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Carers

Information for Local Carers

In Stockport we recognise the vital role that our 30,000 unpaid carers have in our health and social care system and believe that caring, at any age, should not be a barrier to leading a fulfilling life.

To ensure that carers are supported, feel valued and get the recognition they deserve, Stockport’s local NHS organisations and Council have worked with Signpost for Carers, Stockport Advocacy and Healthwatch to jointly develop a carers’ charter.

What does the charter cover?

The charter describes the values, principles and standards that carers have told us are important to them. It guides us, and the organisations we work with, in how we support and work with local people who provide a significant caring role to family members or friends.

You can view the charter below. We’re also working on a version for our young carers:

Who can be considered a carer?

A carer is an unpaid person who cares for someone who cannot cope without their support due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. In Stockport, we have over 30,000 carers, over 2,000 of which are under the age of 18.

What did carers tell us is important to them?

Carers told us they wanted:

  • financial security to have a safe and comfortable home
  • support to navigate the world of health and social care
  • a life of their own outside the caring role and assurance in the case of an emergency
  • to be listened to and have their views and opinions respected
  • to be enabled to cope with their caring role, to be supported with difficult situations and manage challenges
  • to be socially connected, to minimise stress and pressures, be active, and be able to achieve personal goals
  • to look after their own health and wellbeing, get enough sleep and some ‘me time’.

The charter has been designed to help achieve these aims whilst also raising awareness of, and identifying, people who may be in a caring role.

Where can I find further information?

For more information on the support that is available to carers in Stockport, please contact:

Registering as a carer with your GP surgery

GP surgeries have been asked to keep registers of their patients who are also carers. This can help them better understand the condition of the person you care for, and to look out for the warning signs of illnesses that are common among carers, such as back pain resulting from heavy lifting. The surgery might be able to offer extra support, such as more readily available home visits, flu jabs or more flexibility with appointments.

Free training for unpaid carers

Signpost for Carers in conjunction with other partners runs a variety of trainings for unpaid carers. Examples are ‘looking after your back’, ‘learn to relax’, ‘understanding stress’, ‘laughter therapy’, massage, supporting resilience and aromatherapy.

Signpost

Signpost for Carers Stockport is a local third sector organisation providing support for carers (e.g. respite care, benefits check, practical courses, support for young carers). You can find out more information on the signpost for carers website – http://www.signpostforcarers.org.uk/.

Useful links

www.nhs.uk/carersdirect
www.rallyroundme.com