Supporting You to Support Others
If you provide unpaid help and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help, you may be a carer.
You may support someone because they:
- Are older and frail
- Have a physical disability
- Have a learning disability
- Have a mental health condition
- Are autistic
- Have a long-term illness
- Misuse alcohol or drugs
Many people do not see themselves as carers and may simply think of themselves as a husband, wife, partner, parent, child, friend or neighbour. However, support is available to help you in your caring role.
Your Rights as a Carer
Under the Care Act 2014, carers have important rights to assessment and support.
You may be entitled to a Carer's Assessment if your caring responsibilities affect your wellbeing, health, work, education, family life or ability to do the things that are important to you.
A Carer's Assessment looks at:
- The impact caring has on your life
- What support you may need
- How your wellbeing can be maintained
- Whether you are willing and able to continue caring
You do not need to live with the person you care for and they do not need to receive Adult Social Care services for you to request an assessment.
Request a Carer's Assessment
Adult Social Care
📞 01925 443322
Safeguarding Adults
Everyone has the right to live free from abuse and neglect.
If you are worried that the person you care for may be experiencing:
- Physical abuse
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Neglect
- Self-neglect
- Discriminatory abuse
- Organisational abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Modern slavery
you should raise your concerns as soon as possible.
Report a Safeguarding Concern
If an adult with care and support needs is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect:
Adults Social Care📞 01925 443322
Out of Hours 📞 01925 444400
In an emergency always call 999.
If You Are Struggling
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging.
Many carers experience:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Financial pressures
- Exhaustion
- Difficulties balancing work and caring responsibilities
Seeking support early can help prevent a crisis and improve your wellbeing.
If you are finding it difficult to continue caring, speak to Adult Social Care or a carers support organisation as soon as possible.
Planning for Emergencies
Consider creating an emergency plan so that arrangements are in place if you:
- Become unwell
- Need hospital treatment
- Have an accident
- Are unexpectedly unable to provide care
Emergency planning can help ensure the person you care for continues to receive appropriate support.
Support for Young Carers
A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who helps care for a family member who has:
- A disability
- A long-term illness
- A mental health condition
- Substance misuse issues
Young carers have a right to support and should not undertake inappropriate or excessive caring responsibilities.
If you are a young carer, or know a young person who may be caring for someone, support is available through local services.
Useful Information and Support