If you are a carer, we can help with…
Emergency back up plans
If you’re concerned about what would happen to the person you care for in the event of an emergency, an emergency backup plan could be helpful. This plan is designed to provide peace of mind by gathering information about who to contact in an emergency and identifying the support the person you care for would need if you were unavailable.
Below are some of the resources that can help you plan for an emergency, including a carers conversation form and campaigns such as ‘the Herbert protocol’ and ‘Lions Club message in a bottle’.
If you would like more information or wish to complete a plan, please contact our office. If you already have a plan but feel it needs updating, we encourage you to reach out as well.
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 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.
A carer’s personal budget is provided by the council to help address an unmet need of a carer. It can be used to fund support such as a short break, assistance with accessing social and leisure activities, health and wellbeing treatments, and educational courses. If you would like to complete a Carers Conversation Form, please contact our office to discuss.
Alongside this service, we offer carers a ‘Message in a Bottle’ — a simple way to share medical information and caring responsibilities in an emergency. Just request a bottle from our office, complete the form inside, and store it in your fridge, where emergency services will know to look.
The Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle program is a straightforward yet effective method for individuals to store their essential personal and medical information in a designated place that is easily accessible during an emergency—right in the fridge.
Message in a Bottle (known within Lions as MIAB) helps emergency services save valuable time in identifying an individual and can provide vital information such as allergies and medications they are taking.
Paramedics, police, firefighters, and social services support this life-saving initiative and know to look in the fridge when they see the Message in a Bottle sticker included in the kit. This program provides peace of mind, ensuring that prompt and appropriate medical assistance can be provided and that next of kin or emergency contacts can be notified.
For more information visit: Message in a Bottle – Providing Lifesaving Information from Lions Clubs British Isles
The Herbert Protocol is an initiative introduced by West Yorkshire Police and other agencies, encouraging caregivers to compile useful information that could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. For more information on the Herbert Protocol, visit: The Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form | West Yorkshire Police.
Health and wellbeing
Being a carer brings numerous emotional and physical challenges, often requiring long hours, patience, and significant mental energy. With so much of yourself devoted to looking after someone else, it’s easy to overlook your own needs and wellbeing.
Taking care of your own health and wellbeing may not always feel like a priority but remember—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
We are here to support you every step of the way, whether through offering guidance or providing opportunities to join our groups with other carers who understand what you’re going through
Groups – carers
Dedicating all of your spare time to looking after a loved one can be quite isolating. Even with a network of friends, family, and colleagues, it can sometimes still feel as though you’re alone on your caregiving journey. Taking a bit of time for yourself by joining a group can bring fresh conversation and support your mental health. Many carers find it helpful to share their experiences with others in similar situations, and it can be a real weight off your shoulders to talk openly with likeminded carers who understand.
Going to a group for the first time can be daunting, so please get in touch if you would like support with this.
Groups – carers and cared for
We also offer a variety of groups and activities where you can bring the person you care for. These sessions provide both of you with a change of scenery and the chance to connect with others in similar situations. For carers, this can mean a valuable break from daily responsibilities and an opportunity to recharge, while your loved one benefits from social interaction and enjoyable activities in a supportive environment. Together, these groups can be a source of companionship, relief, and a bit of respite for you both.
To find out more about our groups, visit our what’s on page
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.
Information / Resources (downloads & links)
Veterans
Here, you will find valuable links and resources to organisations dedicated to supporting those who care for veterans and active members of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. These resources are designed to assist not only the veterans and service members but also their families, ensuring comprehensive support for all involved.
National services and resources
Autism
If you are caring for a loved one with Autism, we can support you with financial, health and wellbeing advice and practical guidance to help you access the services you need to lighten the load.
From local support groups to national resources and even benefits assessments, if our team can’t help with your specific requirements, we will signpost you to the service that best suits your needs.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Bereavement
Losing someone that we care for affects everyone differently. We understand that during such a difficult time you may need help to manage both the emotional and practical demands that come with that loss.
Our team is on hand to guide you on how to access the right support for your particular needs. We also offer continued assistance and support once you have stopped caring, for whatever reason.
Here, you can access dedicated resources and support tailored specifically for those going through a bereavement.
National services and resources
Cancer
Watching someone you care for go through cancer or going through cancer yourself can be incredibly challenging. Here, you will find a list of organisations that can offer support and assistance.
National services and resources
Care planning and support
Care planning is crucial because it ensures that both the carer and the person they care for receive the necessary support. Below are some helpful organisations and resources for support and care planning.
Marie Curie Helper West Yorkshire
The Marie Curie Helper Service is a befriending service offering face-to-face visits giving companionship, emotional support, practical help and respite support. They have a team of volunteers, both male and female, with ages that range from 18 to 80 and they have speakers of Urdu, Hindu. Punjabi and Portuguese. Their volunteers are fully trained, and DBS checked and provide weekly three-hour visits offering everything from a chat and a cup of tea with someone to visiting the theatre. Matches with volunteers are made carefully with a volunteer in their locality and with similar interests and hobbies. Referrals can be easily made by either emailing frances.glover@mariecurie.org.uk or phoning 07747 631097.
National services and resources
Carer Wellbeing
We know that being a carer can be both rewarding and isolating. It’s vital that you know where to get the right support to make sure that your own health and wellbeing don’t suffer in your caring role.
We’re here to help you access support, groups, courses, and wellbeing sessions to help give you that bit of headspace. Looking after your own health and wellbeing is important for you and the person you care for.
National services and resources
Creative Activities
Here you will find a wide range of activities to help you relax and enhance your wellbeing a carer.
National services and resources
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
We recognise that caring for a loved one, family member or friend with dementia or Alzheimer’s can bring its own set of unique challenges. We understand that the support you need changes over time and can often be hard to predict. They are many services and support networks available to support you as a carer and the person you are caring for.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Digital Support
In today’s digital age, everything is online. Here, you’ll find resources to help you get connected and navigate the online world with ease.
National services and resources
Domestic Abuse
Here, you will find a list of local and national organisations dedicated to helping individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. These organisations offer a range of services, including crisis intervention, counselling, support, and safe housing. Whether you need immediate assistance or ongoing support, these resources are designed to provide the help and guidance you need to navigate these challenging situations. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people and services ready to support you every step of the way.
National services and resources
Education
Here you will find information regarding educational opportunities for carers.
National services and resources
Emergency Planning
Falling ill is something that can happen to anyone. For carers, this can bring added anxiety about leaving their loved ones without support. While it’s natural to worry, creating a contingency plan can help ease these fears by ensuring someone is available to provide care in your absence.
National services and resources
Employment
Here you will find resources to support you during employment.
National services and resources
End of life
Here you will find resources and support to help you navigate caring for someone with a terminal illness.
National services and resources
Finance and Housing
Here you will find a wealth of useful information and resources to help you navigate finance and housing when caring for someone or living with ill health, mental ill-health or a disability.
National services and resources
Later life
Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone in the later stages of their lives. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.
National services and resources
Learning Disabilities
Welcome! Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone with a learning disability. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.
Local services and resources
National services and resources
Mental ill-Health and Drug and Alcohol Dependency
Here you can find a wealth of useful resources to help you care for someone with mental ill-health and drug and alcohol dependency. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and support.
National services and resources
Parent carers
Here you will find a variety of useful resources specifically designed to support parent carers. Whether you’re caring for a child with special needs, a chronic illness, or any other condition, these resources aim to provide guidance, support, and practical advice.
National services and resources
- Endorphins UK
- Send – preparing for adulthood
- Carers UK Fact Sheet
- Information for Parents of Disabled Children England
- SENTAS – Special Needs Transport
Local services and resources
Safeguarding
Here you will find a variety of safeguarding resources designed to help protect and support individuals, especially vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and those with disabilities. These resources aim to ensure safety, well-being, and rights are upheld.
National services and resources
Sensory Impairment
Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone with a sensory impairment. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.
National services and resources
Young Carers
Here you will find a variety of resources to support young carers.
Local services and resources
- Calderdale Young Carers
- Invictus Wellbeing
- Youth Works
- Safespace – Healthy Minds
- Safespace – Healthy Minds
National services and resources
