Information for carers (unpaid and family carers)
What is a carer?
Carers look after family, partners or friends who are ill, frail, have a disability, or need help because of substance misuse. They don’t get paid for the help they provide.
What help can I get as a carer?
- Time off to enable you to have time to yourself to do the things you want to do
- Carer’s vouchers to arrange your own time off
- Direct Payments to pay for someone to help you or something to make your life easier
- A carer’s emergency card to carry with you: if you had an emergency or you were ill an emergency agreed plan would be put into action right away
- Carers’ training such as moving and handling
You can find out more about help available to carers at www.lbhf.gov.uk.
You can also contact the Carers Network, a London-based charity providing support, information, breaks and grants for unpaid carers, at www.carers-network.co.uk.
Tell your GP you're a carer
They will put your carer's status on your medical notes, this will help the doctor to understand if your health is affected by your caring role.
Carers assessment
For a carers assessment, call 020 7361 2552.
This will give you a chance to talk about the support you need and the impact that being a carer may be having on your life. This may include areas such as your health, social life, ability to work or just having time for yourself.
You can also ask your doctor to make a referral.
Young Carers
More information about support for young carers in Hammersmith and Fulham can be found here.
For more information about help and support for young carers nationally, visit the NHS Choices website.
