1. York Carers Centre Supporting Carers
Fiona Hick
Adult Carer Support Worker
Bethany Monroe
Young Carer
As an intro – your name and your title if appropriate
Mention we’re a registered charity; a network member of the national Carers Trust and receive financial support from the City of York Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group along with a number of other funders and local supporters.

2. What is a carer?
“someone who unpaid, is looking after or supporting a relative, friend or neighbour who is ill, disabled, frail or in need of emotional support”

3. Carers may... look after more than one person
live in the same house as the person they are looking after or they may live separately
provide full-time care, or care at specific times such as evenings or weekends
juggle paid work and a caring role

4. Who are carers? neighbours and friends young carers
parents who are carers
provide emotional support
It is about the impact it has on their life
Mental health issues

5. Carers worry about money organising equipment/mobility aids
suitable accommodation
having a break
finding out information about conditions
their own health and well being
Yet recent research from Carers UK:
72 % of carers had experienced more financial worries since they started caring
33 % actually in debt.
a further 53 % of carers said that their money worries were taking a toll on their own health.
Worringly, £740m of carers' benefits are left unclaimed every year either because carers do not realise they are entitled to any money or they are confused by the claims system. Pensioners in particular wrongly believe that they can not claim carers' benefits because they receive a state pension.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "The cost of caring can be a big weight to bear for many people, but claiming carers' benefits can help to lighten the load. Yet thousands of carers across the UK are each missing out on cash benefits of up to £2,500 a year, often because they don't realise they are entitled to the extra help or just don't understand the system."

6. They may not... know that they are a carer
be comfortable with the term ‘carer’
know support is available
know about York Carers Centre

7. York Carers Centre
is a local, independent charity based at Priory Street
helps unpaid carers in York find the support they need
provides advice, information, activities and support
works with other groups to raise the profile of carers
We also
raise awareness in York about carers and their issues
positively influences local and national policy and practice to benefit Carers
facilitates Carer representation on local and national groups and forums
supports Carer groups and facilitates consultations
First point of contact

8. Registering with York Carers Centre
receive regular newsletters / s
come to social activities
can use our services
get a discount card

9. What services do we offer?
Support for adults
Support for young carers (8 to18)
Support for young adult carers (18 to 25)
Carers Emergency Card

10. Support for adults carers
benefits advice
substance misuse service
employment, education and training advice
drop in sessions
signposting/referrals to other agencies
help filling in forms
To run groups, organise trips and events for Carers
Signposting/other agencies, work with others, carers rights

11. Support for young carers
Support for carers 8 to 18:
one to one
regular groups
trips, events, and residential breaks for young carers

12. Young Carers Revolution
forum for young carers
gives a them a voice and recognition
created DVD and posters
Education Guardian, Evening Press, Big Issue, BBC York, Newsround
won a 2010 Community Pride Award

13. Help for young adult carers (18 to 25)
part time advice worker provides:
information
advice
one to one support if needed
social events including a film club and pub quiz
To provide specific support groups for yr old Carers

14. Emergency Card Scheme
helps a carer register an emergency plan, so that if there is an emergency the person they care for will not be left at risk
is free to join
is a partnership between York Carers Centre and City of York Council's Warden Call

15. How you can help recognise carers you come into contact with
listen to them and take what they say seriously
they are partners in care, contributing expertise
particularly think about this with young carers
Including staff recognising them at reception eg flu jab example.
May not be on Carers Allowance
May not know they are a carer

16. How to contact us www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk (01904) 715490