If you look after a relative or friend who is ill, frail or disabled and this is not your paid job, you could well be classed as a “Carer” - even without realising it.

Our CAST (Community Advice and Support Team) Carer's advice worker offers support to individuals who are responsible for looking after a loved one. They assess what can be done to help people cope with their caring situation and advice on a variety of topics, such as claiming benefits, setting up respite care or accessing practical support.

Our carers' groups provide opportunities for carers to meet people in similar circumstances for mutual, peer-led support. We offer a dedicated respite bed at Heathlands Village; training opportunities, outings and activities.

We can:

• give you advice and information about carers’ services, activities, benefits and rights.
• complete a Carer’s Assessment to identify how best to support you in your caring role. This might be by helping you apply for a Carer’s personal budget to pay for something to improve your wellbeing, such as gym membership or a day-trip.
• refer you to our Volunteering@TheFed team who can arrange for a volunteer to stay with the person you look after while you have a break.
• dependent on your circumstances, assist you in applying for a period of respite for the person you care for at Heathlands Village.