Practical Help - Carers Count Kirklees

If you are a carer, we can help with…

Contingency Planning

What is Contingency Planning?

Falling ill is something that can happen to anyone. For carers, this can bring added anxiety about leaving their loved ones without support. While it’s natural to worry, creating a contingency plan can help ease these fears by ensuring someone is available to provide care in your absence.

At Carers Count, we can assist you in creating a contingency plan through:

Talking It Through
Our experienced advocates can discuss your options and help you plan what should happen to the person you care for in your absence.

Are there family members or services that could step in temporarily?
Do you have contacts in social services for a quick response?
While we cannot make decisions for you, we provide guidance based on experience. To self-refer or speak with an Advocate, visit our Advocacy page.

Carers Toolkit
Our toolkit includes essential resources to help you prepare:

Carers Emergency Cards: Notify others that you’re a carer, ensuring prompt action if something happens to you.
Kirklees Contingency Planning Form: Document your wishes for emergencies. Store it safely for easy access.
Information & Advice Service: Ensure your carers assessment is up to date to support emergency planning.
Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire Emergency Service: Access short-term emergency support workers and assistance with longer-term planning.

Further guidance is available on the Carers UK website.

Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle
The Message in a Bottle programme stores critical medical and personal information in an easy-to-access location—your fridge. Emergency responders know to check for the sticker and can quickly access details like medications, allergies, and emergency contacts, ensuring timely care.

The Herbert Protocol
This initiative helps carers compile vital information to assist authorities if a vulnerable person goes missing. Learn more by visiting the Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form on the West Yorkshire Police website.

By planning ahead, you can ensure peace of mind for both yourself and your loved one.

Useful links

Health and wellbeing

“The trigger for me was accepting that I was in fact a carer, and that I need not, despite the huge uphill struggle, try to go it alone.” – Andrea, carer.

Being a carer can bring emotional and physical challenges, often requiring long hours, patience, and significant mental energy. When so much of your time and energy is focused on someone else, it’s easy to overlook your own needs. However, caring for your health and wellbeing is vital—remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

We are here to support you every step of the way, whether through offering guidance or providing opportunities to join groups with others who understand what you’re going through.

Groups – Carers
Caring for a loved one can feel isolating, even with a network of friends and family. Joining a group can provide meaningful connections and support your mental health. Many carers find relief in sharing experiences with others in similar situations. If joining a group feels daunting, we’re here to support you through the process.

Groups – Carers and Cared For
We also offer groups and activities for carers and the people they care for. These sessions provide a change of scenery, social interaction, and enjoyable activities for both of you. For carers, it’s a valuable break to recharge, while your loved one benefits from engaging in a supportive environment.

Activities
Trying new activities can boost your mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and help you connect with others. Carers Count offers activities like Tai Chi, meditation, group walks, art classes, and quarterly day trips to the seaside or local points of interest.
“Taking part in the Arts and Crafts group proved to be therapeutic, helping me express emotions and increase resilience.” – Andrea.

Someone to Talk To
Our Mental Health team offers one-to-one support if you care for someone with mental-ill health, dementia, or drug and alcohol dependency. Please see the Kirklees Mental Health page for more information

Advocacy
If you’re struggling to make your voice heard with health or social care professionals, our Advocacy service can help. Contact us for more details or visit the Advocacy page.

Find out more on our What’s On page or contact us to request a call back.

Useful links

Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.

Signposting to other services

We work closely with a wide range of professional healthcare services, as well as Kirklees Council, charities, and community groups, to provide you with the best possible support, advice, and training.

We understand that caregiving often involves navigating a complex network of services, and our goal is to simplify this process for you. Through our partnerships, we can effectively signpost you to various resources that cater to your specific needs.

To find out about our partnerships call us on 0300 012 0231 or visit our resources section at the bottom of the page where you can find lots of local help and support.

Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.

GP Surgeries

Many carers don’t realise they can register as a carer at their GP practice. Often, carers don’t identify with this role, so it doesn’t appear in their GP records. However, all GP practices are required to maintain a Carers Register, listing patients who provide unpaid care for someone with a long-term health condition.

Benefits of Registering as a Carer
By registering, you can access various support options, including:

Flexible appointment times for you and the person you care for.
Annual health checks for carers.
Coffee and Chat sessions or carers’ groups.
A carers’ board with useful information, including Carers Count details.
Access to a Carers Champion, a staff member who can refer you to Carers Count for support.
Information sharing with consent from the person you care for.
Support for carers holding a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare.
A free flu jab every year.

Protecting Your Health
Registering helps monitor not only the health of the person you care for but also your own wellbeing. Carers are at higher risk of health issues like stress, depression, high blood pressure, and back pain. Discuss any concerns with your GP.

Patient Reference Groups (PRGs)
Most GP practices have PRGs (formerly Patient Participation Groups), which bring together patients and staff to discuss practice affairs. These groups offer a chance to voice concerns and improve services. Contact your GP practice to join.

Support for GP Practices
If you’re a GP practice looking to raise carer awareness and encourage referrals, Carers Count can assist by:

Promoting the role of a named Carers Champion.
Providing informational materials for waiting areas.
Participating in Primary Care Network meetings and staff training.
Hosting events like waiting room roadshows, coffee mornings, and drop-in sessions.

We also organise events like the Carers Count Virtual Cuppa and Keeping Carers on the Agenda to support practices. For more information, please contact us!

Need more info? Leave your details and we’ll get back in touch.

Information / Resources
(downloads & links)

Armed Forces and Veterans

Here, you will find valuable links and resources to organisations dedicated to supporting those who care for veterans and active members of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. These resources are designed to assist not only the veterans and service members but also their families, ensuring comprehensive support for all involved.

National services and resources

Autism

If you are caring for a loved one with Autism, we can support you with financial, health and wellbeing advice and practical guidance to help you access the services you need to lighten the load.

From local support groups to national resources and even benefits assessments, if our team can’t help with your specific requirements, we will signpost you to the service that best suits your needs.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Bereavement

Losing someone that we care for affects everyone differently. We understand that during such a difficult time you may need help to manage both the emotional and practical demands that come with that loss.

Our team is on hand to guide you on how to access the right support for your particular needs. We also offer continued assistance and support once you have stopped caring, for whatever reason.

Here, you can access dedicated resources and support tailored specifically for those going through a bereavement.

Local services and resources

The Kirkwood – Family care team

National services and resources

Cancer

Watching someone you care for go through cancer or going through cancer yourself can be incredibly challenging. Here, you will find a list of organisations that can offer support and assistance.

National services and resources

Care planning and support

Care planning is crucial because it ensures that both the carer and the person they care for receive the necessary support. Below are some helpful organisations and resources for support and care planning.

Marie Curie Helper West Yorkshire

The Marie Curie Helper Service is a befriending service offering face-to-face visits giving companionship, emotional support, practical help and respite support. They have a team of volunteers, both male and female, with ages that range from 18 to 80 and they have speakers of Urdu, Hindu. Punjabi and Portuguese. Their volunteers are fully trained, and DBS checked and provide weekly three-hour visits offering everything from a chat and a cup of tea with someone to visiting the theatre. Matches with volunteers are made carefully with a volunteer in their locality and with similar interests and hobbies. Referrals can be easily made by either emailing frances.glover@mariecurie.org.uk or phoning 07747 631097.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Carer Wellbeing

We know that being a carer can be both rewarding and isolating. It’s vital that you know where to get the right support to make sure that your own health and wellbeing don’t suffer in your caring role.

We’re here to help you access support, groups, courses, and wellbeing sessions to help give you that bit of headspace. Looking after your own health and wellbeing is important for you and the person you care for.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Creative Activities

Here you will find a wide range of activities to help you relax and enhance your wellbeing a carer.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Action for Happiness

Dementia and Alzheimer’s

We recognise that caring for a loved one, family member or friend with dementia or Alzheimer’s can bring its own set of unique challenges. We understand that the support you need changes over time and can often be hard to predict. They are many services and support networks available to support you as a carer and the person you are caring for.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Digital Support

In today’s digital age, everything is online. Here, you’ll find resources to help you get connected and navigate the online world with ease.

Local services and resources

Carers Count WhatsApp Group

National services and resources

Domestic Abuse

Here, you will find a list of local and national organisations dedicated to helping individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. These organisations offer a range of services, including crisis intervention, counselling, support, and safe housing. Whether you need immediate assistance or ongoing support, these resources are designed to provide the help and guidance you need to navigate these challenging situations. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people and services ready to support you every step of the way.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Education

Here you will find information regarding educational opportunities for carers.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Open University Funding

Emergency Planning

Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire Emergency Planning

If you are an unpaid family carer who lives in the Kirklees area, you could access free support to help you maintain your caring role should you become:

unwell

have a personal emergency

reach a crisis point

need additional short-term support

Carers Trust will send an Emergency Support Worker who will stay with the person requiring support for up to three days, for a maximum of 12 hours per day between 8am and 9pm. Not including overnight support. If continued support is required, they will work with you to arrange longer-term plans.

Anyone can make a referral to the emergency care service at any time of need or you can pre-register by contacting them on 01484 537036 or email info@CTMY.org.uk

Resources

Employment

Here you will find resources to support you during employment.

Local services and resources

Kirklees Citizens Advice

National services and resources

End of Life

Here you will find resources and support to help you navigate caring for someone with a terminal illness.

Local services and resources

Virtual Thinking Ahead Programme

National services and resources

Finance and Housing

Here you will find a wealth of useful information and resources to help you navigate finance and housing when caring for someone or living with ill health, mental ill-health or a disability.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Later life

Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone in the later stages of their lives. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Learning Disabilities

Welcome! Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone with a learning disability. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Mental ill-Health and Drug and Alcohol Dependency

Here you can find a wealth of useful resources to help you care for someone with mental ill-health and drug and alcohol dependency. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and support.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Parent Carers

Here you will find a variety of useful resources specifically designed to support parent carers. Whether you’re caring for a child with special needs, a chronic illness, or any other condition, these resources aim to provide guidance, support, and practical advice.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Parkinsons

Here you will find help and support for caring for someone with Parkinsons.

National services and resources

Parkinsons charity

Safeguarding

Here you will find a variety of safeguarding resources designed to help protect and support individuals, especially vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and those with disabilities. These resources aim to ensure safety, well-being, and rights are upheld.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Sensory Impairment

Here you will find valuable help and support for caring for someone with a sensory impairment. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, these resources are designed to provide guidance and assistance.

Local services and resources

National services and resources

Young Carers

Here you will find a variety of resources to support young carers.

National services and resources