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.

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.

Directgov

This website offers helpful information and support for carers, including carers' rights, financial support and employment. It also gives very comprehensive advice and support on mental health issues.

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/.

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.

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

Alzheimer's Society
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