Support for carers
This page offers a list of support and information services for carers. There are information and links to a number of organisations below.
Healthwatch England has also compiled a guide with advice and support about your rights as carer. You can download the Carers Rights Guide by clicking here.
Boom! Young Carers
The Benjamin Foundation offers positive activities for young carers to escape their day-to-day pressure, offer them the chance to meet new friends, learn new skills and get support.
Boom! Young Carers,
23-27 St Andrews Street,
Norwich NR4 4TP
Carers Matter Norfolk
Carers Matter Norfolk is the countywide service funded by Norfolk County Council and the NHS to provide support to unpaid carers. All services are free and available to people aged 16+ caring for someone aged 18+.
St Clements House,
2 – 16 Colegate,
Norwich,
NR3 1BQ
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
If you would like to speak to someone outside these hours, this can be arranged by emailing Carers Matter Norfolk or leaving a message on their answerphone
Carers Identity Passport
The Carers Identity Passport has been co-produced with carers and staff across Norfolk’s health and care system to ensure unpaid Carers are identified and recognised in hospital settings.
It is available for all ages and in both a digital and physical version.
To request one or find out more:
Carers Rights Guide
Many people are unaware of their rights as a carer and, as a result, are not accessing the help and support they are entitled to.
Healthwatch England have put together a webpage with information about some of the help and support which is available.
Caring Together
Caring Together is a leading charity supporting carers of all ages across Norfolk, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
They provide information and advice, run services in our local communities and campaign so that carers have choices.
Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Young Carers
Free service and transport is provided.
Available Monday 6-8pm – fortnightly
Office Address:
Shrublands Adult and Youth Centre,
Magdalen Way,
Gorleston,
NR31 7BP
Norfolk Community Health and Care (NCH&C) Palliative Care Advice Line
NCH&C operates a nurse-led telephone advice line open to patients, relatives and carers of palliative care and end of life patients.
It is available for patients in Norwich, North Norfolk, South Norfolk and West Norfolk by dialling 0330 158 8011 and selecting option 2.
In the Great Yarmouth area, the number to call is 0800 567 0111. This service is provided by East Coast Community Health Care (ECCH) in partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice.
Norfolk Guide to Care and Support
Your guide to care and support for adults – including lists of care providers and care homes in Norfolk.
Planning for an emergency
Please consider arranging an emergency plan with friends, family or trusted neighbours, should you become unwell yourself.
Norfolk County Council offers the opportunity for you to create and register an emergency plan with them.
Carer’s emergency card
If you identify as a carer, caring for someone over the age of 18, it’s important you get a FREE carer’s emergency card. This will ensure that they will be safe if you’re caught up in an emergency.
How to get a carer’s emergency card
Create your carer’s emergency plan online here.
This is a set of information that includes:
- Details about the person you care for
- The things you do to help them
- Names of emergency contacts
If you’re unable to fill in the online form, call Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020 (textphone 0344 800 8011). Someone will be able to help you to complete it.
Alternatively, you can contact Carers Matter Norfolk on 0800 083 1148, for help to complete the plan.
Carers UK also provide advice and guidance on emergency planning, including things to consider when completing this.
Once completed, they will send you a carer’s emergency card (the size of a small credit card), which you should carry with you at all times.
The card states that you’re a carer and that someone is relying on you to keep them safe and well. It also shows your Emergency Plan number and the emergency helpline number.
It is your responsibility to keep the plan updated and notify Adult Social Care and any other parties you have shared the plan with of any changes. To amend your emergency plan, please complete the set up a Carers Emergency Plan form with the up to date details.
Caring for someone at risk of getting lost
Thinking ahead and completing a ‘Herbert Protocol’ form can help you find someone should they go missing.
The form can be sent to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering vital information and support the investigation more quickly; safeguard them for more effectively and return them to safety before any harm can occur.
If you are a family carer, relative or care provider we advise you to the complete the form, send a copy to the police and store another one somewhere safe, in the event the person you care for was to go missing.
West Norfolk Carers
West Norfolk Carers give unpaid carers of all ages, relief from their overwhelming feelings of loneliness, responsibility and helplessness by providing professional support and advice to help overcome the emotional, financial and physical challenges they face.
Address:
20 Thoresby College,
Queen Street
King’s Lynn
Norfolk
PE30 1HX
Young Carers Matter Norfolk
Young Carers Matter Norfolk offer support and information for young carers in Norfolk.
They are available to chat on their advice line between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or you can use their online referral forms here.
