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If you provide unpaid support to someone who is ill, frail, or disabled, including those with a mental health or substance misuse problem, then you are a CARER. Often people in a caring role do not consider themselves to be carers if they are looking after somebody close to them and think of it as just something they do.
Caring for someone is an important and invaluable role which may involve long hours and may be physically and mentally demanding. There are many services available to help you. We know that many carers are young people and there are also services specifically for young carers.
We keep a computer register of carers - this is because we know that carers often overlook their own healthcare needs and may need help to focus on themselves. If you join our register it can be helpful for us to know who you care for and whether they live at the same address. The person you care for does not have to be registered with us for your name to be on the register.
Please tell reception or your clinician that you are a carer and ask for a Carer's Pack. Or ask to speak to our Carers Link Worker, Lucy. We have leaflets for carers and a poster in the waiting room and we try to do a special display for carers every year.
As well as offering you support ourselves, we can refer you to The Carers Centre for additional support and information such as guidance on all sorts of issues including benefits, local services, emotional support, activities and groups, factsheets and Young Carers groups.
As a carer you are entitled to a Carer's Needs Assessment by the local council which will highlight the help you are entitled to. Please note: this is different from an assessment for Carer's Needs Allowance which is carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions.
You can also register for the Emergency Backup Scheme for Carers which provieds alternative home based care for up to 48 hours free of charge in the case of an emergency.
We can refer you to both schemes or you can refer yourself:
For both schemes contact the council ACCESS point on 01273 295555 or for an online form go to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/social services / caring and carers
You may find following websites helpful:
www.thecarerscentre.org
Email: info@thecarerscentre.org
Brighton & Hove carers' centre
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
The council website is an excellent source of information and advice for carers
www.carersweek.org
For information about national events
www.carersuk.org
The only carer-led organisation in the UK
www.carefinder.org.uk
For information on local residential and domestic help
www.cftc.org.uk
Care for the carers, offering advice on back protection
www.crossroads.org.uk
Find your locally based charity offering services to give carers a break.
Many of these services have information specifically for young carers.
If you can't find what you are looking for, try Brighton & Hove City PCT Patient Advice and Liaison service on 0800 013 0251
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