FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Support for Carers
A carer is someone who cares for a disabled adult or child in an unpaid capacity. A carer may be a relative, friend or neighbour & may care on a full time, part time or occasional basis to enable the disabled person to live at home.
Carers have the right to an assessment of their needs as carers if they have regular and substantial caring responsibilities. They are entitled to an assessment even if the person they are caring for does not want one. The law regarding assessment for carers can be found at Action for Carers Surrey which also produces carers’ information booklets with detailed information about caring matters for people caring in different parts of Surrey. To request an assessment contact Surrey County Council 08456 009009.
Some carers are entitled to Carer’s Allowance & other benefits in their own right. Adviceguide has more benefit information. Direct Payments can be made to carers to enable them to arrange services themselves instead of receiving them from the local authority.
In Surrey Action for Carers Surrey has many carer support groups across the county. Young carers (those up to age 18) have their own support groups. East Surrey Carers Support Association 01883 745057 support carers of all ages in Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge. Surrey Heath Carers Support helps carers across the borough. Information & support for carers is provided by Carers UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers are national organisations campaigning for the rights of carers.
You may need information on being a carer and your rights at work, as well as information on employment & training in Surrey.
Taking a break (sometimes called respite care) as a carer can be to pursue a hobby, visit the doctor or dentist or to have a change of scene and a rest. You may want to take a few hours off or plan a longer break. Carer break vouchers are available in Surrey to carers who provide a substantial amount of care to another person. Places that accept the vouchers can be found in the Short Term Breaks directory. The SID Short Term Breaks website has information on places to visit and stay.
For further information on carers support groups contact SID, 0800 0439395.
More information on living with a disability in Surrey can be found at www.askenid.org.uk and in the leaflet ‘Information for You’ available from SID (Social Information on Disability), 0800 0439395.