Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you.

We have a representative from the Portsmouth Carer's Centre in the practice each week on a Wednesday morning - feel free to drop in to ask any questions you may have - or contact the Carer's centre direct:

The Carers Centre is a community resource dedicated to the support of carers in the city of Portsmouth.

• We are based at 117 Orchard Rd, Southsea, PO4 0AD
• Opening hours - Monday - Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-4.30, Saturday Café 10-2
• If you can't visit the centre, please phone 023 9285 1864, email carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or write to us.
• Or visit www.facebook.com/portsmouthcarerscentre for news and events

We are a one stop shop for carers, offering a variety of support, including emotional support, carers breaks, sitting service, cooking sessions, training, carers groups, support for young carers and adult mental health carers, as well as volunteering opportunities. 

We have a wealth of information within the building, and members of staff who have a wide knowledge of services in the local area. Anyone can drop in to the centre during opening hours. Or you can make an appointment if you prefer.

Carers Centre staff and volunteers are regularly present and able to meet you at out-stations throughout the city, which may be closer to your home (GP surgeries, pharmacies, Healthy Living Centre, St Mary's Hospital etc). We have a dedicated team at Queen Alexandra Hospital, so you may ask your nurse or doctor to contact them if you or the person you look after is at the hospital.

If your caring role, work or family commitments don’t allow you to visit us during the week we’d be happy to see you on Saturday, when we're open for Carers Café. Why not come and see us, try our delicious coffee and homemade cakes, and speak to staff and carer volunteers?

In exceptional circumstances, if you are not able to leave your home, we can make a home visit - please contact us to find out more.

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There is also a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• Caring for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Carers support groups

Finance and Law

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Managing someone's legal affairs

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund

• Tax credits

  Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible