Carers

“A carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family and potentially friends.  This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has a mental health problem or substance misuse problems” (DoH, 2008).

Different kinds of carers

• If you are an adult who is caring for someone over the age of 18 years, then you are an adult carer.
• A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who supports a parent, brother or sister, or other relative who needs care or support.
• By parent carer, we mean a parent who is caring for a child with a disability who is under 18. Parents with children who have additional care needs may be entitled to services to support them in their caring role. The wishes and feelings of parent carers will be addressed during the assessment of their child. This assessment will identify any additional support or services to meet the parents' needs.

Caring for someone coming out of hospital

Following an admission into hospital, you may have to make decisions about taking on the responsibility of caring for someone coming out of hospital. If you are already a carer, your responsibilities may be about to change. You may have to make some very difficult choices and our caring for someone coming out of hospital webpage gives helpful advice for carers in this situation.

Joint Commissioning Strategy for carers 2009-2013

Durham County Council and NHS County Durham and Darlington have developed a Joint Commissioning Strategy for carers. The strategy is based on the views and concerns of County Durham carers gathered through written feedback, consultation events, focus groups and carer survey findings. 

Carers' Survey

The 2008-2009 Carers’ Survey was the ninth major survey of the views and experiences of registered carers living in County Durham. The survey asked carers about themselves and the person/people they care for, as well as the information and support they receive.

Carer support and services

Caring for someone can be a very demanding role. Durham County Council recognise that all carers are individuals who need different levels of help and support to meet their needs at different times.

Carers emergency support service

The free-of-charge Carers emergency support service, provided by Unique Homecare, is available to all adult carers and young carers of adults and would benefit carers in an emergency situation.

Carer Breaks

There are a variety of services available through the council that are aimed at providing carers with a break from their caring roles, where there is an assessed need. There are also NHS carer breaks currently available for adult carers through local carers centres and also young adult carers (18-25) through the DISC Horizons service.

The Carers Mailing List

Durham County Council's carers mailing list is a list of people in County Durham who are currently unpaid carers and have asked to receive the Carers Echo. The carers mailing list provides a regular newsletter as well as the option to assist us and other approved agencies when planning services and support to meet the needs of carers. The Carers Echo  is produced in February, June and October each year and mailed directly to carers on the carers mailing list.

Carers centres

Carers centres in County Durham are independent, charitable organisations providing information, advice and support to carers. The centres offer a wide range of local, confidential support services to adult and parent carers.

Carers week

Carers week highlights the unpaid care provided by an estimated six million carers across the UK. It is an opportunity for carers to share positive experiences as well as the more difficult ones. Carers Week 2012 will take place between 18-24 June 2012 and the theme this year is "In sickness and in health".

Carers television advert

Watch our television advert produced to reach out to hidden carers and help people identify themselves in their caring role.

Registering as a carer

If you are a carer and live (or care for someone who lives) in County Durham, to register as a County Durham carer you need to contact the local carers centre and they will arrange for your registration.