Support for carers – vital sources of support and information for unpaid carers

This is on top of the existing population of carers who have had to adapt to cope with a lack of access to respite centres and other vital resources during lockdown.

That’s why we have brought together some key resources and information which might be of help to carers:  

Support for carers in Hampshire 

Council support 

Connect to Support is a Hampshire County Council website with information for carers, including; creating an emergency plan, the carers emergency card, accessing a break from caring, and support from the Local Authority.  

https://www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/carersupport 

Carers Together 

Carers Together is a consortium of carers in Hampshire, providing advice and support and pointing carers towards local and national organisations which can provide help. They can offer advice on benefits, training and awareness raising. They have also produced a really useful leaflet for carers on their rights. 

http://www.carerstogether.org.uk/ 

Carers Together support line 

Carers Together run the Carers Active Listening Line - Tel: 08000 323456 

This is a helpline for carers who can phone and speak to someone in confidence about any caring issues they may have. Every call is free, independent, confidential, impartial, supportive and non-judgemental.

It is available 365 days a year, Monday - Friday: 10am - 8pm, Bank Holidays and weekends: 10am - 4.30pm. 

Hampshire Parent Carer Network  

Every local authority in the country has a parent carer forum - this is Hampshire’s. Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN) offers parent carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with an additional need (diagnosed or not) or disability the opportunity to tell the Local Authority, Health and other services, what life is really like. 

They offer a range of ways for parent carers to get involved and have their say including a very active Facebook page, regular get togethers and a parent rep and steering group. Find out more on their website.  

Keeping safe while caring during coronavirus 

Advice and guidance from the national Carers UK organisation around caring during the current pandemic:  

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/protecting-who-you-care-for  

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/staying-safe-faqs 

Sources of financial support for carers 

The Family Fund – an organisation which can help with grants for families caring for disabled children, to buy equipment and other items. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/  

Advice and information for health and care workers when supporting unpaid carers

Identification Practice of Young Carers in England – Review, Tips and Tools

NHS Long Term Plan 

NHS England Carers toolkit 

Identification of Carers in GP Practices – A good practice document

2020/21 General Medical Services (GMS) contract Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)