Adult Social Care Support for Carers in Staffordshire
Am I a carer?
A carer can be of any age and could be caring for someone of any age or any condition; caring for someone covers things like helping with washing, dressing, or eating, or taking them to appointments, supporting them emotionally, or ensuring that they are safe.
If you look after someone who could not manage without your help, such as a husband or wife, partner, parent, a relative, a friend or neighbour then you are a carer.
Staffordshire County Council’s website has a range of information related to caring for adults on our Carers overview page.
Young Carers
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 with a caring role. Young Carers can speak to a Young Carers Assessor.
Telephone: 01785 278444
Email: firstcontactcarers@staffordshire.gov.uk
Parent Carers
Parent carers are parents caring for a child with a disability. An adult caring for a child with additional needs can get support through First Contact.
Telephone: 0300 111 8010
Text: 0796 673 8920
Email: firstcontactcarers@staffordshire.gov.uk
Carers' Assessments
A Carers Assessment is designed to look specifically at you and your needs as a carer. It will look at the different ways in which caring affects your life and what support you might need to continue in that role. You can choose to be assessed on your own or jointly with the person that you care for.
Telephone: 0300 111 8010
Text: 0796 673 8920
Email: firstcontactcarers@staffordshire.gov.uk
Support for carers
There are a number of organisations available across Staffordshire that can support you as a carer. This can range from leisure activities designed just for you, to social groups that you can attend with the person that you care for. Some are designed specifically for carers whilst others are less exclusive. For a range of activities in your local area visit Staffordshire Connects at Staffordshire Connects
If you do not have access to the internet, but would like additional information please contact Staffordshire Cares on 0300 111 8010
Let your GP know that you are a carer - GP practices keep a register of their carers; this may give you access to:
- Flu vaccinations
- Adaptable appointments
- Joint appointments
- Social prescribers who can direct you to appropriate community help related to your physical and mental health
Staffordshire Together for Carers Service
The Staffordshire Together for Carers Service delivers support to carers free of charge, including:
- A dedicated support worker
- 1-2-1 and group-based support
- Information advice and guidance on range of matters relevant to the caring role
- Support to access community resources, networks, and services
- Support to take breaks from caring, including befriending and peer support
- Support to develop emergency and contingency plans and support with future planning
- Training and skills development
- Newsletters four times per year detailing local groups, activities and training
- Online Carers Community Network for Carers to connect with other Carers and talk about topics most important to them
- A 24/7 Volunteer staffed Carers Help and Talk (CHAT) Line
Staffordshire Together for Carers Service can be contacted directly without an assessment during office hours Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Telephone: 0300 303 0621
Text: 07786 201226
Email: enquiries@staffordshiretogetherforcarers.org.uk