Support for carers in Brent
If you provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, or another problem, cannot cope without support, there are services available to help you and steps you can take to get more support.
Financial support for Brent carers
It’s recommended that unpaid carers do a benefits check to find out what financial support is available. You can do this online, and it takes about 20 minutes.
The main benefit for carers is the Carer's Allowance. However, doing the benefits check will also show you if you’re eligible to things like tax credits, council tax discounts or help with fuel costs.
Access the Carers UK benefits calculator here.
Help from Brent Council
Unpaid carers in Brent can also ask the council for a carer’s assessment. This is available for people who are aged 18 and over. The person you care for also needs to be aged 18 or over in order to be eligible.
You can find out more about the carer’s assessment on Brent Council’s website.
There are a range of things they might recommend to give you more support, such as:
- Additional help with caring, allowing you to take a break
- Access to services that will provide stress relief, such as exercise classes
- Help with household tasks
- Help with travel costs, if you are not able to drive
- Training on skills that you need to provide proper care
- Information about local support groups
There is separate support available for young carers (those under the age of 18) – you can find more information here.
Getting support for the person you care for
Brent Council can also do a care needs assessment, to see what additional help the person you care for may be entitled to. Read our article ‘Getting help from Brent adult social care’ for more information, available here.
Brent Carers Centre
Brent Carers Centre are a first point of contact for carers living in Brent. They can provide information and advice, help you access a carers assessment and share information about other support available in our local area. They also run a Carers Forum, and have a range of respite services, such as befriending and a personal assistant network.
All of the information can be found on their website.
Other local support groups
If you are involved with a group and would like to be listed on this page, please let us know by emailing info@healthwatchbrent.co.uk
Further information
If you would like further information, Carers UK have a wide range of support and resources.
You can also contact us for information and signposting relating to your specific situation.
