It is important that we know if you are a carer so that we can make sure you receive information, services and the help that is available. If you are a carer please complete this form.
Below are some links into the site and to the local carers support service, Carers in Herts, that we hope you will find useful.
http://www.carersinherts.org.uk/
- Caring for a parent Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
- Telling people Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
- Taking a break Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
- Housing and carers Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Herts Mind Network–
Herts Mind Network (HMD) runs a Carers’ Support Group offering time out from the caring role, opportunities to share experiences, share information, learn new skills and meet other carers. This can reduce feelings of pressure and isolation.
What do carers in Herts do to help?
We give support, information and advice to unpaid carers.
You are a carer if you look after a family member, friend or neighbour who without your support would not be able to manage. They may have a physical or learning disability, dementia, mental health problems, may misuse drugs or alcohol or may be ill or frail.
Anyone can become a carer: Carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age.
The person may live with you or elsewhere, may be an adult or a child but if they rely on you for support, then you are a carer.
About our support, information and advice
We provide the space for you to discuss practical and emotional concerns around caring and opportunities to share experiences with others.
We can provide the information you need to make choices about your life and caring role and ways to have your voice heard by the people who plan services that affect your life.
We offer a range of free workshops and training related to caring, but also courses and learning events to help with your life outside caring through our Carers and Learning project. We can also help you access funded breaks.
Our Carer Support Advisors are also available to help you find out about more specific services to support you in your caring role if you wish to get in touch.
Providing that you live, work, care or are registered with a GP in Hertfordshire, you can access all of these services for free.
Click here to register for our services. Once registered, you will receive a free carer’s information pack, regular updates about events, and our biannual newsletter Carewaves.
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
- Benefits for carersDirecting carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
- Benefits for the person you care forAdvice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
- Death and benefitsHow your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
- Managing someone’s legal affairsAdvice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
- Other benefitsAdvice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring
- Personal and household financeAdvice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
- Social fund
- Tax creditsInformation on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
Carers Passport
If you are an unpaid carer and live, work, or the person you support lives in Hertfordshire, you are eligible for a Carers Passport Discount Card.
With over 440 discounts and concessions available with local and national businesses, the Carers’ Passport Discount Card is a fantastic resource for carers providing exclusive savings, services and offers with, amongst others:
LloydsPharmacy (Hertfordshire stores)
Nando’s
Hoseasons Butlin’s
Frankie & Benny’s
Haven Holidays
Paradise Wildlife Park
To apply for your card, visit the Carers in Herts website.
Young Carers
Do you help to look after a member of your family, who is ill or disabled, or who uses drugs or alcohol?
Do you take on responsibility for things that would normally be done by an adult?
If you answered yes to these questions then you probably are a young carer.
Carers in Herts offer practical support and advice to reduce the amount of caring you currently do. Email young.carers@carersinherts.org.uk or visit their website at Carers In Herts: Young Carers
Some young carers have come up with suggestions that might help you cope with your caring role: 10 Tips for Young Carers
Local Services
Carers in Herts is a local charity who provide support, advice and information to Carers. If you wish to register for their services please click on a button above or click here to visit their website or call 01992 586969.
HertsHelp is a free, independent service available to everyone who lives in Hertfordshire. They are funded by Hertfordshire County Council and NHS partners and delivered by local community organisations all sharing the name HertsHelp. To contact them call 0300 123 4044 email info@hertshelp.net or visit their website here.
Carers UK are a national charity providing support and advocacy. Telephone: 020 7378 4999 or visit their website here.
Herts Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Wellbeing Service offers free and confidential talking therapy and practical support for patients experiencing a wide range of mental health problems such as: worry, low mood, insomnia and stress. Visit their website here.
Get information and advice: https://www.carersinherts.org.uk/how-we-help-carers/get-information-advice/