Who is a carer?
Carers play a vital role in our community and they have been at the forefront of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Many people who have someone who depends on them for support don’t consider themselves a carer yet they are fundamental to the effort to keep people safe throughout this crisis.
You are a carer if you give up your time without pay, to look after someone who couldn’t cope without your support. You could be looking after a family member, a partner, a friend, a neighbour who is ill, frail, has a disability or issues with drugs or alcohol. You may support the person you care for with things such as cooking, cleaning, helping to get dressed or emotional support, etc. You may live in the same home as the person you provide care for or you may live in a different home.
Who is a young carer?
You are a young carer if you are a child or young adult under 18 who spends time looking after or helping a member of your family, or close friend. The support you provide could be helping with everyday tasks that your family member or close friend can no longer manage because of illness or disability. Also, you may be providing regular and ongoing care and emotional support to your family member or close friend who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or has issues with drugs or alcohol.
On these pages you will find information about caring for someone during COVID-19 and the support available to you.
For more information about Adult Social Care in Camden, including your right to have your needs considered through a carers assessment or young carers needs assessment, visit camdencarechoices.camden.gov.uk/support-and-advice-for-carers
Support for carers
Being a carer can be hugely rewarding - it can strengthen our relationships, hold families together, and teach us all sorts of unique skills. We know that it can also be a challenging and lonely experience, and the coronavirus pandemic may be a particularly worrying time for carers and the people they care for.
If you’re a carer in Camden, remember you’re not on your own and there are lots of places you can go for support.
- Camden Carers Service are able to provide services, including information and other support, on the telephone and email as well as Support & Wellbeing checks for vulnerable carers. You can contact the Camden Carers Service on 020 7428 8950 and info@camdencarers.org.uk.
- Mobilise offer a range of support including carers groups coming together for an online 'cuppa' and informal chat. Cuppas provide a chance to share concerns, practical tips and community support. Joining is completely free, and easily accessible with basic technology. Online cuppas are at 4pm. You can sign up at mobiliseonline.co.uk/cuppa.
- Carers UK have published guidance for carers worried about their situation. This includes advice on creating a contingency plan (similar to an emergency plan) and tailored guidance on coming out of hospital. If either of you become ill, please follow Public Health England advice as provided in the government guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family.
- Centre 404 provide advice and support for carers of adults with learning disabilities or autism. During coronavirus, Centre 404 are able to offer telephone/video calls support to families. Further information about caring for an adult with a learning disability or autism can be found in the ‘resources and support around disability section’ on Camden Care Choices.
- Family Action Islington and Camden Young Carers Service can provide support for young carers by:
- offering information and advice
- working with the whole family to look at ways of supporting the young carer and the person who needs care
- carrying out home visits and an assessment using the common assessment framework (CAF)
- provide help with any problems at school.
- Call Adult Social Care on 020 7974 4000 (option 1) or email adultsocialcare@camden.gov.uk