Carers Direct

Calling all young carers! Do you want to have your voice heard? We want to hear from you. NHS England, the department of health and social care, and the department of education are working together to improve the lives of young carers. Led by young carers! We are hosting a series of workshops to hear young carer voices on these dates: 16th December 4-5pm & 6-7pm, 17th December 6-7pm, 6th January 4-5pm & 6-7pm. The information we hear will help make real changes to the lives of young carers across England. We can only make changes by hearing from you about your experiences of being a young carer, and right now we don't know who all of the young carers in England are.. and so not everyone's being supported. Get involved, and book your space in a workshop by contacting the email address: england.mhsthinkcarer@nhs.net

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.

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?

Contact Carers Direct

Telephone: 0808 802 0202

Website: Carersdirect

Email: CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk

Office Hours: 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

Benefits for carers

Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

Benefits for the person you care for

Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

Death and benefits

How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

Managing someone's legal affairs

Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

Other benefits

Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

Personal and household finance

Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

Social fund

Tax credits

Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible

Page last reviewed: 03 December 2025
Page created: 08 July 2019