Information for carers
This signposting resource is part of Hospice UK’s Compassionate Employers programme.
Am I a carer?
Many carers don’t see themselves as carers and it can take an average of 2 years to acknowledge their role as a carer and the support that is available.
You are likely to be classified as a carer if:
- you help someone in your family, partner or friend who has an illness, disability, mental health problem or an addiction
- they cannot cope without support with everyday tasks
- you aren’t paid to support the person
What next?
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If you care for someone, you can have an assessment to see what might help make your life easier. This is called a carer's assessment.
Contact adult social services at your local council and ask for a carer's assessment.You can find your local adult social services here (England only): Find local authority adult social care services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
You can find more information on carer's assessment on the NHS website: Carer's assessments - Social care and support guide - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Or Carers UK: Carer's assessment | Carers UK
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There are a few ‘statutory rights’ which everyone has as well as 'contractual rights' which will be specific to your employer.
As a carer in England, Scotland or Wales you will have the right to take one weeks unpaid carers leave and request flexible working from day one of your employment. You also have rights to parental leave, time off in emergencies and protection from discrimination.
This guide from Carers UK provides an overview: your-rights-in-work-april-2024.pdf (carersuk.org)
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It can be helpful to find support in your local area, including local carers' groups.
You can use the local directory from Carers UK: Support where you live | Carers UK
Or the postcode finder from Carers Trust: Local Carers Support Services Near Me | Carers Trust
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Turn2us is a free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face. The website has a free and easy to use grants search and benefits calculator.
Infoline and Emotional Support
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Website: Carers UK
Provides expert advice, information, and support to carers, including forums and advocacy services.
Their Helpline is available from Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm, Tel 0808 808 7777 or email advice@carersuk.org
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Helpline: 0300 123 1053
Website: NHS Carers Direct
Offers free, confidential information and advice for carers.
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Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
Website: Age UK
Provides support and information to older people and their carers, including financial and legal advice.
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Helpline: 0333 150 3456
Website: Alzheimer’s Society
Provides support and information for people affected by dementia, including their carers.
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Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Website: Mind
Offers advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem, including carers.
Specialised Support
There is also plenty of support, advice, information and guidance available for carers, whatever their situation, or who they are caring for.
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- Carers Trust: Provides support for young carers, including information, advice, and local support services.
- The Children's Society: Offers support and resources for young carers.
- Barnardo's: Provides support services for young carers, including advice and counseling.
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- Alzheimer's Society: Offers information, support, and advice for carers of people with dementia.
- Dementia UK: Provides specialist dementia support for families through its Admiral Nurses service.
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- Contact: A charity for families with disabled children, providing support, advice, and information.
- Scope: Provides practical advice and emotional support for disabled people and their families.
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- Mencap: Offers support and advice for people with learning disabilities and their carers.
- Learning Disability England: Provides information and resources for carers of people with learning disabilities.
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- Rethink Mental Illness: Offers support and information for carers of people with mental health conditions.
- Mind: Provides advice and support for carers of people with mental health problems.
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- Age UK: Offers support, advice, and information for older carers and those caring for elderly relatives.
- Independent Age: Provides information and support for older people and their carers.
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- SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity): Provides support for military families and carers.
- The Royal British Legion: Offers support for carers of veterans.
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Carefree provide carers with access to breaks in hotels throughout the UK.
Find out more: Carefree - A New Kind of Charity (carefreespace.org)
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A power of attorney is a legal document that appoints someone – your 'attorney' – to make decisions on your behalf.
You can find a detailed guide on how to arrange this via the Age UK website: Power of attorney – Setting up a lasting power of attorney (LPA) | Age UK
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If you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, who may be put at risk if you became ill, you should be offered a free flu jab, according to government policy.
For further information, such as the health conditions that qualify you for a free jab, visit:
If you live in England, see the NHS website .
If you live in Wales, visit NHS Direct Wales website.
If you live in Scotland, visit the NHS Inform website .
If you live in Northern Ireland, see the flu vaccination page on NI Direct .