Support for carers

A carer is someone of any age, who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.

Very often people do not see themselves as ‘carers’ because they are wives, husbands, partners, sons, daughters, parents, friends or neighbours of those who need care. Carers can be adults or children and can find themselves in a caring role instantly or over a gradual period of time.

Social Services work in partnership with other statutory and voluntary organisations within the Borough to offer a range of support that carers may find helpful in their role.

If you are a carer and would like to receive some help in your caring role, you can request a meeting with a social worker to talk about your situation and have a carer’s assessment carried out.

One off Pilot User Survey of Carers

We are conducting a survey on carers and carers support that is available within the borough. We would like to hear your views about the support and services you as a carer and the person/s you care for receive. The closing date for responses is 5 March 2010.

The results of the survey will be included in the next Richmond Carers Strategy and will be used to inform how Richmond develops services in the future. It will also, for the first time, give Richmond an opportunity to compare how we support out carers with other councils across England.

In order to complete the survey you will need a unique 3-digit number found at the end of the paper copy of the survey sent to you by us. If you haven't been sent a paper survey but would still wish to complete the questionnaire, please call Ally Smith on 020 8487 5482 or email ally.smith@richmond.gov.uk in order to register and obtain a number.

Complete the survey online (make sure you have your 3-digit code).

We look forward to hearing from you and welcome your views.

Contact The Richmond Carers Centre

The Richmond Carers Centre aims to deliver and be the gateway to direct support, information and access to services for unpaid carers in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Richmond Carers Centre

5 Briar Road
Twickenham
TW2 6RB

Telephone: 020 8867 2380
Email: info@richmondcarers.org
Website: www.carers.org/local/london/richmond/

Carers Direct

Carers direct is a practical and comprehensive information, advice and support service for carers. Carers direct can help with:

• Guide to caring
• Financial and legal advice
• Advice for young carers
• Work and study information
• Find local support groups and services
• Advice on keeping healthy

You can contact Carers direct on:

Freephone: 0808 802 02 02
Website: www.nhs.uk/carersdirect