Access carer support
Depending on where you live and who you care for, support may come from the NHS, your local council, or voluntary organisations. We’ll guide you to the right contacts and services.
Our Carer Handbook
Download and read our handbook, to understand what support is available to you.
View handbookAre you an unpaid carer?
Many people help family or community members without realising there's support available.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Our FAQs are a great place to start, they cover common concerns and helpful tips for carers, friends, and family.
Learn moreHow to access local carer support
We have six local authorities across Berkshire (Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead, Reading, West Berkshire and Wokingham). Under the Carer Act 2014 (and Children and Families Act 2014) each local authority has responsibilities for planning, commissioning and delivery of services for carers.
They’ll be able to provide you with information and advice about your rights as a carer including:
Carers assessments: This is a chance to talk about how caring affects your day-to-day life. The assessment is free and separate from the needs assessment the person you care for might have. It looks at your physical, mental and emotional needs. Any carer who needs support can have an assessment regardless of the amount or type of care they provide, finances or level of need.
Emergency or contingency plans: Get help to create a contingency or emergency plan. This is a document that sets out what to do and who to contact if you’re suddenly unable to provide care, making sure the person being cared for remains safe and supported.
Respite: Not all social care is funded and sometimes individuals source and fund their own care, including respite care. Investigate the local respite care offer by contacting your local authority.
Find carers support in Berkshire
Download Carers Support Map (Bh700a)
File size: 1.17MB
pdf
Find support near you
Search Carers UK’s directory to find contact details for local carers' organisations, council services, and providers of the Digital Resource for Carers. It includes support with assessments, respite care, financial help, carers' groups, and emergency card schemes.
Visit Carers UK websiteInformation sharing
Our Friends, Family and Carer Handbook includes information about consent, confidentiality and information sharing. We’ll aim to provide you with clear, accurate and relevant information and keep you informed throughout the care pathway. If, for legal reasons, we can’t share information, we’ll explain why.
What we keep private
Service users have the right to expect that their personal information is kept confidential. Carers also have the right to expect that what they share with us is treated with respect and privacy.
What can be shared
Even when service users withhold consent, we can still listen to your views and share general information about mental or physical health conditions or how to support someone in crisis.
We also try to understand why someone may not want to share information. We will revisit the conversation regularly to check whether the patient has changed their mind. If consent is given, we can share more specific details about care, treatment and medication.
Download our Mental Capacity Act leaflet to understand how we assess a persons ability to make decisions for themselves. Please note, the guidance applies to those aged 16 and over.
Mental Capacity Act 2005 Information Sheet
Download Mental Capacity Act 2005 Information Sheet
File size: 292KB
pdf
Get in touch
Martha's Rule
If you’re concerned about someone’s physical or mental health deteriorating - whether you’re a patient, family member, or carer - you have the right to speak up and request urgent help.
Learn moreHelp improve our service
You can share your views and experiences by completing our Friends, Family and Carers Feedback form.
Open feedback formPatient Advice and Liaison Service
Contact our PALS team to share your suggestions or concerns and help us improve the ways we work with carers.
Visit our service