Are you a Carer?
If you are looking after someone who couldn’t cope without your help, we really would like you to let us know, so that we can ensure you receive all the support and information we can give. A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. You are a Young Carer if you are under 18 in this role.
You can be added to the practice 'carer register' and gain access to information and support. This includes access to a named Carer Champion.
A Carer Champion is a staff member at your practice who support carers.
Kathryn West is the Practice's Carer Champion at West Bridgford Medical Centre.
As a Carer, you are entitled to an annual flu vaccine, a health check and can request a Carers Assessment.
Ask in your GP practice for more information.
Carers can get information, advice and tailored support by contacting the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub by calling 0115 824 8824. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.
You can speak to an experienced support worker who will provide a personalised service that meets your individual needs. The service is available to all carers and all ages.
Alternatively, you can contact them using the following methods:
Information and support for Carers (including carer’s assessments) provided by Nottinghamshire County Council can be found at
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 hom
Finance and Law
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
- Tax credits
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
Should you require any other help or information about being a carer, please contact Kathryn West, the Carer's Champion at the practice.