A carer is a person of any age who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour, who is disabled, has an illness or long term condition, or who needs extra help as they get older. (Carers UK)
Carers make an enormous contribution to society and are often juggling their caring responsibilities with family and work commitments; carers may even experience their own health issues. Whilst caring for someone else can be hugely rewarding, we know it can also be challenging, isolating and may impact on the carers’ finances, health, and employment.
In County Durham, there is a range of support available to unpaid carers. This Durham Carers Infopoint includes information and advice that will help you as well as signposting to organisations who can provide you with specialist support and practical help.
Carers may receive different support depending on the care they provide and who they care for. There are four main types of carer:
- adult carers – if you are an adult who provides care for another adult who needs care and support, then you are an adult carer. Parents caring for their child who is over the age of 18 are also adult carers.
- parent carers – if you look after your own child who has a disability and is under the age of 18, then you are a parent carer.
- young adult carers – if you are aged 16 – 24 years and provide unpaid care, assistance, or support to a family member who has care and support needs then you are a young adult carer.
- young carers – if you are a child or young person under the age of 18 who looks after someone with care and support needs, for example, a parent, sibling, or other relative, then you are a young carer.
In partnership with adult carers, parent carers and young adult carers, we have produced a Carers Plan on a Page.pdf to clearly outline local actions needed to support people with unpaid caring responsibilities in County Durham.
We have also produced a Young Carers Plan On A Page.pdf in partnership with young carers, to support those under the age of 18 who may have caring responsibilities.
How you can get help
It is really important that you register as a carer with one of our carer support services and your GP. We know that some people do not like being labelled as a carer, but by registering as a carer it means we can make sure you access the most appropriate support and information. GP’s may offer additional benefits and support such as more flexibility with appointments and access to a Carer Champion. If you would like to register as a carer visit our Support for carers page
If we know you have caring responsibilities, we can help you get your needs assessed by completing a Carers Assessment, which is your right under the Care Act 2014.
If you would like more information on how to get a carer’s assessment, visit our get a carer’s assessment page.
