Carers

Content Supplied by NHS Choices

Are You a Carer?

If you are, please let us know - we may be able to help you

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

Contact Carers Direct

Telephone
0300 123 1053
Helpline Information
http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx
Email
CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Office Hours
Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Finance and Law

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 under-65s

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

    Benefits for the over-65s

    Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.

  • Carer's Assement

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

  • 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


Carers UK

Who to contact for support

Reading Mencap - If you are caring for a child or adult with a learning disability in Reading, please contact Reading Mencap for information, advice and Carer's Assessment. 
Call 0118 926 3600 or email carers@readingmencap.org.uk

Reading Age UK - If you are caring for an adult over the age of 50 in Reading, please contact Age UK Reading for information, advice and Carer's Assessments.  
Call 07716 418 941 or email carers@ageukreading.org.uk

Berkshire Age UK - If you are caring for an adult over the age of 50 who lives in West Berkshire, please contact Age UK Berkshire.
Call 0118 959 4242 or email info@ageukberkshire.org.uk

CommuniCare is supporting all other carers in Reading and West Berkshire (if you are caring for someone under 50 who doesn't have a learning disability, CommuniCare will offer Carers Assessments). 
Call 0118 926 3941 or email office@communicare.org.uk