Support for Carers

Short Breaks 

Short Breaks are a form of support for carers as they provide opportunities for children and young people to spend time away from their primary carers. This may include day, evening, overnight or weekend activities and can take place at the child’s home, in their local community, at the home of an approved carer, or other residential setting.

Please visit our Short Breaks in Ealing (internal link) page for more information.

Ealing Carers Centre 

Ealing Carers provide support and guidance to unpaid carers, to help them navigate the health and social care system and ensure that they look after their own needs, too.

The Carers Support Service shall support carers of all ages caring for individuals with all health and social care needs.

Tel: 0203 137 6194

E-mail Info@ealingcarers.org.uk

Website: https://www.ealingcarers.org.uk/

Carers UK

Charity for carers across the whole of the UK and has information on carers rights and more. 

www.carersuk.org

What is a young carer? 

A young carer is somebody under the age of 18 who takes on the responsibility of supporting family members who cannot manage on their own. This may be due to illness, disability, mental health conditions, learning difficulties, addiction etc.

As a young carer you may have taken on practical household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, ironing or paying bills. You may also be helping with personal care such as bathing, dressing or collecting prescriptions, as well as offering emotional support.

Giving this level of care can take up a lot of your time and energy which may affect your education. If you are missing lessons or homework because of your caring duties, it is important to tell the school about your situation. If they are aware, they may be able to restructure your homework requirements and even offer you additional support to catch up. Speaking to someone at school can also help if you are feeling stressed out about exams or your situation.

 If you are missing social events and opportunities because of your caring responsibilities, this may make you feel lonely and isolated. It may be helpful to confide your feelings and worries to a friend you can trust. Accessing support from services can provide you with respite, giving you the opportunity to take a break from your caring role and take part in activities that you can enjoy amongst other young carers.

If you think you may be a young carer, remember- it’s okay to ask for help. You can speak to your teacher or a worker that may be supporting the person you care for such as a social worker or a health professional. They can help with finding services that can best support you.

Ealing Young Carers Project

Managed by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Ealing young carers project provides support and advice to young carers living in the borough of Ealing. They offer a range of respite activities which include days out in the school holidays, advocacy and advice when requested, and one-to-one support with a project worker when required.

If you would like to access this service, a referral form needs to be completed. A professional can refer on your behalf, however self-referrals are also accepted. You can access the referral form under ‘useful reading ‘. 

Tel: 020 8326 7044
Email: ksobczak@brentfordfccst.com

SAFE (Supportive Action for Families in Ealing)

SAFE can give you information and advice and help you to access the appropriate services and support to help before a manageable problem becomes bigger and more difficult to resolve. The SAFE team can be accessed via Ealing Children’s Integrated Response Service(ECIRS). 

Tel: 020 8825 8000
Email: ecirs@ealing.gov.uk

Ealing Children’s Integrated Response Service (ECIRS)

ECIRS is the single point of entry for all referrals where there is a need for support, or where there are specific concerns about the safety welfare of a child or young person. Families or professionals wishing to self-refer into SAFE should contact ECIRS in the first instance. 

Tel: 020 8825 8000
Email: ecirs@ealing.gov.uk

In Ealing there are a number of key services that offer information, support and guidance to families, with specific services for children and their families with Special Educational Needs or a Disability (SEND).

For more information on these services that could assist your family please see our Family Support section

Action for Children- Sidekick 

Sidekick is a confidential helpline for young carers in the UK. You can message us any time, about anything that's bothering you as a young carer.

Sidekick from Action for Children | Text us your question

Childline 

Childline have a free confidential information and advice line that you can call if you ever feel like you want to have a chat. You can contact ChildLine about anything that is worrying you.   There Is also a 1-2-1 counsellor chat, where you can speak to a counsellor online.

Tel: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk

 

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is extra money to help you look after someone with substantial caring needs. You could also claim Carer's Credit so there won't be any gaps in your National Insurance record if you have to take on caring responsibilities.

To find out more or if you wish to apply, please visit: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance