Do you look after someone who is ill, frail, disabled or mentally ill?

We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support.  Our Carers Champions are Practice Nurse Jenny Pullen and Reception Manager Terina Beldham.

We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day-to-day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.

Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolate for the career. Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.

As a carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed. A Carer’s Agreement is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person you care for. There is no charge for an assessment.

We have carers packs available at the surgery for you to collect with information, advice and useful contact details in them as well as a 'Register as a Carer' form. You may also register as a carer on our online forms page.

Carers Bucks is also a fantastic website to look through with helpful resources and advice including regular activies, important information and support in Buckinghamshire.

Another website full of support is Carers Advice Buckinghamshire. They also provide advice on topics such as getting equiptment, transport and general health and wellbeing. Their live map resource also shows different support or social activities and where they are held around Buckinghamshire.

For Buckinghamshire patients: Click Here.

The group is to support unpaid carers in their caring role by meeting together to share their own experiences, information and to support one another. The group will be user-led so at the first meeting, we will discuss what you would like to see at future gatherings. Carers Bucks Support Workers will be present to facilitate the meeting and to provide support to carers.

If you would like any further information please call Laura at Carers Bucks on 0300 777 2722 or email laura.troll@carersbucks.org

The Thursday Club runs every Thursday to give carers a rest they need or a day for you to socialise.

Aims of Thursday Club

The Club provides activities, a good lunch and time to socialise.

Staff have NVQ training in the social care and basic first aid qualifications.

We aim to provide a safe environment that is physically and mentally stimulating.

We provide local transport with volunteers and staff assisting.

Social Activities include Crafts, Speakers, Singers, many and Music, Board Games, Bingo, Pub Lunches much more.

Cost

• Full Day: £15.00, incl. lunch and local transport
• Pop-in-lunch and half day: £10.00

To book a place ring Linda Bamford   01844292230 or 07866058394 - A call could make all the difference!

Telling people - There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

Taking a break - Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

Housing and carers - Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

Benefits for carers - Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home? Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

Benefits for the person you care for - Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

Death and benefits - Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to. How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits. Managing someone's legal affairs.

Tax credits - Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible