Are you a carer?
If you are please let us know, we may be able to help you.
Our surgery supports carers we have notices and information which is regularly updated in order to support our patients who act as carers in any capacity. Any member of the surgery team will be able to support and signpost patients to where further information can be obtained, in addition to our usual clinician support.
If you regularly support a relative, neighbour or friend, who is ill, frail, disabled, physically or mentally ill, or misuses drugs or alcohol, you are a carer. We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.
Carers suffer typically high levels of stress, reduced immunity to illnesses, increased risk of physical injury, depression and stroke. They need support to manage their own health and ensure that they can continue to provide patient care. We feel that caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24 hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer.
We further believe carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much. They may require more flexibility to attend appointments at the surgery to manage their own health needs and by identifying this we can understand why a specific time for appointment is requested for example.
More resources and support
Carers’ Cafe
Informal drop-in with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The cost is £1 entry including tea/coffee and cake/biscuits.
It is run between 1pm to 2:30pm on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Mind BLMK’s Wellbeing Centre, 46/56 Dumfries Street, Luton.
Phone
01582 380002
Email
carers@mind-blmk.org.ukYoung People’s Counselling
Counselling at TOKKO Youth Space in Gordon Street is short-term intervention counselling (4-6 weeks). Young people aged 10 to 21 can share their problems in a confidential environment, being treated with respect based on an understanding of their culture and background.
Phone
01582 544990
Website
www.tokko.co.uk
Email
info@tokko.co.ukCHUMS – Young Carers Service
The service supports children and young people aged five to 18 who help to care for someone with a disability, chronic or serious illness, mental health condition, learning difficulty etc, whether that is a parent or sibling. Support is offered through group work in schools as well as monthly drop-in facilities.
Phone
01525 863924
Website
www.chums.uk.com/young-carers
Email
info@chums.uk.comCarers in Bedfordshire
If you are a carer, or have been a carer, you may be experiencing stress, anxiety, guilt, bereavement, trauma and loss. Counselling can help you work through these emotions, allowing you time and space to concentrate on your emotions.
Phone
0300 111 1919
Website
www.carersinbeds.org.uk/how-we-can-help/wellbeing
Email
contact@carersinbeds.org.ukCarers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Phone
0808 808 7777
Website
Carers UK
Email
info@carersuk.orgSocial care and support guide
If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.
Website
NHS: Social care and support guide