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Support for Carers
Leicestershire
New to caring?
Caring often creeps up on people. One day you’re helping out, and before long someone relies on you. This page explains what being a carer means, what you’re entitled to, and the first steps to take.
Most carers don’t see themselves as carers. They see themselves as a husband, a daughter, a friend or a neighbour who’s just helping out.
If the person you look after couldn’t cope without you, and you’re not paid to look after them (apart from Carer’s Allowance), then you are a carer – and you deserve help and support.
Carers can be any age. You might care full-time, or just a few hours a week.
If you said yes, you’re a carer. Our service is free for adult carers aged 18 and over in Leicestershire.
Caring can bring up feelings you didn’t expect – guilt that you’re not doing enough, resentment that life has changed, or worry about your own health. These feelings are completely normal.
You can only care well for someone if you look after yourself too. Your needs matter.
Looking after yourself“My wife has dementia, and asks me the same things over and over again. I try to be patient but sometimes I end up snapping at her.”
“I care for Mum but still go out to work. I’m only 40 but I feel like I just work and care.”
Want to talk it through with someone who won’t judge you? Give us a ring – we talk to carers every day.
You don’t have to do them all at once, or in this order. Step one is the easiest – and we can help with the rest.
Call our advice line to talk in confidence to our experienced team about any part of your caring role. We’ll listen, and point you in the right direction.
A conversation about you and what you need to keep caring. It’s not about judging how you care. It takes about 20 minutes, and you may be eligible for financial help that isn’t means-tested.
Your carers ID card, recognised across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It can help with hospital visiting, discounts and recognition of your caring role.
Apply for your passportFill in a form at your surgery to register as a carer. At the very least you’ll be eligible for a free flu jab and Covid vaccine. Some GPs also offer more flexible appointments or an annual health check.
Getting the best from your GPWhat would happen if you were ill or had an accident? We can send you our free Carers Emergency Plan to record medication, routines and emergency contacts, plus a carers card for your purse or wallet.
Ask for an emergency planMany carers miss out on help simply because they don’t know it exists. These are worth checking.
For you
The main benefit for people who care for someone.
Protects your National Insurance record if you care for 20 or more hours a week but don’t get Carer’s Allowance.
You may get a discount in some situations, for example if the person you live with and care for has a severe mental impairment such as dementia.
For the person you care for
For people of working age with a long-term illness or disability. Not means-tested.
For people over State Pension age who need care. Not means-tested.
Easier parking if they have mobility difficulties, including some hidden disabilities.
It’s your choice whether you tell your employer, but as a working carer you have rights that could help your job and caring fit together.
Thinking about giving up work to care? Talk to us first about the effect on your income and pension.
Monthly groups across Leicestershire, plus online and peer support groups. Meet people who understand.
A friendly voice at the end of the phone, just for carers.
Groups, activities and local organisations in your district.
From benefits to wills, respite to coping with guilt. Download it, watch our training videos, or call us for a printed copy, large print or another format.
There’s no such thing as a silly question. Our friendly team will help you work out what you need.
01858 468 543Monday to Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–4.30pm
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.