Support for carers
The law says that anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support. This may be due to illness, disability, addiction or a mental health problem.
Are you a carer under the age of 18? Go to our Young carers page.
The person you care for could be:
- your spouse or partner
- a family member
- a friend or neighbour
Our Adult Social Care Winter Plan for Derby sets out the actions we will take to make sure care providers and people who use care services are protected and supported over the coming months.
It follows on from the national Adult Social Care Winter Plan which was issued by the Government in October 2020.
It contains a variety of actions that are designed to build upon the work being done to prevent and control the spread of infections in care settings, as well as working collaboratively with health and voluntary sector partners to support people who receive social care, the local workforce, and carers.
Our plan covers the period from October 2020 to March 2021 and addresses the requirements and future activity for Councils as set out in the national plan.
What help could I get?
All councils can offer something called a carer's assessment, which could give you extra support. You must be supporting a person who is 18+ and lives in Derby to have the assessment.
The carer assessment looks at:
- your wellbeing needs
- what you want to achieve day-to-day
- if you want to work
- your education, training or recreation needs
- how the person you care is supported in an emergency.
You can also get help from local associations.
Contact Universal Services for Carers on 01332 228777, email them at carers@citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk.
Universal Services for Carers will help you figure out what you need as a carer. They might refer you to the council for an assessment, as well as an assessment for the person you care for.
If you want, you can also speak to a local area coordinator.
Speak to family and friends for support. They know you best and might be more helpful in the short term.
What are my rights?
As an employee, you’re allowed time off to deal with an emergency involving someone who depends on you. However, your company doesn’t have to pay you for this time.
More information is available on GOV.UK - Carer's Allowance