Help for carers

There are many ways through which help and support as a carer can be sought, in order to help people cope emotionally with the changes to their lifestyles that caring often involves, but also to help manage practically and financially, and to help carers protect their own health and well-being in the long-term.
  • Local Services

Anyone who feels they need practical help from the community care services can ask for an assessment of their needs - the Carers Assessment, by the social sevices department of their local authority. Local authorities have a duty under section 47 of the NHS and Community Care Act (1990) to assess people they believe to be in need of their services.

Under the Disabled Persons Act (1986) there is a requirement that when assessment of a disabled person takes place, the ability of their informal carer to continue caring should be taken into account, so support for the carer of a chronically ill person in the longer-term can be considered.

  • Respite

Many carers could benefit from an occasional break from the regular routine of providing help and support, and many people with mental health problems also need a break to regain some confidence and energy to carry on coping with everyday life. About respite care

  • Benefits

There are various welfare benefits available to carers to help relieve the financial pressure of caring for someone who is incapacitated by severe mental illness. Benefits

  • Time off work

Carers have the right to take time off work to deal with a crisis involving a relative or some other person who depends on them for care; if they need urgent help because of illness, accident or injury, or various other problems. The employer does not have to pay you for the time you take off but must not penalise you for missing work.

  • Support & Advice

There are a number of different sources of this kind of help, including; carer self-help support groups and projects, mental health helplines,, information and advice services. It is also becoming increasingly common for carers to be put forward for things like counselling, in order to help come to terms with what has happened, and the changes involved.