Information for carers
Carers need information, financial and other support, opportunities to take time off and contact with people in similar situations to themselves. Carers Organisations that give information and support for carers are:
- CARERS DIRECT
Carers Direct is a information, advice and support service for carers operated by the NHS. Its website has practical guides on assessments, getting practical support, young carers, work and education and much else. It has links to local services that you can search by putting in a place name or postcode. Their telephone helpline is open 7 days a week and will give information about such things as assessments, benefits, direct payments, individual budgets, time off and on work or education.
They will also tell you how to complain about services you use or with your local authority or NHS services. They also can put you in touch with other specialist national or local sources of help, including social care, health and self-help networks and resources.
Freephone: 0808 802 0202 (calls from mobiles may be charged; lines are open 8am-9pm Monday-Friday and 11am-4pm at weekends and bank holidays).
Email: CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
www.nhs.uk/carersdirect - Carers UK (formally Carers National Association)
Carers UK campaign for change, provide information to carers about, for example, benefits, what you can expect from social services and about how to complain.
20 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4LX
Carers line: 0808 808 7777
Fax: 020 7378 9781
Email: infor@carersuk.org
www.carersuk.org - Contact a family
Provides information, advice and support for families with disabled children.
209 -211 City Road
London EC1V 1JN
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
Email: info@cafamily.org.uk
www.cafamily.org.uk - Crossroads - caring for carers
Crossroads provide respite care they take over from the carer to give them a break. There are over 120 local schemes in England and Wales. Some schemes have additional services such as your carers projects and care for people who are terminally ill. To find your local scheme contact:
Tel: 0845 450 0350
Fax: 01788 565 498
www.crossroads.org.uk
In Scotland contact www.crossroads-scotland.co.uk
In Northern Ireland contact www.crossroadscare.co.uk - The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The Trust provides support for carers through over 140 local centres. These provide information and advice, emotional support for carers and local representation. Some provide practical support such as respite breaks or help with shopping. To find a local centre, contact:
Unit 14, Bourne Court
Southend Road
Woodford Green
Essex IG8 8HD
Tel: 0844 800 4361
Fax: 0844 800 4362
Email: info@carers.org
www.carers.org - Youngcarers.net
The Princess Royal Trust also has a website for young carers. This lively site has online discussions, information and lots of practical and useful information for young people. If you register for YCNet Interactive you can chat to other young carers, join discussions, find a buddy and much more. There are experts and youth works online to help. You can also sign up to a free email monthly newsletter
www.youngcarers.net.
Carer's allowance
Carer's Allowance is paid to people who look after someone who is disabled. You do not have to be related to, or live with the person that you care for. To get it you have to be 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person who gets Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance (at the middle or highest rate for personal care), or Constant Attendance Allowance (at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension).
For information go to the Directgov website www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/MoneyMatters/DG_10012522
Or contact:
Carer's Allowance - Enquiries
Palatine House
Lancaster Road
Preston
Lancashire PR1 1HB
Tel: 01253 856 123
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