Carers
Who is a carer?
A carer is someone who gives help and support to someone who, due to a disability, illness or frailty, is unable to manage living in their own home without help.
Carers are unpaid, may be of any age and they may live with or apart from, the cared for person.
Whereas ‘care workers’ are those formally paid to care for others.
Every year, £87 billion is saved through the UK’s six million carers.
Carers Strategy
With around 18,000 carers living in Hackney, Hackney Homes and the Council together with Health and Voluntary partners have been working in consultation with carers to develop a new Carers Strategy.
What support is available to carers?
Under Hackney’s new Carers Strategy, the following support services have been launched:
The Hackney Carers Helpline: Carers in Hackney can now call the Carers helpline for access to advice, 1-1 telephone support, and accurate and up to date information. Contact the Carers Helpline on 020 8356 5054 8am-8pm Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm on Saturday, or email info@hackney.gov.uk
Hackney Carers Discount Card: the Hackney Carers Discount Card is intended to empower and encourage carers to identify themselves and gain access to discounts being offered by over 50 retailers in the borough.
Other concessions are available at public swimming pools and local libraries.
If you look after a Hackney resident.you are able to apply for the Carers Card by visiting the Council's carers page or phone 020 8356 5054.
Training for Carers
Hackney Community Services are running free training courses for Carers. Run by experienced trainers, the courses can open doors, provide useful advice and give you the confidence to do the best possible job as a Carer.
Apply now for FREE training in:
- Your caring
- Your health and well-being
- Your money
- Employment
If you are a Carer and are interested in training opportunities, contact Hackney Carers Training Services on 020 8356 4539. To request help with caring for someone, phone 020 8356 6262 for a Carers Assessment.
For more information visit the Carers UK website or the Council's Cares page