CARERS

If you are someone who provides help  to a relative or a friend who could not manage otherwise due to illness, disability, frailty, mental health, drug or alcohol issues, then you are considered a carer (even if you receive an allowance for doing so).  Anyone can be a carer.  Some carers care for an ill partner, an elderly parent or a child with additional needs and some carers are children who look after a parent.

Many carers combine this with working, running a home, and looking after children.   Every caring situation is different, but what carers have in common is that they usually put their own needs last.

WE CAN HELP

We know from experience that carers often don’t look after themselves because they are too busy looking after somebody else.  It’s therefore important that you allow us to look after you.   Our aim would be to keep you in a fit state (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually) so that you continue to enjoy your life whilst providing care for somebody else.   There are so many untapped resources out there for carers.  These resources are under used.  We can help you tap into them and make your life easier (and more enjoyable).

WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

Speak to your GP

Tell your GP that you’re a carer.   If you’re struggling, please be open and honest about this.  Try not to see this as a failure or feel guilty about it; it’s very common amongst carers.   Your GP will try and help make things better.   This is part of their role.

Call The Carers’ Resource.

They are an independent award-winning Yorkshire charity who will give you tailored support and information.   They are open to everyone and offer practical and emotional help.  They cater for all kinds of people – and they even have a specialist service for young carers.  Click here to see how exactly they can help you.

Their website is www.carersresource.org

They have several offices.

• For Bradford and Airedale, ring 01274 449 660
  Email: bradford@carersresource.org
  Address: Unit 15, Park View Court, St Paul’s Road, Shipley, BD18 3DZ
• For Craven and Airedale, ring 01756 700 888
  Address: Griffin House, Broughton Hall Business Park, Skipton, BD23 3AN
• For Harrogate & District, ring 01423 500 555
  Address: 11 North Park Road, Harrogate, HG1 5PD
• For Ripon and rural area, ring 01765 690 222;
  Address: Community House, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE
• For full contact details (including an online contact form), click here.