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A carer is someone who provides a substantial amount of care to a person who has a physical illness, Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, physical disability, learning disability or mental illness.
A carer can be an adult or a child, a parent, husband, wife, partner, other close relative, friend or neighbour. And a carer may not necessarily live with the person they are caring for.
Carers are entitled to request an assessment under the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act in order to ensure that social services listen to their views. These views must then be taken into account when deciding upon which services may be provided to the person requiring the care.
It is possible for carers to feel isolated and depressed and they often need support to help them in their vital role. When social services provide services for the person requiring care they should be provided in a way that supports the carer in their role.
If you are caring for someone, the information on this website may be useful to you.
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How can Barking & Dagenham Carers help?
We are a registered charity that provides:
Information
By having access to the right information, carers are able to make a decision about how services should be provided, if and when they are needed.
Support
Caring for someone at home can be an isolating and demanding experience, both physically and emotionally. Carers sometimes need support to enable them to continue in their role and also when they are no longer able to continue caring at home.
Advice
Many carers and their families will be entitled to claim benefits. We can offer carers a comprehensive welfare benefits advice service.
Advocacy
At times carers may feel unable to voice their concerns and opinions to those responsible for providing care services, therefore we can provide support with this.
Social activities
Caring for someone over a period of time can sometimes mean losing touch with family and friends, leaving a feeling of isolation and a loss of confidence. Other carers and former carers understand these problems and therefore a range of social activities and outings are arranged on a regular basis enabling carers to meet socially. Check the Upcoming Events section for more information.
Young Carers
Young carers are children between the ages of 8-18 who help look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled or has mental health problems, or is misusing drugs or alcohol.
If you think you maybe a Young Carer please go to " How We Can Help" for more information on how we can support you.
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