Based on the definition from the Department of Health: "A carer is not a care-worker or anyone paid to provide care as part of a contract of employment. Carers are people who voluntarily look after a relative or friend who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental illness." According to estimates, there are almost six million carers in the UK - and that's just the people who are officially recognised. That's approximately 1 in 10 of the population.
Carers can spend anywhere between an hour a day to 24 hours, seven days a week, in their caring role. Everyone's situation is different. Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer, they are just looking after their mother, son, or best friend, just getting on with it and doing what anyone else would in the same situation.
Carers are a valuable resource and their contribution to community care far exceeds the combined efforts of statutory and voluntary agencies. The continued health and well being of carers is vital to the success of community care.
If you work with carers, they may be entitled to further help and support. These links contain ideas about where to get advice - including information about financial support they may receive.
Useful Links
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Doncaster Council
A range of information is provided along with links to further support and organisations working in the Doncaster area.
Emergency Home Based Respite Service - (29kb PDF)
Details for the Doncaster Emergency Home Based Respite Service that can provide cover for carers in emergency situations
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers was created on the initiative of HRH The Princess Royal in 1991. Through its unique network of 141 independently managed Carers' Centres , 83 young carers services and interactive websites, The Trust currently provides quality information, advice and support services to almost 310,000 carers.
Doncaster Partnership for Carers
Provide information on a wide range of topics and provide support including training.
Carers UK
Carers UK has a long history and was formed from the merger of two carer organisations with roots going back to the 1960's. Carers UK was set up by carers themselves and to this day is still a member led organisation.
Directgov - Caring for someone
Provides a range of information for carers including carers rights, guides to financial support and looking after yourself.
Young Carers
Online community of young carers with discussions and advice from qualified youth workers.
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