Many people in a caring role do not consider themselves to be carers as they are often looking after a family member or somebody close to them. There are many services available to anyone who spends a significant amount of time caring for a relative, partner, child or friend and who does not get paid.

As a practice, we have a protocol in place to identify carers. Once identified, and with the patient's permission, we keep a computer register of carers. It is our aim to provide information to carers on issues such as external help, respite care and other services available to carers.

Twice a year, we have a display in our waiting room. The first is during Carer’s Week in June and the other is for Carers’ Rights Day in October.

We hold a range of information which carers may find useful, including leaflets and contact information about local and national organisations. Carers on our register will receive a letter prior to these events and anyone who cannot get to the surgery to see the display will be able to receive a selection of the information available by post. If you are a carer and would like your name to be placed on our register, please give your name and details to a receptionist. It can be helpful for us to know who you care for and whether you 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. You can also ask at reception for a carers’ pack which contains useful information.

You may also find the following links helpful:

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.thecarerscentre.org
Brighton & Hove carers’ centre

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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