'Caring' for someone covers lots of different things, but can include:
- helping with daily tasks like washing, dressing, or eating
- managing their appointments
- organising their paperwork
- keeping them company when they feel lonely or providing emotional support.
When you look after someone who cannot cope without your support, there may be times when you need help too.
Find support
You can find lots of information and support as an unpaid carer in Surrey, including:
Surrey Carers Card
Surrey Carers Card will provide you with 3 key benefits:
- your card/fob identifies you as a carer and highlights that someone depends on you
- an option to create a personalised Emergency Care Plan
- access to a range of discounts and benefits.
Attend a drop-in session
You can attend 'Carer Hubs' drop-in sessions across Surrey where you can find support on all aspects of caring. These are run by Action for Carers and Surrey County Council.
The Hubs are open one day a week in:
- Camberley
- Guildford
- Horley
- Knaphill
- Leatherhead.
There are also 'satellite' Hubs which are open two days each month at other locations across the county.
Carer Hubs offer a range of support including:
- signposting to other organisations in your area that can support you
- 'drop in' opportunities and activities
- training sessions and events
- 121 support
- information about your rights
- moving and handling training
Find out more about Carer Hubs.
Register with Action for Carers Surrey
Action for Carers can provide a range of support including:
- information about your rights
- moving and handling training
- signposting to other organisations that can help you.
Action for Carers Surrey also run a helpline, call 0303 040 1234 or text 07714 075993.
Register with Action for Carers.
Tell your GP you are a carer
It is important that your GP knows you are a carer so they can provide you with the support and help you need. They can tell you about services that could improve your life as a carer. To register as a carer with your GP, ask for their Carer Registration Form.
Take a break
Short-term breaks
Carers can access up to 35 hours of breaks through Crossroads Care Surrey to recharge their batteries. You can use this break flexibly, to get a haircut or see friends, with the potential for further support if needed.
Longer-term breaks
If you need more help on a long-term basis, you will need a carer's assessment to find out what support will make your life easier and what you are eligible to receive. You can be referred for an assessment by Crossroads Care Surrey or your GP or other healthcare professional. Alternatively, you can self-refer. Find out more on our carer's assessment page.
Online support
As a carer you can access a wide range of resources online, including
- health and wellbeing support
- technology to help with caring
- financial planning, including benefits and managing someone's affairs
- working and skills.
Jointly combines group messaging and to-do lists with other useful features, like medication lists and calendars. Use Surrey County Council's free access code: EFC1460. Visit Jointly or download the app through App Store or Google Play, to sign up and create your Jointly Circle.
Connect to Support Surrey provides online information and services specifically to support you as a carer, including local support groups for carers.
We also have created some tips to help you prepare, know what to look for and what questions to ask when you might be considering moving a loved one to a residential or nursing care home. Have a look at our Considering a care home? Checklist.
Benefits advice
Citizens Advice can assist you with benefit applications and entitlement as a carer. Find your local Citizens Advice.
Find out more about the benefits you can claim as a carer:
Information and support for unpaid carers
