Services for Adults
(if you are aged 18+ and looking after someone who is aged 18+)
Wigan Council recognises that carers play a vital role in looking after vulnerable people and aims to help them continue caring for as long as they feel able to do so. Support for carers is provided in a number of ways from information and advice on carer related issues to the provision of grants and special break schemes.
There is also help available for the person you care for including:
- Support at home, such as help with personal care
- Providing small pieces of equipment to help with routine household tasks, or arranging adaptations to the home
- Respite care in residential or nursing homes
- Day care
- Employment schemes
If you think that you, or the person who you care for, would benefit from any of these services the first step is to contact Wigan Council's Central Duty Team. Members of the team can provide information and advice over the telephone and, depending on what you think you need help with, may arrange for a social worker to visit you at home to undertake an assessment of your needs.
Carers Support Team
Wigan Council's Carers Support Team provides a range of services for unpaid carers, including:
In order to access some of these services you will need to register as a carer. Contact the Carers Support Team or download a copy of our registration form (.pdf, 29kb)
Also, you can now download a copy of our latest Carer Information Update (.pdf, 435kb)
Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Carers
Wigan Council has a dedicated BME carer support worker whose role is to work with carers from any ethnic minority background. For more information contact 01942 404487 or email s.holdsworth@wigan.gov.uk
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Carers
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation (external link) provides online and personal support to LGBT carers living in the North West of England and throughout the UK. You can find out more by visiting their website.
Wigan Borough Carers Strategy
The first borough wide carers strategy was launched in 2004. You can a view a copy of the original strategy (and subsequent planning documents) below:
Wigan Borough Carers' Strategy 2004-2009 (.pdf, 87kb)
Wigan Borough Carers' Strategy - Three Year Action Plan 2006-2008 (.pdf, 179kb)
There is also a national carers' strategy called Carers st the Heart of 21st Century Families and Communities (external link) which sets out the plans of the UK Government to help and support carers.
Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre
Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre is a resource for carers of all ages from across the borough. As well as information and training, the Centre offers a broad range of social and leisure activities to help you in your caring role.
If you have a few hours to spare you may also be interested in volunteering at the Centre. It doesn't matter what skills or experience you have as full training will be given. To find out more email: carerscentre@live.co.uk or visit wiganandleighcarerscentre.org.uk (external link)
Friends of Young Carers
Friends of Young Carers (Wigan & Leigh), provide a choice for young carers, giving them respite, friendship and support. It helps young carers develop social skills and can reduce the sense of isolation. It will also give young carers the opportunity to experience the everyday pleasures of childhood, which is an essential part of growth and development.
For more information, please visit the Friends of Young Carers website:
Friends of Young Carers (external link)
