Carers

Are You a Carer?

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

Click here to download Broom Leys Surgery Carers leaflet

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?

VASL: Support for Carers - Leicestershire 

Do you look after someone who has an illness, disability or is elderly?

Would you like some help and support or someone to talk to?

Most Carers don't see themselves as carers they see themselves as someone who's looking after a relative, friend or neighbour. 

However, if the person you look after couldn't cope without you and you don't get paid (apart from Carers Allowance) then you are a carer and you deserve some help and support. 

Support for carers, supports carers throughout Leicestershire. The service is run by VASL, a community based organisation with a long and successful history of supporting carers. 

REMEMBER: Carers can be any age, and don't just look after the elderly, ill or physical disabled, they care for those with learning disabilities, mental illness, substance and alcohol misuse and for people of all ages including children with disabilities.  

How can Support for Carers help YOU? 

VASL are there to help all adult carers aged over 18 and over in Leicestershire, whether you care full-time or just a few hours a week. The service is free and offers a range of support including:

• A dedicated telephone advice line 01858 468543, Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 4.30pm. 
• A telephone Befriending Service specifically for carers
• The chance to meet and talk to other carers at local carers groups and events

For more information please visit their website VASL alternatively you can email them on maureen@supportforcarers.org 

Carers support groups

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

• 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

Poster