Carer support

Carers Week

10th to 16th June 2024 is Carers Week.

"Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support."

Visit the Carers Week website for more information: https://www.carersweek.org/

Woodbrook Medical Centre would like to make sure that our patients who provide care to others feel well supported for their healthcare, emotional and social needs.

How do I know if I am a carer?

A Carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend or neighbour, who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. You may do this full time or just for a few hours a week.

If you have caring responsibilities please contact the practice so that we can add an alert to your medical record. If we know that you are a Carer we will understand that you are likely to be under pressure at times and we may be able to offer you a more tailored service around your needs as a carer.

Health check-ups

Life can become very hectic especially if you have lots of caring responsibilities, but it's important not to neglect your own health needs. Attending appointments, check-ups and screenings is vital for yourself as well as any loved ones.

We know that carers sometimes carry on regardless through coughs, flu, stomach upsets and worse; but please don’t put off contacting us if you feel unwell.

Local support services for carers

VASL are a local support service who can offer help to carers over the age of 18. They can offer:

A dedicated telephone advice and support line so you can talk to a team of experienced professionals in confidence about any aspect of being a carer
Assistance in completing a carers assessment
Information on carers support groups around the country
An informative website with self-help videos
Advice on any aspect of the caring role, including financial and legal assistance

For more information please visit:

Support for Carers Leicestershire - VASL

Leicestershire Support For Carers

To check if you are eligible for this service, please visit: Eligibility Criteria for Services - VASL

To refer yourself to VASL either call 01858 433232 or use the following link: Register for VASL

The Leicestershire carers directory can also provide you with useful information about help that may be available to you.

Leicestershire Carers Directory [EXTERNAL LINK]