Are you new to caring?
If you are new to caring, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. We can help. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Register with us
If you are caring for someone in Bristol or South Gloucestershire, let us know that you are a carer and then we can start to help and support you. Registering with us will give you easy access to all our free services for carers.
If you are from outside Bristol and South Gloucestershire visit Local carers support services near me for details of your local carers service.
Register as a carer at your GP surgery
Ask your GP practice to be put on their Carers Register. Being on the Carers Register notes that we are a carer and puts a note on the record of our cared-for that we are their carer and brings benefits which may vary from practice to practice but often include:
- greater flexibility around managing appointments
- setting up repeat prescriptions
- free annual health checks
- free flu vaccinations.
Support from Carers Support for you in GP practices
Get a Carers Emergency Card
It is free to apply for a Caregiver's Emergency Card. Carers carry a card that shows their name, a unique identification number, and an emergency phone number. If you have an accident or emergency, the card can be used to alert a 24-hour emergency call centre that the person you care for needs help. Steps are then taken to ensure the safety of the person cared for.
Get your Carers Emergency Card
Check your benefits situation
Becoming a carer can have a major adverse effect on your household finances. You may want to help maximize income coming into the household by claiming state benefits that you might be entitled to, including Carers Allowance.
Local sources of help and advice
You can get a benefit check done through Citizens Advice to find out what you and the person you care for may be able to claim.
Or your local advice centre may be able to help. As well as offering benefits advice, some advice centres also help with other money matters, including debt and energy advice:
- Citizens Advice (Bristol) Freephone 0808 278 7957
- Citizens Advice (South Glos) Freephone 0808 278 7947
- North Bristol Advice Centre (North Bristol and South Gloucestershire 0117 951 5751
- South Bristol Advice Services 0117 985 1122
- St Paul’s Advice Centre (St. Paul’s & East Bristol) 0117 955 2981
- Age UK Bristol 0117 922 5353
- Age UK S Glos 01454 411 707
Know your rights
It’s important to know your rights as a carer to access support essential to maintaining your health, well-being and work-life balance is important.
Get a Carer's Assessment
We provide help with getting and completing a Carer's Assessment. Carers Assessments look at how caring affects your life, and whether support is needed to manage your caring role and well-being.
More about Carer's Assessments
Seek information and education
Take the time to learn about the condition or illness of the person you care for. Understanding their needs, symptoms, and treatment plans will help you provide better care and support.
Visit Condition-specific charities and organisations
Connect with other carers
Groups are a great way to connect with other carers. We run monthly Carers Support Groups for unpaid carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Carers Support Groups are a safe, confidential space to meet with other carers to share information and provide support to each other.
More about our Carers Support Groups
We also run Walk and Talks where you can enjoy being outdoors in the company of other carers. One of our friendly support workers will lead the walk, offer a listening ear and provide information to support you in your caring role.
Take care of yourself
Caring for someone else can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's crucial to prioritise your well-being. Eat well, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and find time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Don't hesitate to ask for help or take breaks when needed.
More about my health and wellbeing
Make an emergency plan
It is good to have a plan in place in case of emergencies. This is particularly so if you are a carer, as you need to know that if an emergency happens replacement care will get sorted out speedily and efficiently.
You never know when an emergency might arise, so it is a good idea to have a plan in place as soon as possible.
Ask for help
Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to family, friends, or other trusted individuals who may be willing to help. Accepting help does not mean you are failing; it means you recognise your limits and are taking steps to ensure the best care for your loved one.
CarersLine is our confidential phone and email information and support service for carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire for you to ask questions or talk about any concerns in your caring role.
Remember that being a caregiver is a learning process, and it's okay to make mistakes and ask for guidance along the way. Take one day at a time, be compassionate with yourself, and know that your efforts are making a difference in someone's life.
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