*** Carers Week 2010 - More Info *** [1]
A carer is someone who looks after a relative, partner or a friend who cannot manage at home without help due to a disability or illness or because they are elderly or frail.
Around 3 in 5 people will be a carer at some point in their lives. According to the 2001 census, there are 39,567carers in Wiltshire.
Carers fall broadly into 3 groups:
- Adult carers – an adult caring for another adult such as a spouse, partner, friend or relative
- Parent carers – an adult who cares for an ill or disabled child
- Young carers (under 25 years old) – a child or young person who is carrying out significant caring tasks and assuming a level of responsibility for another person which would usually be taken by an adult
SUPPORT FOR CARERS
At The Health Centre
The Health Centre runs an annual health check service for patients who are carers. Appointments are designed to give you a full health check and an opportunity to discuss your health. The appointment will last approximately 15 to 40 minutes. Representatives from Carers Support West Wilts and the Wiltshire Council/DWP Financial Assessment & Benefits Team are also available to offer advice or answer any queries.
Hayley Digby is the Practice carers representative. She is able to provide help and information to Carers. She is also able to access services for you (appointments etc) so that they can be arranged at a time that suits you. To speak with Hayley, please telephone 01225 866611.
In the community
Carers Support West Wilts [2] provides FREE and confidential Information, Advice and Support to all Carers in West Wiltshire.
It does not matter if you are caring for someone occasionally or for longer lengths of time, you may request the free pack. It contains loads of useful information plus contact details of other organisations to assist you in your caring role.
We offer:
- A Carers Information Pack
- A home visit if required
- Signposting to Agencies for help with benefit claims
- Someone to listen
- The chance to meet other carers at our Carers Groups
- Regular newsletters
- News of special days out and therapies available for carers
- Training to support you in your caring role
- Information about our befriending service and breaks for carers
- Volunteering opportunities
For further information, please visit the Carers Support West Wilts website [3] or telephone 01380 871690