Carers Support

Action for Family Carers is an Essex charity, which for almost 30  years has been providing information and support to carers who have unpaid, caring responsibilities for others.

We are a Carers Trust Network Partner, Centre of Excellence and hold NCVO's PQASSO Level 3 Quality Mark. We provide information, befriending, counselling, volunteering opportunities and respite day care across the county,
working within schools and a variety of community settings.

Website : https://affc.org.uk/

Telephone: 0300 7 70 80 90

Local Support for Carers from EPUT

While caring for someone can be rewarding, there may be times when you find yourself dealing with difficult and stressful situations. You may feel that you are alone and that no-one can help. You may have feelings of confusion, guilt, loss, frustration and even anger.

https://eput.nhs.uk/get-involved/support-for-carers/

Local Support Counselling

We offer a free, confidential counselling service where Adult Carers can receive individual counselling sessions from qualified counsellors in Essex.

Counselling is a confidential talking therapy which gives you the opportunity to talk about your concerns, and any emotional difficulties you are experiencing with a counsellor. Sessions take place in a quiet, undisturbed and safe setting and may help you explore your situation and see things more clearly and gain more understanding of yourself. Counselling can also provide extra support outside of your network of family and friends.

https://affc.org.uk/services/adult-carers/counselling

Local Help for young people looking after someone

Looking after someone in your family can be rewarding, but it can also be difficult, and be especially hard for young people.

It may make things more difficult at school, mean you don't have time to go out with your friends, do homework, or do things you'd like to do. 

There is help available for young carers. The council can help suggest things that will make things easier for you, and help you continue to help your family.

https://www.livingwellessex.org/looking-after-someone/do-you-look-after-someone/

https://www.carersfirst.org.uk/essex/young-carers-essex

Do you look after someone who cannot manage without your support?

The surgery would like to know if you are a carer so we can support you further.

Please download and complete form below and hand to reception

Carer registration form

There are thousands of people in Essex who provide care to their loved ones; be it looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, or who needs extra help as they grow older.

For helpful information, advice, links and much more click on the link below

 Carers' Information Booklet 2024.doc

The Carers Emergency Planning Service - can help

You would need to register for the scheme by completing the application form

Information and application form below or for more details contact 03330 135 1374

Carers Emergency Planning Service Info & Application

NHS Social Care & Support Guide

NHS Support & Benefits for Carers

Carers UK

Carers & Helpers Noticeboard

A central point of contact for support for unpaid carers 0300 303 9988   

Phonelines are open Monday to Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 9am-12pm       

        E: provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net or https://essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/support/carers/

According to Carers UK 12,000 people become unpaid carers in the UK every day with many unaware of their legal rights and entitlements. ”Carers should not have to miss out on support designed to reduce some of the pressures caring can bring. Whether they care 24/7 or juggle care with work and family life, are new to caring or have been caring for many years, and wherever they live in the UK – all carers deserve to understand their rights and be supported to use them if they wish”. What are your legal rights as an Unpaid / Informal Carer?
• The right to 5 days unpaid Carer’s Leave per year
• The right to request flexible working from your employer
• The right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a Carer
• The right (and choice) to request a free flu jab
• The right to request a Carer’s Assessment
• The right to protection against discrimination or harassment for being a Carer
• The right to being consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital

January 2026 Carers News Letter

EWS Carers Noticeboard_ME_Jan2026.pdf