Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without the carer's support. The care they give is unpaid. Carers who claim benefits such as carers allowance are unpaid carers.
Looking after someone can be a rewarding experience. It can also be tough, lonely and bewildering. But you’re not on your own support is available to help you maintain your own health and wellbeing.
You do not have to live in Redcar and Cleveland to receive carers support from the Council, but the person you provide care and support to must live in our Borough. If they live outside of Redcar and Cleveland please contact the Council where they live.
What is a ‘statutory’ Carers Assessment?
The Care Act 2014 places a duty on Local Authorities to offer a carers assessment. You can ask us for a carers assessment at any point during your caring role, even if the person you care for doesn’t want or need an assessment themselves.
We will arrange for the assessment to be carried out by a social care worker in a place that is comfortable for you. The social care worker will come and talk to you about the impact your caring role is having on your life and how we can help and support you. An assessment could help you in many ways for example; it may help you access:
- a service that gives you regular time out from your caring role
- help to connect you with other community-based services that can offer tailored support to you as an unpaid carer.
- a direct payment to give you the flexibility to pay for services and support that works for you
What if I don’t want to have a Carers Assessment?
It is your choice whether or not you have a Carers Assessment and there are local Carers Support Services that you can access without an assessment. If you are unsure what is best for you, call our Access Team on 01642 771500 and one of our team will talk you through the options.
Carers Support Services
The Carers Support Services listed below are free and easy to access, you can contact the services yourself or ask a friend/family member or professional to contact them on your behalf.
We Care You Care
An information platform that provides accessible information for unpaid carers. It also includes links to all available services across South Tees. Click the link for further information: We Care You Care
Carers Together
A registered charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for carers providing the following support:
- Adult Carers Information and Support Service: a dedicated team offer information, advice and practical support service to unpaid carers aged 18+ across South Tees, enabling carers to maintain their caring role, if it is their wish to do so.
- Transition Service, in conjunction with the Junction Foundation: support for young adult carers between the ages of 15-25 during their transition into adulthood.
- Hospital Liaison Service: a dedicated team supporting unpaid carers within hospital settings. This might include to help prepare for a new and often unexpected caring role or to support with appointments and readiness for hospital discharge.
- Carers Emergency Card Scheme, in conjunction with Beyond Housing: a member of the Carers Together team will complete a carers emergency support plan which is logged with Beyond Housing. The carer is issued with an emergency card which identifies them as a carer and provides contact numbers for use in case of an emergency. This provides carers with 24/7 support and peace of mind.
For more information call 01642 488977, email info@carerstogether-rc.org.uk or click the link for further information Carers Together
Teesside Mind
A registered charity who delivers mental health and wellbeing support to carers providing the following support:
- Mental Health Community Outreach Service: provides emotional and wellbeing support to unpaid carers and families. The service offers a space for carers to focus on themselves, rather than their caring role.
- Dementia Advisory Outreach Service: deliver support to unpaid carers and adults living with dementia.
For more information call 01642 257020 or email carers@teessidemind.org.uk or click the link for further information Teesside Mind
The Junction Foundation
An organisation dedicated to delivering support for young carers and their families:
- Young Carers Information and Support Service: provides a range of information, advice and support to children and young people under the age of 18 who care for an adult or their sibling(s). In conjunction with Carers Together, The Junction Foundation supports young adult carers between the age of 15-25 to make positive transitions into adulthood.
For more information call 01642 756000 or email info@thejunctionfoundation.com or click the link for further information The Junction Foundation
Mobilise
An online platform which carers can access 24 hours per day 7 days a week via an app or website. The platform offers practical support to help carers cope; including hints and tips around emergency planning, benefits and savings toolkits. They also offer peer support via regular online forums where you can catch up with other carers over a “cuppa”. For more information click on the link: Mobilise
Age UK Teesside
- Carers Connect Service: provides support to enable carers aged 50+ (caring for another person aged 18 or over) to take a break. A volunteer will sit with the cared for person, or assist with shopping, supporting with socialisation and attending appointments.
For more information, please call 01642 638968 or email front.office@ageukteesside.org.uk. For further information click the link: Age UK Teesside
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