A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. A carer may also be juggling paid work with their unpaid caring responsibilities at home.

If you are a carer please let us know via the online form opposite – we may be able to help you.

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

The Royal Borough of Kingston provide a number of support services to local carers. For more information and advice about local resources and support for carers, click on the link to the Carers Pages of the council website.

You may also like to seek advice and support from Kingston Carer's Network, an independent voluntary sector chaity based locally in Kingston. More information about them and their contact details can be found below.

You can also speak to one of the doctors here at the surgery and they can make a referral on your behalf to Kingston Carers Network. You can read more about them in their new leaflet which can be found by clicking here..

The local network is called Kingston Carers Network  and you can find out more about them at  http://kingstoncarers.org.uk or email info@kingstoncarers.org.uk or telephone 020 3031 2757.

Make good use of Kingston Carers Network (KCN)

If you, or people you know, are caring for someone in the borough, register with KCN who are the leading, local voluntary organisation providing:

• Information and advice
• One to one support
• Peer support groups
• Outings and activities
• Training
• Range of therapies and treatments
• Out of hours Legal advice
• Counselling
• And more!

To register or refer a carer, email admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or ring them on 020 3725 3048. Right click on the link to KCN for more information.

The forum aims to enable carers to have a stronger voice in shaping and developing local services and support for them and the people they care for. Anyone caring for a relative or friend in the borough is welcome to come along to find what other carers feel are the priorities and to have their say. We would ask that you tell carers about the forum and encourage them to join in and help shape change…

For details of the dates of the forum or to find out more, either click here or contact the CEO of Kingston Carer's by email - ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

If you are a carer and would like to receive information electronically, please contact Ruxandra Ratiu, Carers' Outreach Worker on the details listed below.

Ruxandra Ratiu 
Carers' Outreach Worker
020 3725 3048 or email outreach@kingstoncarers.org.uk

You can also access up to date information on the Council's Carers Services webpage - http://www.kingston.gov.uk/info/200256/carers

For information on benefits that you may be entitled to as a carer, please visit http://www.carersuk.org

There is a 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 for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  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.

• Housing and carers

  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?