Start here: Your 3-step guide to getting started
Step 1 – Contact York Carers Centre
York Carers Centre will be able to give you information, advice and support about anything on this page. We work with all carers; Adult carers (aged 25 +), Young Adult Carers (aged 18 – 25) and Young Carers (aged 5 – 18).
We can also signpost and put you in touch with other charities and organisations that can help.
Register with us to receive our free newsletter and / or e-bulletins which includes useful information / updates and lists our groups / activities.
When you register with us, you will also get our free Carers Discount Card for discounts at local businesses – it’s our way of helping you save money on everyday expenses.
We can help with information and advice on a wide range of topics including:
- Getting support as a carer
- Benefits and care
- Working and caring
- Caring for someone with an addiction
- Caring for someone with a mental health condition
- Adult carers
- Young adult carers
- Young carers
We’re here to help you access information and advice on any aspect of your caring role.
For more information on the support available to you, please email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk or call York Carers Centre on 01904 715 490.
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging, bringing with it a wide range of emotions. Many carers talk to us about feelings of pride and fulfilment, yet also experience guilt, anger, and sadness.
We can provide the opportunity to talk to someone if you think it might help. We can also help you with emergency planning.
Step 2 – Tell people you are a carer
Talk to your friends and family – they may not be aware of the level of care you provide. Don’t try to cope alone. They may be able to support you and help you so you can take a break. Accept any offers of help or ask for specific help for example to do tasks such as shopping or cleaning to free your time up to care.
Tell your GP that you are an unpaid carer. They will record this on your notes, and they may be able to offer you extra support, such as vaccines to help keep you and the person you care for well.
Tell your employer – For many carers being in paid work as well as caring can be emotionally as well as financially beneficial, but it can come with challenges.
You don’t have to tell your employer that you are a carer, but many issues can be resolved through informal discussions. To begin with, you could talk with your line manager or HR department to find out if they can offer you support. There are certain rights that carers have in employment, visit our Working Carers pages to learn more about your rights and entitlements.
Tell your school/ college/ university – many schools, colleges and universities have support available for carers and want you to be able to do your best in your studies. Explain your circumstances and ask about the support available to you.
Talk to other carers – York Carers Centre and many other local organisations run events, day trips and activities, training and support groups, enabling you to take a break from caring and meet other people in a similar situation to you.
Step 3 – Request a Carers Assessment of Need
If you care for another person who is 18+, you can request an assessment of your needs to explore what additional support may be available to you.
You have a legal right to an assessment even if the person you care for refuses a community care assessment or services.
You can do this via York Carers Centre, City of York Council or any social worker you may already have contact with.
This is not an assessment of your ability as a carer, it is about your needs and how to make it easier for you to continue in your caring role. Find out more about a Carers Assessment of Need.
It is important to look after yourself. It is not selfish. If you do not stay well, you will not be able to continue in your caring role. Your life is important, and you are deserving of a break and some time for yourself.
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