Finding sources of guidance, advice and support for carers in West Berkshire.
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Caring for an adult
If you care for or support someone with a disability or health problems, you are a carer.
Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. We provide information and services to improve carers' ability to care and also live a life outside this role.
Caring for a person with a disability going into hospital
Hampshire Hospitals also has information for people with learning disabilities, and the Rethink website has a useful guide for carers about going into hospital with a mental illness.
Carers Rights Day on 21 November 2024
Carers Rights Day is an annual campaign and helps:
ensure unpaid carers are aware of their rights
let carers know where to get help and support
raise awareness of the needs of carers
On 21 November 2024, there will be a Carers Rights Day event held in Thatcham. There will be various organisations present that can provide carers with free information, advice and presentations. Further information about this event can be found on the Carers Rights Day Event page on the West Berkshire Directory.
Carer support services
West Berkshire Council grant-funds the following voluntary organisations to provide specific support and services to carers:
Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership
The Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership provide a Carers Hub for family carers in Reading and West Berkshire. The partnership members Age UK Berkshire and CommuniCare work with the carers of residents in West Berkshire.
The Partnership provide information and advice to unpaid carers to help support their physical and emotional wellbeing and are able to advise on financial help (such as grants, benefits and discounts) and rights in employment. They also signpost to a host of other relevant services.
Crossroads Care West Berkshire operates an emergency out of hours telephone helpline that's available to all carers in West Berkshire on 07867 673063.
This operates from 8pm to 8am on weekdays and all weekend.
During normal office hours contact details are: Newbury office 01635 30008 or 07789700194 and Regional office 01865 260280.
Help for carers from West Berkshire Council
If you provide unpaid care to someone who is over the age of 18, you may be eligible for support and can ask for a carer's assessment.
If you're not eligible, we will still provide information and advice, and put you in touch with other services and support groups that may be able to help you.
Adult carers that look after someone who lives within West Berkshire can request a carer's assessment by:
The Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership can provide support for carers to complete this 'Understanding your Needs' form. If you would like further information please complete the Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership Referral Form [50KB] or contact the Partnership.
What is a carer's assessment?
A carer's assessment is a series of questions designed to help you think about the different ways that caring affects your life. If you're willing and able to continue caring for the person you look after, we will take account of the support you provide when we work out what services they need. This will help us work out if you're eligible for carer support funded by West Berkshire Council. At present carers are not required to make a contribution for support services, and do not need to have a financial assessment. Funding could be in the form of a one-off Carers Grant or a Direct Payment which are designed to support carers in different aspects of their lives, and to help ease some of the extra pressures arising from their caring role.
The Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations set out a national eligibility threshold for Carers. This means that there's a level of need at which we will offer support. This is set by the government so it's the same wherever you live.
Taking a break from caring - replacement/respite care
Caring for someone can be a full-time job and, like any job, you sometimes need to take a break. Being a carer can be emotionally and physically tiring, and it's important to look after your own health and wellbeing. Taking a break from caring is essential, even if it's only for a few hours.
Who pays for respite care?
Respite services from West Berkshire Council are chargeable. The individual who is being cared for, as the recipient of the service, may be charged for respite services depending on their financial assessment.
Carer's emergency card and plan
A small photo ID card carried by carers to alert others to the fact that there may be a dependant person at home in need of help, should you become unwell or involved in an accident.
The Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership will also support the development of a Carers Emergency Plan. Carers UK provide examples of what to consider as part of this plan.
West Berkshire carers information booklet
There are a wide range of other organisations that provide information, advice and guidance to support you in your role as a carer. These can be found in the Information for Carers Booklet [2MB]. We can post you a copy on request. The booklet also contains information for carers about emergency plans, assistive technology, respite, working while caring, training for carers, and financial support.
GOV.UK, the public services website, has detailed information for carers about money matters, covering a wide range of topics including Carers Allowance, Carers Credits for the state pension, and Council Tax reduction.
This national survey takes place every other year and is conducted by Councils with Adult Social Services Responsibilities (CASSRs).
The survey seeks the opinions of carers aged 18 or over, caring for a person aged 18 or over, on a number of topics that are considered to be indicative of a balanced life alongside their unpaid caring role.
Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership Referral Form [50KB] or:
Carers 'Understanding your Needs' Form [675KB] , which provides a range of questions and prompts that may help you consider your caring role
