Carers

Are You a Carer?

(Please note this includes Young carers age 6-18 with a caring responsibility in the home)

Did you know around 1 in 10 people are looking after a family member or friend who is ill, frail or has a disability, which means they are a Carer?

If this applies to you, then there is support available to help keep you and the person you care for well.

If you are an upaid Carer, or have a Carer, we’d like to know.

Please ask at Reception or phone the main surgery number to request a Carers Pack and registration form. Our carer champion within the practice is Karen who will be happy to offer you any help and advice they can, but if they are not available, please leave your details and she will get back to you.

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.

VASL

VASL is a charity in Market Harborough. It aims to improve lives. Services include support for family carers and lonely older people. It also offers volunteer transport and activities to boost mental well-being. Most of the work is done by trained volunteers.

Clasp The Carers Centre Leicestershire and Rutland

Clasp is well known local charity, dedicated to supporting unpaid carers across the diverse populations and communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They have a wide range of services for carers and work with many partners who provide other specialist services to support you and your family.

First Contact Plus

First Contact Plus is a web tool for adults in Leicestershire. It gathers information on various services in one spot. The initiative aids residents needing help with multiple issues. They can access advice, support, and information easily. Topics include housing, health, independent living, financial advice, work, and security. Leicestershire County Council runs First Contact Plus. It collaborates with GPs, police, health groups, charities, social care, and local councils. This teamwork aims to simplify access to services.

Carers Trust

Provide information online to help unpaid carers access the support they need.

Alzheimer’s Society

Provide support for anyone affected by dementia. They help people with dementia stay connected to their lives and the people who matter most.

MS Society

MS can be tough to deal with. Whether you’ve had it for a while, are newly diagnosed, or are waiting for a diagnosis, the MS Society is here for you. They offer support to those who care about someone with MS.

Lamp

Lamp (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project) offers mental health support to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. It also helps families and carers.

Carers UK

Carers UK are there for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support.

VASL Carers Newsletter

Click here.

Carer’ Needs Assessment

Did you know all carers have the right to request a carers’ needs assessment? Please click on the following link to find out more and complete the carers’ assessment form.

Having a care assessment | Leicestershire County Council

A practical guide to healthy caring

NHS England has co-produced with Carers UK, Carers Trust, Age UK, Public Health England and with input from carers networks a practical guide to healthy caring. This is a companion guide to the healthy ageing guide and provides information and advice to carers about staying healthy whilst caring and identifies the support available to help carers maintain their health and wellbeing.

Finance and Law

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

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

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
Tax credits – Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible