When you’re caring for someone else, it’s easy to put their needs first, but you should look after your own health and wellbeing too. This page provides links to websites and services which may help you stay healthy and well.
Visit Locate – care and support in County Durham to find details of a wide range of services, local community groups, and activities to help you get out and about, find care or support to look after yourself and the person you care for.
Health
NHS
Visit the NHS website to find local health services, book a GP appointment online and check symptoms, conditions, medicines, and treatments on the website’s Health A-Z.
If you need non-urgent medical advice, telephone 111. In the event of an emergency call 999.
You should let your GP know if you are carer as GP surgeries keep a register of all patients that are caring for someone. You can find out more about this, along with a form that can be used to register, on Durham County Carers Support website.
NHS winter vaccinations
If you are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill, you may be eligible for the free annual flu jab and the free Covid-19 booster. Alternatively, speak to your GP or community pharmacy.
Getting your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are two of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and the person you care for from these serious respiratory illnesses in winter.
Leisure
Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card
Apply for a Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card to get a complimentary ticket at participating cinemas if you visit with the disabled person you care for.
Libraries
Libraries have a huge range of services for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you are studying or simply reading for pleasure, you have access to nearly one million books within County Durham, and millions more nationwide. It’s free to join. All you need to join is one proof of identity and address. You can borrow up to twelve books for three weeks at any one time and can return your books to any library in County Durham.
And as a carer, you can get special services. Don’t worry if you’re a little late in returning your books as we will not charge you fines if you have a carers ticket. You can also reserve books for free on your ticket and we’ll let you know by telephone, letter or email when they are ready to collect. If you’re already a library member make sure that you let library staff know you are a carer and they will update your membership card for you.
Carers’ breaks
Having a break or taking regular time to yourself can help you to cope better with your caring role. A break can also allow you to catch up on everyday things like getting some sleep, enjoying some leisure time or visiting friends and family. You may be eligible to receive funding to help you take a break. Find out more on our Carers’ breaks page.
Tourism for All
Tourism for All offers advice and information about accessible holidays and places to go.
Carers Card
To support the health and wellbeing of carers, we have a Carer Friendly Discount Card scheme that allows the card holder to access discounts on products and services. There are a range of discounts available on leisure services, days out and hospitality. Find out more information on the Carers Card page or at DCC Carers.
