Support is available this Carers Week (10 to 16 June)
If you look after someone who needs regular help because they have a disability, health condition, mental health issue or addiction problem, you're a carer.
Whether you look after a family member or are a parent trying to balance the needs of both children and ageing parents, being a carer can be hard. It can impact your physical and mental health, your financial situation and much more.
Fortunately, there is lots of support available in Surrey. Whether you are starting on your caring journey or are a long way down the road and need extra support, we're here to help.
Ready made support
The best place to start is on our Looking after family or friends webpage where you will find information and details on the services available. Some of these are highlighted below:
- The Surrey Carers Card can give you peace of mind. If you're suddenly unavailable, it can provide an emergency back-up plan for your loved one.
- You may be eligible for up to 35 hours of short-term respite care, to give you a little time to yourself for a few weeks.
- We provide help to find aids and equipment which may make your role a little easier.
- Assistance around your mental health. Support groups can also offer emotional and practical guidance.
- Links to Action for Carers who do so much for Surrey's unpaid carers with their regular services. They also have lots of activities planned for this year's Carers Week that you can get involved in.
You can also use our online directory for adult care and support. It allows you to search for information on sources of help tailored to your local community.
Young people under 18 who help out a parent or sibling can visit our young carer webpage.
Talk to someone
Looking after yourself is the first step in being able to look after someone else. You shouldn't have to do it all on your own.
To speak to someone about local support for carers you can talk to Action for Carers or contact us:
- Telephone: 0300 200 1005
- Textphone (via Relay UK): 18001 0300 200 1005
- Text (SMS): 07527 182 861 (for the deaf or hard of hearing)
- VRS: Sign Language Video Relay Service
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