Information for Carers / Family members who provide care or support

A carer is anyone who cares for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.

Anyone can become a carer.  Quite often, people don't consider themselves as 'a carer', they are just looking after their family member or friend and doing what any one else would do in the same situation.

Caring for someone can be extremely difficult and stressful.  Carers can find themselves under incredible pressure and can be very worrying.  Carers often have little time to themselves or chance to relax.

Help and support is available for Carers, please contact Salford Carer's Service provided by Gaddum. 

Salford Carer's Service offers the following:

• 1 to 1 information, advice and emotional support
• Sign posting to other services
• Support to access a Carer's Assessment
• Peer support (including setting up and running peer support groups
• Young Carer's Service
• Events, activities and support groups for carers

TOP TEN TIPS FOR CARERS

1. Tell your GP you’re a carer. It’s important you register as a carer with your GP Surgery. If they know you have caring responsibilities they can monitor your health and more closely support you.

2. Follow this link to request a Carers Assessment

3. Take care of yourself. Carers tend to put the health of the person they are caring for first and their own health last. If you feel unwell visit your GP. Don’t put it off.

4. Take time out if you can. To enjoy the things you enjoy doing. Sitting services are available from various agencies.

5. Accept help. Don’t feel guilty or selfish. We all need help from time to time, it doesn’t mean that you are not managing and could help you cope better.

6. There’s lot of advice, information and support out there. Information on Carers Allowance and Carers Credit can be found on the Carers - GOV.UK.  Other useful information can be found at Carers UK and Carer's Trust.

7. Communication is key. Be open and honest about how you want to be communicated with (phone, email, letter) If you don’t say, people will not know.

8. Everyone is different. What mind help one person may not help another but getting the right support will empower you and give you confidence. Do what’s right for you.

9. Financial support. If you need advice about benefits debts or financial concerns you could speak with Citizens Advice Bureau, a private solicitor or DWP.

10. Local organisations can help. We can put you in touch with all sorts of groups and courses for carers.