Are You a Carer?
If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you.
Support For Carers Leicestershire provides information on a range of services throughout the county to assist carers in their role. The service is being run by Voluntary Action South Leicestershire, a community based organisation with a long history of supporting carers, including a dedicated telephone advice line and an online directory of local services for carers such as Carers Support Groups. Contact them on 0845 689 9510 or visit their website.
www.supportforcarers.org/
Alternatively contact national Carers Direct.
Carers Consent Form
First Contact Plus
If you require access to services to support carers the Support for Carers Service which is provided by Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) can be accessed either through First Contact Plus (0116 305 4286 or by visiting http://www.firstcontactplus.org.uk)
It can also be accessed by contacting VASL directly on 01858 433232, Fax 01858 410047 or by emailing: admin@vasl.org.uk http://vasl.org.uk/our-projects/support-for-carers
The service aims to inform and support carers in all communities throughout Leicestershire, to improve carers’ quality of life, promote their health and well-being and to encourage them to make real choices about their lives.
The service includes:
a dedicated telephone advice line (calls charged at local rates) so carers can talk to experienced professionals in confidence about any aspect of being a carer,
carers’ support groups around the county,
a telephone befriending service specifically for carers, a website full of news and information, a quarterly newsletter and an online directory of local services for carers.
If carers’ needs can’t be met through this service then they have the right to an assessment which will determine eligibility for a carers personal budget which they could use in a number of ways, including respite provision.
Carers Direct 
There is 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?
Carers support groups
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.