Carers in Somerset

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Introduction

A carer is someone who helps another person, usually a relative or friend who is ill, frail or has a disability without getting paid. You can be a parent carer, a young carer or someone who looks after an older person or another adult with care needs. This is not the same as someone who provides care professionally, or through a voluntary organisation.

There are lots of services and support to help carers, and the people they care for.

You can find micro providers on Connect Somerset and search for SEND services here.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust provide a specialist carers support service for people who care for someone with a mental health problem.
Carers Voice Somerset links closely with the Council and the NHS to represent the views of carers.

About the Somerset Carers Service

Taking care of someone can be very rewarding, but it can also be hard and lonely sometimes. If you are over 18 and look after someone without getting paid (not employed or self employed as a Carer), Somerset Carers Service can help you for free. Even if you get benefits for your caring role, you can still get support. The Somerset Carers Service is part of the Community Council for Somerset.

The person you care for could be anyone, like a family member or a friend, no matter how old they are or how often you help them.

We will do our best to make sure you get the help you need every day. We work with healthcare providers and local services to create a care plan that works for you.

Connect Somerset

There is lots of information about being a carer and the help you can get on the Connect Somerset website. You can also learn how to find and employ someone to help you.

Carers who go to work

Going to work and caring for someone can be a lot to cope with.

Age UK website – provides information about your rights and entitlements at work.
People First website – provides useful contacts and information regarding your rights and entitlements at work.

Carers training

You can find information on face to face and online training courses on the Somerset Carers website. Phone 0800 3168600 for more information.

Our Commitment to Carers 2024

Somerset’s Commitment to Carers 2024 is a statement aligned with the Care Act 2014. It acknowledges the invaluable contribution and challenges faced by unpaid carers. It outlines the values, principles and actions that health and social care services should adopt to make sure there is effective support for unpaid carers.

The Commitment aims to enhance the quality of life for carers and those they care for. This is by improving their experience of health and social care and supporting them to access information and opportunities to keep healthy and live well while they carry out their vital caring roles. It reflects priorities identified through consultation and co-production with carers and those who work with and support carers.

The principles of the Commitment are also aligned with the Somerset Council Plan 2023-27 and Adult Social Care Strategy 2023-26. This is in terms of improving the health and wellbeing of Somerset’s communities through improved independence, choice and control. The principles are also aligned to the NHS Social Care Long Term Plan priorities. Enabling our communities to live well with healthier lives for longer and reduce inequalities and access to care and support services.

Last updated: November 11, 2024

Next review due: May 11, 2025