As a carer of Adults it is important that whilst taking care of others, you take care of yourself. The free services below offer a wide breadth of support, knowledge and guidance to support you.

Firstly, tell your GP you are a carer

Your role will be recorded on your notes, you’ll get flexible appointments/text reminders and other help, like free vaccines.

The better you feel the better you can care for others. Finding the time can be challenging but doesn't have to be impossible. There are plenty of free things to do at different times at the Dragon Cafe in the City.

Know your rights

As a carer, you give a huge contribution to society, but you may feel undervalued. Its important that you know your rights. Carers UK's fact sheets explain your rights on their website.

Carer support from Adult Social Care

For adult carers of adults (over 18 years) the Adult Social Care team can support you with:

Carers Assessments, Support Plans and changes in your caring role
Information around Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Information on breaks from your caring role (known as short breaks or respite)
Emergency Support
Regular welfare calls

More information about eligibility and the service is in the 'Am I Eligible for Support from the Adult Social Care Team' section below.

City Advice

If you live or study in the City of London, or live on a City Corporation estate, you can access free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt and employment, through the City Advice service.

City Advice are qualified to advise on:

Consumer and employment rights
Welfare benefits
Debt
Housing and legal issues
Relationships
Health and wellbeing

City Connections

As a carer, it is important that you take care of your own health and wellbeing. City Connections' dedicated Carers Support Co-ordinator offers a friendly, confidential listening ear and can talk over the phone or meet you anywhere in the City or at our monthly carers groups. They can help you:

To navigate services
To access expert information and advice on your rights as a carer
To find a balance between caring and the rest of life
To meet and share experiences with other carers and hear from local professionals

Call on 0203 957 9844, email City Connections or visit the City Connections website.

Dragon Cafe in the City

The award-winning Dragon Café in the City is free and open to anyone working or living in the City and provides a space for you to release the pressure, take a break from your busy routines and engage in creative activities designed to foster positive mental and physical wellbeing.

Mind

Whilst it can be very positive and rewarding, when caring for someone else, you might experience challenges and difficult feelings such as stress and worry or anxiety. Mind offer some tips to help you look after your mental health.

Mind have some really useful resources that may help you take better care of yourself. The better you feel, the more able you are to look after someone else.

Carer's Allowance

You may also qualify for a Carer's Allowance, which is the main state welfare benefit available to carers.

If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for somebody else and you are over the age of 16, you may be entitled for financial support. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

See here to find out more about the Carer's Allowance.

Remember, any allowance could be taxable and may affect other benefits you might receive.

Discounts for Carers

As a carer, you can access 100s of exclusive discounts from Discounts for Carers.

Carers UK

Carers UK provide information and guidance to unpaid carers covering a range of subjects including:

Benefits and financial support
Your rights as a carer in the workplace
Carers' assessments and how to get support in your caring role
Services available to carers and the people you care for
How to complain effectively and challenge decisions

Visit Carers UK, call 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or email Carers UK.

Further support is available from these national agencies:

Social Care for Adults

Help in an emergency

Contact the Adult Social Care team

Paying for your care and support