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Advice for carers

In this section you will find information and advice for Carers to ensure they have the right information and support they need to look after themselves as well as the person they care for.

Advocacy support

The Council has a duty to make sure you are fully involved in understanding and making decisions about the care and support you need. 

If you find it hard to be involved in the care process or don't have anyone who can help you, we offer an independent advocacy service. 

Total Voice Sunderland is the contracted provider for advocacy services in the city and is delivered in partnership between MHM and Voiceability. They work across the city offering a range of advocacy for people living in the area.

You can find Total Voice Sunderland and other services offering this support under the Advocacy link. 

Am I a carer?

Carers are unpaid people who provide regular and substantial help for a friend or family member because they have an illness, disability, mental health problem or addiction and cannot cope without their support.

Carer's Assessment

This is an opportunity to discuss how being a carer affects your life, identify any changes to be made and how to be supported to achieve these. 

This can be done between the carer and an assessor face to face, via the phone or by completing the self-assessment online.  Details can be found on the Sunderland Carers Centre/Carers Assessment website. 

Carer's Emergency Plan

Carers can worry what will happen to the person they care for if they are suddenly taken ill or have an accident.  

Sunderland Carers Centre offer carers an Emergency Contact Card scheme which provides carers and the people they care for with an opportunity to plan in advance for emergencies and who should be contacted in an emergency. 

To discuss how you can be supported and how to complete a carers emergency contact card application form, please visit Sunderland Carers Centre/Planning for emergencies website. 

The Carers Trust also provide information on Emergency schemes for carers and the Message in a Bottle Scheme, for more information please visit the Carers Trust website.

Carer Groups

Carers can become cut off from friends and outside interests and often feel isolated.  Going to carer groups with others in similar situations can be a comfort, for more information please visit Sunderland Carers Centre/Carer Groups website.

Carers health and wellbeing

Sometimes carers forget about looking after their own health and well-being because their priority is often  thinking about looking after someone else. 

Sunderland Carers Centre is working with other organisations to encourage carers to think about their own physical health and emotional well-being and to encourage carers to take some time out from their caring roles.  To find out more please visit the Sunderland Carers Centre website.

 

Moving and handling for carers

When caring for someone, you may need to help them move around. It’s essential that you know how to move them safely so you don’t hurt yourself or them.

For more information about basics for moving and handling for carers please visit the Stroke 4 Carers website.

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