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Support for carers

We are here to support all informal carers and cared-for people in our Borough

Whether you have been caring for someone for a while or have recently taken on this role, we can provide:

  • information, advice and support
  • carers' personal budgets
  • the 'Time Out' service to offer you a break
  • a carers' emergency card
  • carers' connect friendship service
  • peer support groups
  • welfare calls
  • regular updates and newsletters
  • an online carers' hub
  • carers' education sessions
  • support for employers

 

What is an informal carer?

An informal carer is someone who supports or looks after a friend, family member or neighbour due to illness, frailty, disability, mental health problem, drug or alcohol misuse or learning disability.

If you provide (or intend to provide) physical, practical or emotional support to someone on a regular basis then you can be considered a carer.

Many people do not see themselves as a carer. They think of themselves as a friend or family member and do not realise that there may be help and support available to them in addition to the person they are caring for.

You do not need to live with the person you care for or be in receipt of carer's allowance in order to access support.

If you believe you may be a carer then there is support available.

 

What help and support is available?

There are lots of other organisations who support carers and the cared-for person. Each service will discuss your situation with you and direct you to the most appropriate service (if it is not them):

Stockton-on-Tees Adult Carers' Support Service

We provide an Adult Carers' Support Service which supports all adult carers (over 18) in Stockton-on-Tees who care for another adult (over 18). We offer assistance to carers to help them identify their own needs and put plans in place to make sure they are preserving their own health and wellbeing. We also support with signposting and navigating local services.

For more information:

 

Eastern Ravens Trust

Young Carers (under 18) can get support such as: 

  • respite breaks - time out for young carers to meet others in similar situations, take part in activities similar to their peers such as group work to increase confidence and self-esteem
  • family support - help for parents and guardians, including listening ear support and signposting to other agencies and services
  • whole family activities - opportunities for young carers and their families to enjoy fun activities together, reducing isolation and combating poverty

For more information contact: 

 

Stockton Parent Carer Forum

Parent carers of a child with additional needs:

 

SNAPS

Parent Carers of a child with additional needs:

 

Bridges

A service for carers, grandparent carers, young carers or sibling carers who support someone affected by drugs or alcohol:

 

 

Feel like you need some time out?

Could you use a break from your caring role? The Carers' Hub offers a 'Time Out' service for informal carers who need time away from their duties.

This is aimed at those who could use a break from their role, or need to attend an appointment or do some tasks away from the cared-for person.

  • giving you a break from your caring role
  • allowing you time to look after yourself
  • respite for up to 8 hours a month
  • support from a trained, friendly and supportive member of staff

Visit the Stockton Information Directory Carers' Hub to find out more. 

 

Does someone rely on you for support? A Carers' Emergency Card could help

We offer a free Carers' Emergency Card. The card is carried by the carer and contains details of an emergency contact, who can be called in the event that the carer becomes ill. This means the cared-for person will always be looked after in the event of an emergency.

The Carers' Emergency card enables the informal carer to:

  • plan ahead in case of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances
  • know they will be supported in an emergency
  • have peace of mind for themselves and the person they care for

Visit the Stockton Information Directory Carers' Hub to find out more. 

 

Connect with other Carers

Do you care for a loved one? Need to speak to someone who understands?

Join our free Carers' Connect friendship service.

  • meet like-minded people
  • a friendly ear from people who understand
  • offer each other support and share experiences

Visit the Stockton Information Directory Carers' Hub to find out more. 

 

Useful information

CEA Card

The CEA card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema (please check with individual cinemas to find out if the accept the card).

If you require an adjustment to visit a cinema because of your disability, cinema staff should make them for you whether you have a CEA Card or not.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get money off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you - it's a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.

You may also qualify for a winter fuel payment if you were born on or before 5 November 1953. You may be eligible for between £100 - £300 to help you pay your heating bills. You will usually receive the payment automatically if you are eligible and you are in receipt of the state pension or other benefits. Visit GOV.UK warm home discount scheme for more information.

Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme

Discretionary Housing Payments are payments to help people with their housing costs when their housing benefit or universal credit payments still leave them struggling to pay their rent. Payments are in addition to housing benefit - you must be getting housing benefit or universal credit which includes an element for housing costs towards a rental liability to apply. Visit our Housing Benefit page for more information.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service provided by suppliers and network operators to customers in need. You can receive the services available if you:

  • are of pensionable age
  • are disabled or chronically sick
  • have a long-term medical condition
  • have a hearing or visual impairment or additional communication needs
  • are in a vulnerable situation.

To be added to the Priority Services Register, you simply need to contact your energy supplier. You can find their contact details on your energy bill. If you have a different supplier for your gas and electricity, you need to contact them both. If you switch supplier, you'll need to register for the service again with them.

Watersure Scheme

Watersure is a scheme which helps some people with their water bills. To apply for the scheme, you must be on certain means-tested benefits and need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children. You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed. Visit Northumbria Water Watersure scheme to find out more.

TV Licence Discounts

You can get a free TV licence if you're 75 or over and a discount if you're blind or in residential care. You can also get a short-term license if you're 74. It's valid until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.

You can get a 50% discount if you're registered blind or live with someone who is. The license has to be in the blind person's name - if it isn't you can transfer it. Find out more on the TV licensing website. 

Blue Badge Parking Scheme

The blue badge parking scheme provides a permit for people with mobility problems to park close to where they need to go. Visit our Blue Badge page for more information 

LiveWell Dementia Hub

The LiveWell Dementia Hub is a  community-based service that provides dementia information, support and training  for anyone living in Stockton-on-Tees. This includes people with dementia, their families, their carers and anyone who would like to learn more about the condition.

The Hub environment has been designed to better support people with dementia and offers a calm space where you can access:

  • up-to-date information about dementia  
  • information about the services, support groups and social activities available locally
  • memory service appointments
  • dementia training

For further information contact: