Emergency Support

Portsmouth Social Services operate an Emergency Duty Service that is available outside normal office hours, at weekends and on Bank Holidays. This service is especially for the people of Portsmouth who believe that they or someone else is at risk.

• If your call relates to a person aged 65 and over, or an adult with a physical disability or sensory impairment please call 0845 600 4555
• If your call relates to a child or their family, or an adult with a learning disability, please phone 0845 600 4555

The Emergency Duty Service cannot deal with general social services enquiries or things that can wait until the next working day.
 
The Older Person's Helpdesk have recently extended their opening hours. They are now available between 8:30am and 8:00pm Monday to Friday and between 10:00am and 4:00pm at weekends and Bank Holidays. They can offer advice and assistance with social care issues for all Portsmouth's people aged 65 and over. To contact the Older Person's Helpdesk please call (023) 9289 3800
 
Hampshire and Portsmouth Carers Helpline
   Telephone 08457 221122
   Monday to Friday 4pm-11.30pm
   Weekends and bank holidays 8.30am-11.30pm
 
There may be times when you want to talk to someone who understands the pressures of being a carer, or want practical advice or support to help you cope. Social Services runs an evening and weekend helpline for carers that can provide a listening ear, helpful advice and practical help in an emergency.
 
The telephone helpline is entirely confidential - a caller does not have to give a name and the counsellors will only ask questions to clarify something the caller has said and they are not clear about. No action will be taken as a result of the call without the knowledge and agreement of the caller. The person who answers the telephone is the counsellor who will provide what the caller needs. In the event of an emergency to the carer, the helpline can provide practical help in agreement with the carer to solve the immediate problem. A caller does not have to have a "reason" for calling - it may simply be that they may feel lonely and isolated and want someone to talk to who understands and has the time to listen. Each caller will be offered the time they need. If the line is busy an answerphone allows the next caller to leave a message and the call will be returned as soon as possible.
 
"CALL" - Carers Active Listening Line
08000 323456
Carers Together in Hampshire have started up a new helpline service called "CALL", which stands for Carers Active Listening Line. It's a free, independent and confidential service available between 9am and 11pm, seven days a week. The number is 08000 323456. CALL will be able to help you with information, support, an opportunity to talk about your concerns, sign-posting to other services, and provide access to free training in your role as a carer.