Support for Carers
Do You Look After Someone?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid help and support to a family member, friend, partner or neighbour who could not manage without their help due to:

  • Illness
  • Disability
  • Frailty
  • Mental health difficulties
  • Learning disabilities
  • Substance misuse
  • Age-related needs

You may not think of yourself as a carer, but if you regularly support someone with their day-to-day needs, you may be entitled to help and support. The definition of an unpaid carer includes people who care for a loved one and are not employed to provide that care. Carer's Allowance does not count as being paid employment.

Tell Us If You Are A Carer

At St Katharine Docks Practice, we are committed to identifying and supporting carers within our patient community.

If you are a carer, please let us know so we can record this on your medical record. This helps us understand your needs and provide appropriate support and signposting.

You can tell us:

  • At reception
  • During a GP or nurse appointment
  • By telephone
  • Through our online consultation service

How We Can Support Carers

We recognise that caring for someone can affect your own physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

We aim to support carers by:

  • Identifying carers on our practice register
  • Providing health and wellbeing advice
  • Signposting to local support services
  • Encouraging uptake of screening and vaccinations
  • Considering carers' needs when arranging appointments
  • Helping carers access appropriate community support

Carer's Assessment

If you provide regular unpaid care, you may be entitled to a Carer's Assessment.

A Carer's Assessment looks at:

  • The support you provide
  • The impact caring has on your life
  • Your health and wellbeing
  • Any support you may need to continue caring safely

You are entitled to a Carer's Assessment even if the person you care for does not receive services from the Council.

Request a Carer's Assessment
Tower Hamlets Adult Social Care
Telephone: 0300 303 6070 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm)

For further information visit:
Carer's Assessment - Tower Hamlets Council
[towerhamlets.gov.uk]

Annual Flu Vaccination

Many unpaid carers are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination because of their caring responsibilities.

If you provide regular care for someone who could not manage without your support, please inform the practice so that we can ensure your record is updated and assess your eligibility for vaccination programmes.

Looking After Your Own Health

Carers often put the needs of other people first. We encourage all carers to:

  • Attend routine health appointments
  • Participate in NHS screening programmes
  • Have recommended vaccinations
  • Seek support for their own physical and mental wellbeing

If your caring responsibilities are affecting your health, please speak to a member of our clinical team.

Local Support for Carers
Carers Centre Tower Hamlets

The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets provides information, advice, advocacy, training, wellbeing services and practical support for unpaid carers aged 16 years and over who care for an adult living in Tower Hamlets. Services include carers' assessments, peer support groups, benefits advice, training opportunities, emergency planning and wellbeing activities.

Address
The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets
21 Brayford Square
London E1 0SG

Telephone: 020 7790 1765
Email: enquiries@ccth.org.uk
Website:
Carers Centre Tower Hamlets
[ccth.org.uk]

Additional Support Available

The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets offers access to:

  • One-to-one support and advocacy
  • Welfare benefits advice
  • Carers forums and peer support groups
  • Health and wellbeing activities
  • Training and educational opportunities
  • Emergency planning services
  • Counselling and emotional support
  • Carers retreats and respite opportunities
  • Young Adult Carers support

Emergency Support for Carers

If you experience a crisis or emergency and are unable to continue your caring role temporarily, support may be available through local emergency carers services. The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets can provide advice and guidance regarding emergency planning and available services.

For more information:
Carers Emergency Services
[towerhamletsconnect.org]

National Support

Further information for carers is available on the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/

Are You An Unpaid Carer?

You may be a carer if you regularly look after a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, disabled, frail, living with dementia, has a mental health condition or has substance misuse problems.

Please tell us about your caring responsibilities so we can record this on your medical record and help you access the support available to carers.

Contact Us
St Katharine Docks Practice
12/14 Nightingale House
50 Thomas More Street
London E1W 1UA

Telephone: 020 7488 3653

Email: nelondonicb.skd@nhs.net
Website: St Katharine Docks Practice

"Looking after someone else can be challenging. We are here to support both carers and the people they care for."