Support for carers
Am I a carer?
You are a carer if you provide unpaid support to a family member, neighbour or friend. They could need support because they are ill, frail, disabled or have a mental health or substance misuse problem.
The support you provide could be:
- washing and dressing
- shopping and food preparation
- helping with laundry or housework
- keeping someone company
- helping someone take medication
- emotional support or help managing difficult behaviour
- keeping an 'eye' on someone to make sure they are safe.
You are still a carer if you:
- don't live with the person you care for
- are not the only person providing care to someone
- are caring for more than one person
- are not related to the person you care for.
Find out about our offer for carers in our Carers Strategy
How can I look after myself?
- Try to stay healthy
- Eat healthily
- Get enough rest
- Do regular physical activity
- Look after your general health and wellbeing
- Share your feelings with someone you trust
- Learn a relaxation technique
- Take a break
- Make time for yourself
- Try to be organised
- Be realistic about what you can do
- Make sure you have all the information you need
- Information about medical treatment:
- The person I am caring for wants me to know about their treatment
- The person I am caring for is too unwell to make decisions, or may be too unwell to make them in the future
- The person I am caring for does not want me to know about their treatment
- Find positives in your relationship
- Support the independence of the person you care for
- Make a crisis plan
Support for carers
There is a variety of support available to help carers including:
Nottinghamshire Carers Hub provides a range of support and services for carers. If you contact the helpdesk on 0115 824 8824 you can speak to an experienced support worker who will provide a personalised service that meets your individual need. You can also email nottinghamshirehub@tuvida.org.
Nottinghamshire Help Yourself - you can find out about support available in your community by using Nottinghamshire Help Yourself, which gives information about local organisations that provide a range of services.
Dementia Carer Net - if you are looking for advice, support or information about caring for someone with dementia.
Carers UK - find out more about self-help and tips for reducing stress:
Read the Mind booklet 'How to cope as a carer' [PDF].
Emergency card for carers
What is an emergency card for carers?
An emergency card for carers identifies you as a carer in the event of an emergency.
The card does not give any personal information, but provides a phone number anyone can call.
Staff answering the phone will take any action you have agreed with us like:
- contact family/friends to let them know there is an emergency
- visit the person you care for and arrange emergency help.
Why do I need an emergency card?
In the event of an emergency you will have:
- emergency cover 24 hours a day
- peace of mind that in the event of an emergency the person you care for will be looked after.
Who can apply for a card?
You can apply for an emergency card if you are:
- a carer
- a cared for person living in Nottinghamshire (excluding Nottingham City) and over 18 years-old.
How do I apply for a card?
Or call our Customer Service Centre on 0300 500 80 80.
They can guide you through the process, send you a card and can answer any questions you have.
A personal budget is a one-off payment for carers of up to £200. This payment is to help carers look after their own health and wellbeing.
For example payments can be used for:
- funding holidays, weekends away, days out
- transport for a break away or for visiting family
- funding a hobby such as fishing, art lessons, cooking classes or exercise equipment
- college courses
- driving lessons
- home improvements, gardening, domestic help
- equipment to help caring for someone such as washing machine, dishwasher
- helping carers back to work.
To see if you are eligible for a personal budget you will need to request a carer's assessment to look at your support needs.
To get support from us the person you care for needs to live in Nottinghamshire. If they live in Nottingham City please visit Nottingham City Council's website.
If you care for someone you have the right to ask for a carer’s assessment, this will look at the impact caring has on you and the support you may need. The assessment is about you, not the person you care for.
How do I request a carer’s assessment?
To request a carer’s assessment contact us by:
- our online enquiry form
- telephone: 0300 500 80 80
Someone else, such as a doctor, social worker, mental health professional or care coordinator, can request a carer’s assessment on your behalf.
What you need to know about a carer's assessment
- there is no charge for the assessment or for any support provided as a result
- you can choose to have an assessment in private or with the person you care for
- it can be done at your home or in any other suitable place
- you are welcome to have a friend or relative with you to help explain your needs
- you will get a chance to talk about your health and wellbeing and challenges you face as a carer
- it will work out whether you have needs which are eligible for specific social care support
- you can find out about support and services which can help you, like health and safety information.
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
Help and support
Tell us about your situation and we can give you the advice, support or services that you need.
