Carers Support
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be physically & emotionally demanding. Whether you care for a family member, friend, neighbour, or work in a caring profession, support is available for you.
What is a Carer?
A carer is someone who helps another person who could not manage without support because of:
- Illness
- Disability
- Frailty
- Mental health difficulties
- Learning disabilities
- Substance misuse
- Age-related conditions
A carer may help with:
- Personal care & Medication
- Shopping & cooking
- Attending appointments
- Emotional support
- Managing finances or paperwork
- Everyday household tasks
What is a Young Carer?
A young carer is a child or young person under 18 who helps care for someone at home due to illness, disability, mental health difficulties, or addiction. Young carers can sometimes miss out on social activities, education, or time to themselves. Support services are available locally to help young carers access advice, activities, emotional support & respite opportunities.
Young carers may help with:
- Cooking & cleaning
- Looking after siblings
- Translating or communicating
- Emotional support
- Managing medication
- Personal care
Unpaid Carers
Many carers are unpaid and look after a partner, parent, child, relative, or friend alongside work, school, or other responsibilities. Many people do not recognise themselves as carers straight
Paid Carers
Paid carers are professionals employed by care agencies, organisations, or individuals to provide care and support services in homes, care settings, or the community.
Support Available for Carers
Carers are entitled to support, advice, and in many cases a Carer’s Assessment through local authorities & NHS services. A Carer’s Assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what support may help you.
Support may include:
- Emotional wellbeing support
- Respite and short breaks
- Financial and benefits advice
- Peer support groups
- Emergency planning
- Young carers services
- Help accessing local services
NHS & National Support Resources
- NHS Carers Information and Support
- Carers UK
- Carers Trust
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Carers Toolkit
- Hampshire County Council Young Carers Support
- The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire
Local Support in East Hampshire & Hampshire
Adult Carers Support
- Carers Together In Hampshire – Support, advice, listening services, and information for unpaid carers across Hampshire.
- Princess Royal Trust For Carers – Information, one-to-one support, emergency planning, and carers guidance for adults caring for someone over 18.
Young Carers Support
- Off The Record – OTR South Mental health and wellbeing support for young people and carers across Hampshire.
- Hampshire Young Carers Alliance https://bit.ly/hyca-youngcarers – Activities, respite opportunities, peer support, and guidance for young carers.
- East Hampshire Young Carers Project – Local support, groups, trips, and activities for young carers in Hampshire.
- The King’s Arms Young Carers Programme – School support, family support, clubs, and activities for young Carers in East Hampshire.
Let Us Know You Are a Carer
Registering as a Carer with your GP practice can help:
- Offer additional support where available
- Provide information about local services
- Consider evening & weekend appointments where appropriate
- Ensure you receive relevant health advice & vaccinations
If you are a Carer, or think you may be a Carer, please speak to a member of our team.
