Supporting those who care for others is vitally important; without you the care of those cared for is much more difficult. Failing to support carers can lead to carer burnout ,isolation and stress which affects not only carers health but their ability to provide the best care for loved ones

Caring for carers isn’t just about preserving individual wellbeing , carers support broader health and social care systems from being overwhelmed . Here is why carer support is so important :

· Carers who are well rested and have adequate support are more able are safely managing often physically or emotionally demanding tasks

· If carers are not well supported the person cared for may require emergency care

· Unpaid carers are more likely to suffer chronic illness and mental health challenge. Without support the risk of burnout increases

· Many carers may struggle to manage the demands of work which can impact financial wellbeing

Our practice and local /national organisation are here to help

Our practice supports carers through a designated Carers Champion, Andrea Ward . Andrea can provide information about local and national support . We keep a register of all known carers , and can send you a pack of links and information including local groups , the emergency carers card information , practice events and how to access financial or respite support . Ask your health professional about carer information and let us know you are a carer

Carers in Hucknall are a local self-help group run by and for unpaid carers. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 1.30-3 pm and it is free to attend. Contact the organiser Jim Radburn on 0115 953 0746 or carersinhucknall@yahoo.co.uk for more information

Nottingham/Nottinghamshire Carers Hub provides free and confidential broader regional support including advice on short breaks, respite, financial support and wider care services. They can be reached on 0808 802 1777 or carershubinfo@carersfederation.co.uk

A Practice Carer Champion is a member of staff who coordinates the identification and support of carers at the practice.

They will act as a voice for carers within the practice and be a key point of contact for carer information.

Our Carer Champion is Andrea Ward

Social care is arrange by Nottinghamshire County Council.

You can find more information at their website: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/adult-social-care/adult-social-care-hub

Contact them on 0300 500 8080 - Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

You can also download this leaflet, that gives easy to read information on what help they can provide.

If you are a young person caring for someone, and need extra help or need more time for hobbies or school, you may be able to get support and advice from us. 

You are a young carer if you:

• are aged between 5 and 17
• provide care, assistance and support to someone

To get support from us, you will need a complete a Young Carers Assessment. This will find out about the care you give and the support we can offer you. 

How do I request a Young Carers Assessment?

For a Young Carers Assessment contact us by:

email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk
telephone: 0300 500 80 80.

• The support you could receive includes:
• help towards school or college activities
• leisure activities, spending time with friends
• help towards hobbies or interests
• equipment to help with your education such as books or a computer

As part of your support we may offer you a personal budget. This gives you some choice and control over the support you get. 

Find out more about services and support for young carers in Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Carers Hub can provide information, advice and support to young carers and their families. If you contact the helpdesk on 0115 824 8824 you can speak to an experienced support worker.

You can also email nottinghamshirehub@tuvida.org

If you are let us know - we may be able to help you

There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• A guide to care and support

  Information for carers and people who have care & support needs.

• Caring for someone

  Advice on providing care, medicines etc.

• Care after hospital

  Providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job - find out about accessing breaks and respite care.

• Support and benefits for carers
  

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job - find out about accessing breaks and respite care.

• Work and Disability
  

  Guidance, support and help with employment issues.

  Being a Young carer

  Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the under-65s

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to.

  Benefits for the over-65s

  Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.

• Carer's Assement
  

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

As a Practice we value carers and the role they play in supporting those cared for.

You can find more here about how the PPG has supported events.

Are You an Unpaid Carer?

Attached is a letter created by NHS Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, Commissioners, and the Carers Hub Service to support patients who provide unpaid care for a loved one.

If you are an unpaid carer, you can use this letter to request registration as a carer at your GP practice. Being registered helps us better understand your role and ensure appropriate support and information is available to you.

Please download and complete the form, then send it to us so we can add you to our carers register.

Download the form here.