Information, Forums and Support Groups for Carers
Information, forums and support groups for carers play a crucial role in providing valuable support, guidance and a sense of community. Here are some benefits of accessing these resources:
Access to Information
Carers often face unique challenges and responsibilities. Information resources provide essential knowledge about caregiving techniques, understanding medical conditions, accessing financial support, navigating the healthcare system and understanding legal rights. Having access to accurate and reliable information empowers carers to make informed decisions and provide the best care possible.
Emotional Support
Caring for a loved one can be emotionally demanding. Forums and support groups offer a safe and understanding space for carers to connect with others facing similar situations. Sharing experiences, challenges, and triumphs with fellow carers can provide validation, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer emotional support. Carers can gain insights, advice, and coping strategies from individuals who have walked a similar path.
Practical Advice and Tips
Online forums and support groups provide practical advice and tips on a wide range of caregiving topics. Carers can seek guidance on managing specific symptoms or behaviors, accessing community resources, finding respite care options, or learning self-care techniques. Such practical insights from experienced carers can help reduce stress, improve caregiving skills, and enhance overall well-being.
Peer Learning and Skill Building
Information-sharing platforms allow carers to learn from each other’s experiences and skills. Carers can share their expertise in managing specific conditions or caregiving techniques, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence. Peer learning promotes continuous skill development, problem-solving and effective caregiving strategies.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Online platforms and forums enable carers to collectively voice their concerns and advocate for policy changes and improved support systems. By sharing their experiences and challenges, carers can contribute to raising awareness, influencing policy decisions, and driving positive changes in the caregiving landscape.
Access to Resources and Services
Information platforms often provide links to resources, services, and helplines specific to caregiving. Carers can find details about local support organizations, financial assistance programs, respite care options, and training opportunities. These resources help carers navigate the complex support network and access the assistance they need.
Overall, information resources, forums, and support groups for carers offer a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, emotional support, and community-building. They provide carers with the tools, insights, and connections necessary to navigate their caregiving journey more effectively, enhance their well-being, and improve the quality of care they provide to their loved ones.
See below for a list of websites which might help you.
Advice, Information & Resources
Age UK offers advice and information specifically for older carers. Their website provides guidance on various caregiving topics, such as managing finances, getting help at home, and planning for the future.
The Care Quality Commission CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. Their website provides information on finding and comparing care services, including home care agencies, care homes, and hospitals. It can be useful for caregivers looking for quality care options.
Carers in Scotland is an online resource for unpaid caregivers in Scotland. Their website provides information, advice, and resources specific to the Scottish caregiving community.
Carers Wales’ mission is to make life better for carers. They provide information and advice on caring, help carers connect with each other, campaign with carers for lasting change, and use innovation to improve services.
Carers Northern Ireland is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers in Northern Ireland. Their website offers information on caregiving rights, local support services, and resources specific to the region.
Online Forums
The Alzheimer’s Society forum provides a space for carers of individuals with dementia to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from others who understand the challenges of caring for someone with dementia.
An online resource and community platform that provides information, support and resources for caregivers and individuals involved in caring for aging loved ones. It offers a wide range of articles, expert advice, caregiver forums, and a caregiver support directory.
Caregiver’s Space is an online forum specifically for caregivers in the UK. It offers a supportive community where carers can connect, ask questions, and share their caregiving journeys.
The Carers Support Centre offers an online forum for carers in the South West of England. It provides a platform for carers to connect with others, seek advice, and access support services.
Carers UK Forum is an online community where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and seek advice. It provides a platform for caregivers to connect with others who understand their challenges and offer support and guidance.
Carers Worldwide, a charity focusing on supporting unpaid carers globally, has an online forum where carers can discuss their experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the challenges of caring.
Carers Trust, a major charity supporting unpaid carers, provides an online community forum where carers can interact, share experiences, and seek advice from fellow carers.
Dementia Talking Point is an online forum specifically focused on dementia caregiving. It provides a platform for carers to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from other carers dealing with dementia-related challenges.
Gransnet is dedicated to discussions and support related to caring for elderly parents or loved ones but also contains a forum topics for people in later life who perform care activities for others.
Macmillan Cancer Support Online Community
Macmillan Cancer Support offers an online community forum where carers of cancer patients can connect, share experiences, and seek support from others who have been through similar journeys.
Mental Health Carers Online Community
Rethink Mental Illness provides an online community specifically for mental health carers. It offers a supportive space for carers to connect, share experiences, and access resources related to mental health caregiving.
Mental Health Forum Carers Section
The Mental Health Forum includes a specific section for carers where they can discuss issues related to caring for someone with mental health conditions. It offers a supportive environment for carers to connect and share their experiences.
Mumsnet’s Carers Support Forum
Mumsnet, a popular parenting website, has a dedicated Carers Support Forum where carers can seek advice, share their stories, and connect with other carers facing similar challenges.
Netmums, another parenting website, has a forum section dedicated to carers of individuals with special needs and disabilities. It provides a space for carers to share experiences, seek advice, and find support.
Parkinson’s UK offers an online forum for people affected by Parkinson’s disease, including carers. The forum provides a space for carers to connect, share experiences, and seek advice on caring for someone with Parkinson’s.
RareConnect is an online platform for rare disease communities, including a dedicated carers forum. It enables carers of individuals with rare diseases to connect, share information, and support one another.
Scope Community is an online forum for disabled people, their families, and carers. It offers a space for carers to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from others in similar situations.
The Stroke Association provides support for carers of stroke survivors. They offer counseling services, peer support groups, and online forums where carers can share experiences and find guidance.
Support for Carers
Age Cymru is a charity that supports older adults and their caregivers in Wales. Their website offers information, advice, and resources for caregivers, including guidance on legal and financial matters, accessing support services, and practical caregiving tips.
Age UK is a national charity focused on supporting older adults and their caregivers. Their website offers a dedicated section for caregivers, providing information on legal and financial matters, accessing support services, and practical tips for caregiving.
The Alzheimer’s Society provides resources and support for carers of people with dementia. Their website offers information on dementia care, practical tips, and access to support services like local support groups and helplines.
Association of Mental Health Providers
The Association of Mental Health Providers is a membership organization that supports mental health service providers. Their website offers resources and information for caregivers supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
Care for the Family is a national charity that provides support for families facing various challenges, including caregiving. Their website offers resources, articles, and support groups for caregivers, covering topics such as mental health, relationships, and practical caregiving tips.
Carers’ Centre Bath & North East Somerset
The Carers’ Centre Bath & North East Somerset offers support, advice, and resources for caregivers in the region. Their website provides information on local services, events, and resources for caregivers in Bath and North East Somerset.
Carers FIRST is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers in various regions across England. Their website offers information, advice, and support services for caregivers in specific locations.
Carers’ Hub Lambeth offers support, information, and resources for unpaid caregivers in Lambeth, London. Their website provides access to local services, workshops, and resources tailored to the needs of caregivers in the area.
Carers in Hertfordshire provides a range of services for carers, including counseling support and support groups. They aim to enhance the quality of life for carers and provide a platform for them to connect with others in similar situations.
Carers Leeds is a charity that provides support and resources for unpaid caregivers in Leeds. Their website offers information on local services, support groups, and practical advice for caregivers in the area.
Carers Lewisham supports carers in the Lewisham area by offering counseling services, support groups, and workshops. They provide a range of resources to help carers cope with their caring responsibilities and maintain their own well-being.
Carers Northern Ireland is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers in Northern Ireland. Their website offers information on caregiving rights, local support services, and resources specific to the region.
Carers Northumberland is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers in Northumberland. Their website offers resources, information on local services, and practical guidance for caregivers in the region.
Carers of West Lothian offers support, advice, and resources for unpaid caregivers in West Lothian, Scotland. Their website provides information on local services, events, and practical guidance for caregivers in the region.
Carers Oxfordshire is a service that provides information, support, and resources for unpaid caregivers in Oxfordshire. Their website offers practical advice, local services, and support groups for caregivers in the area.
Carers’ Resource is a charity that provides information, advice, and support for caregivers in Bradford, Harrogate, and Craven. Their website offers resources, local support services, and practical guidance for caregivers in these areas.
Carers Support Centre Bristol & South Gloucestershire
Carers Support Centre Bristol & South Gloucestershire provides support, advice, and resources for unpaid caregivers in the region. Their website offers information on local services, events, and support groups for caregivers.
Carers’ Support Centre is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Their website provides information, resources, and access to local services for caregivers in these areas.
Carers Trust is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers of all ages. Their website offers a wide range of resources, including information on rights and entitlements, practical tips, and advice for specific caregiving situations.
Carers Trust Online Communities
Carers Trust provides online communities where carers can connect with others, share their experiences, and access support. They have specific communities for young carers, parent carers, and carers of people with dementia, among others.
Carers Trust Scotland is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers across Scotland. Their website provides information on rights and entitlements, local support services, and resources for caregivers in Scotland.
Carers Trust Solihull offers support, information, and resources for unpaid caregivers in Solihull. Their website provides access to local services, events, and support groups for caregivers in the area.
Carers Trust’s Talk and Support platform provides online discussion boards where carers can connect, share experiences, and seek advice on various caregiving topics.
Carers Trust Wales is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers in Wales. Their website provides information on local support services, practical advice for caregivers, and resources tailored to the needs of Welsh caregivers. Here are some websites in the UK that provide counseling and support groups specifically for carers:
Dementia UK is a charity that provides support and information for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Their website offers resources, advice, and access to Admiral Nurses who specialize in dementia care.
Disability Rights UK provides information and resources for caregivers supporting individuals with disabilities. Their website offers guidance on rights, benefits, and practical advice for caregivers in the UK.
HealthUnlocked Carers Community
HealthUnlocked hosts an online community specifically for carers in the UK. It offers a space for carers to connect, share experiences, and seek support from others who understand the challenges of caring.
Independent Age is a national charity that provides information and support for older adults and their caregivers. Their website offers resources, advice, and practical tips on caregiving, as well as information on accessing benefits and care services.
The Isle of Wight Carers Centre provides information, advice, and support for unpaid caregivers on the Isle of Wight. Their website offers resources, access to local services, and practical assistance for caregivers in the area.
Kent Carers Matter is a resource hub for unpaid caregivers in Kent. Their website provides information, support services, and resources for caregivers in the region
Macmillan Cancer Support’s website has a dedicated section for cancer caregivers. It offers practical advice, emotional support resources, and information on accessing care services for those caring for someone with cancer.
Marie Curie is a charity that offers care and support for individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Their website provides resources and guidance for caregivers supporting someone at the end of their life.
The Mental Health Foundation is a charity that focuses on mental health and well-being. Their website offers resources, articles, and information for caregivers supporting individuals with mental health conditions.
Mind is a mental health charity that provides information and support for individuals with mental health challenges, including carers. They offer a variety of services, including counseling and support groups, to help carers manage their mental well-being.
The MND Association is a charity that supports individuals with motor neurone disease MND and their caregivers. Their website provides information, resources, and support for caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for someone with MND.
Motor Neurone Disease Association
The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a charity that supports individuals with motor neurone disease MND and their caregivers. Their website offers resources, advice, and support for caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for someone with MND.
The NHS Carers Direct website provides information on the support available for carers, including benefits, respite care, and local resources. It offers guidance on how to access support services and provides links to relevant organizations.
Carers Matter Norfolk supports unpaid caregivers in Norfolk. Their website offers resources, information on local services, and practical advice for caregivers in the area.
Nottinghamshire Carers Association
Nottinghamshire Carers Association provides information, support, and resources for unpaid caregivers in Nottinghamshire. Their website offers guidance on accessing local services, benefits, and support groups for caregivers in the region.
Parkinson’s UK is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. Their website offers resources, advice, and support for caregivers, including information on accessing local support services and managing the specific challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Rare Dementia Support is a charity that provides support for caregivers of individuals with rare forms of dementia. Their website offers resources, information, and access to support groups for caregivers facing unique challenges.
Rethink Mental Illness offers resources, advice, and support for caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions. Their website provides information on rights, benefits, practical tips, and emotional support for caregivers.
If you are caring for someone who has had a stroke, the Stroke Association’s website offers information and support for stroke caregivers. They provide resources, practical advice, and a helpline dedicated to supporting caregivers in their role.
Sue Ryder provides hospice and neurological care services, including support for carers. They offer counseling and bereavement support, as well as carers support groups to help individuals navigate the challenges of caring for someone with a life-limiting condition.
Suffolk Family Carers is a charity that supports unpaid caregivers in Suffolk. Their website offers resources, information on local services, and practical advice for caregivers in the area.
Surrey Carers is a resource provided by Surrey County Council for unpaid caregivers in Surrey. Their website offers information on local support services, benefits, and resources for caregivers in the area.
The Care Workers’ Charity provides support for professional caregivers in the UK. Their website offers resources, information on financial assistance, and initiatives to improve the well-being of care workers.
The Silver Line is a helpline and support service for older adults, including caregivers. Their website offers information on accessing support, connecting with others, and receiving advice and guidance on caregiving-related issues.