From help with benefits and grants to breaks, counselling and practical advice, Durham County Carers Support is here for local people supporting family members, friends and neighbours.
Do you regularly help a parent with shopping, appointments or managing their money? Perhaps your partner has a long-term health condition, or your child needs extra support because of a disability.
You probably don’t think twice about doing these things. It’s just what you do for someone you care about.
But did you know there could be financial help, practical advice and emotional support available for you too?
At Durham County Carers Support, we know that thousands of people are supporting someone close to them without realising that organisations like ours are here to help.
Looking after someone can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting, stressful and isolating.
We offer a wide range of support to help make everyday life a little easier, including:
• Benefits and Grants – help to check you’re receiving all the benefits and financial support you’re entitled to, including Carer’s Allowance and other benefits. We can also help you access grants and funding for essential items, household costs and support that could make life a little easier.
• Breaks – support to help you take some time away from your caring responsibilities.
• Counselling and emotional support – someone to talk to when things feel difficult.
• Practical advice and information – help understanding services, navigating health and social care and finding the right support.
• Groups and activities – opportunities to meet other people, enjoy activities and take some time for yourself.
• Planning for the future – support to think ahead and prepare for changes in your caring circumstances.
• And so much more
Getting support early can make a real difference.
“There is no care without support. Every day, thousands of people across County Durham and Darlington are helping relatives, friends and neighbours, often without recognising the impact this has on their own lives” say Liz Johns, Co-CEO.
Carers Rights Week – come and have a chat
As part of Carers Rights Week this November, Durham County Carers Support will be holding roadshows across the county to help more people understand their rights and find out what support is available.
Whether you’re helping someone for a few hours a week or providing support every day, we’d encourage you to come along, ask questions and find out what might be available.
Monday 16 November from 1pm to 3pm at Citizen’s House, Consett
Tuesday 17 November from 11am to 1pm at PCP, Newton Aycliffe
Wednesday 18 November from 11am to 1pm at Richardson Hospital, Barnard Castle
Thursday 19 November from 11am to 1pm at Bowburn Community Association, Bowburn
Friday 20 November from 11am to 1pm at Shotton Community Hub, Shotton
We’re also right here in Spennymoor
Durham County Carers Support has an office in Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, and our friendly team is here to help people across County Durham.
You don’t need a referral, and you don’t need to know exactly what support you’re looking for. Just get in touch and we’ll do the rest.
Find more information at www.dccarers.org, call 0300 0051213, email admin[@]dccarers[.]org and/or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycarerssupport.