Being a carer
You are a carer if you are spending a regular amount of time looking after or supporting someone. This could be a relative, partner or friend who without your support or the help of other carers would be unable to live independently.
Many people do not see themselves as carers straight away, they are simply doing what anyone would, caring unpaid for a loved one or friend, helping them through when they are unable to do things for themselves.
Being a carer can be really tough and demanding, but recognising yourself as a carer can be the gateway to getting help and support which can take some of the pressure off you and allow you some time for yourself.
It also means that in the event of a crisis, for example if you yourself are taken unwell, you will be able to easily access respite and other emergency support for the person you look after.
Support for carers
Many people who look after an adult relative or friend will be eligible for support from us - you can find out more about how the assessment process works on our carer's assessment page.
Even if you have not completed a carer's assessment, or are not eligible for support following a carers' assessment, there is a wide range of support available.
Depending on your situation you will be entitled to access different levels of support. These include personalised advice and information, or you may prefer just to be put in touch with local support groups so you have people to talk to.
Carers organisations have full details of the range of services locally.
Organisations offering support
Carer support groups and other activities are offered by a range of organisations in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Carers Network
The Carers Network is the first point of contact for unpaid adult carers living in Hammersmith & Fulham who need information or advice about being a carer.
You can also call them to find out about being referred for a full carers' assessment to access regular packages of care such as respite breaks.
They have a good knowledge of carers' rights and services and where to get more specialist help if it is needed. They run many support groups and the drop-in information and advice groups. They can also assist you to apply for one-off small grants to help you with your caring duties and to set up an emergency care plan.
They also have the:
- End of Life project supporting carers who are over 65 and caring for someone at the end of their life
- Former Carers project supporting unpaid carers seeking options after their caring role has ended.
Contact Carers Network on 020 8960 3033 or email them at info@carers-network.org.uk
Action on Disability (AOD)
AOD runs peer support groups that are open to carers.
The current groups running are the:
- Creative Group
- Writing for Wellbeing Peer Support Group
- Health and Wellbeing Peer Support Group
Find more about these AOD peer support groups.
They also run a Direct Payment Peer Support Group.
AOD Centre for Independent Living
Ground Floor Office, Mo Mowlam House,
Clem Atlee Court, London SW6 7BF
MIND
Mind provides advice and support to people with mental health needs and their carers.
Mind runs a support group for carers of people with mental health needs. View their projects on the services link on the website.
Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind
309 Lillie Road, Fulham, London SW6 7LL
HF Mencap
65 Aspenlea Road, Fulham, London, W6 8LH
Parentsactive
Supports parents/carers of disabled children (HF Mencap)
65 Aspenlea Road, London W6 8LH
Midaye
Midaye works with the Somali community and other ethnic minorities and runs a BME Carers and Families Forum.
7 Thorpe Close, London W10 5XL
Open Age - St Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing
Exmoor Street, London W10 6DZ
carerstimeforme@openage.org.uk
Spurgeons Young Carers Service
Provides support for young carers aged 5 to 19, offering weekly activities, one-to-one support and peer mentoring for young carers.
Help coordinating your care arrangements
If you have a smart phone or a tablet then you can download the Jointly app.
This makes caring for someone a little easier, less stressful and a lot more organised by making communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message.
Contact us
Call us about health and care services on freephone 0800 145 6095, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.