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Gloucestershire Carers Hub – advice and mythbusting for carers

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Gloucestershire Carers Hub provide some guidance around being a carer and provide some answers to questions people might have.

If you are a Carer, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you. 

Here are some tips for getting support as an unpaid carer:

  • Register with Gloucestershire Carers Hub for free support, information and more.
  • Talk to your GP and make sure they are aware you are providing support to someone.
  • Find out about the benefits you may be entitled to.
  • Join a Carer’s support group or come along to one of our Carer Cafes.
  • Take some time for yourself.

Gloucestershire Carers Hub – the Facts

It’s important to know the facts about being a carer – Gloucestershire Carers Hub created a list of common misconceptions, and the facts about them below:

“I’ve heard If I register as a Carer other services will become involved…”

Fact: Other services will not become involved unless there is a need for them to be. If there is a need for them to, this will be discussed with you before doing so.

“I receive Carers Allowance, doesn’t that mean I can’t register with Gloucestershire Carers Hub? I thought the service is for Carers who are unpaid.”

 Fact: If you are in receipt of Carers Allowance, you can still register with Gloucestershire Carers Hub for free information, advice and support.

“Am I carer? I don’t receive Carers Allowance.”

Fact: You do not need to be in receipt of Carers Allowance, you can still register with Gloucestershire Carers Hub for free information, advice and support.

“I support someone but other family members do as well – can we all get support from the carers hub?”

Fact: Everyone who is supporting that individual can register with us.

“I work and support someone. I don’t think I spend enough hours supporting someone to access support?”

Fact: There is no minimum number of hours you need to support someone for to register.

“I don’t think I’m a carer – I think I’m only a Carer if the things I help with are physical, like assisting someone with a physical disability?”

Fact: You are a Carer if you provide emotional support to someone or carry out tasks to assist them with their daily life.

“If I register as a Carer, will I be able to stay employed or continue studying and college or university?”

Fact: Registering as a Carer doesn’t affect you in your working life or when studying it just means you can access the support you need.

“I’m only 21, Carers are all older people aren’t they?”

Fact: Carers can be any age, supporting children, family members or friends with a physical disability, mental health condition or addiction.

“I don’t think there is any support for unpaid Carers in my area?”

Fact: We provide a wide range of support services for unpaid Carers who are supporting someone who lives in Gloucestershire.

“Isn’t a Carer a paid worker who supports someone?”

Fact: Many people provide unpaid care and support to individuals in their lives. You are a Carer if you provide support for someone whether it is a family member, friend or neighbour.

Being an unpaid Carer can be a challenging role. By getting the support you need, you can make sure that you are able to support someone else and still take care of yourself.

To get in touch with organisations that support carers in Gloucestershire, you can visit the websites of Gloucestershire Carers Hub, Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum and Gloucestershire Young Carers or view/print this useful Carers Aware contact sheet to get in touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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