Who are Carers?

You are a carer if you are looking after someone who is deaf or hearing, who is ill, disabled or elderly, and that person depends on you.

You could be a friend, a relative, a partner or neighbour.

You may not live in the same house as the person you are caring for.

Caring can range from just “popping in” every day to being with the person 24 hours a day. It can include shopping or cooking for someone, helping with bathing, dressing or going to the toilet. Caring might also involve giving emotional support of just being there to talk to.

Caring for someone can be very stressful and can affect your health, both physical and emotional.

The Kirklees Carers Gateway Service provides a range of services and support to meet the needs of carers.

The Carers Gateway’s services include:

• Providing information on national and local services for carers
• Providing emotional support to carers who may be feeling unhappy and in need of support
• Free social and training events which provide carers with a break, a chance to learn something new and to relax in the company of other carers. Travel expenses are available to help you attend and free alternative care can be arranged for the person being cared for.
• A regular newsletter packed with useful articles of interest to carers
• Action for Carers and Employment - known as ACE – which offers carers the opportunity to explore their training or employment options
• The Carers Emergency Card, which provides peace of mind to carers, in the event of the carer being involved in an accident or emergency

If you prefer, you can meet with a Carers Support Worker in your own home or at any other convenient location or contact the following office:

Gateway to care
30 Market Street
Huddersfield
HD1 2HG