Support for carers

Taking regular breaks is important for your health and wellbeing and can help you continue in your caring role.

A break can take many forms, from spending time with friends and family, attending a leisure activity or pursuing a hobby, to accessing more formal respite services.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a range of respite options, including:

• Residential or nursing respite care
• Day services and community-based support
• Short-term support in the home
• Daytime and overnight respite services
• Direct Payments to help arrange flexible support that meets your needs

The person you care for may also be eligible for benefits such as Attendance Allowance, which could help contribute towards the cost of care and support.

Time Out Carers Membership

If you provide unpaid care, you may be eligible for a Time Out Carers Membership.

The scheme gives carers access to a range of facilities and activities at Royal Borough leisure centres, helping you take time for yourself, stay active and support your physical and mental wellbeing.

Find Out More

To discuss respite options, request a Carer's Assessment, or explore the support available to you, contact Adult Social Care:

Telephone: 01628 683744
Email: adultsocialcarefrontdoor@rbwm.gov.uk

A Carer's Assessment can help identify the impact caring has on your life and whether additional support or respite services may help you maintain your wellbeing and continue caring safely.

Carers self assessment form

Caring for someone can sometimes feel isolating, but connecting with others can provide valuable support, friendship and opportunities to take a break from your caring role. 

Across the Royal Borough, there are a range of local opportunities for carers, including:

• Carer support groups
• Community organisations 
• Social activities and events
• Health and wellbeing services
• Advice and support organisations 

The Community Information Hub is an online directory of local services, activities and events available across the Royal Borough. 

You can search for local support, view upcoming events, or add your own community activity or event to help others find it. Listings can be filtered by category, audience, keyword or date, making it easy to find opportunities that are relevant to you. 

Click here to view the Community Information Hub. 

Click here to add a record onto the Community Information Hub. 

AskSara is a free, easy-to-use online self-assessment tool that helps you find solutions to everyday challenges and stay independent for longer. Suitable for people of all ages, it provides personalised advice on both physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether you need support with preparing meals, getting around, communication, memory, using the bathroom or assistive technology, AskSara can point you in the right direction.

Simply answer a few questions and receive a personalised report using advice from Occupational Therapists, which includes: 
•    Practical tips to make daily life easier
•    Recommendations for equipment and assistive technology 
•    Information about local charities and community services for extra support 
•    A report you can download and share with family, friends, carers, or healthcare professionals

AskSara is completely free to use. You do not need to create an account or provide personal information to use it.

To get started, visit https://sloughandrbwm.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/ 

The Royal Borough provides unpaid carers with free access to a range of online support through Carers UK. 

Carers UK offers practical information, advice and resources to help you in your caring role, including: 

• Information and guidance for carers
• Online discussion forums to connect with other carers
• Online learning and self-care courses
• Advice on managing stress and maintaining your wellbeing
• Support with balancing work, education and caring responsibilities

To access these resources, create an account using the free access code RBWM-SLOUGH.

Visit: https://carersdigital.org/login/ 

Jointly App

The Jointly app, developed by Carers UK, is a simple digital tool designed to make managing everyday caring responsibilities easier.

You can download and use Jointly at no cost. With Jointly, you can:

• Keep track of appointments, medication and important tasks
• Store notes, photos and key information securely in one place
• Share updates and coordinate care with family members, friends or professionals
• Create to-do lists and keep important records organised

Jointly can be accessed on your smartphone, tablet or web browser, making it easy to stay organised and connected wherever you are.

To create a free Jointly Circle and access premium features, enter the access code RBWM-SLOUGH after signing in. 

Find out more: https://jointlyapp.com/ 

These free digital resources can help you feel more informed, supported and connected while managing your caring responsibilities.

Caring for someone can bring additional costs. There is a range of financial support available to carers and the people they care for.

Carer's Allowance

You may be eligible for Carer's Allowance if you provide at least 35 hours of care each week and the person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.

For eligibility information and to apply, visit: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance 

Attendance Allowance

If the person you care for is over State Pension age and needs extra help because of illness or disability, they may be entitled to Attendance Allowance. This benefit is not means-tested and can help contribute towards the additional costs of care and support.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance 

Council Tax Reductions

Depending on your circumstances, you or the person you care for may be eligible for a Council Tax reduction or discount. This may include households where a disabled person lives, where a resident is classed as severely mentally impaired, or where a qualifying carer provides care.

Find out more at: https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/council-tax-and-benefits/council-tax/council-tax-reductions 

Financial Inclusion Team

The Royal Borough's Financial Inclusion Team provides free, confidential and impartial advice to help residents maximise their income and access financial support.

The team can:

• Help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to
• Support applications for certain benefits and charitable grants
• Arrange home visits for housebound residents
• Signpost to additional sources of support

Email: financial.inclusion@rbwm.gov.uk

Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund provides support for residents who are experiencing financial hardship due to an unexpected emergency or crisis. The scheme aims to offer immediate assistance while also helping people build longer-term financial resilience. It is funded by the Government and runs until 31 March 2029.

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice can help you with a range of issues including debt and legal advice, financial problems, relationship advice. You can call a trained adviser for free on 0808 278 7914 or you can visit the office at 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7YR

Their drop in times are : Monday 10.00am – 12.00pm and Wednesday 10.00am – 12.00pm. (Clients are seen on a first come first served basis, subject to Adviser availability.)

Other Sources of Support

Discounts for Carers provides access to a range of discounts and special offers for carers and care workers:

Carefree is a charity that helps unpaid carers access short breaks and respite stays across the UK.

Legoland Windsor offer one free carer ticket when visiting with a disabled person. To find out more about the terms and conditions (including documentation required) and to book tickets, please visit Legoland's website. 

As a carer, you may be able to accompany the person you support free of charge to participating National Trust sites through the National Trust Essential Companion Card scheme. For eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and application details, please visit the National Trust website.

If you are unsure what support may be available to you, a Carer's Assessment can help identify your needs and connect you with appropriate financial advice, benefits and local support services. Contact Adult Social Care on 01628 683744 or email adultsocialcarefrontdoor@rbwm.gov.uk.

A Social Prescriber can help you with a wide range of social, emotional and practical needs, with the aim of improving your mental and physical wellbeing.

They can provide advice and connect you with local groups, activities and services in your community. This could include volunteering opportunities, arts and creative activities, group learning, gardening, befriending services, cookery sessions, healthy eating advice, physical activity and sports groups.

Residents can self-refer to the Social Prescribing Service using the online referral form. Alternatively, you can ask your GP surgery reception team for a referral.

The service is available to all residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and can help connect you with local support to improve your health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Sometimes carers need support to ensure their views, wishes and concerns are heard, particularly when making decisions about health, social care or support services.

The Advocacy People is an independent charity that provides advocacy services for people who need help understanding information, expressing their views, exploring their options or speaking up about issues that are important to them.

An advocate can help you:

• Understand your rights and available options
• Prepare for meetings or assessments
• Communicate your views, wishes and concerns
• Ensure your voice is heard when decisions are being made

Advocacy is independent, confidential and focused on helping you express what matters to you.

See the The Advocacy People website for further information.

The Young Carers Service in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is delivered by Achieving for Children (AfC) as part of the Family Hub Service.

If someone under the age of 18 is providing care, the first step will be a young carer's assessment. This is a guided conversation to understand the young person's day-to-day life. It will cover the impact of caring on their schoolwork, their emotions and feelings, the types of tasks they do around the house, as well as who they help look after and why that person requires support.

The young carer's assessment will determine the most suitable next steps. The type of help offered can include: 

• One-to-one and family sessions.
• Widening support networks.
• Fun activities and respite.
• Meeting other young carers.

Families and caregivers who would like to request a young carer's assessment can complete this self-referral form.

Professionals and practitioners who would like to request a young carer's assessment for the child or young person they are working with or supporting should complete the Single Point of Access (SPA) referral form. When completing the SPA referral form, select the Early Help referral pathway (if there is a safeguarding concern, complete the same SPA referral form but choose the safeguarding pathway).

To contact the Young Carers Team, email familyhubs@achievingforchildren.org.uk.

For more information about young carers, visit the AfCinfo website.

Access to reliable transport can be essential for carers, helping them attend appointments, access services, maintain social connections and support the person they care for.

People to Places

People to Places is is a local charity providing accessible community transport for residents who are unable to use public transport due to disability, illness, vulnerability or social isolation.

Using specially adapted vehicles, the service can help people travel to a wide range of destinations, including medical appointments, shopping trips and social activities. Services include Dial-a-Ride, Shopmobility and organised outings.

To use the service, individuals must become a member of People to Places.

Email: info@people2places.org.uk
Telephone: 01628 587921

Ascot Volunteer Bureau

Ascot Volunteer Bureau provides transport support for older residents attending medical and healthcare appointments, including visits to GP surgeries, hospitals, dentists and other healthcare professionals.

Volunteer drivers can collect residents from home, take them to their appointment and, where appropriate, wait or arrange collection afterwards. Support is available for both local appointments and longer-distance hospital visits.

At least two working days' notice is normally required when booking transport.

Public Transport

For information about public transport in the borough, including information about bus routes and renewing a bus pass, please visit the council website. 

I feel unable to continue caring. What should I do?

It is a good idea to have a contingency plan in place. If you are experiencing a crisis and feel unable to continue in your caring role, please contact Adult Social Care immediately on 01628 683744 or email adultsocialcarefrontdoor@rbwm.gov.uk

What is a Time Out Carers Membership?

If you provide unpaid care, you may be eligible for a Time Out Carers Membership. Membership gives you access to many facilities at RBWM leisure centres, including classes and activities, helping you take time for yourself, stay active and support your own wellbeing. 

Can I get help with taking a break from caring?

You may be eligible for respite support or other services that help you take a break from your caring responsibilities. This can be discussed as part of a Carer's Assessment.

Is registering with my GP the same as having a Carer's Assessment?

No. Registering as a carer with your GP can help you access healthcare-related support, but it is separate from a Carer's Assessment through Adult Social Care. 

Can I have a Carer's Assessment if the person I care for does not receive services from Adult Social Care?

Yes. You have the right to request a Carer's Assessment regardless of whether the person you care for receives support from Adult Social Care.

Is there financial support available for carers?

You may be entitled to financial support. If caring is affecting your finances, you can discuss this during your Carer's Assessment. We can help identify any support needs you may have and signpost you to relevant benefits, financial advice and other sources of support.

Useful Links

• Carers Trust offers lots of information and advice about being a carer in the UK. Their website contains useful resources and includes policy and activism advice. 
• Libraries offer a welcoming place to access information, advice, online resources, community activities and local support, with library staff available to help signpost services that may be useful in your caring role.
• Adult Learning offers opportunities to develop new skills, improve confidence and enhance their wellbeing through a range of courses, including English, maths, digital skills, employability, health and wellbeing, and numeracy programmes.
• Social Prescribing can help carers improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them with local activities, support groups, community services and practical advice tailored to their individual needs and interests. Residents can self-refer to the Social Prescribing Service using the online referral form. Alternatively, you can ask your GP surgery reception team for a referral.
• Windsor Directory of Community Groups and Charities. 
• Maidenhead Directory of Community Groups and Charities. 

• Apply for an unpaid carers: Timeout card
• Apply for a carer visitor permit
• Apply for a blue badge
• Apply for a disabled parking bay
• Apply for a companion bus pass
• Apply for a clinical waste collection
• Apply for help to put the bins out