Get support
Free support for unpaid carers
Independent information and support to help you look after your own health and wellbeing, for anyone caring for an adult aged 18 or over in Leicestershire.
Talk to someone
Someone to talk to
Whether you need advice today or a friendly chat every week.
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Carers advice line
Call us about anything to do with caring – benefits, respite, how you’re feeling or what to do next. We’ll listen and point you in the right direction.
Call 01858 468 543
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Telephone befriending
Regular calls from a trained volunteer who understands caring – a light-hearted chat or a chance to talk through a difficult week. It’s up to you.
- Weekly or fortnightly
- Trained volunteers
Ask about befriending
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Request a call back
Not a good time to talk? Leave your details and a member of our team will call you back.
Request a call back
Meet other carers
Carers support groups
Relaxed, informal monthly groups where you can talk openly with people who understand. There’s often a guest speaker.
- Free – a £1 donation towards refreshments is welcome but optional
- 90 minutes, so you’re not away for long
- For carers only, so you can speak freely
- If we have your email address, we’ll invite you before each session
Face-to-face groups
Blaby
1st Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm
Countesthorpe Village Hall
Charnwood
4th Monday of the month, 2.30pm
Gorse Covert, Loughborough
Harborough
4th Thursday of the month, 1.30pm
Mind & Body Studio, Harborough Leisure Centre
Hinckley & Bosworth
2nd Thursday of the month, 1.30pm
Age UK, Earl Shilton
Melton
2nd Wednesday of the month, 2pm
Carnegie Museum, Melton Mowbray
North West Leicestershire
1st Thursday of the month, 10.30am
Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville
Oadby & Wigston
3rd Thursday of the month, 2.30pm
Salvation Army, Ladysmith Road, South Wigston
Groups change from time to time – please call us to check before your first visit.
Online · Zoom · 1 hour
A Cuppa with Kerry
With our Carer Services Manager, Kerry. Open to all carers.
3rd Friday of the month, 2pm
Online · Zoom · 1 hour
Working-age carers
An evening group for carers juggling work and caring.
2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm
Practical help
Practical help with your caring role
The things that make day-to-day caring easier, and give you peace of mind.
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Carers Passport
Your carers ID card, recognised across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It can help with hospital visiting, local discounts and offers.
Apply for your passport
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Emergency planning
Register with us and we’ll send you an Emergency Card for your wallet and a Carer Emergency Support Plan, so someone can step in if you’re ill or have an accident.
- Emergency Card
- Support Plan (PDF)
Get your emergency plan
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Carers Assessment
A conversation about you and what would help you keep caring. About 20 minutes, online or by phone with us – and it may lead to financial help.
About Carers Assessments
Your wellbeing
Looking after yourself
Carers are more likely to be in poor health than people without caring responsibilities. Your health matters too.
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Care for carers
Ideas and trusted resources for managing stress, eating well, mindfulness and taking a break – plus support for when your caring role ends.
Look after your wellbeing
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Free carer training
Hundreds of free online courses for unpaid carers, from Care Learning.
Browse courses
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Carers top tips
Practical tips from carers across Leicestershire – from making car journeys easier to reviewing benefits. Got a tip? Share it with us.
Read the tips
How we help
Help with practical problems and a social life
A carer from Hinckley, looking after her husband with diabetes, depression and sight loss, was struggling with her home, garden, finances and isolation. Three months later her confidence had grown – and she’d passed her driving test.
Read her story and others- Support groupIntroduced to the Hinckley carers group
- BefriendingMatched with a telephone befriender
- ReferralsPut in touch with sight loss charity Vista and help for the garden
- BenefitsFollowed up her husband’s PIP claim with the DWP
Information & stories
Find out more
Information, videos and real experiences from other carers.
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Information videos
Short, professionally made videos on benefits, care at home, Carers Assessments, legal matters, self-care, residential care, bereavement and more.
Watch on YouTube
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Carers’ stories
Real experiences from carers in Leicestershire, to inform and inspire you.
Read carers’ stories
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Carers’ rights
Find out what help you’re entitled to and your rights as a carer.
Know your rights
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A Guide for Carers
Our free guide to the practical and emotional sides of caring. Also available in large print and other formats.
Download the guide (PDF)
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Newsletters
Dates for your diary, carers’ rights updates and top tips from carers.
Read our newsletters
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Follow us
Carers events, news and wellbeing tips on Facebook and Instagram (@supportforcarers).
Find us on social media
GP or professional? Refer a carer
If you support someone caring for an adult in Leicestershire, refer them to us and we aim to contact them within two working days.
How we’re funded
Support for Carers is funded by Leicestershire County Council. Businesses and organisations who would like to support our work are welcome to get in touch.