Carers

Carers play an important role in supporting people who use our services. Carers provide both emotional and practical support which can help others to live a more rewarding and independent life. If you provide help or support for a relative, friend of partner who has mental health problems then you are a carer.  

At the North London NHS Foundation Trust we recognise the invaluable role of carers and are committed to actively involving them in our services to enhance overall experience and outcomes. We are committed to the principles of Triangle of Care and it’s recommended standards.

As a Carer there can be so many demands on your time every day that it can be difficult to find time for yourself. That stress can build up, so looking after yourself is important when you're a carer. Keeping well reduces the risk of you not being able to look after someone because of a problem with your own health. In this section of the website, you will find details about sources of help and information.  

We’ve co-produced a new leaflet with carers to offer clear, supportive guidance to carers at what can be a difficult time.

Young carers

Young carers are those under the age of 18 who provide care to another family member who has a physical illness or disability, mental health problem, sensory disability, learning difficulty or disability, or has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

You might not see yourself as a carer but if you live with someone who has a mental illness, the chances are that you spend some of your time looking after them and supporting them to stay well. As a young carer you have the right to an assessment of your needs, and support to make sure that you have access to the same opportunities as every other young person. This may be support to do well at school, or to find respite activities in your area.

Young carers may help with:

  • washing or dressing
  • housework, shopping or cooking
  • medication, appointments, or bills
  • looking after younger brothers or sisters, or providing emotional support.

For more information and support for young carers contact:

Carers assessments

Anyone who considers themselves to be a carer and provides regular care, is entitled to have a carer's assessment. This is an assessment of their own wellbeing and how caring has affected them.

It does not matter:

  • Whether or not you live with the person you support
  • Whether they are a relative or friend
  • How many hours each week you support them

You are entitled to an assessment of your needs as a carer, even when the person you support refuses to use the services they need.  An assessment and review of your role towards the person you care for should happen at least once a year, and when there are any major changes to your circumstances.

You can find out more about carer's assessments by visiting the Carers UK website.

Information and support for adult carers

Online resource offer for carers

The NHS have teamed up with Carers UK to give carers in our locality access to a wide range of digital tools and essential resources that may help make their caring situation easier.

Visit the Carers UK website. Create an account using the free access code: DPCN9566

Local Carers Support

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