Supporting a family member, friend or neighbour because of illness, frailty, disability, mental health problems or addiction is a demanding and often unrecognised role. Many people do not see themselves as “carers”, but if you regularly help someone who couldn’t manage without you, you are a carer.

It’s important that carers stay as fit and healthy as possible. Letting your GP surgery know you are a carer means you can be offered the right information, support and access to services. GP surgeries also need to record the number of carers registered with them for government reporting purposes.

You can register by completing the Carer Registration Form or by speaking to the reception team at your GP practice.

Support for carers of all ages

Being a carer can be physically and emotionally demanding. There is support available locally and nationally.

Local Organisations

• Care Services Directory (Stoke-on-Trent)
  https://www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/stoke-on-trent-care-services-directory/

• North Staffs Carers
  https://www.carersfirst.com/

• Staffordshire Together for Carers Service
  https://www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/carers/staffordshire-together-for-carers-service

National organisations

• Age UK
  https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/helping-a-loved-one/

• Care Choices
  https://www.carechoices.co.uk/find-care-services-near-you/

• Carers Trust
  https://carers.org/

• Carers UK
  https://www.carersuk.org/

• Citizens Advice
  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/looking-after-people/carers-help-and-support/

• NHS – Social Care and Support Guide
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/

• The Carents Room
  https://carents.co.uk/

• NHS – Young Carers Information
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/help-for-young-carers/

Caring in specific circumstances

• lzheimer’s Society
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/looking-after-yourself

• Cancer Research UK
  https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/family-friends-caregivers/taking-care-of-yourself

• Macmillan Cancer Support
  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/supporting-someone/looking-after-someone-with-cancer

• Marie Curie
  https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/being-there/support-carers/your-needs

• Motor Neurone Disease Association
  https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/for-carers/support-for-carers

• Parkinson’s UK
  https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/caring-someone-parkinsons

• Sue Ryder
  https://www.sueryder.org/end-of-life-care/supporting-someone-near-the-end-of-their-life/coping-as-a-carer/

You can also find more information about help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/

If you think you might be a carer, please inform your GP practice so they can ensure you receive the support you deserve.