Carers

A carer is someone who looks after a friend or relative who suffers from an illness or disability. Some carers may be forced to give up work and young carers may miss out on school. The additional responsibilities of caring can damage their health due to stress, poverty and isolation and it can be easy for carers to neglect themselves as they focus their attention on the person they are looking after. There are many groups and resources available for carers that can offer support, help and advice.

We've published a new leaflet for Carers. Click here to see it.

Also, click here to see a sugguested reading list for carers or here for infromation about Employment, Education, Volunteering and Training for Carers.

To see our Carers' Strategy, whiich outlines out promises to carers, please click here

CarersLine:
CarersLine is Carers UK's free advice line for carers. It is open on Wednesday and Thursday each week between 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. Telephone 0808 808 7777.

Rethink
Rethink provides 45 specialist services across the country. These services provide carers with individual and group support, access to information and assistance with accessing carer assessments with local authorities.
Rethink also has its own dedicated website for carers: http://www.rethink.org/.
Rethink general enquiries and advice line number is 0845 456 0455. It is open from 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri.

Advice on benefits
The Department of Health’s carers’ website offers some useful advice on benefits for carers.

Carers’ Assessment
The Carers’ Assessment is an opportunity for you to tell your Social Services department about your situation and to request help in judging the level of assistance that you need. The Department of Health website offers a great deal of information on the assessment.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers offers a detailed explanation of the different types of assessment as well as a exploration of some of the legal issues.

Carers Direct
All careres can access free help and information from www.nhs.uk/carersdirect
Carers Direct offers money advice at http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/moneyandlegal/Pages/Moneyandlegalhome.aspx
Carers Direct offers time off advice at http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/yourself/timeoff/Pages/Overview.aspx
Carers Direct offers bereavement advice at http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/bereavement/Pages/Bereavementsupport.aspx
Carers Direct offers carer's assessment advice at http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/assessments/Pages/Carersassessments.aspx
Carers Direct offers advice on young carers at http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/young/Pages/Youngcarershome.aspx

West Essex

Refresh - Caring for Carers
There is an independent faith based group that has formed to support those caring for people with emotional and mental health issues.

The group meets between 2pm and 3pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at: The Forest Hall, 2 High Beech Road, Loughton IG10 4BL.

Contact Number: 07972 108105

Alzheimer’s Society

Epping Forest Branch:
42 Howard Business Park
Howard Close
Waltham Abbey
EN9 1XE
Tel: 01992 717676
Email: eppingforest@alzheimers.org.uk

Harlow Branch
Latton Bush Centre
Southern Way
Harlow
CM18 7BL
Tel: 01279-418331
Email: alzheimersharlow@btconnect.com

Uttlesford Branch
Voluntary & Community Centre
46 High Street
Great Dunmow
CM6 1AN
Tel: 01371-872519
Email: uttlesford@alzheimers.org.uk

Caring for Epping Forest Carers
Voluntary Action
Homefield House
Civic Offices
High Street
Epping
Essex CM16 4BZ
Tel: 01992 564518

Caring for Harlow Carers
3 Wych Elm,
Hamstel Road,
Harlow,
Essex.
CM20 1QP
Tel: 01279 308314
Email: carers@harlowcarers.org.uk

Refresh Carer Support Group
The Forest Hall
High Beech Road
Loughton
Essex
Tel: 07972 108105
Website: www.refreshcaring.org.uk

Mid Essex

Evening Carers Support Group

Join the group for support, information and dinner.

Meetings will be held at The Angel Pub, 160 Main Road, Broomfield CM1 7AH between 6.30pm and 8.30pm

For more information contact Louise Brock, Veronica Sadowsky or Gemma Fraser: 01621 851640

Alzheimer’s Society
Unit 3, Lockside Marina
Hill Road South
Chelmsford
CM2 6HF
Tel: 01245 260911
Email: midessex@alzheimers.org.uk
Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Essex Respite Association
Suite 2,
Rochester House Business Centre,
275 Baddow Road,
Chelmsford, Essex.
CM2 7QA. 
Tel: 01245 353855
E-mail: e.respite@btconnect.com
Web: www.essexrespite.org.uk    

Braintree Rethink Carers Support Group
The Gables
17 Bocking End
Braintree
Essex
Tel: 01376 349549
Website: www.rethink.org/carers

The Bipolar Organization (MDF)
Service User & Carers support Group
49b Mill Road
Maldon
Essex
CM9 4HX
Tel: 0845 4349766 (evenings)
Website: www.mdf.org.uk

Action for Family Carers
Brickhouse Farm Poulton Close
Maldon
Essex
CM9 6NG
Tel: 01621 851640
Email: enquiries@affc.org.uk

North East Essex

Carers Support Group
The Oak House Center,
76 Maldon Road
Colchester,
Essex.
CO3 3AG.

Meetings are held every alternative Wednesday evening between 6.30pm - 8.30pm

For further details please contact Lynn Polley 01206 287270

Alzheimer’s Society

Colchester & District Branch
Marylands
43 Shrub End Road
Colchester
CO3 3UE
Tel: 01206 573708
Email: info@alzheimers-colchester.org

Tendring Branch
Imperial House
Rosemary Road
Clacton-on-Sea
CO15 1NZ
Tel: 01255 474650
Email: tendring@alzheimers.org.uk

Essex Carers Support
Imperial House
Rosemary Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex CO15 1NZ
Tel: 01255 474410

Tendring Mental Health Carers Support
14-16 Orwell Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex CO15 1PP
Tel: 01255 225235