Support and information for parent carers
A parent carer takes care of a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) that they have parental responsibility for.
As a parent carer, it is important that whilst taking care of your child, you take care of yourself. The free services below offer a wide breadth of support, knowledge and guidance to support you.
Support options that may help you as a parent carer
Firstly, tell your GP that you are a carer
Your role will be recorded on your notes, you’ll get flexible appointments/text reminders and other help, like free vaccines.
Finding the time can be challenging but doesn't have to be impossible. The better you feel the better you can care for others.
As a carer, you offer a huge contribution to society, but you may feel undervalued. Its important that you know your rights. Carers UK's fact sheets explain your rights on their website.
You may be able to get support from:
The Department of Work and Pensions have launched a support site for carers who need help with balancing work and their caring responsibilities. The pages give information on:
- Caregiving Support
- Money assistance
- Advice
- Employer support
- and more
Visit the Job Help website for more information.
You may be able to get Carer's Allowance, which is the main benefit available to carers.
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for somebody else and you are over the age of 16, you may be entitled for support with money. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
See here to find out more about the Carer's Allowance.
Remember, any allowance could be taxable and may affect other benefits you might get.
If you aren't eligible for Carer's Allowance, you may be able to apply for Carer's Credit. Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. This supports your State Pension.
City Advice
If you live or study in the City of London, or live on a City Corporation estate, you can access free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt and employment, through the City Advice service.
City Advice are qualified to advise on:
- Consumer and employment rights
- Welfare benefits
- Debt
- Housing and legal issues
- Relationships
- Health and wellbeing
City Connections
As a carer, it is important that you take care of your own health and wellbeing. City Connections' dedicated Carers Support Co-ordinator offers a friendly, confidential listening ear and can talk over the phone or meet you anywhere in the City or at our monthly carers groups. They can help you:
- To navigate services
- To access expert information and advice on your rights as a carer
- To find a balance between caring and the rest of life
- To meet and share experiences with other carers and hear from local professionals
Call on 0203 957 9844, email City Connections or visit the City Connections website.
City and Hackney Carers' Centre
Visit the City and Hackney Carers' Centre to find out what events and meetings are taking place in the Square Mile and in Hackney.
Carers Connections
Carers Connections is a new carers service delivered by Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets in partnership with Age UK East London on behalf of the City of London Corporation.
They offer information, advice and 121 suppport; weekly local drop-in sessions; and access to a new variety of groups and activities.
There are two weekly drop-in sessions:
- Mondays at 1.30 to 5pm at the Portsoken Community Centre
- Fridays at 9.30am to 1pm at the Ralph Perring Centre
Not sure where they are? Project Manager, Farzana is happy to meet you and walk over to the centres. Call on 07380 182458 or email Farzana.
Dragon Cafe in the City
The award-winning Dragon Café in the City is free and open to anyone working or living in the City and provides a space for you to release the pressure, take a break from your busy routines and engage in creative activities designed to foster positive mental and physical wellbeing.
Carers First - maximise your income
Help available for unpaid carers to maximise your income and make your money go further.
Mind
Whilst it can be very positive and rewarding, when caring for someone else, you might experience challenges and difficult feelings such as stress and worry or anxiety. Mind offer some tips to help you look after your mental health.
Mind have some really useful resources that may help you take better care of yourself. The better you feel, the more able you are to look after someone else.
Discounts for carers
As a carer, you can access 100s of exclusive discounts from Discounts for Carers.
Carers UK
Carers UK provide information and guidance to unpaid carers covering a range of subjects including:
- Benefits and financial support
- Your rights as a carer in the workplace
- Carers' assessments and how to get support in your caring role
- Services available to carers and the people you care for
- How to complain effectively and challenge decisions
Visit Carers UK, call 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or email Carers UK.
Further support is available from these national agencies:
As a carer you may benefit from the occasional break from your caring role. A carers' break can help you do this.
Carers' breaks are likely to be in the home of the cared for person, or in some cases in a care home depending on the needs and wishes of the person you care for.
The Adult Social Care Team can talk this through with you and give you details of the options available and how this might be funded. They can also advise on how to access or plan for emergency care due to a sudden change in circumstance.
The needs of a carer will be discussed as part of a carer's assessment along with the need for any replacement or respite care.
Contact the Adult Social Care Team for information.