East Surrey Carers Support Association

Hello, this website is for you if you are looking after a family member, partner or friend because they are ill, frail or have a disability and the care you provide is unpaid. But what does this mean to you? How do you feel about this?

It may be a relief to have what you are doing recognised, it may feel like you will be expected to do more! Maybe it's something you find difficult to even think about because of the effect it has on your life. Or it may seem disloyal to the person you look after to think about asking for any help or support.

At East Surrey Carers Support Association we try to support Carers and of course part of that is helping you to look after the person you are caring for - but another big part is to help you to think about yourself; your own life, your ideas and plans for the future. We know this can be very complicated and painful and also why it might be too hard to talk about.

Our support groups and social events help Carers meet other people who have experience and an understanding of what it's like to have someone you look after. They are also a chance to have a break and enjoy an outing. We also have regular meetings for men Carers in a local pub. Full details can be found on the events section of this website.

We will also help with practical issues such as information and assistance in applying for benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and of course Carers Allowance. If you are caring for someone on a regular basis then a Carer's assessment could help you. This is your chance to tell social services about things that could make caring a bit easier for you. You may also be able to ask for a direct payment as a Carer for things like a holiday or something you need for the house or to help you relax or have a break. We can tell you more about this; however the Carers assessments are accessed via social services.

We understand that asking for help can be difficult you might be worried that people you don't know will try to tell you how to do things, or criticise what you have been doing. It can be confusing and hard to know where to start - so we always say that we try to do as little or as much as people ask from us. Everyone is different and we don't think it is helpful to assume "carers" all have the same ideas and can be helped in the same way.

So if you are looking after someone with an illness or disability do call us for a chat on 01883 745057 - we will try to offer help and support in a way that will best meet your needs. We offer to visit Carers at home or somewhere else; you are also welcome to come to visit us in Bletchingley if this is easier for you.

East Surrey Carers Support Association is an independent charity which was founded to help and support carers in 1996.