Carers

There is a range of support for those who care for loved ones. However, people who are 'carers' can feel very isolated. Often they are not aware of the support that is available and this can be because they do not recognise themselves as a carer.

If you are supporting someone with additional needs and helping them with their daily life, then you are a carer. It could be your partner, a parent, child or friend. You may be caring for a child with a disability or additional needs, a husband or wife living with dementia, mobility issues, disability or ill health. You could be a child or young person supporting a parent, or helping to look after a brother or sister with a disability, mental health issue, or long-term health condition.   

There is a wide range of help available (click on the links below) and this can include information and access to benefits, information on a wide-range of services, and information about accessing services (click on the image below of the booklet to find out more):

• Information, advice and guidance (on practical things like benefits and where to get help).
• What help is available for daily living for the person I am caring for? Click HERE for information from Nottinghamshire County Council on the support you may be able to access to help you to stay living at home.
• Peer support groups (usually informal and friendly groups where you can get together with other people who are carers and understand the challenges that we face in caring for a loved one). 
• Respite care and befriending services (these services usually have to be paid for at the moment) but can enable you to attend appointments or get a break knowing that your loved one is safe and being cared for. Click on the image below to download the booklet from Nottinghamshire County Council for information on personal budgets (which can be used for respite and befriending services) and for information on short breaks for carers.
• End of life care - Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity. Their website provides clear and simple information about the support available for people who are in the last year of life.

As a starting point, there is an excellent booklet produced by Nottinghamshire County Council providing a wide range of information and advice. Click on the image below to access this useful handbook.

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