Day.