If you are looking after someone who couldn’t cope without your help, we really would like you to let us know, so that we can ensure you receive all the support and information we can give. A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. You are a Young Carer if you are under 18 in this role.

You can be added to the practice 'carer register' and gain access to information and support. This includes access to a named Carer Champion.

A Carer Champion is a staff member at your practice who support carers.

The Carer’s Champion at this practice is Maria Kirk

Carers can get information, advice and tailored support by contacting the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub by calling 0115 824 8824. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.

You can speak to an experienced support worker who will provide a personalised service that meets your individual needs. The service is available to all carers and all ages.

Alternatively, you can contact them using the following methods:

Email:  nottinghamshirehub@tuvida.org

Web:  www.tuvida.org/nottinghamshirehub /

Information and support for Carers (including carer’s assessments) provided by Nottinghamshire County Council can be found at

https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/adult-social-care/carers/support-for-carers or by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 0300 500 8080

Care4me is a scheme that provides a range of services with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of carers and those for whom they care. This scheme is coordinated by Gedling Homes in partnership with Nottingham North and East Clinical Commissioning Group, the Carers Federation and other partners.

The services we offer broadly fall into one of five categories. Health & wellbeing support; social inclusion; practical support; home modifications and access support.

We have information on local health walks and exercise classes in Gedling if you would like to become more active. Or if you are a man aged 60+ you might be interested in the Men in Sheds drop-in sessions to work on your carpentry skills over a cuppa. Perhaps you would like to become more IT literate so you can order shopping or do banking online? If so we have a tutor who provides regular beginners IT classes.

If you or the person you care for has a long term health condition such as stroke, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or heart problems, there are classes that can help. We also have home exercise booklets, information re falls prevention and can provide manual handling training to help prevent injury.

The Young Person’s Positive Moves programme is available for 8-15 year olds who are inactive and have conditions such as autism or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Finally we have a limited budget to adapt your home to meet your needs depending on the outcome of an occupational therapist’s referral.

To enable you to access these services we can provide transport and respite care (we can arrange to have a qualified care provider look after the person you care for).

You can view the E leaflet here -http://www.gedlinghomes.co.uk/sites/default/files/files/5923%20care4me%20DL%20V2%20online.pdf

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?

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

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

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

• 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