A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a partner, family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help due to illness, disability, frailty, mental health difficulties or substance misuse.

Many people do not recognise themselves as carers, but if you regularly help someone with tasks such as personal care, medication, attending appointments, shopping, cooking, household chores, emotional support or managing finances, you may be a carer.

Some Facts About Caring

• Sheffield has around 60,000 unpaid carers, meaning approximately 1 in 10 people in the city have a caring role.
• It is estimated that 3 in 5 people will become a carer at some point in their lives.
• Many carers balance their caring responsibilities alongside work, education, family life and their own health needs.
• Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.

Looking after someone else often means carers may neglect their own health and wellbeing. It is important that carers receive the support they need and know that help is available.

Let Us Know You Are a Carer

If you are a carer, please tell us.

By recording your carer status on your medical record, we can:

• Ensure you receive information about available support services.
• Signpost you to organisations that can help.
• Take your caring responsibilities into account when arranging appointments where possible.
• Help identify any health or wellbeing support you may benefit from.
• Ensure we maintain an up-to-date carers register within the practice.

Sheffield Carers Service

Sheffield Carers Service provides free information, advice and support for unpaid carers across Sheffield.

Website: https://www.sheffield-carers.org.uk

Telephone: 0114 272 8362

Services available include:

• Carer Advice Line
• Carer’s Assessments
• Information and Guidance
• Emergency Planning
• Carer Support Groups
• Wellbeing Support
• Financial and Benefits Advice
• Legal Advice Clinics
• Employment Support
• Digital Resources
• Activities and Events
• Time for a Break Grants

The service supports carers aged 18 and over and can help carers access local services and support networks.

Young Carers

If you are under 18 and help look after a family member, you may be a young carer.

Dedicated support is available through:

Sheffield Young Carers

Website: https://www.sheffieldyoungcarers.org.uk

Telephone: 0114 258 4595

Sheffield Young Carers provides:

• One-to-one support
• Group activities
• Educational support
• Respite opportunities
• Family support
• Advice and advocacy

National Support

Carers UK

Carers UK provides expert information and advice on caring, finances, employment rights, benefits, carers’ assessments and wellbeing.

Website: https://www.carersuk.org

Telephone: 0808 808 7777

Carers Trust

Carers Trust provides practical support, information, local service directories, wellbeing resources and specialist support for carers of all ages.

Website: https://carers.org

NHS Support for Carers

The NHS provides information and advice regarding:

• Carers’ rights
• Carer’s Assessments
• Looking after your own health and wellbeing
• Support available locally and nationally
• Financial support and benefits

Website: https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice offers free, confidential advice on a range of issues including:

• Benefits and financial support
• Employment rights
• Debt and money management
• Housing issues
• Caring responsibilities

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Telephone: 0800 144 8848

Age UK

Age UK provides information and support for carers looking after older relatives, including advice on care planning, dementia support, benefits and local services.

Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk

Telephone: 0800 678 1602

Dementia UK

Dementia UK provides specialist support from Admiral Nurses for families and carers supporting someone living with dementia.

Website: https://www.dementiauk.org

Admiral Nurse Helpline: 0800 888 6678

Mencap

Mencap offers support, advice and resources for families and carers of people with learning disabilities.

Website: https://www.mencap.org.uk

Telephone: 0808 808 1111

Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink Mental Illness provides advice and support for carers supporting someone with a mental health condition.

Website: https://www.rethink.org

Advice Line: 0808 801 0525

Samaritans

If caring responsibilities are affecting your mental wellbeing and you need someone to talk to, Samaritans offers confidential emotional support 24 hours a day.

Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Telephone: 116 123

Financial Support for Carers

Depending on your circumstances, you or the person you care for may be entitled to financial support.

Further information can be found at:

Carer’s Allowance
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Attendance Allowance
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
https://www.gov.uk/pip

Looking After Yourself

Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it is important to remember that your own health and wellbeing matter too.

We encourage all carers to:

• Attend their own medical appointments.
• Seek support when needed.
• Take regular breaks where possible.
• Access local support services.
• Speak to us if caring responsibilities are affecting their physical or mental health.

How Woodseats Medical Centre Can Help

If you are a carer, please let a member of our team know so that we can record this on your medical record and ensure you are aware of the support available.

If you would like further information or support, please contact the practice.