Do you look after someone who is ill, frail, disabled or mentally ill?

We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support.  We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.

Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer.  Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.

If you are please let us know via the online form below- we may be able to help you.

If you wish to discuss your situation as a Carer, please make an appointment with one of the healthcare team at Whitley House Surgery.

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Action for Family Carers

This is a local charity which supports carers. The charity provides services to support both adult and young carers; this includes provision of respite Day Care. Please call them on 0300 7708090 or visit their website www.affc.org.uk for more information

Supporting carers in Essex, Carers First is the commissioned service providing advice and support to adults in Essex who look after a relative or friend. To find out more telephone 0300 303 1555 or email referral@carersfirst.org.uk . 

www.carersfirst.org.uk/Essex

Young Carers

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after someone in their family or a friend who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol. The Young Carers Service in Essex offers free personalised support to young carers and their families that will be developed with them around their need for help and the caring they do.  Families or young carers themselves can self-refer by emailing young.carers@essex.gov.uk

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.

• Caring for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

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

• Benefits for the person you care for

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

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• 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

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund
• Tax credits

  Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible