Supporting unpaid carers in Lewisham to improve their wellbeing and lead fulfilling lives
Are you a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health problem or addiction, cannot cope without their support.
Many people do not think of themselves as carers and do not get the help and support they need. We understand that caring for someone can be a rewarding and selfless experience. It can also be overwhelming, stressful, exhausting and lonely.
Every experience is unique, and all carers deserve to be heard, valued and supported. The Maximising the Wellbeing of Unpaid Carers service in partnership with Lewisham Council aims to ensure you get the support you need, with information, advice and support through each stage of your caring journey. You’ll also have opportunities to join a range of activities to improve your wellbeing and connect with other carers in Lewisham.
What support will I receive?
Our free services are designed to provide a full range of support for all eligible carers, whether you are a young person or an adult, in ways to suit you, whether that’s one-to-one, in a group, online or in person.
When you join the service, you will receive a welcome pack. This guide to local support was co-produced and developed by Lewisham Council and Lewisham unpaid carers.
We then send you newsletters and information about the range of regular activities, one-off events, training and groups that you can join. You can also pick up this information by popping into the Carers Hub.
We will help you to improve your own health and wellbeing, balance your caring role with your own needs and aspirations, and care safely, confidently and effectively.
Support includes:
Assessing your needs
helping you build a personal support plan. This could involve a Statutory Carers Assessment if you are an adult or a Young Carers Assessment if you are under 18. You can change the kind of support you receive depending on your needs.
Information, advice and guidance
helping you to feel better equipped for all aspects of your caring role and understand your rights as a carer.
Emotional support
helping you to manage the stress, anxiety and pressures of being a carer, including access to free counselling, befriending and peer support groups.
Financial support and advice
providing support to apply for a range of benefits, such as Carers Allowance, Carer One-Off Payments and Young Carer grants, and help to access financial information and advice.
Exploring new opportunities
encouraging you to develop your interests, take up volunteering, training, education and employment, or participate in workshops and activities to develop new skills.
Contact with other agencies
helping you manage your connections with benefits, health, social care, council, education and employment organisations.
Coping with emergencies
planning for sudden changes in your caring role, such as you having to go into hospital. The Lewisham Council Carer Card has a 24-hour response service number on it that you can call in an emergency.
Championing carers
raising awareness so that more people understand carers’ needs and challenges and can provide wider support.
Carers Hub
Join workshops, events and classes
Helping meet your individual needs
Planning for your future
Building your social networks
Making sure your school knows about you
You are not alone
