Support for carers

Find out where you can get help and support for carers.

You can contact these organisations yourself without speaking to a GP first.

Who is a Carer?

An unpaid carer is someone who provides care and support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour who could not manage without their help due to illness, disability, mental health needs, frailty, or substance misuse.

Unpaid carers may help with:

• Personal care (washing, dressing, eating)

• Managing medication or attending appointments

• Practical tasks (shopping, cooking, finances)

• Emotional support or supervision for safety

GP carers register

Does your GP Surgery know you are a Carer?

GP Carers register - GP Surgeries keep a register of all patients that are caring for someone who is either unwell or disabled. When registered your GP surgery might be able to offer flexible appointments, extra support, possible home visits, flu vaccinations and help with prescriptions.

The Carers register can be accessed by 111, ambulance service and hospitals which enables them to identify you as the person that knows their patient the best.

How do I do this?

Click here to do it online now.

Local Support Services for Carers:

Durham County Carers Support – are the primary Carer Support Service in County Durham and Darlington, working in partnership and funded by Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council & the NHS. Durham County Carer Support can provide advice and information, a listening ear, help with completing forms, emergency planning, access to grants and funding, help to take a break from your caring role, signposting to relevant organisations, support groups, events, training, counselling sessions, carers discount card and much more.

Website - www.dccarers.org

Phone 0300 005 1213

Sign up online Registration Form