Section 1:
Finding Help - Support for Carers - Filling in Forms
-
This page brings together some common places that people have found help or support. There are plenty other trustworthy places to get help. Recommendations from professionals, or others with experience, can be very helpful. Feel free to have a look around. Check that the advice you find relates to the country you live in. The law can vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Here are some of the common places people find advice or support:
Charities: Some charities are quite broad, like Age UK or Marie Curie. But others might focus on certain issues, like housing, or conditions, like dementia. They are a great place to start for advice or support. Try looking at their websites - they usually have useful information there. Normally there are phone lines you can call too. Some even have local groups for you to join.
Local groups: There are many local groups out there, such as disease support groups, groups for carers or community advice groups. If you want to know more, community spaces like your local library will normally advertise them.
Local councils can help with money, benefits, your home, social care and disability support.
Advice services: there are lots of these. Some, like Citizens Advice, can advise on many things. Others might focus on something specific, like the Money and Pensions Service.
Free legal support:
The AskAva ChatBot is a great way to get information about a range of topics.
Advice Now is another great resource. You’ll find lots of information on that website to help you understand your rights and what to do if you have a problem.
Depending on your problem and where you live, The Law Centres Network may be able to offer free legal support. But they only cover certain locations and issues, so you need check if are eligible. If you find out you aren’t eligible, there are still other services on offer. Try this Law Centres Network guide to other sources of help.Social prescribing: There are many things that can affect your wellbeing but can’t be treated with medicine. That might include things like loneliness, problems with housing or money. These problems need a different kind of support. Social prescribing helps you find that support. Have a chat with your GP if you think that might be right for you. They can refer you to a social prescribing service near you.
-
Caring for someone can be rewarding. But it can also be hard. There are specific services for carers. They can give advice and support to help you care for someone else, and look after yourself. Some of these services are free.
If you register as a carer, it can be easier to get the support you need. You may also be able to get money off shopping and services.
Carers UK
There is plenty of useful information on the Carers UK website or you can get in touch with them.
Local Carer groups
Carer’s UK can point you toward local groups and what they offer with their online directory. Your local carer group can be a great place for advice, support and friendship. They can help with filling in forms too.
Mobilise
Mobilise offers a wealth of information and resources for unpaid carers. These include informative guides, supportive Zoom sessions and virtual meet-ups, answers to questions and opportunity to share experiences - all in a safe, non-judgemental space.
If you are comfortable using apps, Mobilise Hub is a free app offering expert advice, a community of support and emotional support. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play.
If you prefer not to use an app, there is plenty of useful information on the Mobilise website or you can meet with other carers online.
-
Getting support, benefits or advice can mean filling in a form. If this is a problem for you, don’t be put off. There is help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
You might find the internet difficult, or the form is just complicated. Next time you feel that way give these services a try:
Your local carers group
A social worker, if you have one
Specialist nurse, such as Macmillan nurse or Admiral nurse, if you have one
Social prescribing link worker (ask your GP surgery for your local team)
need more information?
choose the relevant section from the options below…
Section 2:
Money - Pensions - Work - Benefits
