Support and services for carers
How to tell if you're a carer
You're a carer if you're looking after someone regularly because they're ill, they're an older person or they're disabled – including family members.
Carers help with:
- washing, dressing or taking medicines
- getting out and about and travelling to doctors' appointments
- shopping, cleaning and laundry
- paying bills and organising finances
They can also give emotional support by:
- sitting with someone to keep them company
- watching over someone if they can't be left alone
Being a carer can be overwhelming, but there are different organisations and services that can offer you support with many different aspect of caring.
Kingston Carers Network
Kingston Carers Network (KCN) is an independent charity providing information, advice, advocacy and support to unpaid carers of all ages who are caring for someone with an illness, disability or substance misuse problem.
Services for adult carers include: counselling, peer support groups, benefits advice, tribunal representation, mental health support and complementary therapies.
The Young Carers Project includes term time youth groups, holiday respite activities, school outreach, one-to-one mentoring and targeted family support.
Website: kingstoncarers.org.uk
Phone: 020 3031 2757
Email: admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Carer's assessment
If you care for someone, you have the right to an assessment to see what might help make your life easier. This is called a carer's assessment. Completing the assessment can help you receive tailored support and services based on your needs.
If you live in Kingston, carers assessment are completed in partnership between Kingston Council and Kingston Carers Network.
You can contact Kingston Carers Network to request an assessment, and the quickest and easiest way to submit your request for assessment is online using Kingston Carer's Network referral form.
Connected Kingston
Connected Kingston is a site dedicated to helping Kingston residents find local activities and navigate local services. It is run by the Royal Borough of Kingston Council and Kingston Voluntary Action in conjunction with local charities and statutory organisations.
You can use the Connected Kingston website to find information on all kinds of different, support, services and activities.
Kingston Mental Health Carers' Forum
Kingston Mental Health Carers' Forum is run by carers for carers, and offers information and advice to those caring for someone experiencing mental health difficulties.
The Forum can help you identify the assistance that you need need, information, support and training, and have monthly Peer Support Carers' Group.
Through the Forum, carers can express their collective views and opinions directly to health and social care professionals and campaign on behalf of carers in our community.
Website: kmhcf.org.uk
Email: info@kmhcf.org.uk
Phone: 07983 063578
Carers UK
Carers UK offer a wealth of information and guidance about different aspects of caring, including information on benefits, practical help in your caring role, or support in the workplace.
Website: carersuk.org
Carers Trust
Carers Trust can help you find the resources and support that are right for you.
Website: carers.org
