There is a lot of help and advice available for carers, but knowing what is out there and where to look for it is not always easy.

This section gives an outline of just some of the help that is available. If you would like to know more about these, or to find out about what other services or support might be available, you can speak to a social worker or community psychiatric nurse, or contact NEWCIS.

• Services to help the person you care for
You may want to talk to a social worker or community psychiatric nurse (CPN) about any services they may be able to provide for the person that you care for. Services that social services may be able to provide include:

•  help with practical tasks, including personal care.
•  disability equipment or adaptations to the home, and
•  a break or time away from home - there is a variety of care they may be able to offer so that you or the person you care for can have a break for a day or longer.

Social services or a CPN will need to assess the needs of the person you care for. You may be asked to take part in these discussions.

As part of the assessment social services will consider whether the person you care for is eligible for a service.

Social services have criteria for who will be eligible for services. The criteria are based on giving priority to people with the highest level of need or those who are at risk.

• Carer’s grant scheme

Grants can be used to purchase an item or service which will help carers with their caring role. The need for the item or service must be identified as part of a carer’s needs assessment. These grants can be used to purchase things like computer equipment, driving lessons, yoga lessons or holistic therapies.

• Training

Training is available for carers on a range of relevant topics. This is often provided by voluntary sector organisations - see external links for further details.

Carers can also access some courses provided by social services, details can be obtained from NEWCIS 01745 331181

• Telecare
Telecare enables people to live safely and independently. It can give them more confidence about staying at home on their own, or if you are a carer, can reassure you that the person you care for can call for help and be assisted when you are not available.

Telecare is available for anyone of any age, who needs to feel safer, more protected and independent in their own home.

• It can be very useful in helping people to get the right assistance
  quickly.
• Telecare can help people to stay in their own home for longer.

For more information about Telecare please contact the first contact team.

Many services for carers are provided by voluntary organisations.