Available helplines and sources of information
Carers
Gov UK – Caring for someone
https://www.gov.uk/search?q=carers
Gives details of services and benefits for UK carers.
Citizens Advice Scotland – Carers Help & Support
Carers UK
Helpline: 0808 808 7777
www.carersuk.org
Carers UK provides information and advice to people who provide unpaid support to their relatives, partners or friends who are chronically ill, disabled or frail.
Carers Direct
Helpline: 0300 123 1053
www.nhs.uk/carersdirect
www.youngcarers.net
Part of the NHS Choices website. It provides a gateway to comprehensive sources of information for carers. The site has been developed in conjunction with the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Carers UK, Crossroads, and Young Carers Net. It contains information about benefits, links to national and local support organisations, and a directory of services. (9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) (11am to 4pm at weekends) You can ask for a call back in one of more than 170 languages.
Carers Trust
Head Office: Tel: 0300 772 9600
www.carers.org
We work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. We do this with a UK wide network of quality assured independent partners and through the provision of grants to help carers get the extra help they need to live their own lives.
With locally based Network Partners we are able to support carers in their homes through the provision of replacement care, and in the community with information, advice, emotional support, hands on practical help and access to much needed breaks. We offer specialist services for carers of people of all ages and conditions and a range of individually tailored support and group activities.
Relatives & Residents Association
Helpline: 020 7359 8136
The R & RA is the national charity for older people in or needing care and the relatives and friends who help them cope. We support and inform residents, families and friends with what they need to know about residential care, and what to do if things go wrong; and provide a voice for a sector that cannot always speak out for itself. Our Helpliine offers information, comfort and support. Our advisers have years of expert knowledge of the care system and we take the time to listen and give whatever support is needed.
Young Carers
NHS Choices - Young Carers
http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/young/Pages/Youngcarershome.aspx
This area of the site is for young people who are caring for someone who is ill or disabled. You might have started caring without realising it. In this section you can find out more about How to tell if you're a young carer Who can help you and Young carers' rights.
Carers Trust
Head Office: Tel: 0300 772 9600
www.carers.org
http://www.carers.org/young-carers-service - Young Carers Service
Babble has been created by Carers Trust as an online space where those aged under 18 who are caring for a family member or friend can chat, share their experiences and access information and advice. The site aims to bring together young carers from across the UK in an online space which is safe, fun and supportive. The online team are on hand to answer any questions you might have, and to offer support and advice via e-mail or one-to-one webchats.
The Honeypot
Since 1996 Honeypot has been working to enhance the lives of vulnerable children and young carers aged 5-12 years by providing respite breaks and on-going outreach support. We give young carers a break from demanding and stressful responsibilities at home and provide a safe, nurturing environment where children at risk can develop their full potential. Before a child begins their relationship with Honeypot the first stage is a referral from someone already working with a child in need: a school, social worker, doctor, health visitor, community organisation or young carer support group. We discuss the child’s case and a home visit is then arranged with the child and their family.
Barnardos – Young Carers
Link to contact your national or regional office
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/our_work/young_carers.htm
Barnardo’s runs 15 services across the UK which work to support young carers and their families in a variety of ways: Helping the family to find the support they need, and are entitled to, from local services, so that a child’s caring responsibilities can be reduced. Supporting young carers to use local services such as sports clubs, support groups, and health centres. Providing advice and emotional support through counselling and drop-in sessions. Liaising with schools so that teachers can better support their students. Providing opportunities for young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, spend time with other young carers and share experiences and providing opportunities for young carers to learn more about their parent’s illness or disability
Young Minds
Parent’s Helpline: 0808 802 5544
We’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. As a young carer you can find helping someone very rewarding, but you also have the right to be looked after. Find out what young carers do, how to spot if it’s getting too much and what to do about it.
SIBS – For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults
Sibs exists to support people who grow up with or have grown up with a disabled brother or sister. It is the only UK charity representing the needs of over half a million young siblings and over one and a half million adult siblings.