What support can I get?
There is a wide range of support and services provided directly by the council and/or by Carers Bucks, who are funded by the council to provide services on its behalf.
We may be able to provide:
- information and advice - for example, about the services for the person you care for, direct payments, advocacy services, residential placements
- a carer direct payment – may be available to help you in a specific way, for example to help you pursue leisure, social or educational activities
- services for the person you care for – for example, day services, domiciliary care or respite/breaks
- information about adaptations, equipment and assistive technology
- guidance on how to make your views known
- help with how to report concerns about you or someone you know being hurt or otherwise harmed
We may also be able to provide you with a range of universal or specialist services through Carers Bucks, funded by and delivering services for the Council:
- Emotional support through county wide peer/network groups
- Information about local and national support organisations
- Benefit advice and information
- Training to help you in your caring role
- Future planning
- Information about the cared-for person’s condition
- Specialist advice and support – for example, power of attorney, emergency planning, support with employment
- Specific support services for carers under 18years
This list is not all-inclusive there may be other things we can discuss with you that will support you as carer.
Support for young carers
Young carers are:
- 5-18 years old
- Caring for a family member with a physical or mental illness, disability, drug or alcohol addiction.
- The person cared for may be a parent, sibling or other relative living in the same household.
Young carers are not:
- Paid workers in residential homes
- Childminders for siblings where there is no illness, disability or substance misuse in the family
Young Carers Bucks provide a support service for young carers in Buckinghamshire that can offer:
- Regular meetings and outings for three age groups
- Two family events a year
- One to one support when needed or wanted
- Someone to talk to who understands
- A quarterly newsletter written and edited by young carers
- Access to Carers Grant money for individual breaks
- Forum groups for older young carers who volunteer
Many young carers find these services provide good support as well as the opportunity to have fun and make friends at meetings and events.
How much will it cost?
- There is no charge for any assessment
- We do not charge for the services we provide to carers
- A charge may be made for services we provide to the person you are caring for; this is dependent on their financial circumstances.
- There are no charges for services for children under 18 years of age.