Support and Information for Carers
Are you a carer? You may be missing out on vital support.
Do you provide unpaid help and support to a parent, partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help, due to age, physical or mental health issues, substance misuse or disability? If you answered 'yes', then you are a carer and there may be support available for you.
If you are a carer, you may be able to access support from the City of London Corporation's Social Care Team, your GP and other agencies. You may also be entitled to Carer's Allowance.
Find out what is on in the City of London and Hackney
Visit the City and Hackney Carers' Centre to find out what events and meetings are taking place in the Square Mile and in Hackney.
Lighten the load
Help available for unpaid carers to maximise your income and make your money go further.
Carers Connections
Carers Connections is a new carers service delivered by Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets in partnership with Age UK East London on behalf of the City of London Corporation.
They offer information, advice and 121 suppport; weekly local drop-in sessions; and access to a new variety of groups and activities.
There are two weekly drop-in sessions:
- Mondays at 1.30 to 5pm at the Portsoken Community Centre
- Fridays at 9.30am to 1pm at the Ralph Perring Centre
Not sure where they are? Project Manager, Farzana is happy to meet you and walk over to the centres. Call on 07380 182458 or email Farzana.
The Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations.
Fire Safety
Sadly, around one third of people who are severely injured or die in fires were in receipt of some form of care when the fire happened.
The London Fire Brigade has put together this very helpful and informative video for anyone who provides care to others. You will learn how to spot potential fire risks and what you can do to reduce them.
There are different kinds of carer. You may be a carer if:
- you are an adult that looks after another adult. You might provide help to and elderly relative or friend, a child with special needs or an adult with physical or learning disabilities. They could also be an ill husband, wife or partner - you are an Adult Carer
- you are a parent that takes care of a child with a special educational need or disability (SEND) for whom you have parental responsibility - you are a Parent Carer
- you are under 18 years old and take care for someone else - they might be a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem - you are a Young Carer
As a carer you will probably care for:
- a person with disabilities
- someone who has mental ill health or learning difficulties
- someone recovering from a recent illness or injury
- someone with a long-term illness
- a person with age-related difficulties
- and more
You might support them through:
- Emotional support like listening and talking.
- Household chores like cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing or shopping.
- Medication support such as picking up medication, reminding about medication, or physically helping someone with tablets or creams.
- Personal care like help with eating, getting to the toilet, washing and dressing.
- Physical care ensuring the person can move around their home.
- and more
A carer is unpaid and is not employed or a volunteer.
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:
- Young Minds
- Children’s Society - 0300 303 7000
- Carers Trust
- Carers Week
- Age UK
- Citizens Advice
- NHS Adult Social Care Support
- Alzheimer's Society
- St. Josephs’ Hospice Bereavement Support
- Cruse Bereavement Care
- Cruse Bereavement Care's information on what to do after someone dies
- Discounts for Carers
- Social Work England
As a parent carer, it is important that whilst taking care of your child, 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.
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.
Support from teams at the City of London Corporation
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:
As a young carer, its very important that you look after yourself, that way you can enjoy your childhood and provide the best care for the person/people you take care of. A lot of young carers remain private about their caring responsibilities because they feel embarrassed about it. You can feel proud to be a carer, acknowledge you are a carer and access the free services below to access support, knowledge and guidance to help you.
City Advice
You can access free and confidential advice on a range of issues, including:
- family issues
- money
- housing
- and more
More information on City Advice
City Connections
As a carer, it is important that you take care of your own health and wellbeing - this means you feel happy and aren't worrying too much about things. City Connections' Carers Support Co-ordinator offers a friendly, confidential listening ear and can talk over the phone. They can help you:
- To navigate services and join programmes with other young carers
- Access a Young Carers Needs Assessment
- To access expert information and advice on your rights as a carer
- To find a balance between caring and the rest of life
Call on 0203 957 9844, email City Connections or visit the City Connections website
Your mental health
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.
The City and Hackney Mental Health Service provides support and services to children and young people experiencing mental health problems. City and Hackney CAMHS website.
Mind also 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.
Children's Society
The Children's Society service helps young carers, families and those who work with young carers to be healthy, happy and focused on the future. They know that caring for someone can be difficult but also know that you need to make time for yourself as well.
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.
Other support and guidance
The criteria we use for determining carers who are eligible for support are set out in the Care Act 2014. These are national guidelines which are based on the impact that the caring role has on their wellbeing.
How do I know whether I am eligible?
When you contact us for help, we will organise a carers’ assessment. This will consider what support needs you have, whether these arise because of the necessary care and support you provide, whether physical or mental health is affected and as a result whether there is a significant impact on your wellbeing.
Eligibility criteria
The national eligibility criteria require that in order for carer’s needs to be eligible, they must relate to the following three conditions:
1. The carer’s needs for support arise because they are providing necessary care to an adult. Carers can be eligible for support whether or not the adult for whom they care for has eligible needs. The carer must also be providing necessary care.
2. As a result of their caring responsibilities, the carer’s physical and mental health is either deteriorating or is at risk of doing so or the carer is unable to achieve any of the following eligibility outcomes:
- carrying out any caring responsibilities the carer has for a child
- providing care to other persons for whom the carer provides care
- maintaining a habitable home environment in the carer’s homes, whether or not this is also the home of the adult needing care
- managing and maintaining nutrition
- developing and maintaining family or other personal relationships
- engaging in work, training, education or volunteering
- making use of necessary facilities or services in the local community, including recreational facilities or services
- engaging in recreational activities
3. As a consequence of being unable to achieve these outcomes, there is, or there is likely to be, a significant impact on the carer’s wellbeing.
If you are an adult carer for an adult (someone aged 18 or over) living in the City of London you may be able to get support, both for you as an individual and in your responsibilities as a carer.
A Carer’s Assessment will be able to consider what support needs you have, whether these arise because of the necessary care and support you provide, whether physical or mental health is affected and as a result whether there is a significant impact on your wellbeing. It may also be able to tell you what support you are entitled to.
The team will work with you to agree a support plan that sets out how your support needs will be met. The support plan will include an individual budget showing the cost of meeting those needs.
Request a carer's assessment to find out whether you are eligible for help from Adult Social Care. It is recommended that you discuss emergency planning with your social worker during your assessment.
Alternatively, you can call 020 7332 1224 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm) or email the Adults Duty Team.
Our emergency social work service responds in crisis situations at weekends and on bank holidays and after 5pm on weekdays. For urgent matters, outside of office hours call 020 8356 2300 or visit the City and Hackney Emergency Duty Team webpage for more information.
If you are a young carer of an adult (someone aged 18 or over), you can request a Carer’s Assessment from the Children and Families Team. Call 020 7332 3621 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm) or email the Children's Duty Team to see if you are eligible for support.
Children and Families Emergency Out of hours can be contacted on 020 8356 2710 (outside of normal working hours).
As a carer you may benefit from the occasional break from your caring role. A carers' break can help you do this.
Carers' breaks are likely to be in the home of the cared for person, or in some cases in a care home depending on the needs and wishes of the person you care for.
The Adult Social Care Team can talk this through with you and give you details of the options available and how this might be funded. They can also advise on how to access or plan for emergency care due to a sudden change in circumstance.
The needs of a carer will be discussed as part of a carer's assessment along with the need for any replacement or respite care.
Contact the Adult Social Care Team for information.