Helpful information for Carers

Who is a carer?

A carer is someone of any age who looks after a child, relative, partner, friend or neighbour in need of care or support because they have an illness, disability, frailty or a substance misuse problem.

The care and support carers provide may be personal, practical, emotional or supervisory and is unpaid.

What Support is available for Carers in North East Lincolnshire?

North East Lincolnshire Carers Centre

All Carers have access to the North East Lincolnshire Carers Centre. The centre offers are range of services including; 

• Specialist advice and information; including benefit checks, financial advice and support with employment issues.
• Friendship and Support groups.
• One to one emotional support; including befriending and counselling.
• Informal advocacy support.
• Relaxation therapies.
• Carer training.
• Social events and activities.
• Support carers’ health and well being.
• Support to access other services.
• Opportunity for Carers to identify their needs (COST Toolkit)
• A dedicated worker to support carers of people with alcohol and substance misuse problems. 
• A dedicated worker to support parents of children with a disability.

 To contact the Carers Centre please use any of the following methods:

Telephone: 0845 3025525

Email: nelincs@georgehardwickfoundation.org

Call into the centre: 154-160 Victoria Street, Grimsby Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Saturday opening coming soon.  

Carers Emergency Alert Card Service 

The service gives adult carers the reassurance that in the event of an emergency or personal crisis a Carer’s Emergency Plan is implemented to ensure the person being cared for continues to be supported while their carer is unable to do so. Carelink operate a dedicated 24 hour Carers Alert Phone Line. Eligible carers can register with the service, which will provide them with a Carers Emergency Alert Card and a Carers Emergency Plan. The Carers Emergency Alert Card also acts as a recognition card, giving carers the opportunity to claim discounts at local businesses, services and leisure facilities.

For more information please contact Carelink on (01472) 312318..

Young Carers 

Young carers are people under the age of 18 who help to look after a parent, sibling or other family member. There are a range of support and services available to support young carers. These include support provided by the Carers Centre and specialist support from the Young Carers Project. 

Please contact Tracy Slattery on 01472 323231 for more information. 

What is a Carers Assessment? 

Unpaid carers have the right to request a carers assessment which gives carers the opportunity to talk about the things that could make life easier for them and look at what would be helpful in their situation.  It isn't about testing the carer’s ability to care.  An assessment may take into account: 

• The help the cared for person needs;
• The help the carer is giving at the moment;
• The impact of caring on the carers health and their opportunities for work, education, training or leisure activities;
• Any cultural, spiritual, gender lifestyle or other needs the carer may have;
• What support we can provide to the carer, if they are eligible.

Adult Carers caring for someone over the age of 18

There are a range of other options available to support carers who care for someone over the age of 18 based on their needs identified during their carers assessment, and may include: 

• Direct Payments
• Carers Short Breaks
• Respite for the cared for person to give the carer a break
• Day Care for the cared for person to give the carer a break

 If you would like to register yourself as a Carer, would like an assessment or further information please contact the Carers Team on 01472 629162.

Adult Carers caring for someone under the age of 18 (Parent Carers) 
Parent Carers are parents of children with a disability or special additional need, who as well as providing a parental role also provide a caring role to their child. There are a range of support services available for parent carers including services provided by the Carers Centre, specialist Parent Carers Worker and Children and Family services.

Please contact Amanda Burkitt on 0845 3025528 for more information.