General information for carers

Picture of a carer with an older person

Carers' information

In response to the Government's National Strategy for Carers and the anticipated changes to the law on carers' rights, we have developed the Croydon Carers Strategy 2011-16. Our aim is to help carers:

  • find services that they need easily
  • make more choices for themselves
  • have more control over their lives
  • improve their own health and well-being

Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who looks after a family member, friend or neighbour who needs help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. A carer can be a child or an adult.

Many people who are caring for someone do not necessarily see themselves as carers. Carers are:

  • mothers
  • fathers
  • daughters
  • sons
  • young people
  • partners
  • husbands
  • wives
  • neighbours

Being identified as a carer can be important in helping you get the right support you need to look after the person you care for.

If you are a carer you may be entitled to a range of services after having a carers assessment. For this you need to contact Social Services.

You may also be able to receive other benefits, such as the carers allowance, for this contact the Welfare Benefits Hotline 0800 731 5920 or for more information go to the GOV UK website.

If you are a young carer, the Off The Record Young Carers Project should be able to help you.

How to get support if you are a carer

The How To...A Guide for Carers has information on where to go for help, advice, advocacy, support or to have a break.

The guide is created and maintained by the Carers' Information Service. They also publish free factsheets and newsletters.

Care and support White Paper and the Care and Support Bill, published July 2012

The Care and Support White Paper sets out the vision for a reformed care and support system which, amongst other things, improves support for carers.

The draft Care and Support Bill takes this vision forward and proposes a single, modern law for adult care and support that replaces existing outdated and complex legislation.

Croydon's Carers Strategy 2011-16 was developed in anticipation of the White Paper and the Care and Support Bill, which ensures that there are good services for carers in place internally as well as in the community.

Contact Details

Social services for adults
Telephone 020 8726 6500
Minicom 020 8760 5797
Email Referral.team2@croydon.gov.uk
Address Taberner House
Park Lane
Croydon CR9 3JS
Welfare Benefits Hotline
Telephone Freephone 0800 731 5920

How do you rate this page?

Low |  Medium |  High |  What is this rating for?