Useful contacts for carers
This page contains details of resources that can help you if you care for someone with a neurological condition.
General information for carers
Carers Direct
Part of the NHS Choices website. Information, advice and support for carers; includes information on money and legal issues.
Also has a database of local organisations so you can find services near you.
- Free helpline: 0808 802 0202
- www.nhs.uk/carersdirect
Caring for someone
Information on the Government's DirectGov website. Includes tips for carers, money matters, an overview of carers' rights, and a section on health and taking a break.
Carers UK
Carers UK is a membership organisation of carers, led by carers for carers.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Young Carers
Has a unique network of 144 independently-managed Carers' Centres and 2 interactive websites which deliver around the clock support to over 400,000 carers and approximately 25,000 young carers.
Age UK
The Age UK website contains lots of useful information that may be relevant, including sections on health and wellbeing, money matters and home & care. You can also call Age UK Advice on 0800 169 6565.
Support groups and information on particular conditions
BIG (Brain Injury Group)
B.I.G is a support group for people who have loved ones with devastating brain injuries.
Stroke 4 Carers
A website for stroke carers, families and friends of anyone affected by stroke illness.
Respite care and breaks from caring
The general links above may also be good sources of information on respite care.
Crossroads Care
Services are provided through a network of local providers across England and Wales, each offering our core service where a trained carer support worker comes into the home to take over the caring responsibilities.
Shared Care Scotland
Shared Care Scotland is a Scottish charity which promotes and supports the development of short break services (also known as respite care) for the benefit of carers and the people they care for.
Carers UK list of local contacts
Carers UK will help you find a local contact for support for carers - these may know about local schemes to provide a break for carers.
MS Society respite care directory
The MS Society has an online respite care directory that gives details of approved respite care providers.
MS Therapy Centres
MS Therapy Centres offer specific treatments to individuals with MS so a carer may get a break from caring during the treatment.
The Asian Health Agency
Provides respite care and support for Asian carers looking after elders and youths in London Boroughs of Ealing, Hounslow, Slough, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hillingdon.
Tourism for All UK
Tourism for All UK is a national charity providing holiday information for disabled people and information on respite care.
Courses for carers
The Expert Patients Programme runs several courses for carers:
- Looking After Me
Looking After Me is a free course for adults who care for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability. As its name implies, the course is about you making time to look after your own health needs. It aims to help you to take more control of your situation and make a difference to your life. - Supporting Parents Programme
Supporting Parents Programme is a free six week course for anyone who has care of a child with a long-term health condition. The programme aims to provide support and develop self confidence to help you feel more in control. - Caring with Confidence
A programme aimed at improving support for carers aged 18 and over in England. You can develop your caring knowledge and skills by taking part in free local group sessions.
Benefits
Which benefits might you and your family be entitled to? These links may be useful:
- Turn2Us
A charitable service which helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help. - Benefits for Carers - Carers Direct
- DirectGov - Money, tax and benefits section
- Carers UK - Financial help
A list of the main benefits for carers and the people they look after - Princess Royal Trust for Carers - Money & Benefits section
Employment
- Employers for carers
This is a website with advice for businesses on recognising the needs of carers and developing carer friendly policies. You might find it useful to show it to your employer.
Campaigning and political organisations
- Afiya Trust
A national charity that works to reduce inequalities in health and social care provision for people from racialised communities.
- Are there any more resources you would like to see on this page? Let us know
- Get more resources for carers on the main Carers page