Support for carers

Carers are the main support line for many people, they may be a friend or relative who regularly help, looks after or supports someone over the age of 18 who wouldn’t be able to manage everyday life without their help.

Carers under the age of 18 are sometimes called ‘Young Carers‘.

Who you may be looking after

You may be caring for a partner, relative, friend or neighbour. For example, it may be someone who:

• has a physical or learning disability
• has a mental health condition
• is living with dementia
• has sight, hearing or communication difficulties
• has a long-term health condition
• misuses drugs or alcohol

A carer doesn’t have to be living with the person they care for, and the help they give doesn’t have to be physical.

Things you may help do

You may be helping with:

• shopping, personal finances
• paperwork and administration
• transportation
• personal care, such as washing and dressing
• going to the toilet or dealing with incontinence
• eating or taking medicines
• getting about at home or outside
• practical things, like companionship
• counselling, emotional support or communicating
• attending appointments

Services for carers

Find out what help is available for carers and people who look after someone.

Financial aid is also available to carers. You can get £67.60 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

• You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
• You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.
• If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.

Find out more about financial aid.

Thurrock Carers Service

Thurrock Carers Service can provide information, advice and support for unpaid carers who support relatives, friends or neighbours who would find it difficult to manage without their help.

Looking after a friend or loved one can sometimes being extremely challenging leaving you feeling alone, angry or upset. This is perfectly natural.

Thurrock Carers Service help carers and people who look after someone. They are your first point of contact for information, advice and guidance. They can offer emotional as well as practical support.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with a carers facilitator or you would like more information about the service they offer, please contact them using one of the methods below.

Telephone: 01375 659172

Email: carers@thurrockmind.org.uk

Website: www.thurrockcarers.org.uk

Additional support for carers

Action for Family Carers makes a positive difference to the lives of both adult and young carers across Essex by providing a variety of services. These include carer advice and information, Feeling Good Caring Well programme of wellbeing activities, Essex Befriends, Carer Counselling, and Day Care and Activity Groups for vulnerable older people. For Young Carers under 18 years of age there is countywide in-school support and Young Carers Clubs in 5 Districts.

You can call them on 0300 770 8090, or email info@affc.org.uk.

www.affc.org.uk