We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who, whatever their age, may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often hidden looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.

Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24 hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer.

Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.

As a Carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services.  A Carer’s Assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It can also look at the needs of the person you care for.

If you are a carer, please let us know so that we can update our records and pass on your details to the Carers Service who can provide relevant information and advice.  We can also help and advise about accessing medical information regarding the person that you care for.

Carer Identification Form

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• Caring for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Managing someone's legal affairs

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund

   

• Tax credits

  Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible