Are You a Carer?

What is a carer?

A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. If you’re a carer please let us know.

Carer’s Centre

The Carers Centre is a community resource dedicated to the support of carers in the city of Portsmouth.

We are a one stop shop for carers, offering a variety of support, including emotional support, carers breaks, sitting service, cooking sessions, training, carers groups, support for young carers and adult mental health carers, as well as volunteering opportunities. 

We have a wealth of information within the building, and members of staff who have a wide knowledge of services in the local area. Anyone can drop in to the centre during opening hours. Or you can make an appointment if you prefer.

Carers Centre staff and volunteers are regularly present and able to meet you at out-stations throughout the city, which may be closer to your home (GP surgeries, pharmacies, Healthy Living Centre, St Mary’s Hospital etc). We have a dedicated team at Queen Alexandra Hospital, so you may ask your nurse or doctor to contact them if you or the person you look after is at the hospital.

If your caring role, work or family commitments don’t allow you to visit us during the week we’d be happy to see you on Saturday, when we’re open for Carers Café. Why not come and see us, try our delicious coffee and homemade cakes, and speak to staff and carer volunteers?

In exceptional circumstances, if you are not able to leave your home, we can make a home visit – please contact us to find out more.

Contact Carers Direct

Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends.

Calls are free from UK landlines.

Telephone: 0808 802 0202
Helpline Information: nhs.uk/carersdirect/
Email: [email protected]

NHS Choices

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

  • Caring for a parent – Watch this video on caring for a parent at home
  • Telling people – Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
  • Taking a break – Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
  • Housing and carers – Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

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 person you care for – Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
  • Death and benefits – How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
  • Managing someone’s legal affairs – Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
  • 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
  • Personal and household finance – Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
  • Tax credits – Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
  • Social fund