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.
For information about the coronavirus vaccine please see our news page.
More sources of help and support across Hampshire:
Andover Mind provides a Carers Support service for all carers living in Hampshire.
Phone 01264 332297 enquiries@andovermind.org.uk
Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire offers information, support, advice and emergency respite services for all carers in Hampshire. Phone 01264 835246 info@carercentre.com
Carers in Southampton provides advice and support to unpaid carers living in Southampton. Phone 023 8058 2387
Portsmouth Carers Centre provides advice and support to unpaid carers living in Portsmouth. Phone 023 9285 1864.
There are a number of Mental Health Carers Support Workers who can be contacted through your local Community Mental Health Team.
Good Neighbours Support Service
Voluntary groups which offer neighbourly help to people in their local communities.
Information for young carers (under 18).
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/
Many carers are not aware of their rights and entitlements so here are some sources of advice and information on carers rights:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/section/10/enacted
Care Act 2014 Factsheet 8: The law for carers
Carers Trust website - ‘Carers and the Law’ section
How to access a Carers Assessment
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/adultsocialcare/carers-assessment
Support from your GP
Let your GP know
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/your-gp
NHS sets out ‘care for young carers’ offer in GP surgeries
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/06/nhs-sets-out-care-for-young-carers-offer-in-gp-surgeries/
Advice and information for health and care workers when supporting unpaid carers
Identification Practice of Young Carers in England – Review, Tips and Tools
Identification of Carers in GP Practices – A good practice document
2020/21 General Medical Services (GMS) contract Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)