"A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support." (definition from www.carers.org)
This thread is for you
As a carer to my long term partner, who suffers with mental health difficulties and fibromyalgia, I thought it might be helpful to have a place where people who are carers can talk about their lives as there currently isn't anywhere on the site for that. This thread is for sharing experiences, resources, support and chat. Caring can be very isolating, so I think its important to have a space within TSR for us to talk to each other.
I'm going to start us off with a bit of basic info and signposting.
There are 2 main carers charities/organisations in the UK, they are:
Carers Trust
&
Carers UK
These have a wealth of information available, as well as links to further information and support
There are many others and many cities/counties/towns have carers charities, organisations and groups that you can approach for help, information and support. Carers UK have a directory to find organisations local to you http://ift.tt/1rMVioo
Your GPs surgery should have information about local support for carers. You may also consider registering as a carer with your GP as they may be able to offer you help and advice.
Carers allowance (and other benefits)
Carers allowance is a benefit you can claim if you are a carer age 16 or over and fit certain criteria. You must care for someone for more than 35 hours per week, the person you care for must be receiving either Personal Independence payment (PIP) Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Attendance Allowance or Armed forces independence payment (AFIP) Do bear in mind it is taxable, and can affect and be affected by other benefits and earnings.
This post is open to updates, if anyone has any extra information they think should be included, just let me know.
Put the internet to work for you.
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