Help and support for carers

A carer is someone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend who needs help because of illness, disability, old age, mental health difficulties, or addiction. They would struggle to cope without this support.

Carers can be adults, children, or young people. Many carers don't see their role as separate from their relationship with the person they care for. At some point in life, most of us will take on a caring role, and it can bring different challenges.

If you're an unpaid carer, you can get free support to maintain your health, independence and wellbeing, and care safely and confidently. 

Download our Unpaid Carers Welcome Pack, which has been written for unpaid carers by unpaid carers.

We commission a dedicated service for unpaid adult carers, young adult carers and young carers. It's called Maximising Wellbeing of Unpaid Carers and provides a range of support including:

• information, advice and guidance
• emotional and practical support
• access to financial support and advice
• peer support
• free training courses            

Since August 2023, this service has been run by Imago - a social action charity with a successful track record of delivering services and projects across London and the south-east of England.

To find out more or to get support, visit Imago’s website, call 0300 373 5769 or email ucwellbeing@imago.community.

Other services include:

• Lewisham health and social care directory: this includes information on local services, community groups and provides information and advice
• health information: advice and services that can help you prevent or self-manage a health conditions
• mental health information: access to our psychological therapies team who offer information, advice and services 
• adult social care information: we have a range of information and advice services with specialist knowledge in many different areas

What you need to think about

Before you choose support it is important that you think about how your caring role affects your wellbeing and about any advice that you need in relation to:

• financial support: carer's allowance, carer's credit, tax credits, benefits and independent financial advice
• practical support: cleaning, laundry and gardening services
• health: any health needs and long term health conditions
• social: help you may need with the caring role.

The NHS and third-sector organisations, including AGE UK, produced the guidance document below for carers, especially those who are aged over 65, or are new to their caring role. 

Join our unpaid carers' forum

We hold a drop-in forum for unpaid carers every month. This a forum where anyone who cares for a relative or friend can meet other carers, tell us whether they’re getting the support they need, and help influence council decisions and services that affect carers.

Join us on the last Tuesday of the month from 1-3pm at the Civic Suite, Catford, or join online. Email proudtocare@lewisham.gov.uk to let us know you’re coming. 

The purpose of a carer’s assessment is to find out what support you need to continue your caring role.

The first step in getting a carer's assessment is to do our online carer's self-assessment. We will then work out the best way we can help you.

Once we have agreed to do a carer’s assessment we will complete the assessment in line with the Care Act (2014) and make sure that:

• it’s appropriate to your needs and circumstances

• you are able to participate fully in the assessment

• it considers your choices, wishes and what want to achieve

• it takes account of the level and severity of your needs.

We use national eligibility criteria set out in the Care Act to decide whether we can meet your needs. We decide based on our assessment about the impact the caring role is having on your wellbeing.

What we consider when we carry out an assessment 

We consider the following three conditions, as outlined in the Care Act:

1. Whether the carer’s need for support exists because they are providing necessary care for an adult.

2. Because of their caring responsibilities, whether the carer's physical or mental health is getting worse or is at risk of doing so, or the carer is unable to:

• carry out any caring responsibilities the carer has for a child

• provide care to another person who the carer provides care

• maintain a habitable home environment in the carer's home, whether or not this is also the home of the adult needing care

• manage and maintain nutrition

• develop and maintain family or other personal relationships

• engage in work, training, education or volunteering

• make use of necessary facilities or services in the local community, including recreational facilities or services

• engage in recreational activities.

3. As a consequence of not being able to achieve the outcomes above, there is, or there is likely to be, a big impact on the carer's wellbeing, determining whether:

• the carer's needs impact on a least one of the areas of wellbeing in a significant way, or

• the cumulative effect of the impact on a number of the areas of wellbeing means that they have a significant impact on the carer’s overall wellbeing.

If you meet all three of the above conditions then we can discuss with you how we can best support you.

If you do not meet all three of the conditions we work with you to find local services and other ways to meet your needs.

Get advice or help with self-assessment forms

• before you submit a form - get support with new carer self-assessment forms or for advice about caring, call the Carer IAS Service on 020 8314 7777 and choose option 5.
• after you submit a form - if you need to follow up an assessment form that you have already submitted, or if the needs of the person you care for have changed, call us on 020 8314 7777 and choose option one, or email gateway@lewisham.gov.uk

We offer a range of local healthy-lifestyle activities to help people maintain their physical and mental health. You can be referred to these services via your GP, or you may be able to refer yourself.

Access to psychological therapies

Being a carer can be very stressful. A range of information, advice and support is available to to people who are experiencing:

• sleep problems

• low mood

• feeling down due to unemployment or difficulties at work

• low self-esteem

• panic attacks

• sadness that won't go away

• excessive worrying or anxiety

• relationship or family problems

• low mood due to a medical condition for example diabetes or fatigue

• experience of a traumatic event

• difficulties adjusting to life changes

• loss and grief

• stress.

Visit the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust website for more information.

If you're over 18 and provide unpaid care for another adult who is will, disabled, or elderly, you are entitled to a carer's assessment. This includes caring for a friend or relative who may not receive formal support.

What does a carer's assessment cover?

• how your caring role affects your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing
• what support you may need to continue or adjust your caring role
• whether you are able or willing to continue caring

Preparing for the assessment

• a professional will contact you to arrange an assessment at a time and place that suits you
• you can choose a face-to-face, video call, or telephone assessment
• you can bring a friend or family member for support
• if you need an interpreter or have communication needs, arrangements can be made

What happens during the assessment?

A professional will discuss:

• your support network and what help is available from family, friends or community services
• the impace of caring on your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing
• your goals - such as working, studying, volunteering or hobbies - and the support you'll need to achieve them
• emergency planning - what will happen if you suddenly cannot provide care
• any additional issues you may need help with

Before you submit a form

To get support with new carer self-assessment forms or for advice about caring, call the Carer IAS Service on 020 8314 7777 and choose option five.

After you submit a form

If you need to follow up an assessment form that you have already submitted, or if the needs of the person you care for have changed, call us on 020 8314 7777 and choose option one, or email gateway@lewisham.gov.uk.

The purpose of a carer’s assessment is to find out what support you need to continue your caring role.

The first step in getting a carer's assessment is to do our online carer's self-assessment. We will then work out the best way we can help you.

Once we have agreed to do a carer’s assessment we will complete the assessment in line with the Care Act (2014) and make sure that:

• it’s appropriate to your needs and circumstances

• you are able to participate fully in the assessment

• it considers your choices, wishes and what want to achieve

• it takes account of the level and severity of your needs

We use national eligibility criteria set out in the Care Act to decide whether we can meet your needs. We decide based on our assessment about the impact the caring role is having on your wellbeing.

We consider the following three conditions, as outlined in the Care Act:

1. Whether the carer’s need for support exists because they are providing necessary care for an adult.

2. Because of their caring responsibilities, whether the carer's physical or mental health is getting worse or is at risk of doing so, or the carer is unable to:

• carry out any caring responsibilities the carer has for a child

• provide care to another person who the carer provides care

• maintain a habitable home environment in the carer's home, whether or not this is also the home of the adult needing care

• manage and maintain nutrition

• develop and maintain family or other personal relationships

• engage in work, training, education or volunteering

• make use of necessary facilities or services in the local community, including recreational facilities or services

• engage in recreational activities

3. As a consequence of not being able to achieve the outcomes above, there is, or there is likely to be, a big impact on the carer's wellbeing, determining whether:

• the carer's needs impact on a least one of the areas of wellbeing in a significant way, or

• the cumulative effect of the impact on a number of the areas of wellbeing means that they have a significant impact on the carer’s overall wellbeing.

If you meet all three of the above conditions then we can discuss with you how we can best support you.

If you do not meet all three of the conditions we work with you to find local services and other ways to meet your needs.

The Care Act (2014) gives unpaid carers legal rights to support and assessments from local authorities. It ensures carers' physical, emotional and financial wellbeing is considered.

What does the Care Act (2014) cover?

Carers' Needs Assessments

Local authorities must assess a carer's needs and how their caring role affects their physical and mental health.

Impact on wellbeing

The assessment looks at whether the carer can:

• continue their caring role
• maintain a habitable home
• manage their nutrition
• develop personal relationships
• take part in work, training, education or leisure

It also looks at family considerations - ensuring young people do not take on inappropriate caring responsibilities.

Support available under the Care Act (2014)

• support plans - an agreement outlining how a carer's needs will be met
• financial assessments - most local authorities do not charge carers for support, but if they do, a financial assessment will determine what they can afford
• personal budgets - carers may receive direct payments to arrange their own support

We hold a drop-in forum for unpaid carers every month. This is a space where anyone cares for a relative or friend can meet other carers, tell us whether they're getting the support they need, and help influence Council decision and services that affect carers.

Join us on the last Tuesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm at the Civic Suite, Catford or online. Join or get more information by emailing proudtocare@lewisham.gov.uk.

• Tuesday 28 January
• Tuesday 25 February
• Tuesday 25 March
• Tuesday 29 April
• Tuesday 27 May
• Tuesday 24 June
• Tuesday 29 July
• Tuesday 26 August
• Tuesday 30 September
• Tuesday 28 October
• Tuesday 25 November
• Tuesday 30 December

Healthwatch Lewisham ensures that the voices of residents, carers and people with lived experiences are heard by health and adult social care decision makers. They work to improve services by collecting feedback and making sure people's experiences shape future care.

Healthwatch Lewisham:

• listens to carers' concerns and experiences to influence change
• provides independent advice and information on health and social care services
• helps carers navigate the healthcare system and access the right support
• holds events, forums and engagement sessions to amplify carers' voices
• works with local organisations and policymakers to improve care services

Get in touch:

• 020 3886 0196
• info@healthwatchlewisham.co.uk
• healthwatchlewisham.co.uk
• Healthwatch Lewisham, The Green Man, 355 Bromley Road, London SE6 2RP

In Lewisham, we are proud to care and launched the Proud to Care Lewisham Family initiative to support unpaid carers. This initiative focuses on:

• encouraging local residents to pursue careers in home care
• ensuring unpaid carers, wellbeing workers, and people who are receiving care all have an equal voice
• celebrating unpaid carers through the Carer Implementation Plan (2022-24)
• creating a shared recruitment process for care staff
• standardising procedures and paperwork across local wellbeing services
• providing consistent training and development for all care organisations

Services will be available in four neighbourhoods across Lewisham, offering carers a single point of access for advice, information and support.

Imago has been supporting communities for over 60 years and is part of Lewisham's Proud to Care family. Imago champions unpaid carers and helps create a carer-friendly culture in local schools, businesses, healthcare, and community services.

The maximising wellbeing of unpaid carers service provides personalised support to unpaid carers, helping them create an adult carer support plan tailored to their needs. If eligible, carers may also receive additional support through a statutory carers assessment.

Who can get support?

Imago offers help for:

• young carers (ages 4 to 18)
• young adult carers 18 to 25)
• adult carers (ages 18+)
• older carers (ages 65+)

What support is available?

• information, advice and guidance
• emotional and practical support
• financial support and advice
• carer assessments
• peer support groups
• free training courses

Visit Imago's Carers' Hub for free advice and support, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Glass Mill Leisure Centre, Loampit Vale, London SE13 7FT. 

Caring for someone with a mental health condition or addiction can be challenging, but you are not alone. There are support groups across Lewisham that provide a safe space for carers to connect, share experiences and receive advice from professionals and peers.

Groups

Lewisham Mental Health Carers Support Group

• last Tuesday of the month, 6pm to 7.30pm
• Ladywell Unit Outpatient Department (Ground floor)
• Contact Cath Collins on 07885 202152 or Barbara Neri on 07391 405580
• email barbara@helpingcarersinlewisham.org.uk

Lewisham Mental Health Carer Forum (online)

• last Tuesday of the month, 1pm to 3pm, Zoom
• contact Matthew McKenzie on 07881 301059
• email mmckenz11@hotmail.com

CGL Lewishan Family and Friends Support Group

(Support for carers of those with addiction)

• every Saturday, 10am to 12 noon
• 410 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6LJ
• contact 020 8314 5566 / 07766 075995
• email sherrie.hoare@cgi.org.uk

Early Intervention Service (EIS) Carers and Family Group

• first Monday of the month
• contact 203 228 9238
• email adam.hutton@slam.nhs.uk

Black and Minority Ethnic Carers Mental Health Group

• last Friday of the month, 10.30am to 12.30pm (Zoom)
• contact Matthew McKenzie on 07881 301059
• email mmckenz11@hotmail.com
• blog: Caring Mind Blog - Carer News

Headway Families and Carer Support Group

(Support for carers of individuals with acquired brain injuries).

• first Wednesday of the month (in-person and online)
• contact 020 3746 7746

Bi-Polar UK Family and Friends Support Group (online)

(Support for carers of individuals with bipolar)

• second Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (Zoom)
• Bi-Polar UK Family and Friends Support Group

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Carers and Family Group

(Support for those caring for individuals with BPD/EUPD)

• third Thursday of the month, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• contact 07955 097121
• email londonbpdcarers@rethink.org

The Triangle of Care is a partnership between carers, people with lived experience, and health professionals. It promotes safety, recovery and mental wellbeing by ensuring carers are included and supported in health and care services.

It's built on six key principles that help health and care providers:

• recognise and involve unpaid carers in care decisions
• provide clear communication and support for carers
• ensure staff are trained to understand carers' needs
• offer flexible services that meet both the carer's and the service user's needs
• promote carer wellbeing to prevent stress and burnout
• work together across different services to improve support for carers

The carer's allowance is £66.15 per week to help you look after someone with substantial caring needs. You do not have to be related to, or live with the person you care for. You must be aged over 16 and spend at least 35 hours a week caring.

The carer's allowance is taxable and can affect your other benefits.

GOV.UK has information about the eligibility criteria and a benefits calculator to see how this benefit could affect your other benefits.

• Apply online for a carer's allowance

Carer's credit

You could get carer's credit if you are looking after someone for more than 20 hours a week.

Carer's credit is a national insurance credit that helps with gaps in your national insurance record. Your income, savings or investments will not be affected by carer’s credit.

Please visit the GOV.UK website or call the Carer's Allowance Unit:

Telephone: 0800 731 0297
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Lines open: Monday–Thursday, 8.30am–5pm and Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm

You can use a benefits calculator to find out:

• what benefits you could get
• how to claim
• how your benefits will be affected if you start work.

These are free to use, anonymous, and have replaced the benefits adviser service.

Calculators

Use one of the following independent benefits calculators to decide whether you are entitled to and can apply for benefits:

• entitled to – for information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, council tax reduction, carer’s allowance, universal credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work
• Turn2us – for information on income-related benefits, universal credit and tax credits.

What information you'll need to use the calculators

You’ll need accurate information about your:

• savings
• income, including your partner’s (eg from payslips)
• existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
• outgoings (eg rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
• council tax bill.