Carers

Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know – we may be able to help you

You can find helpful information on the NHS website about carers and caring.

What is a Carer?

A carer is someone who spends a lot of time providing a variety of emotional and / or practical support to a loved one, family member or friend, because of their disability, physical or mental ill health, substance misuse or because they are elderly and frail. Carers are not paid, and every caring situation is unique. A carer can be any age and so can the person you look after. Nor do you have to live with the person you care for.

You are a carer if you support someone who could not manage without you.

Carers Register

If you believe you are a carer then it is important that you inform the practice so we can add you to our Carers Register and make everyone aware at the practice of your situation. You can contact reception at any time to inform us that you are a carer (or if your circumstances change and you are no longer a carer).

VASL: Support for Carers – Leicestershire

Do you look after someone who has an illness, disability or is elderly?

Would you like some help and support or someone to talk to?

Most Carers don’t see themselves as carers they see themselves as someone who’s looking after a relative, friend or neighbour.

However, if the person you look after couldn’t cope without you and you don’t get paid (apart from Carers Allowance) then you are a carer and you deserve some help and support.

Support for carers, supports carers throughout Leicestershire. The service is run by VASL, a community based organisation with a long and successful history of supporting carers.

REMEMBER: Carers can be any age, and don’t just look after the elderly, ill or physical disabled, they care for those with learning disabilities, mental illness, substance and alcohol misuse and for people of all ages including children with disabilities.

How can Support for Carers help YOU?

VASL are there to help all adult carers aged over 18 and over in Leicestershire, whether you care full-time or just a few hours a week. The service is free and offers a range of support including:

• A dedicated telephone advice line 01858 468543, Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4.30pm.
• A telephone Befriending Service specifically for carers
• The chance to meet and talk to other carers at local carers groups and events

For more information please visit their website VASL alternatively you can email them on maureen@supportforcarers.org