If you are supporting someone, whether it be emotionally, physically or both, you are a Carer even if you don’t think of yourself as one.

You are a Carer if you can answer yes to any of the below:

• I offer emotional support to someone – this could be in person or over the phone
• I offer physical support to someone – this could be support with mobilisation, personal care or supporting with moving around safely
• I sort out medication for someone this could include reordering medication or collecting prescriptions
• I cook and clean for someone – this could include meal preparation, batch cooking or ordering food shops or meals to be delivered
• I pop in to check someone is ok – this could be daily or weekly
• I take someone to appointments – maybe at the Hospital, doctors or other appointments someone may have
• I support someone who has an illness or disability to live independently – this could be checking in on someone, supporting with planning tasks, etc.
• I support with daily care needs – this could be personal or emotional needs
• I help with emotional needs and provide support – this could just be giving someone the change to talk without judgement or offering other support to make their lives easier

Whatever you do for someone else it means they are reliant on the support which you give them.

We understand that supporting someone can at times put pressure on your physical, emotional health and wellbeing. But we want to reassure you that there is a wide range of support available to you from Gloucestershire Carers Hub.

Gloucestershire Carers Hub offer free support to Carers who are over the age of 18, including Parent Carers either living or supporting someone in Gloucestershire.

We can provide support and information around:

• Money and benefits – We can support you to understand what benefits may be available to you, and the person you support and other money matters.
• Looking after yourself – We can look at how to focus on keeping yourself well, courses and groups, as well as life after caring.
• Time away from caring – We can help you to explore short breaks, respite, day services and Carer assessments.
• Getting out and about – We can provide information on transport, blue badges, days out and holidays.
• Working and learning – We can support you if you are working, looking for work or want to learn new skills.
• Practical support – We can provide information on how to get help in your home, residential care, contingency planning and paying for care.
• Legal Rights – We can help you to understand your rights as a Carer and how to effectively manage other people’s affairs, should you need to.

Our service is provided as part of the NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council support for Unpaid Carers .

In the last census (2021) there were approximately 51,862 carers in Gloucestershire.

ANYONE can self-refer, and ANYONE can refer someone else (with consent)

To refer yourself or someone else to receive support from us call 0300 111 9000 or refer online

There is also support available for Young Carers which is provided by Gloucestershire Young Carers

If you are a Parent Carer the Parent Carer Forum offers support for you as well as the Gloucestershire Carers Hub – Glos Parent Carer Forum

If you are supporting someone don’t be afraid to reach out for support, register now even if you don’t feel you need anything as in the future you might. Registering today means that you can access support when you need it most.

At Gloucestershire Carers Hub we are always mindful that Carers, like everyone else are unique individuals. We know that every caring situation is different and has its own demands and challenges. Below is a list of different types of caring roles. If your caring role is not listed, you can still call on Gloucestershire Carers Hub for help and support.

Although for many Carers, caring can have positive and rewarding aspects, there are lots of reasons why caring can also leave you needing support. We can provide support and information around:

• Money and benefits – Claiming benefits that you, and the person you care for, are entitled to and other money matters.
• Looking after myself – Keeping yourself well, courses and groups, and life after caring.
• Time away from caring – Short breaks, respite, day services and Carer assessments.
• Getting out and about – Transport, blue badges, days out and holidays.
• Working and learning – support if you are working, looking for work of want to learn new skills.
• Practical support – Help in your home, residential care, emergency planning and paying for care.
• Legal Rights – Know your rights and managing other people’s affairs.

Whatever type of Carer you are, and whatever your needs, make Gloucestershire Carers Hub your first point of call.