Skip to main content

Carers

Are you a carer?

If you regularly look after or support a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help, you may be a carer.

Anyone who looks after a friend or family member who cannot manage without them, and is unpaid, can register. This includes carers under the age of 18.

Please let us know so we can record this on your medical record and make sure you receive information, advice and support available to carers.

Here is an article explaining why it is important you let your GP know that you are a carer:
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/talking-to-your-gp/

FAQs

Am I eligible as a carer?

A carer looks after a family member, friend, partner or neighbour who needs support due to illness, disability or old age. The help carers give is unpaid, though you may still receive carer’s allowance or other benefits. You do not have to care full time to receive carer’s allowance or live with the person you care for to be a carer.

What is carer’s allowance and how do I claim it?

Please visit www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/benefits-for-carers/ for the latest carer’s allowance information.

I don’t live in the same county as the person I care for, where do I go for help?

It is the duty of the local authority (council) where the person you care for lives to assess their care and support needs and your needs as a carer. For example, if the person you care for lives in Nottingham, Nottingham City Council would be responsible for assessing their support needs and offering you a carer’s assessment.

  • Carers UK

    They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

    Phone
    0808 808 7777

    Website
    Carers UK

    Email
    info@carersuk.org

  • Social care and support guide

    If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.

    Website
    NHS: Social care and support guide

  • Derbyshire Carers Association

    Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA) support Carers who look after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental ill health or an addiction. The care they give is unpaid.

    There are an estimated 96,000 Carers living in Derbyshire with over 26,000 aged over 65. Everyday across the UK 6,000 people become Carers.

    Website
    www.derbyshirecarers.co.uk

  • Derby City Council

    If you care, unpaid, for someone who couldn’t manage without your help, you’re a carer and you have the right to support.

    Website
    www.derby.gov.uk

  • Derbyshire County Council

    Do you provide unpaid support with daily living tasks or personal care for someone who couldn’t cope without your help? If so, we have a range of support services to help you with your caring role. 

    Anyone can become a carer and carers come from all walks of life, and can be any age. Many feel that they’re doing what anyone would do in the same situation.

    Website
    www.derbyshire.gov.uk

  • Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board

    Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board (DSAB) is a multi-agency strategic partnership, which ensures and oversees the effectiveness of arrangements made by individual agencies to safeguard adults who have care and support needs and are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, abuse or neglect.

    Website
    www.derbyshiresab.org.uk

  • Carers Allowance

    Please see the latest information on claiming carers allowance:
    https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

  • Hospital Transport and Post-Discharge Support

    If you or someone you care for is being discharged from hospital, Disability Direct offers transport home and short-term support to help people settle back in safely and regain their independence. Available to Derby City residents, the service includes a personalised assessment and support plan following discharge.
    Support may be available for up to six weeks and can include wellbeing checks, befriending, help with shopping, benefits advice, advocacy, referrals to other services, introductions to local community groups and events, and dedicated support for unpaid carers.
    For more information or to access the service, contact Disability Direct on 01332 299 449 (Option 3) or email info@disabilitydirect.com.

Social Prescribers

Our Social Prescribers can link you with many services in our community that may help you. If you would like to speak to a social prescriber, fill out an online request using our appointments page, explaining what you would like support with. You can also call the surgery or speak to reception.

Fire Safety in the Home for Carers

Why it matters
A third of the people who die in fires every year are looked after by a carer, whether that is a family member, friend or a professional carer. We believe that by working together, we can reduce fire deaths and injuries of vulnerable people.
 
People who need extra consideration
Older people, people with disabilities, people with visual and hearing impairments, and people who are vulnerable for other reasons all need careful consideration when it comes to fire safety. There are 4 main reasons why: 
– They may not be able respond to a fire as quickly.
– They may not be able to escape a fire. 
– They may be more at risk due to lifestyle factors. 
– They may use healthcare equipment such as oxygen or emollient creams that are flammable.

So what do you need to know to give the best possible care?
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service have created an easy-to-follow fire safety guide for carers. As shown below. You can also watch their videos here: https://shorturl.at/Qz9mi

Page published: 9 May 2023
Last updated: 12 August 2026