Finding support in your area

One of the greatest barriers to care and support is knowing what is available to access in locally and conveniently. To help you with this, Birmingham Connect to Support has a list of groups and activities from across the city, searchable via location and types of groups or activities. This list is regularly updated and is a key part of the City Council’s vision to keep adults independent for as long as possible in their own homes.

You can search the community directory for local groups and activities.

Places of Welcome

Places of Welcome are run by local community groups who want everyone in their neighbourhood to have a place to go for a friendly face, a cup of tea and a conversation if and when they need it.

Places of Welcome take place in a variety of different venues including churches, community centres, libraries, mosques, temples and other community group buildings across the UK.

You can find out more by visiting the Places of Welcome website (opens in new window)

Independent Advice and Support

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

CAB’s provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. They can also offer advice on debt and financial difficulties. Visit their national website  (opens in new window) or find out more about Birmingham CAB here (opens in new window).

Volunteering

Volunteering makes a positive impact in your community but it can also have many benefits for you. 

You can find out more about volunteering and find opportunities on the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council website (opens in new window).

NHS Loneliness and Isolation free service

The NHS run a service to support people who would like a chat. Called the "NHS and Care Volunteer Responders" the service will see volunteers phone someone for a chat. Its free to use and available to anyone living in England. There are 2 options:

1) Check in and Chat: Volunteers are available to provide a friendly chat and a listening ear. You can request calls for up to 18 weeks daily or weekly. There will be a different volunteer calling each time

2) Companionship Support: If you'd prefer being able to speak to the same person, you can request the Companionship Calls. These can be requested up to 3 calls per week, for 6 weeks

To arrange telephone calls with volunteers, call the service on 0808 196 3646 or go to their website https://nhscarevolunteerresponders.org/id-like-support