Carers Zone
Many people who are looking after family members at home, might not think of themselves as a carer.
They are just looking after their loved ones. But if you are supporting someone with shopping, household chores and daily personal needs then you are an unpaid carer.
It's important to understand what your rights are and what support is out there for you so we have created this section to help guide you to the information you need.
Carers Assessments
If you are a carer, you may be entitled to support to help you and your loved one.
To access this support, you need something called a carers assessment.
Find out more about what this is and how to get one here:
Registering with your GP as a Carer
As a carer it's important firstly, that you are registered with a GP and secondly, that you tell your GP you are a carer, as they can provide help and support if they know about your caring responsibilities.
Read our article about why it is important to register by clicking here.
Carer Support Groups
There are several Hampshire-based carer support groups as well as national advice and support groups with local branches which support carers from all walks of life.
You can find these on the Connect to Support site here:
Social media can also be a great source of support.
Local village/town pages can be a good place to reach out to others in a similar situation.
Parents & Carers of SEN children
As a parent or carer of a child with additional needs, it can be hard to find support or others in a similar situation. Hampshire Parent Carer Network offer workshops, local groups and other ways to support you.
To find out more search online for Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN)
Financial Support as a Carer
Caring can bring additional financial pressures and some carers may even need to give up work to focus on their caring responsibilities.
Find out more about the financial support and benefits available to carers by clicking here.
Getting a break
As a carer it's important to look after your own health and wellbeing by getting regular breaks from your caring responsibilities.
Read our article to find out where to go for help by clicking here.
Emergency Planning
Up to 48 hours care may be available for the person you care for in the event of an emergency.
The Princess Royal Trust will provide you with support to discuss, develop and implement an emergency plan.
Mental Health Support
When you have caring responsibilities, it can affect your mental health.
Mind have some mental health advice for carers:
Carers UK also have lots of information and support here
Young Carers
People can become carers at any age.
A young carer is just that- a young person with caring responsibilities- perhaps for a parent or sibling.
Being a young carer can be very tough, but there are lots of local places to support you.
Check out our article by clicking here.