Carer support

Young carers take on the practical and emotional caring responsibilities normally expected of an adult, and come from any cultural and social background. There is no typical young carer, but they may be:

• doing lots of extra housework, cooking or shopping
• helping someone to wash or dress
• looking after a brother or sister with physical or learning disabilities
• constantly worrying about and keeping an eye on the person they care for
• helping a parent or family member who has a drug or alcohol dependency
• providing emotional and practical support to someone with mental health illness
• helping a family member to take their medication

For information about the support in Wiltshire for young carers visit:

Community First: Youth Action Wiltshire - Young Carers (opens new window)

There are currently thousands of individuals identified as carers in Wiltshire, Carers Together Wiltshire wish to ensure that these individuals can achieve a healthy balance between their caring responsibilities and personal lives.

Caring for another person can be a rewarding but challenging job. Carers Together can offer much-needed practical and emotional support to unpaid carers and provide opportunities for respite from caring duties.

For more information visit: Community First: Carers Together Wiltshire (opens new window).

You could get £81.90 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits. Check your eligibility at GOV.UK Carer's Allowance (opens new window).

You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.

If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer's Allowance.

To get Carer's Allowance you must:

• be caring for a person who is getting a qualifying benefit
• be aged 16 or over
• be caring for at least 35 hours a week
• not be in full-time education (21 hours a week or more)
• not be earning more than £151 a week, if you have a part-time job and
• be present and resident in Great Britain and not be subject to immigration control

For more information visit: Carer's allowance (gov.uk) (opens new window)

The Carer ID Card offers a form of verified identification, recognised nationally, it acknowledges your caring role and provides access to various benefits, offers and services. The card, issued by Forward Carers includes your photograph and your In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details.

Key uses:

• when you are asked for proof that you are a verified carer
• in healthcare settings to be included in the conversation around medical planning for the person you care for
• with an employer to be recognised as a working carer and request additional support due to your caring role
• if you have an emergency, others will know you're a carer and be able to contact your nominated person
• access to carer offers and discounts

For more information and to apply for a card visit: Carer Friendly Wiltshire: What is a Carer ID Card and how do I apply?  (Forward Carers) (opens new window).

There are a wide range of courses available to you, that you can start anytime, such as training on:

• autism
• dementia
• Building Personal Resilience
• understanding the Mental Capacity Act

These courses are designed to be flexible and fit around your schedule, so you can learn at your own pace.

These courses also include access to the care certificate designed to ensure everyone has the introductory skills, knowledge, and behaviours to provide compassionate, safe, and high-quality care and support. The eLearning format makes it quicker and more precise to complete.

To gain access to these course and have a look at what's available please contact BCFTeam@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) with your name and email address. Details will then be sent on how to access the system and your individual log in details.

More face to face is coming in different areas of Wiltshire, so please keep an eye out.

The Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) is an independent voluntary organisation representing parent carers of children and young people with SEND from 0-25.

It is managed and run by parent carers, for parent carers. They provide a consultation and participation service which enables parent carers to have a voice about the services and the support their children and family use.

The WPCC also provides the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Service, which provides a wealth of information as well as signposting to specialist services.

For more information: Wiltshire Parent Carer Council: Signposting (opens new window)

Watch: Introduction to the WPCC (opens new window)

Carer Support Wiltshire are an independent charity who provide support to carers in Wiltshire. They are not part of the current commissioned offer as of 2024 but continue to provide additional support Wiltshire residents. They offer:

• carer cafés in areas and times that may not be covered by Carers Together
• family events which are aimed at parent carers, young carers and their whole families
• workshops for all carers (for example wellbeing or introduction to caring)

To find out more about what's on visit:

What's on CSW (opens new window)