A carer is anyone who gives regular and substantial unpaid care to a partner, relative or friend. The care can be regular daily care, or simply helping out in a crisis. Caring for someone can be very rewarding. But at times, it can also be very tough. You may feel that caring takes up all of your spare time, or is a drain on your emotions.
If you are a carer, it's important to recognise that there is lots of help and support available to you too.
Carers Assessments
If you give care to someone else, you are entitled to have your physical and mental health needs assessed. See the carers assessments page for further details.
Carers Plan
A Carers Plan is a written document which outlines the help a carer needs to help them fulfill their role as a carer. See the link on the left for further details.
Carers Support Workers
Carers Support Workers work specifically to support carers in their role. See the link on the left for further information and contact details of our local agencies.
Carers Centres
Birmingham Carers Centre also offers various support services at:
Age UK, 198 Corporation Street, Birmingham City Centre.
Telephone: 0121 675 8000 Email: helpline@birminghamcarerscentre.org.uk
For carers in Birmingham the Carers Emergency Response Service (CERS) can provide limited support in the event of an emergency preventing you from offering care:
Telephone: 0121 212 9271
Solihull Carers Centre offers support services and outreach from:
TS One, Pinewood Business Park,
Coleshill Road,
Solihull,
West Midlands
B37 7HG (Drop in 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm Friday)
Telephone: 0121 788 1143 Email: centre@solihullcarers.org
Patient Advice and Liaison Service Customer Care operates 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday, for mental health support, advice and information across Birmingham and Solihull:
Telephone: 0800 953 0045
Text: 07985 883 509
Email: PALS@bsmhft.nhs.uk
Useful links contains websites offering further information about mental illness, care and support. You will find links to websites, dedicated to carers' issues.
