Carers support

Information for carers

Six million people in England provide unpaid "informal" care for disabled friends or relatives. In the Vale, over ten thousand people are unpaid carers (this is over nine per cent of residents).

An informal carer is someone, who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. They often don't see themselves as carers, they're just doing what they need to do to help somebody they care about.

Anybody can become a carer, irrespective of culture, gender, religion or age. For example, a young person may find themselves having to care for a disabled parent.

Being an informal carer is a rewarding experience but there can be times when carers themselves need support. Help and advice is available locally:

• South and Vale Carers Centre in Didcot offers practical help and advice to carers in the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire. They offer free confidential advice by telephone, or by pre-arranged appointments with an outreach worker at your home or at our Didcot office.   You can call the Centre at any time between 10am - 4pm, Tuesday to Thursday on 01235 510212. Home and office visits by appointment to suit you. (5 Lydalls Road, Didcot, OX11 7HX). Alternatively, you can email carers@svcarers.org.uk.  
• The http://www.oxoncarers.org.uk Carers in Oxfordshire website provides information on a range of topics, including carers' rights and benefits and relevant support services.
• The emergency carers support service is for people who provide unpaid care for adults who depend upon them because of illness, disability or frailty. The service provides professional and confidential emergency support over the telephone to all carers. It can also arrange support for you when you have an urgent appointment for yourself or an emergency situation. You will need to be registered to use this service which is provided by A4e on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council. For further information please call A4e on 01865 374430 or visit their web site: http://www.mya4e.com/.