The Carers Information and Support Service (CISS) offers free advice and support to anyone who is providing a caring role.
They support carers over the age of 18 and their families, in a number of ways including -
- access to information relevant to your caring role
- carers card
- free support courses for carers
- free confidential advice including emotional support
- free befriending support
- free carers breaks
- free services with one of their trained carer support professionals
- help to register as a carer for your GP
- signposting and referrals to other services
- you may be eligible for a small financial award to help you fund a break from your caring role
They also offer a comprehensive carer assessment resulting in information on your entitlements and identifying community services available to you.
Carers Card
If you are a carer you can now benefit from a Free Carer Card which officially identifies you as a carer and that should be carried by you at all times. There is no charge for the card.
The card has two main purposes -
- to notify emergency services that someone you are responsible for needs support, should something happen to you
- to get you discounted access to local health and wellbeing services, as well as with selected local shops and businesses
Carers Champion Training
The Carers Champion training is aimed at professionals, volunteers and members of our communities who are interested in increasing their awareness about -
- recognising unpaid carers
- find out what support is available locally and nationally to carers
- how to refer a carer for support