General Uk Dept Of Health - Carers Consultation

[Purplemunchkin]

Good evening UK supporters

The following is a link to a Department of Health survey about improving support for unpaid carers.

It includes those of us who care for people with mental health issues, not just physical disabilities. So if you have some time to spare (it suggested 45 minutes, but it took me about 20) it is worth adding your opinions.

Dead Link Removed

It doesn't matter whether or not you are formally registered as a carer either. Although if you aren't, you should consider it.

All you need to do is tell your GP surgery and fill in a simple form. Your surgery doesn't need to be the same as your sufferer's.

I don't believe it affects any State benefits your sufferer is entitled (it doesn't for my parents, although my hubby doesn't get any benefits) but it might be worth checking.

I only know about this as I am a registered unpaid carer for hubby, and I received an email about it.

Night all!

 

[Toria]

Hi Purplemunchkin - I will go and have a look at the survey this afternoon, but I was wondering if I could ask you - I picked up a Carers form from my GP last week but haven't had the nerve to fill it in yet! I don't want to set in motion so huge train of events that I then can't stop. What happens when you register?

 

[Purplemunchkin]

Hi @Toria

Oh bless you, there is nothing to worry about. I think it varies from area to area, but the main idea is to give you, as a carer, more support.

I had an initial meeting/assessment where they asked about me; was I working, what support do I have, what is my relationship with my sufferer, what concerns do I have, how does his mental illness affect me. It was actually a very positive meeting.

I get regular invitations to carer's workshops, e-mails about updates locally (like our hospital now has a dedicated drop-in centre for carers), details of carer support groups, information about all sorts of things (like in my area carers are entitled to a small amount of money each year to help de-stress - you can use it for counselling, getting your nails done, a day trip - you just need to explain how it will help you to help your sufferer).

My biggest issue is that a lot of the support (workshops, drop-in centre, etc) is only available between 9-5 Monday to Friday. And I obviously wasn't alone as we now have a 'working carers' support group that meets one evening a month.

Oh, and I'm also entitled to an annual flu vaccination if I want it.

No train. No bad consequences. Just lots of information.

I hope that helps to put your mind at rest.