Middlesbrough council has appointed PAM Assist – a FREE support network just for people like you. Give it a try!
What is a carer, and am I one?
It’s obvious to the outside world when someone is working in care. For a start, they usually wear a clinical looking uniform.
But unpaid carers are just like you and me.
They may be the daughter who works full-time yet spends all her spare hours looking after her bedridden mum. They might be the husband who looks after his wife who suffers with her mental health, the teenager who cares for both parents around his schoolwork or the pensioner who is the only person in her sick friend’s life
Looking after a loved one can be incredibly rewarding but it can also be extremely challenging, the service is here to listen and support you.
Why do I need support?
We’re not talking money here – though that would come in handy for so many of us!
We’re talking about someone you can pour your heart out to, on whose shoulder you can cry 24 hours a day when the going gets physically or mentally tough – and that’s something worth its weight in gold.
Tell me about this service then
The council has recognised the need for carers like you to be supported, so they’ve signed up PAM Assist – a free and confidential emotional and wellbeing counselling support service.
That simply means that PAM offers a really fantastic, friendly, qualified person on the other end of a phone. PAM also gives you the opportunity to text them – any time, day or night – or even to make an appointment to go and see them.
And it costs you nothing!
What can counselling really do for me?
Keeping a healthy mind as well as a healthy body is vital. One great way to ease the pressure and the stress is to share your woes. As they say, it’s good to talk! But you may find it difficult to open up and talk to people you know if you’re feeling physically or emotionally low.
The beauty of PAM Assist is that you can vent to your heart’s content, get some great advice, further referral if you need it - and no one outside of PAM will ever know!
So you’re thinking of giving PAM a go? Here are some questions you might be asking yourself…
When can I call the helpline?
The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year!
Is there a limit on the number of times I can call it?
No. Call just as much as you like – that’s what we’re here for.
How much will it cost to use the helpline?
It’s totally free.
How confidential are my calls?
Please don’t worry – all your calls are strictly private and confidential.
Will my personal information be shared with anyone?
Never. We will keep a confidential record – just like the way a GP keeps medical records -but we will never share this unless you give your written consent, for example if you agree that you’d like treatment outside the service that PAM offers.
I haven’t got any really major concerns – won’t the people on the phone just think I’m moaning?
Honestly, PAM is fantastic for everyone and no issue or query is too small or too big. PAM is there to provide support through life’s ups and downs, so never feel bad for calling.
What people say about PAM
“I had a series of counselling sessions with PAM and they were so helpful. It’s the first time I’ve used a service like this and I’d advise others to. Having someone to speak to during what was a really challenging time for me was a great support.”
“Following each counselling session, I find almost a physical release of tension. I find I look forward to each session.”
“I was given the option of chatting over Teams, Zoom or just a good old telephone conversation. Days and times were flexible for me. My counsellor continually worked with with me at my pace and I never felt judged.”
What PAM offers
- A 365-days-a-year, 24-hour telephone helpline
- Telephone counselling with a therapist registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Face-to-face counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.
- LifeChat: a live chat counselling session which gives people a chance to text for support at a time that’s convenient to them.
How can you access PAM Assist?
- Visit: www.pamassist.co.uk or download the PAM Assist app.
- Username: mbcsupport
- Password: mbcsupport1
- For more information on PAM Assist and its services, contact: info@pamwellbeing.co.uk
