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Information for Carers
Often people in a caring role do not
recognise themselves as carers
particularly
if they are looking after somebody
close to them, such as a family
member or friend. But if you provide
unpaid support to someone who is
ill, frail, or disabled, including
those with a mental health or
substance misuse problem, then you
are a CARER.
Caring
for someone is an important and
invaluable role which can involve
long hours and may be both
physically and mentally demanding.
There are many services available to
help you, no matter what your
age or circumstances.
We know that carers often overlook
their own healthcare needs and may
need help to focus on themselves.
Please tell one of our
receptionists, or your doctor or
nurse, that you are a carer and ask
for a Carer's Information Pack. With
your permission, we will add your
name to our Carers Register so that
all practice staff are aware of your
role. You
can also
ask to speak to our Carers Link
Worker, who is the main point of
contact for staff and patients
requiring information about carers.
As well as offering you support
ourselves, we can refer you to The
Carers Centre for additional support
and information on a range of issues
including benefits, respite care and
other local services. You can
request one-to-one support or
participate in regular groups and
activities.
The Centre also has a
Young Carers Project which
can
help you if you are
aged 8 to
25.
As a carer you are entitled to a
Carer's Needs Assessment by the
local council which will highlight
the
type of
help available to you. Please note
though,
this is different from an assessment
for Carer's Allowance which is
carried out by the Department for
Work and Pensions.
You can also register for the
Emergency Backup Scheme for Carers
which
provides
alternative home based care for up
to 48 hours, free of charge, in the
case of an emergency.
We can refer you to both schemes, or
you can refer yourself by contacting
the
Council’s
ACCESS point on 01273 295555.
You may find the following websites
helpful:
The Carers Centre for Brighton and
Hove
provides information and support to adult carers and also to young
carers, aged 8-25, through its Young
Carers Project.
www.thecarerscentre.org
01273 746222
Alzheimer’s Society provides
a range of services for people with,
and affected by, dementia and their
carers.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
01273 726266
Amaze supports parents and
carers of children with special
needs. It also works with parents of
teenagers moving from children’s to
adult services.
www.amazebrighton.org.uk
01273 772289
Crossroads Care is a charity
that helps people who care for
disabled relatives or friends at
home. This is a flexible service to
give carers a break.
www.brightoncrossroads.org.uk
01273 234021
PATCHED offers support and
services for carers of people with
substance misuse problems
Freephone 0800 085 4450
Carers UK is a national
organization offering a wide range
of support and information to
carers.
www.carersuk.org
0808 8087777
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