The surgery is keen to support the needs of unpaid carers of all ages and recognise there are many who are struggling to cope emotionally, physically and financially. It has implemented practical ideas from the NHS ‘Supporting Carers in General Practice: A Framework of Quality Markers’. This framework looks at six areas which can be improved using practical ideas. Some of the improvements included text messages sent to all the unpaid carers registered with the practice asking if they look after someone who relies on them to provide care and support. All unpaid carers were sent a leaflet on the carers support services in South Tees and how these services can help provide extra support. Flu and Covid vaccinations are also offered to unpaid carers well as regular health checks. All our clinical and non-clinical staff were offered the opportunity to attend carer awareness training at the practice.  We also have 2 members of staff volunteering to be Carer Ambassadors for the practice. The Carer Ambassador acts as the main point of contact for both patients and staff and keeps up to date with all the local activities and carer updates.

Identifying Carers

Do you know you are an informal/unpaid carer if you are looking after a loved one who relies on you to provide:

• Practical support
• Help with medication
• Physical help
• Emotional support
• Personal Care
• Help with finances

Please inform the practice if you are an informal/unpaid carer.

South Tees Carers Support Services Overview

The Junction Foundation: for young Carers aged 5 - 18 yrs

www.thejunctionfoundation.com Tel: 01642 756000 Email: info@thejunctionfoundation.com

Next Steps Transition Service: for Carers aged 15 - 25 yrs delivered by the Junction Foundation and Carers Together

Tel: 01642 756000 or 01642 488977

Text/Whatsapp: 07767117556

Carers Together: for Carers aged 18 and over

www.carerstogether.co.uk Tel: 01642 488977 Email: info@carerstogether-rc.org.uk 

Teesside Mind Carers Service: for Carers aged 18 and over for positive health and wellbeing support

www.teessidemind.org.uk  Tel: 01642 257020 Email: carers@teessidemind.org.uk

We Care You Care: information platform for all Carers and Practitioners.

www.wecareyoucare.info  Email: hello@wecareyoucare.info

We Care You Care guides for carers can be downloaded here or requested by contacting hello@wecareyoucare.info  

We Care You Care e-bulletin

Please click on the link below to access the latest 'We Care You Care' e-bulletin, which contains some useful information.

https://mailchi.mp/1c7b136535cf/pledge-your-support-to-carers-week-17988645?e=702e742ad1

If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you

Carers UK

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• 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?

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Managing someone's legal affairs

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits

  Advice 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 finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund

   

• Tax credits

  Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible