Carers
Are You a Carer?
Do you provide help and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without your help? If you do, you are a carer.
Please let us know – we may be able to help you
Website: www.luton.gov.uk/adult social care
There is also wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
Caring can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Tell your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
Carers in Bedfordshire
If you are a carer, or have been a carer, you may be experiencing stress, anxiety, guilt, bereavement, trauma and loss. Counselling can help you work through these emotions, allowing you time and space to concentrate on your emotions.
Telephone: 0300 111 1919
Website: www.carersinbeds.org.uk/how-we-can-help/wellbeing
Email: contact@carersinbeds.org.uk
CHUMS - Young Carers Service
The service supports children and young people aged five to 18 who help to care for someone with a disability, chronic or serious illness, mental health condition, learning difficulty etc, whether that is a parent or sibling. Support is offered through group work in schools as well as monthly drop-in facilities.
Telephone: 01525 863924
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChumsCharity
Twitter: @CHUMSCharity
Website: chums.uk.com/young-carers
Email: info@chums.uk.com
Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Telephone: 020 7378 4999
Website: www.carersuk.org
Carers' Cafe
Informal drop-in with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The cost is £1 entry including tea/coffee and cake/biscuits. It is run between 1-2.30pm on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Mind BLMK’s Wellbeing Centre, 46/56 Dumfries Street, Luton.
Telephone: 01582 380002
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindblmk
Twitter: @MindBLMK
Website: www.mind-blmk.org.uk
Email: carers@mind-blmk.org.uk
Carers Direct Helpline
Call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053 if you need help with your caring role and want to talk to someone.
If you’re busy at certain times of the day, send the Carers Direct helpline a text message and ask for an adviser to call you back at a time that is convenient to you.
Telephone lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. It is closed on bank holidays.
The helpline is available for people caring for someone in England. Calls are charged at standard rates.
Young People's Counselling
Counselling at TOKKO Youth Space in Gordon Street is short-term intervention counselling (4-6 weeks). Young people aged 10 to 21 can share their problems in a confidential environment, being treated with respect based on an understanding of their culture and background.
Telephone: 01582 544990
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tokkoyouthluton
Twitter: @TokkoYouthLuton
Instagram: @tokkoyouthluton
Website: tokko.co.uk
Email: info@tokko.co.uk