A carer is someone who, without payment, provides care and support to a relative, partner, friend or disabled child who cannot manage without your help. As a carer your heath is as important as that of the person that you care for, as it ensures that you can continue to carry out your caring role. It is important that you visit your doctor regularly and that you tell your doctor that you are in a caring role.

If you are a carer please let us know via the online form below - we may be able to help you.

Telephone: 0300 005 1213

Email: admin@dccarers.org

Address: Unit 1, Hutton Close, South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland DL14 6XG.

Helpline Information: http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx

Office Hours: Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Online Enquiry Form: http://www.carersdirectenquiry.nhs.uk/

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

The Practice is pleased to announce that we were awarded Young Carers Charter status on the 7th April 2016. The Practice has made a pledge to support young people who are carers, working in collaboration with The Bridge Young Carers Service. If you are a Young Carer and you need help and support, please speak to one of our staff.  

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• Caring for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Managing someone's legal affairs

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund

   

• Tax credits

  Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible