You are an unpaid carer if you support a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, elderly, has poor mental health or misuses substances. You are a Young Carer if you are under 18 in this role.
The support you offer may be emotional or include shopping, cooking, dealing with medication, or attend medical appointments with the person you care for. The person you care for could live with you, in their own home, or even in residential care.
Click here to watch the Nottinghamshire Carers Association Carer Awareness GP video
It is important that you let your medical practice know that you look after someone. You can be added to the practice 'carer register' and gain to access to information and support, this includes access to a named Carer Champion who is Shelley Sherratt Deputy Practice Manager.
A Carer Champion is a staff member at your practice who support carers. They are the key point of contact and the ‘voice’ for carers. Shelley Sherratt is the Practice's Carers Champion at Churchside Medical Practice.
As a carer, you are also entitled to an annual flu vaccine and a health check.
You are also entitled to a Carers Assessment, you would need to contact the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub for this (details below).