If you are a carer, we can help with…
Carers Rights
If you care for someone, it’s important to understand your rights and access the support you need as soon as possible.
As a carer, you have the right to (but not limited to):
- Ask for help
- Look after yourself
- Request a carers conversation form
- Be able to choose your support
- Take a break
- Register with your GP
- Flexible working
We work alongside local and national organisations to ensure that carers are aware of their rights, know where to get help, and raise awareness of carers’ needs.
Caring can be a demanding role, both emotionally and physically. Many carers avoid asking for support, believing that it is solely their responsibility to care for their loved one. However, seeking support can provide relief and the assistance needed to maintain your own well-being.
To find out more about your carer rights, click on the tabs below.
If you are a carer for someone aged 18 or older, you are eligible to complete a Carers Conversation Form. This form, currently being tested as an alternative to the Carers Needs Assessment form, will still assess how your caregiving role affects different aspects of your life. A feedback form is included for you to share your thoughts on this new assessment approach. The assessment can be completed independently or with support from a social worker or a member of our team. It aims to identify support options available to you, including information and advice, assistance for the person you care for, or possibly a carer’s personal budget.
Many carers feel that they have no choice but to care for their loved ones. However, as a carer, it’s important to remember that you have the right to choose which aspects of care you are comfortable with and able to provide, if at any all.
You can also choose whether to have a carers assessment.
- A carers assessment outlines what support the carer needs for their own wellbeing. It is carried out by the local council and considers:
- If the carer is willing and able to provide care
- If caring is impacting the carer’s wellbeing
- If the carer needs support, help or aid
This helps the local council form a support plan to help support carers.
You (with the cared-for where possible) can also choose what care services are accessed. In many cases, the carer knows the cared-for person closely and can make decisions with them or on their behalf to ensure that their wishes and best interests are put first.
This can sometimes contradict the opinions of other people, organisations and agencies. That is why, under the Care Act 2014, carers have the right to information and advice about all relevant services available to their loved ones and to be able to make informed decisions on which services would be most suitable.
You and your loved one have the right to choose the provider of care (or care home) and do not have to accept the first one offered by the local authority. Being a carer or providing care is not a one size fits all role. It must be tailored to meet the needs of not only the cared-for person but the carer themselves
As a carer, you have the right to take a break. It’s important to look after your own wellbeing so you can stay healthy and continue to care for your loved one.
Carers Count can signpost you to organisations that can help you improve your wellbeing, offer respite and enable you to have a better balance between your caring role and personal needs.
We also have a wide range of groups and activities, where you can take time away from your caring role and focus on your own wellbeing.
Did you know that you can register as a carer with your GP practice? If your practice knows that you are a carer, they can help you in many ways:
- Access to their Carers Champion, who can signpost you to your local carers support service.
- Offering appointments at convenient times.
- Offering double appointments to enable you and the person you care for to be seen at the same time, rather than having to make two visits.
- Free annual health checks and Flu vaccinations.
- Sharing information about the person you care for, subject to their consent. (Where a person lacks capacity to give consent, this may still be possible if you have a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health).
- Involvement in the care planning of the person you care for.
- Being kept up to date about relevant events and information.
- Referral to a Social Prescriber who can refer you to other services or support groups or simply provide a listening ear.
- Keeping a check on your physical and emotional wellbeing and the impact of your caring role on your health.
Some Practices also run carers groups, or occasional carers coffee mornings.
Balance caring and work can be challenging, but flexible working arrangements can make it easier. Flexible working allows you to maintain your job while effectively managing your other responsibilities, such as caring for a loved one.
Did you know? 87% of people want more flexibility in their work, but many don’t know how to ask.
Many carers fear that their employer would not allow flexible working or that they wouldn’t be eligible. However, with new UK legislation, employers are taking the right to flexible working more seriously – if it isn’t in their policies already.
Carers UK have put together a series of videos about flexible working, from ‘what is flexible working’ to ‘how to communicate your request’. You can watch the videos here: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/work-and-career/your-rights-in-work/flexible-working-videos/
If you are under 18 and care for a family member with an illness, disability, mental health issue, or substance use problem, it’s important to recognise that you shouldn’t have to take on all the responsibilities of an adult carer or paid care worker. You deserve plenty of time for school,spending time with friends, and pursuing your hobbies. It’s essential that you feel supported and comfortable expressing how much care you are willing and able to provide.
For more information please visit our Young Carers page.
Hospital discharge
If you or someone you care for is in the hospital, we’re here to support you. We offer a wide range of services to assist you both during your hospital stay and once you’re back home.
We are working with Calderdale Royal Infirmary to identify unpaid carers, ensuring they can be included in the medical decision-making process. Carers are offered lanyards, which help staff recognise and support you as a carer. These lanyards allow for extended visiting hours, particularly if you care for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Clear identification as a carer is essential, as our goal is to empower you, assist with discharge planning, and help reduce re-admissions.
We also provide the following support:
- Benefits and grants
- Practical help and assistance
- Emergency care planning
- Disability equipment and assistive technology
- Blue Badges and other transport support
- Specialist services
- Advocacy
- Groups, events, and activities
- Respite and break opportunities
- A listening ear
You can find us at our regular stalls at Calderdale Royal Infirmary, where advice and support are readily available. Alternatively, ask ward staff for a referral leaflet. Simply complete your contact details and drop the leaflet into the pink carer post box at the main reception.
Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.
Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.
Signposting to other services
We work closely with a wide range of professional healthcare services, as well as Calderdale Council, charities, and community groups, to provide you with the best possible support, advice, and training.
We understand that caregiving often involves navigating a complex network of services, and our goal is to simplify this process for you. Through our partnerships, we can effectively signpost you to various resources that cater to your specific needs.
To find out about our partnerships call us on 01422 369101 or visit our resources section at the bottom of the page where you can find lots of local help and support.
Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.
Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.
Advocacy
Are you seeking support in advocating for yourself? It’s important to have a voice and feel empowered to speak up about the challenges and concerns you encounter. While Carers Count Calderdale does not offer an advocacy service, we can connect you with Calderdale advocacy services.
Calderdale’s Independent Advocacy Service gives people a voice when they find it difficult to express their views and help them find information, understand and uphold their rights, consider their options, get the support they need, and speak up about the issues that matter to issues that matter to them. Their services are free, independent, and confidential. They are not part of the local authority or the NHS. They offer all statutory advocacy types:
- Care Act Advocacy
- Independent Mental Health Advocacy
- Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy
- DoLS IMCA
- Relevant Person’s Representative
For more information visit: www.cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk
Lead the Way is an information and advice service for people with a learning disability and their carers. They help people to stay healthy and independent in their communities and to find and ask for the right services to meet their needs.
Young Carers
Information / Resources (downloads & links)
Armed Forces and Veterans
If you are a carer who was in the armed forces or a veteran, the following dedicated resources are available.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is there to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force Veterans and their families. The charity supports serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week. Their support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after their service is over.
RBL also works in partnership with Dementia UK to provide Admiral Nurses – a specialist service helping the Armed Forces community and their families living with dementia.
SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity
Their support covers both regulars and reserves int he Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service. They are all entitled to lifelong support from SSAFA, no matter how long they have served.
The Veterans’ Gateway service is the first point of contact for all Tri-Service veterans, and their families. Its expert content covers welfare areas: housing, employment, finances, living independently, mental wellbeing, families and communities, and physical health.
Its unique support (both in the UK and abroad) is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant and supported by charities and organisations and individuals, including the National Health Service (NHS), the Government of the United Kingdom (GOV.UK) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families in their homes and communities across the UK. They help people improve their physical and mental health. The charity considers everyone and makes sure the support they give is tailored to them. This may be counselling, funding equipment, helping people manage their health conditions and navigating support systems, welfare support, joining physical activities, wellbeing support, joining social activities, self-guided help or signposting. All this is possible thanks to extraordinary people doing remarkable things.
The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families around the world – on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle. AFF is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice. They will deal with your enquiry without revealing your identity.
AFF also provides a signposting service to help you find the right person to speak to, as well as providing useful information for Army families through its website and magazine Army&You.
Royal Air Force Families Federation
The RAF FF works to improve quality of life for the RAF family around the world – at work or at home. This could include resolving problems with access to education or healthcare, for children and young people; sorting out problems with accommodation, benefits, and visas; helping military spouses find meaningful employment. Additionally, they can support you in addressing issues that can arise when you live in one place, such as access to bases, repeated separations as a family, and finding the right help and advice.
Naval Families Federation (NFF)
The NFF is the independent voice of Naval families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Navy and Royal Marine families around the world. NFF is independent and offers confidential advice. They will deal with your enquiry without revealing your identity.
NFF can also help to signpost you to find the right person to speak to, as well as provide useful information through its website and magazine, Homeport.
Useful links
Autism
Find out how to get diagnosed with autism and how a diagnosis can be helpful.
Autism Plus support adults and young people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs.
Founded in 1962, the National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.
Understand more about autism, including diagnosis, the autistic spectrum, and life with autism with this CPD-certified course.
Learning resources for autistic children
Resources for families with children with autism and other special needs. Learn to increase communication, learning and fun at home.
Useful links
Bereavement
Here, you can access dedicated resources and support tailored specifically for those going through a bereavement.
The Kirkwood Family Care Team provides emotional and psychological support for those living with, affected by or bereaved through a life-limiting illness.
West Yorkshire and Harrogate Suicide Bereavement Service
NHS England has provided funding for a suicide bereavement service across West Yorkshire, Harrogate & Craven. The workers have their own personal experience of suicide bereavement.
The Good Grief Trust has a choice of 1,000 + charities and tailored local and national support services under one umbrella to help you navigate grief.
The UK’s signposting website for the bereaved.
The Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN) is the hub for those working with bereaved children, young people and their families across the UK. They underpin our members’ work with essential support and representation: bringing them together across localities, disciplines and sectors to improve bereavement care for children.
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call them for free on 116 123.
Useful links
Cancer
Here, you can access dedicated resources and support tailored specifically for those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.
Because cancer can affect your life in so many ways, Macmillan does whatever it takes to give people the support they need.
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity. They provide frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.
Maggie’s is a charity providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online. Their Support Specialists, Psychologists and Benefits Advisors are there, if you or someone you care about has cancer.
Useful links
Care planning and support
Here are some valuable resources for planning your care.
Their online, one-stop directory is the first of its kind to be developed specifically for older people by Age UK making life easier for thousands of older people, their carers, families or friends who are looking for products or services tailored to their needs. If you would like to use this service or to talk to one of our staff about what they can do for you, please contact us.
Tel: 01484 535994 / 01422 252040
Email: enquiries@ageukck.org.uk
Blue Badge
Blue Badges are for drivers, passengers or children with severe mobility problems and for those who are registered blind. The scheme allows badge holders to access goods, services and facilities which they would otherwise be unable to, by allowing them to park closer to their destination.
You may be eligible for Patient Transport Service (PTS) if you have a medical condition which could stop you getting to your appointment by any other means.
Useful links
Carer wellbeing
Here you will find resources to help and support your wellbeing as a carer.
As the UK’s only national membership charity for carers, Carers UK is both a supportive community and a movement for change.
We are a bunch of unpaid carers coming together for regular, free supportive chats. If you are looking after someone, we’re here to listen, laugh and sometimes let off steam!
Answer five quick questions to get tips and advice to help you feel more in control, deal with stress and anxiety, boost your mood and improve your sleep.
Online emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
Creative Activities
Here you will find a wide range of activities to help you relax and enhance your wellbeing a carer.
Action for Happiness helps people take action for a happier and kinder world.
Holistic and beautifully designed self-help, therapy and coaching tools.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Here you will find lots of useful resources to help and support those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and their carers.
Provides the National dementia Helpline and online information and support. Use the Alzheimer’s Society dementia directory to find local support services for people with dementia and their carers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through the Admiral Nurse service.
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses. Continually supported and developed by Dementia UK, they provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia – including Alzheimer’s disease. Telephone number 01484 343126
Dementia Friends
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition. Please contact MTomaszewicz@ageukck.org.uk or telephone 07906 296198 for details of local events arranged by Dementia Friends.
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with dementia? Join Dementia Talking Point to share experiences with other people affected by dementia.
Help and support for people with dementia
Together Living Well with Dementia Support Group
This group is led by professionals and dedicated volunteers, supporting people with memory problems and other related symptoms.
Useful links
Digital Support
Here you will find useful links and support guides to help you get online.
Developed by Carers UK, Jointly is an innovative mobile and online app that is designed by carers for carers. Jointly makes caring easier, less stressful and more organised by making communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message.
AbilityNet provide free technical support to carers, elderly and disabled people.
Mobilise provide digital skills for carers, broken down into three sections: beginner, intermediate and expert.
Guides to help with technology.
WaveLength gives media technology to lonely people living in poverty. They believe that one of the best solutions is for people to connect with each other and spend time together.
Useful links
Domestic Abuse
Here you will find useful links and support guides for those suffering from domestic abuse.
Refuge, the largest UK domestic abuse organisation for women
Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK
Male Victims of Domestic Abuse | Men’s Advice Line UK
Help for male victims of domestic abuse.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GALOP)
Help for domestic violence and abuse victims in LGBT+ communities
