Support for carers
Support for you as a carer
If you care, unpaid, for someone who couldn’t manage without your help, you're a carer — and you have the right to support.
You might care for someone because of illness, disability, mental health issues, or addiction. You may be looking after:
- your partner or spouse
- a family member
- a friend or neighbour
Are you under 18? Visit our young carers page
Do you care for a child under 18? Visit our parent carers support page
Why carers are supported
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding — emotionally, physically and financially. We offer support to:
- protect your health and wellbeing
- connect you with other carers
- help you stay informed about your rights
- support you to continue in your caring role
Citizens Advice Mid Mercia delivers the Universal Services for Carers programme in Derby. They support unpaid adult carers who care for someone living in the city.
They offer:
- advice and information
- wellbeing support
- peer support and carer events
- signposting to local services
- help with understanding your rights
How to contact them
- phone: 01332 228777
- email: carers@citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk
- online: Register with Universal Services for Carers
Carer's Assessment
If informal support is not enough, Universal Services for Carers can refer you for a formal carer’s assessment by the Council's adult social care service.
You can get an assessment if:
- you're over 18
- you care for someone over 18 who lives in Derby
What the assessment looks at
- your physical and mental wellbeing
- your day-to-day goals and needs
- if you want to work, study, or do training
- how the person you care for is supported in emergencies
- whether your support needs can be met by community services
- if you're eligible for a carer’s personal budget
A formal assessment could take up to 3 months. If you or the person you care for needs urgent help, contact us.
Carers' rights
The Care Act 2014 gives carers the same legal rights to support as the people they care for. You can learn more on the Department of Health and Social Care website.
Advocacy support
You have the right to an advocate if you need help to:
- express your views.
- speak to professionals in health, care, housing, or other services.
Work and carers
If you're employed, you have the right to take time off to deal with your caring responsibilities — even in emergencies. Employers do not have to pay for this time.
Learn more about carer’s leave on GOV.UK
Benefits for carers
You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance or other benefits.
Looking after yourself
It’s important to look after your own health and wellbeing.
See support options on our health and wellbeing page
Universal Services for Carers
Universal Services for Carers offer a range of support for carers to help with health and wellbeing, such as peer support and specific wellbeing activities. You can find out more about the services offered on the Universal Services for Carers website.
Taking a break from caring
Respite care gives you a chance to recharge or focus on other parts of your life. Options include:
- arranging short-term appropriate alternative support for the person that you care for
- low-cost breaks through Carefree
Help at home
The Healthy Housing Hub helps vulnerable people live safely and comfortably at home by reducing health risks.
My Care Directory
The My Care Directory can provide information on support available for carers in Derby as well as support from home care organisations, residential and nursing care homes and other local care services.
The directory is made up of organisations (for example businesses, service providers and third sector organisations) that offer services in Derby. (Their inclusion in the My Care Directory does not constitute a recommendation, advice or endorsement by the Council).
You can use the search facility to find support that is right for you or view the services by category.
Caring for someone
Caring about, and for someone can be challenging, there are a range of support options available to support you.
Our Living Independently section includes information for:
- people with dementia
- autistic people
- people with visual impairments
- deaf people
It may be that the person you are supporting can get an Adult Social Care Needs Assessment which can help you and the person that you care for to access appropriate support.
There is a range of practical support which could help you and the person that you care for including:
Medequip
Medequip provides equipment for Derby City Council and NHS Derby & Derbyshire. They offer:
- mobility aids
- bathing and dressing equipment
- continence support
- dementia-friendly products
See what’s available on the Aids and Equipment page
Carelink
Carelink is a 24/7 telephone alarm service that helps people stay safe at home. They offer:
- personal alarms and pendants
- automatic alerts to carers' or relatives' mobiles
- a responder team to help with:
- falls
- emergency access
- wellbeing checks
Find out more on the Carelink page
Shared Lives
Shared Lives carers open their homes to adults who need support, such as people with learning disabilities, dementia, or mental ill health. It’s a flexible and personalised scheme.
Learn more on the Shared Lives page
Changing Places toilets
There are Changing Places toilets in Derby with extra space and equipment.
My Care Directory
The My Care Directory lists support services in Derby including:
- home care
- care homes
- carer support
- community services
Safeguarding Vulnerable adults
Under the Care Act 2014, safeguarding applies to any adult who:
- needs care and support
- is at risk of abuse or neglect
- cannot protect themselves due to those needs
If you or someone you know is being abused, please seek help.