Information & Advice
“I want a better structured support network with effective signposting. I go round in endless circles with advisors but always end up facing the same barriers to help that I'd already found for myself using the internet.”
What matters to carers:
- Accessing information and advice in a context that is supportive, meaningful, and personal.
- Speaking directly with people who can facilitate understanding through support networks and live training events.
- Information is correct and up to date, with clarity about the support available and the eligibility criteria.
- Develop a dedicated space, such as a webpage, where carer information and advice can be found.
- Information being available in the person’s primary language, and working with specialist and culturally specific agencies to promote and disseminate carers information.
- Information being available in a variety of digital and printed formats; many carers prefer one or the other.
- Knowing where a carer can go for support that is not through formal services.
- Understanding who can help advocate for carers and how to access these services.
- Understanding rights and entitlements as a carer including support available from Adult Social Care, Health, Housing, employers, and related to benefits, grants, and immigration.
- Raising awareness of carers in the workplace.
- Learning more about healthcare topics such as dementia, autism, disability, healthy eating, and wellbeing.
- More promotion of current discount card schemes available for carers, and support to advocate for subsidies, such as, gym memberships, eye care vouchers, dental care.
- Ensuring all services know what support is available to carers and are actively referring carers to support.
- Providing bite-size and summarised information to support the different ways people take on information.