You may need to get help if:

• you are concerned about the health of the person you care for
• the person you care for may have put themselves or you in danger
• you are not able to look after the person you care for

Calling 999    

You should only call '999' when an immediate response is required and someone is in immediate danger.

The telephone operator will ask which emergency service you require Police, Fire or Ambulance

You will be asked where you are so the service can find you as quickly as possible.

Try to stay calm and tell the operator the situation. You will be given guidance about what to do until help arrives.

Getting advice

NHS Directoperates a 24-hour advice and health information service, providing confidential information on:

• what to do if you or your family are feeling ill
• particular health conditions:
• local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies.
• self help and support organisations

You can contact NHS Direct by:

• calling 0845 4647 and talking to an NHS Direct nurse
• calling 0845 606 4647 - the NHS Direct textphone number - if you are deaf or hard of hearing
• you can also go online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Your own GP

If you do not have the telephone number you can use this link to findyour nearest doctor.

Getting support from Oxfordshire County Council

If you need help and advice about social care needs (support to live independently, help in the home or residential care), call the Customer Services at 0845 050 7666. Staff will help you to contact the services you need.

You can also:

• Fax: 01865 783111
• Email: healthandsocialcare@oxfordshire.gov.uk
• Write to Oxfordshire County Council, PO Box 780, Oxford OX1 9GX

Hours are Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am to 5pm; Friday, 8.30 am to 4pm.

Out of hours and bank holidays: Contact the Emergency Duty Team at 0800 833408.

All calls will be taken by an experienced social worker.

Emergency Carers’ Support Service

You can register your details with the Emergency Carers’ Support Service.   If an emergency occurs arrangements can be made for the person you care for to be provided with support and replacement care. More information.

Other helplines

• Oxfordshire Mind Crisis Line,dealing with mental health services, 7 nights a week,  7pm – 1 am, 01865 252252

Samaritans has centres in Banbury and Oxford 08457 90 90 90.