Carers

Am I a Carer?

There are many different definitions of a carer, so on this site, we have decided to use the Princess Royal Trust for Carers definition of a carer:

'A carer is someone, who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 carrying out significant caring tasks and assuming a level of responsibility for another person, which would normally be taken by an adult.

Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age.

Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer, they are just looking after their mother, son, or best friend, just getting on with it and doing what anyone else would in the same situation’.

What Help Can I Get?

If you are a carer, or you think you might be taking on a caring role in the near future, you are entitled to a carer's needs assessment. This is a chance for you to talk through the impact caring has on your life, emotionally, physically and mentally. You can also discuss any support you might need and be eligible for – for example someone to come and look after the person you care for to give you a break or a Direct Payment which you could use to pay for some help with the housework.

You may also be eligible for a Carers Parking Permit. See the page on the right for more about this.

Take a look at the carer's needs assessment page in this section for more information.

Most importantly - you are not alone. There are a number of organisations in the local area that help carers that may be able to offer you support. They may be able to help you to take a break, and most offer support groups that allow you to meet other carers and find out more about services for carers in Islington.

We have recently updated our Strategy for Carers, and the new document can be downloaded at the bottom of the page. You can also download the new National Carers Strategy from this page. Please keep checking these pages for more information for carers in the London Borough of Islington.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please email carers@islington.gov.uk.

Islington Carers Centre

All carers can contact the Islington Carers Centre. They offer a number of services, information and advocacy, including support groups for carers of people with mental health issues, relaxation days, and making it happen days. For more information, contact them at:

Unit 1
53 Hargrave Road
London
N19 5SH
Phone: 020 7263 9080
Email: islingtoncarers@btconnect.com

Opening hours - Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Starting in April 2010, the Islington Carers Centre will be offering one day a week extended evening opening times. From April 6th, carers will be able to call the number above until 7pm at night for advice and information, every Tuesday. Carers will also be able to book appointments to see advisers until 7pm on Tuesdays.

On Wednesdays (from 7th April), carers will be able to 'drop in' without an appointment to the Carers Centre offices above between 10:30am and 1:30pm.