Support for Carers

Finding sources of guidance, advice and support for carers in West Berkshire

On this page:

Caring for an Adult

If you care for or support someone with a disability or health problems, you are a carer.

Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. We provide information and services to improve carers' ability to care and also live a life outside this role.

Caring for a Person with a Disability Going into Hospital

If you care for someone with a disability who is going into hospital, there is helpful information and downloadable easy read leaflets on the Royal Berkshire Hospital website. For advice or assistance, contact the Learning Disability Liaison Nurse on 0118 322 8159 or 07879 425 803.

Hampshire Hospitals also has information for people with learning disabilities, and the Rethink website has a useful guide for carers about going into hospital with a mental illness.

Carers Week 5-11 June 2023

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight 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 themsleves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. During Carers Week this year, the Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership are hosting events throughout the week in West Berkshire for unpaid carers. Further information and details of these free events being held can be found on The West Berkshire Directory - Carers Week 2023 Events page.

Carer Support Services

West Berkshire Council grant-funds the following voluntary organisations to provide specific support and services to carers:

Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership

The Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership provide a Carers Hub for family carers in Reading and West Berkshire. The partnership members Age UK Berkshire and CommuniCare work with the carers of residents in West Berkshire.

The Partnership provide information and advice to unpaid carers to help support their physical and emotional wellbeing and are able to advise on financial help (such as grants, benefits and discounts) and rights in employment. They also signpost to a host of other relevant services.

To access support from the Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership, please complete the Icon for doc Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership Referral Form [50KB] or:

Contact: 0118 959 4242 email info@ageukberkshire.org.uk

https://carerspartnership.org.uk/ or www.ageukberkshire.org.uk

Or 0118 926 3941 email office@communicare.org.uk www.communicare.org.uk

Crossroads Care Oxfordshire and West Berkshire

Crossroads offer support for carers which includes:

the provision of transport for doctor, hospital or other appointments
a Rapid Response Service providing care in emergencies - help is provided to all ages, regardless of disability
a trained carer to stay with someone at home while the carer has a break to go shopping or pursue a hobby
self-funded packages of care (care is assessed on an individual basis to suit the care needs)
a service for children with a disability
'Forget Me Nots' respite breaks, offered to people living with dementia or a disability, on Saturdays fortnightly at The Phoenix Resource Centre - Call 01635 30008 or email care@oxfordshirecrossroads.org.uk for details.

Crossroads Care West Berkshire operates an emergency out of hours telephone helpline that's available to all carers in West Berkshire on 07867 673063.

This operates from 8pm to 8am on weekdays and all weekend.

During normal office hours contact details are: Newbury office 01635 30008 or 07789700194 and Regional office 01865 260280.

Help for Carers from West Berkshire Council

If you provide unpaid care to someone who is over the age of 18, you may be eligible for support and can ask for a carer's assessment.

If you're not eligible, we will still provide information and advice, and put you in touch with other services and support groups that may be able to help you.

Adult carers that look after someone who lives within West Berkshire can request a carer's assessment by:

completing our online enquiry form
or, completing the Carers 'Understanding your Needs' Form [675KB] , which provides a range of questions and prompts that may help you consider your caring role

The Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership can provide support for carers to complete this 'Understanding your Needs' form. If you would like further information please complete the Icon for doc Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership Referral Form [50KB] or contact the Partnership.

What is a Carer's Assessment?

A carer's assessment is a series of questions designed to help you think about the different ways that caring affects your life. If you're willing and able to continue caring for the person you look after, we will take account of the support you provide when we work out what services they need. This will help us work out if you're eligible for support funded by West Berkshire Council.

The Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations set out a national eligibility threshold for Carers. This means that there's a level of need at which we will offer support. This is set by the government so it's the same wherever you live.

Caring for Someone Under 18

If you are looking after a child who needs more help than other children of their age because of an illness or disability, you should initially contact the West Berkshire Contact Advice and Assessment Service (CAAS).

Taking a Break from Caring - Replacement/Respite Care

Caring for someone can be a full-time job and, like any job, you sometimes need to take a break. Being a carer can be emotionally and physically tiring, and it's important to look after your own health and wellbeing. Taking a break from caring is essential, even if it's only for a few hours.

Who Pays for Respite Care?

Respite services from West Berkshire Council are chargeable. The individual who is being cared for, as the recipient of the service, may be charged for respite services depending on their financial assessment.

Carer's Emergency Card and Plan

A small photo ID card carried by carers to alert others to the fact that there may be a dependant person at home in need of help, should you become unwell or involved in an accident.

To find out more and how to apply for a card, contact: 0118 959 4242, email info@ageukberkshire.org.uk or 0118 926 3941, email office@communicare.org.uk.

The Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership will also support the development of a Carers Emergency Plan. Carers UK provide examples of what to consider as part of this plan.

West Berkshire Carers Information Booklet

There are a wide range of other organisations that provide information, advice and guidance to support you in your role as a carer. These can be found in the Icon for pdf Information for Carers Booklet [2MB] , or on our West Berkshire Directory.

You can find useful resources on flexible working and work life balance and training opportunities in sections 8 and 9 in the Carers booklet.

Finding Further Information

GOV.UK, the public services website, has detailed information for carers about money matters, covering a wide range of topics including Carers Allowance, Carers Credits for the state pension, and Council Tax reduction.

Read our Icon for pdf Ten Tips for Carers [472KB] leaflet for information to support your wellbeing as a carer.