There are many services to support you as a carer, and some also support the person you care for and your family. You can talk to your Doctor, health or social care worker about being a carer. They will listen to you and offer information and advice to help you in your caring role.
Some services are available to everyone. You can contact support organisations yourself, however a social care worker will refer you to others after your carer's assessment.
These include:
- support to identify yourself as a carer
- support at the early stages of caring
- support when you have been caring for some time
- support in crises or emergencies if you need it
- support to take a break from caring, including support for the cared for person
- support to develop your own life: work, education, leisure and social life
- emotional support from other carers or people who understand
- help with home adaptations or equipment
- benefits advice
- services for particular groups of people, for example older people with mental health problems
To get more information about these services you can email us at sandwell_enquiry@sandwell.gov.uk or call us on 0121 569 2266. We can arrange for you to have a carer's assessment so we can work out what will help you most.
The Council is responsible for carer wellbeing, but funds local carer support organisations to carry out the support. Most support is free but there may be some charges for some services.
Local organisations
There are a range of carer support services in Sandwell, including those that offer independent information and advice.
You can also find out about social groups and peer support for carers on our online directory of care and community organisations, Information Point and contact any you are interested in.
There are services that can be accessed by everyone that you may also need. If you are concerned about possible abuse to yourself or someone else, you can report a Safeguarding concern.
If you need support to get your voice heard over an issue you have, you can contact local advocacy organisations.
You can also access information or support with direct payments.
National organisations
Carers Direct
Carers Direct gives free confidential information and advice to help you as a carer. The Carers Direct website has a great deal of valuable information that could help you in your caring role.
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202. Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Email: CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Carers UK
Carers UK is a national campaigning organisation for carers. It offers advice, support, information and training. The Carers UK website has lots of information for engaging with carers and campaigning for their rights.
Advice line: 0808 808 7777
The Carer's Trust
The Trust has a network of 144 independently-managed Carers' Centres (including Crossroads). The Carers Trust website has extensive information for all carers.