Clackmannanshire Council Online

Support for Carers

Support for Carers

Overview

Are you a carer? 

Carers provide unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage to live independently due to frailty, illness, disability or addiction. You may become a carer at any stage in your life.  

As a carer, you may be doing any one or more of these things: 

• Providing physical support and help with personal care 
• Help with household tasks 
• Help with letters, phone calls and meetings 
• Help with legal matters for example powers of attorney or guardianship 
• Taking care of finances 
• Listening and encouraging 
• Help to get the person out and about or take part in social activities 
• Just being there for them 

Caring can be a rewarding and fulfilling. It can also be stressful and impact on your health and wellbeing. You may be looking for some help to become more confident as a carer, information about your rights as a carer or support to identify goals for your own life. 

For some people and at some times, caring for someone else can be a good experience. Some  carers talk about gaining confidence, skills and knowledge from being an unpaid carer. Caring for someone can also be stressful and isolating. You may feel as if there is noone you can speak to or that other people do not understand. 

Are you a young carer? 

A young carer is a carer who is under 18 years of age or over 18 and is still attending school. The person you care for may be a parent, brother, sister, grandparent or other family member. You may be the main carer, or you may be helping someone else. Please refer to our young carers web page.

Eligibility

Please refer to carer eligibility criteria for more information.

Signposting

For further information and support, please access the community directory or the HSCP carers page.

Forth Valley Carers Card 

If you are a carer, the Forth Valley carers card provides identification and recognition of your role as a carer. The card also ensures you are more easily identified by health and social care professionals. 

Service specifics

What is the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016? 

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 introduced new rights for carers. You can request an Adult Carer Support Plan which will set out your personal outcomes and identified needs. There is a duty to provide support for carers. 

To find out contact details for your local carers centre for help and advice, please visit the HSCP carers page.  

Process

What help can I get as a carer? 

Across Clackmannanshire, there are many supports and services that can help you in your caring role.  These services include information and advice, emotional support, carers groups, money advice, training and direct support services for you and for the person you care for. 

If you have any queries, please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page.

You can also contact the local Carers Centre for information and advice on 01786 447003.