What support can I get as a carer?

What is an unpaid carer?

An unpaid carer is anyone who provides care without pay to someone they know, often a family member or friend. 

People can become carers suddenly or gradually. Not everyone thinks of themselves as a carer or realises they have taken on this role.

But you don't have to think of yourself as a carer to be able to get support. Caring for someone can affect your own physical and mental wellbeing, so it's important to be aware of the impact it can have on you and of what your rights are.
 

What support am I entitled to?

Caring for a loved one can be physically and mentally demanding, so it's a good idea to get in touch with Northamptonshire Carers. 

Northamptonshire Carers are a fantastic local service that provides comprehensive support to unpaid carers across Northamptonshire, including adults, young carers, and parent carers. Their main aim is to recognise the vital role carers play and to improve their quality of life by offering practical, emotional, and social support. They deliver a wide range of services including information and advice, carers assessments (on behalf of the local council under the Care Act 2014), support groups, carers' cafes, and a confidential support line. 

In addition, they provide respite opportunities such as sitting services and emergency support, as well as specialist services for young carers and those supporting people with long-term health conditions. Other support includes benefits guidance, crisis planning, community-based activities, and wellbeing services such as holistic therapies, all designed to help carers manage their responsibilities while maintaining their own health and wellbeing.

To register with Northamptonshire Carers as a Carer click here.

To talk to Northamptonshire Carers about what support is available to you (including carers assessments, benefit advice, support groups, carers' cafes, respite opportunities, community-based activities, and wellbeing services) please call 01933 677907 (Option 2)

Northamptonshire Carers also have an Artificial Intelligence (AI) service built into their website called Bridgit which can be located in the bottom right hand corner of your screen with the message "Looking for carer support? Bridgit your 24/7 AI Helper". Simply click on the icon, read the terms and conditions and then it will allow you to enter any questions you have, or any advice or information you may need. Bridgit will then help you understand what support may be available to you and how you can access that support.

Northamptonshire Carers also provide a comprehensive Unpaid Carers Guide which can be accessed here.