Carers Information Sheet – Support for Carers 
Leaflet C2

Who is a carer?

A carer can be any age and could include someone under 18 (often known as a young carer), or someone who is the parent of a disabled child or young person. 

Many people are carers, but find it difficult to see themselves in this role, and do not always wish to be identified as a carer, as for them the caring relationship is simply part of normal everyday life as a son, daughter, husband, wife, parent etc. As a result, they often don’t realise that there is support available for them as well as the person they care for. 

As a carer, you may find some of the information in this leaflet useful.

Local Contacts

Darlington Adult Social Care,
Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT
Tel: 01325 406111, Fax: 01325 406824,
Website: Darlington BC - Caring for someone

Darlington Carers Support
Offers information, support and advice to carers including signposting to specialist services. A separate information leaflet is available on request from Darlington Carers Support Service.
Tel: 0300 0301215 or visit the website: http://www.dccarers.org/

Carer Friendly Discount Card
The County Durham and Darlington Carer Friendly Discount Card gives all carers across County Durham and Darlington (including young carers and parent carers of disabled children) the opportunity to access discounts and concessions from a range of businesses, including days out, health and fitness, alternative therapies and items for the home. The card is available from Darlington Carers Support (0300 0301215) and Family Action Young Carers Darlington on (01325) 794888.

Website: Carers Discount Card - Durham County Carers Support (dccarers.org)

DAD Direct Payments Support Service
Offers information and support about Direct Payments
Tel: 01325 360524 or visit the website: www.darlingtondisability.org 

Enhanced Dementia Advisor Service  
The Alzheimer’s Society offers information, advice and 1:1 support to people with dementia and their carers. For more information, contact 01904 929444 or e-mail DarlingtonTeesValley@alzheimers.org.uk 

Family Action Young Carers Darlington  
Provides support to young carers under the age of 25
For new referrals, please contact Catherine Taylor or Philippa May – Youngcarersdarlington@family-action.org.uk (01325 794888)
Support in a Carer Emergency
Support in a carer emergency is available to all unpaid carers who care for an adult. To access support during office hours, ring Adult Social Care on 01325 406111. To access support out of office hours, ring the Emergency Duty Team on 01642 524552. A Carers Emergency Card can be obtained from Darlington Carers Support http://www.dccarers.org/

Durham Constabulary (Herbert Protocol) 
If you care for someone who is at risk of going missing, you can sign up for the Herbert Protocol, which will help the Police to help you if the person does go missing. 
To sign up, contact Durham Constabulary on 101 or via email: Herbertprotocol@durham.pnn.police.uk 

Job Centre Plus
Offers support to carers who would like to combine their caring role with paid employment
Telephone: 0845 604 3719

For further information about the help available locally for carers, please refer to leaflet C1 “Information about Carers Assessments”. If you do not have a copy, telephone 01325 406222 (option 7) to request one or visit the website: Darlington BC - Caring for someone 

National Contacts

Carers Direct
A national information, advice and support service for carers, which includes a wide range of information. You can telephone them on 0300 123 1053. The service is available 7 days a week.

Carers UK
Helpline: 0808 808 7777
Website: www.carersuk.org 

Carers UK Digital Resource for Carers
The Carers UK Digital Resource for Carers provides a range of products and support resources including the Jointly App, e-Learning modules, factsheets, interactive guides, personalised support and information. To create a new account, use the access code DGTL1931.

Mobilise 
Support for unpaid carers in Darlington (mobiliseonline.co.uk)
Provides access to a range of resources, including
•	An online network of people in similar situations, including regular online carers’ cuppas
•	Free support from a dedicated carers coach
•	Online support sessions with others who are also caring
•	Simple online tools to help at each stage of their caring journey

The Carents Room 
Help for adults caring for elderly parents - The Carents Room 

Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance is the main state benefit for carers. To qualify, the carer must meet all the rules, which are quite complicated. These include the following. The carer:

•	must be aged 16 or over 
•	must be caring for at least 35 hours per week for someone who is in receipt of Attendance Allowance; Personal Independence Payment daily living component; the middle or highest care rate of Disability Living Allowance; Constant Attendance Allowance (at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit): Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension; Armed Forces Independence Payment; Child Disability Payment – the middle or highest care rate; Adult Disability Payment – daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate
•	your income is less than £196 per week after tax, National Insurance and expenses. 
(if your earnings are sometimes more than £196 per week, you might still be eligible for Carer’s Allowance. Your average earnings may be calculated to work out if you’re eligible).
•	must not be receipt of certain other benefits  

If you think you may qualify, or would like more information, please contact Darlington Carers Support on 0300 0301215 or look for more detailed information at https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Date of Issue –01/05/2025								Ref – C2