Getting help

What’s available and where to get it

You can create a personalised Information Pack for carers on our ‘One Link’ site

What help is there?

Across the UK 2 million people become carers every year, so the first thing to remember is you are not alone! Becoming a carer can be bewildering, confusing and frightening. You may have become a carer over time without realising. No one is super human and all carers need some support and back-up.

Recognising yourself as a carer is the very first step to getting the support you need. Many of us do not see ourselves as carers straight away: we are mums and dads, husbands, wives, partners, brothers, sisters, friends and neighbours. We 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. The fact is that you are also a carer, and there are things that you need to know. No one likes to be labelled, but recognising yourself as a carer can be the gateway to getting a range of help and support.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept support, try to think ahead and don’t wait until a crisis occurs. The right sort of help, at the right time, could help you to care more effectively and may give you more opportunities to do the things you want to do for yourself or other members of your family.

Places you can turn to for general advice and help are the following:

The local branch of Carers UK can offer a support network of people in similar situations to yours, as well as advice and help. This is based at The Riverside Centre at Newport Quay. Tel: (01983) 533173.
The Council’s Community Services (which is often referred to, or known as, Social Services), who can carry out your assessment for you, and may decide that they can offer you services.
Jobcentre Plus , for advice and information relating to work and training and ‘working age benefits’

There are also many specialist support groups who can offer advice and support such as the local branches of the Alzheimer’s Society, Parkinson’s Society etc.

Advice can be sought from other organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau or Age Concern – providing either you or the person you’re caring for is over 50.

Your own doctor, who can help you to access services such as district nursing, speech therapy, health visiting, chiropody, mobility assessment, incontinence support and counselling, as well as offering referral to specialists.

Among the support that may be available are day care services, respite care, home care, specialist help for the deaf or heard of hearing, specialist help for those with sight problems, skills training and equipment that may make life easier at home. To access some of these you may need an assessment and referral from social services.

Getting Information, Help and Advice

You can create an information pack for carers including local support and advice services at our ‘One Link’ website, Click here.


		Carers UK is a national charity that provides information and advice to carers and campaigns on their behalf. To visit the Carers UK website Click here.

		Carers UK Isle of Wight Branch The branch gives information and support to anyone who is caring for a family member, partner or friend on an unpaid basis. There are support groups meeting in most towns on the Island. Tel. 01983 533173 The Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2QR

		NHS Choices website has a section dedicated to carers called Carers Direct Carers Direct offers information, advice and support for carers. To visit the Carers Direct site Click here

		Directgov website also has a section dedicated to carers which provides information, advice and support for carers. To visit the Directgov for carers Click here

Updated 18/3/09

Page last updated on: 09/06/2009