Carers Support

Support available to carers

 

 

What is a carer?

Carers are people who care for friends or family members who are ill, frail or disabled, usually in an upaid capacity. 

Carers come from all backgrounds and cultures and can be of any age or gender. 

 

 

Why do we want to support carers?

As one of the largest community based NHS Foundation Trusts in the country, BCHC wants all of our carers and families to have access to the support you may need as a carer. This page provides information you might find useful while the person you care for is a patient of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

 

 

Easy read version of the NHS England Carers Toolkit published

An easy read version of the NHS England Carers Toolkit has been published. The toolkit explains how health services, social care services and carer support organisations can work together to provide carers with support so that they are able to enjoy life outside of their caring role.

 

 

Carer's assessments

As a carer you are entitled to a social care assessment in your own right. A carer’s assessment is a discussion with you that will help us understand the physical, emotional and practical impact that caring has on your life and to ensure you can access appropriate support services to help you in your role.

 

If you are care for an adult and caring has a major impact on your life, you can talk to Birmingham Carers Hub about the help and support you may need. This is called a carer's assessment which Birmingham Carers Hub undertakes of behalf of the Birmingham City Council. This can happen even if the adult you care for is unwilling to accept help. Your assessment gives you the chance to discuss your needs.

 

To request a carers assessment, please contact Birmingham Carers Hub:

• 0333 006 9711
• info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk

 

More information about carer's assessments

Birmingham City Council support for carers

 

 

Caring for yourself

The role of a carer can be stressful and it is important to remember your own physical and mental health needs. If you are worried about your health please talk to your GP.  

Rethink is an organisation that focuses on the wellbeing of carers.

 

 

Caring for someone without a GP

If you are a carer for someone, need emergency treatment and do not have a GP, you can get advice, information and support by contacting:

• NHS 111, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Birmingham Mind
• Samaritans, 116123, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• SANEline, 0300 3047000, available from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm every day

 

 

Other organisations and resources for carers

• Age UK is the country's largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. In the UK they help more than 7 million people every year, providing support, companionship and advice for older people who need it most. 

• Carers Trust is a major charity for, with and about carers. With local Network Partners they support carers in their homes through the provision of grants and replacement care, and in the community with information, advice, emotional support, hands on practical help and access to much needed breaks. Their vision is that unpaid carers count and can access the help.

• Carers UK: across the UK today 6.5 million people are carers, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill. Carers are holding families together, enabling loved ones to get the most out of life and making an enormous contribution to society. 
  • Carers Rights Guide: a guide with tips, advice and support for unpaid carers. This is a definitive guide to your rights as a carer and where you can go for financial or practical help. 

  • Factsheets: helpful factsheets that break down the complex issues simply and accurately so you get the full picture of support available.

• MND Association: motor neurone disease (MND) is a fatal neurological condition. The MND Association Funds research Supports patients carers and professionals and Campaigns for better care. 

• NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care public information leaflet