Sometimes, people don't realise they are carers, and think that they 'just look after, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children, friends, etc'. These 'hidden' carers deserve recognition and support, and may be eligible to receive a number of services to help them with their caring role.
The Carer Registration Scheme has been in operation within doctors' surgeries since October 2004. Its purpose is to identify 'hidden' carers, keep them informed of relevant, up-to-date information, and let them know about support services available which may help them in their caring role.
Carer registration leaflets - adult carers (.pdf, 126kb), young carers (.pdf, 213kb) - are available from doctors' surgeries across the borough, and can also be obtained from:
- the Carers Support Team
- the Carers Helpline
- social workers and outreach workers.
You can also download a registration form (.pdf, 29kb) and hand it in at your doctor's surgery, or post it to the Carers Support Team.
As of June 2008 there were 1500 carers registered on the scheme and this is increasing every day. Some of the benefits of registering as a carer are access to:
- alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, reflexology and others
- Funding for Carers
- a carers assessment
- fire risk assessments
- free benefit checks and other services.
Free carer training courses are also available, for example:
- manual handling
- first aid
- card making
- computing and many more.
Training is also provided to staff at surgeries on to recognise that someone is a carer and how to direct them to support and information available to them.
As a result of registering with the scheme, carers have reported feeling more valued in their caring role.
For further information on the GP registration scheme, contact the Carers Support Team.
