SWNODN Virtual Advisor/FAQs

The Neuromuscular Care Advisors are part of a multi-disciplinary team who specialise in neuromuscular conditions.  There are four Advisors based across the South West.  You may meet them in one of the specialist clinics or be referred to them by your own GP or other healthcare professional.  You can also contact them during office hours throughout the week if you need advice.

Patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of a neuromuscular condition covered by the network and live in the South West (excluding Dorset). 

If you are an individual with a neuromuscular condition you can contact your Neuromuscular Advisor if you have a specific enquiry or need help with a matter relating to your condition. Advisor’s work Monday to Friday during normal office hours. You can either call them directly if you have their number or call the Network Office.

We are working on putting together a number of Resource Packs which detail support available in each county of the South West of England. Please let us know of any services in your area that we have missed off and you think would be useful to other people.

• Bath and North East Somerset
• Bristol
• Cornwall
• Devon
• Gloucestershire
• North Somerset
• South Gloucestershire
• Swindon
• Wiltshire

If you are new to caring, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. There are many organisations across the South West that can help guide you through the maze of what support is out there. Or it could be that the person you care for is starting to need more care. As things change you may find you have new questions or just need someone to share your feelings with.

Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer – they are just looking after someone in their family who needs help and getting on with what needs to be done. They often don’t know what support is available and struggle on alone.

Support organisations for carers may be able to help with the following:

• Benefits and other financial matters affecting carers, including debt
• Breaks from caring and other ways of looking after yourself
• Juggling work and care
• Where to start in getting help at home
• Support for carers in hospitals and GP surgeries
• Aids and adaptations
• Transport and travel issues
• Guidance with form filling
• Managing other people’s affairs
• Accessing training, volunteering or work
• Provide Carers Emergency Cards
• One to one support
• Carers groups
• Many also offer specialist support to young carers and young adult carers.

Please explore the websites below of national organisations who support carers:

• Carers Trust
• Carers UK
• NHS Your guide to care and support