Information and support for carers

Being a carer

You are a carer if you are spending a regular amount of time looking after or supporting someone. This could be a relative, partner or friend who without your support or the help of other carers would be unable to live independently.

Many people do not see themselves as carers straight away, they are simply doing what anyone would, caring unpaid for a loved one or friend, helping them through when they are unable to do things for themselves.

Being a carer can be really tough and demanding, but recognising yourself as a carer can be the gateway to getting help and support which can take some of the pressure off you and allow you some time for yourself.

It also means that in the event of a crisis, for example if you yourself are taken unwell, you will be able to easily access respite and other emergency support for the person you look after.

Support for carers

Many people who look after an adult relative or friend will be eligible for support from us - you can find out more about how the assessment process works on our carer's assessment page.

Even if you have not completed a carer's assessment, or are not eligible for support following a carers' assessment, there is a wide range of support available.

Depending on your situation you will be entitled to access different levels of support. These include personalised advice and information, or you may prefer just to be put in touch with local support groups so you have people to talk to.

Carers organisations have full details of the range of services locally.

Organisations offering support

Carer support groups and other activities are offered by a range of organisations in Hammersmith & Fulham.

Carers Network

The Carers Network is the first point of contact for unpaid adult carers living in Hammersmith & Fulham who need information or advice about being a carer.

You can also call them to find out about being referred for a full carers' assessment to access regular packages of care such as respite breaks.

They have a good knowledge of carers' rights and services and where to get more specialist help if it is needed. They run many support groups and the drop-in information and advice groups. They can also assist you to apply for one-off small grants to help you with your caring duties and to set up an emergency care plan.

Contact Carers Network on 020 8960 3033 or email them at info@carers-network.org.uk

Action on Disability (AOD)

AOD runs peer support groups that are open to carers.

The current groups running are the:

  • Creative Group
  • Writing for Wellbeing Peer Support Group
  • Health and Wellbeing Peer Support Group

Find more about these AOD peer support groups.

They also run a Direct Payment Peer Support Group.

AOD Centre for Independent Living
Ground Floor Office, Mo Mowlam House,
Clem Atlee Court, London SW6 7BF

020 7385 2098

info@aod.org.uk

MIND

Mind provides advice and support to people with mental health needs and their carers.

Mind runs a support group for carers of people with mental health needs. View their projects on the services link on the website.

Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind
309 Lillie Road, Fulham, London SW6 7LL

020 7471 0580

enquiries@hfehmind.org.uk

Mind

HF Mencap

65 Aspenlea Road, Fulham, London, W6 8LH

0208 748 5168

info@hfmencap.org 

H&F Mencap

Parentsactive

Supports parents/carers of disabled children (HF Mencap)

65 Aspenlea Road, London W6 8LH

020 8748 5168

info@parentsactive.org.uk 

Parentsactive

Midaye

Midaye works with the Somali community and other ethnic minorities and runs a BME Carers and Families Forum.

7 Thorpe Close, London W10 5XL

020 8969 7456

Midaye

Open Age - St Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing

Exmoor Street, London W10 6DZ

020 4516 9976

carerstimeforme@openage.org.uk

Open Age

Spurgeons Young Carers Service

Provides support for young carers aged 5 to 19, offering weekly activities, one-to-one support and peer mentoring for young carers.

Spurgeons Young Carers

Help coordinating your care arrangements

If you have a smart phone or a tablet then you can download the Jointly app.

This makes caring for someone a little easier, less stressful and a lot more organised by making communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message.

Contact us

Call us about health and care services on freephone 0800 145 6095, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

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