Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member (adult or child), a friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without their help. This may be due to frailty, a medical condition, disability, a mental health condition or an addiction/substance mis-use.
Anyone can become a carer at any age and from any background or culture.
Many people feel they are just doing what anyone else would in the same situation – looking after their parents, spouse, partner, child, neighbour or friend and just getting on with it.
They may not see themselves as a carer.
Carers often don’t choose to become carers, it just happens and they have to get on with it. They feel that if they did not do it then who would and what would happen to the person they care for?
The types of tasks carers do vary from person to person but could include help with practical tasks, emotional support, personal care, attending appointments with someone, help with medication, interpreting, or supervising someone to keep them safe.
If you are a carer
Bridgewater recognises that caring is an important role and wants to support and involve those caring for our patients wherever possible.
As a carer, you can expect us to:
- Treat you with respect and compassion
- Value what you know and listen to you
- Include you in decisions about care and treatment (with patient consent)
- Listen to your feedback and involve you in improving our care
- Understand you have your own needs
- Make reasonable adjustments to help you as a carer
- Help you find support.
If you are a carer or you have a carer, please inform a member of staff.
Bridgewater Carers’ plan 2022-2025
Bridgewater Carers’ plan on a page
Bridgewater Carers’ plan 2022-2025
Leaflet
Support and information for carers
Carers Centres
Carers Centres provide a wide range of support, information and advice locally to carers who live at an address in their areasL
Bolton Carers Support
01204 363 056
info@boltoncarers.org.uk
Bury Carers Hub
0300 303 0207
enquiries@burycarershub.org.uk
Cheshire East Carers Hub
0300 303 0208
enquiries@cheshireeastcarershub.co.uk
Cheshire West Carer Support
0300 102 0008
advice@cheshireandwarringtoncarers.org
Halton Carers Centre
01928 580 182
help@haltoncarers.co.uk
Knowsley Carers Centre
0151 549 1412
enquiries@knowsleycarers.co.uk
Manchester Carers Centre
0161 272 7270
admin@manchestercarers.org.uk
Oldham Carers Services
0161 7707 777
carers.services@oldham.gov.uk
Rochdale Carers Hub
0345 0138 208
enquiries@rochdalecarers.co.uk
St Helens Carers Centre
01744 675 615
info@sthelenscarers.org.uk
Stockport for Carers SignPost
0161 442 0442
info@signpostforcarers.org.uk
Tameside Carers Centre
0161 342 3344
carerscentre@tameside.gov.uk
Trafford Carers Centre
0161 848 2400
info@traffordcarerscentre.org.uk
Warrington Carers Hub
0300 303 0623
enquiries@warringtoncarershub.org.uk
Wigan & Leigh Carers Centre
01942 697 885
info@wlcccarers.com
The Carers Trust
A UK charity which supports carers and provides the information of local Carers Centres.
Tel: 0300 772 9600
Web: www.carers.org
Carers UK
A UK charity set up to help the millions of people who look after an older, disabled or seriously ill family member or friend. They run an advice line for information.
Tel: 0808 808 7777
Web: www.carersuk.org
Age UK
For older people, their families, friends and carers.
Tel: 0800 678 1602
Web: www.ageuk.org.uk
Local Offer (for children and young people)
Each local authority has a Local Offer page with information about support on offer for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Halton Local Offer: www.localoffer.haltonchildrenstrust.co.uk/
Warrington Local Offer: www.mylifewarrington.co.uk/kb5/warrington/directory/localoffer.page?localofferchannel=0
If you live in another local authority, contact your local council or check their webpage for information about their Local Offer.
SENDIASS (for children and young people)
This is the Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service.
Halton SENDIASS
Web: www.sendiasshalton.co.uk/
Warrington SENDIASS
Web: www.warringtonsendiass.co.uk/
If you live in another local authority, contact your local council or check their webpage for information about your local SENDIASS.
NHS social care and support guide
For information explaining your options, where you can get support, and practical tips: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/
For information about carer’s assessments: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/
Young carers
The Children’s Society and Carers Trust have information and advice for young people who care for someone:
Children’s Society – young carers
Carer’s Trust – getting support if you are a young carer or young adult carer
Bridgewater Patient Services Team
The Patient Services Team is often the first point of contact for patients and carers who may have questions, concerns, complaints or compliments.
If you or the person you care for would like any advice or information about the services we deliver please contact Patient Services by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 0800 587 0562
Email: bchft.patientservices@nhs.net