Unpaid Carers
Do you help look after someone? Are you an unpaid carer?
An unpaid carer is someone who provides help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled, has a mental health concern, or is affected by substance misuse and who could not manage without that help.
A young carer is a person under the age of 18 carrying out caring duties and assuming responsibility for another person, a role that would normally be taken by an adult.
Anyone can take on the caring role at any time and often at a time when they least expect to. Many unpaid carers do not think of themselves as a such. They are often just doing what anyone else would do in their circumstances and looking after their mother, husband, child or best friend.
You may help someone with:
- Administering medicine.
- Practical support, such as shopping, housework, etc.
- Physical help, such as lifting.
- Financial matters.
- Emotional support.
- Personal care, such as bathing and dressing etc.
All whilst trying to have a life of your own…
Does this sound like you? If so, you are an unpaid carer, this means you do not earn a wage for your caring role (however you may be in receipt of benefits).
There is support available to help you in your caring role.
How can my GP surgery offer support?
Your doctor's surgery is a good place to get information and support. However, your doctor may not know that you have a caring role.
Argyle Medical Group have a protocol to identify carers and forms to complete to let the practice know about your caring responsibilities. We also have a consent form so that the person you are caring for can give us permission to discuss their medical condition with you, if necessary. You can ask at the reception for a copy of all the forms you will need or you can print them off directly by clicking on the links below:
Carers GP Registration Form
&
Cared for patient consent form
Please hand BOTH completed forms into us for the attention Jo Bidgood. You will be sent a letter from the practice with information on how you can contact Jo, our carers champion, if you have any queries about the support that is available to you as an unpaid carer. Please note, her number is for these queries only and cannot be used to request appointments.
We also have the following form, for completion, which will need to be returned to the Pembrokeshire address (Llanelli), if you require further input from Carers Support Pembrokeshire (carerssupportpembs@ctcww.org.uk)
Unpaid carers Referral Form
If you make an appointment for yourself with your doctor, ask for a little more time with the doctor to discuss your needs. Talk through any issues you have, especially if you are suffering fatigue, stress or anxiety.
If you find it difficult to leave the person you care for on their own, ask your doctor if a home visit is possible.
It may also be possible to have prescriptions delivered to your door. You can ask your local pharmacy about this.
Other support available
There is a wealth of information on the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s website: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/carers-information/
Carers Support Pembrokeshire offers personalised one‑to‑one support designed to help unpaid carers manage their caring role. In addition, the service provides factsheets, guidance on carers’ rights, help with emergency planning, and support navigating specialist services. As a result, carers receive tailored assistance that strengthens wellbeing and reduces stress.
https://ctcww.org.uk/services/carers-support-pembrokeshire/
carerssupportpembs@ctcww.org.uk or 0300 0200 002
Young Carers Support Pembrokeshire supports children and young people who help look after someone in their family who needs extra care or support. Our focus is on making sure young carers feel supported, listened to, and able to thrive alongside their caring role.
https://mediaacademycymru.wales/young-carers/
youngcarers@mediaacademycymru.wales
Community Connectors (via the Pembrokeshire Community Hub): 01437 723660 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or email: enquiries@pembrokeshirecommunityhub.org
MIND, 9-11 Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock: 07399 736140 https://www.pcmind.org.uk/pembrokeshire/pembroke-dock-resource-centre
MIND Evening and Night-time Support, 2 Perrots Road, Haverfordwest: 01437 769982 (Thursday-Sunday 5pm-2am)
The VC Gallery (Veterans & Community), Britannia Road, Pembroke Dock: 01646 685688 (Monday-Friday 11am-4pm) https://thevcgallery.com/
PACTO (Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations): 01437 701123 or https://www.pacto.org.uk/
Age Cymru Dyfed, Pembrokeshire: 0333 344 7874 (Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm)
HOPE MS Therapy Centre: 01646 600384 or email info@hopemscentre.co.uk
Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest: 01437 763223