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Carer Rights and Resourses
Caring can be all-consuming, making it difficult to find time to research what support you are legally entitled to as a carer. This page brings together key information and sources of support to help you.
Carer Rights
Unpaid carers in the UK have legal rights to assessments, workplace flexibility, healthcare support, and protection from discrimination.
Assessment:
You have the right to request a free Carer’s Assessment from your local council to evaluate your own physical and mental needs, regardless of how many hours you care.
More Info >
Right to Choose - Care Act Section 10, you have the right to self-determine and choose whether you are able and willing to provide care.
Involvement in Discharge:
You have the right to be identified, consulted, and involved when the person you care for is discharged from the hospital.
More Info >
Work and Employment Rights:
Unpaid Carer’s Leave - Under the Carer's Leave Act, employees get up to five days of unpaid leave per year from day one of employment to give or arrange care.
More Info >
Flexible Working - You can request flexible working arrangements (such as adjusted hours or homeworking) from your very first day on the job.
Protection from Discrimination - You are protected from direct discrimination and harassment at work under the Equality Act 2010 due to your association with a disabled or older person.
More Info >
Health and Wellbeing:
GP Recognition - You have the right to ask your GP practice to record you as a carer on your medical file for better support.
More Info >
Free Flu Jab - You are entitled to request a free annual flu vaccination if you care for someone at risk or receive Carer's Allowance.
Finances:
Carers Allowance - You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
More Info >
Carers Credit - You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week. Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record.
More Info >
Pension Credit - gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
More Info >
Universal Credit Carer Element - You may get more money on top of your standard allowance if you’re eligible. You will need to report changes when you become eligible for an extra amount. They are not added automatically. For example, if you become a carer you need to tell DWP. The carer’s element of Universal Credit is not automatically applied if you start getting Carer’s Allowance.
Carer Support
Invisible Army is based in Bristol so many of the below services are located there. If you are not located in or near Bristol, we have shared some National charities who can help with finding support nearer to you.
Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire
Provides support, information and advice to carers of any age.
Website >
CarersLine – Support for adult carers
Confidential advice and information for carers and the professionals who support them.
0117 965 2200
Mon–Thurs: 10 am–1 pm, 2 pm–4 pm
Fri: 10 am–1 pm
(Closed on Bank Holidays)
Find a carers break in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
Explore a wide choice of services designed to give carers time to rest and recharge.
Website >
Bristol Black Carers
Supports and empowers carers across the whole of Bristol by providing services which encompass their cultural background. Providing person-centred and holistic care, recognising and acknowledging people from the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, who have vast social and cultural similarities and differences.
0117 379 0084
info@bristolblackcarers.org.uk
Chinese Community Wellbeing Society
Supports the health and wellbeing of the Chinese speaking community in Bristol and across the south west of England, and their integration and inclusion in local communities.
0808 802 0012
Rethink Bristol Carers Service
Helps family members, partners and friends of Bristol adults with mental health needs. Whether or not you think you are a ‘carer’, advice and support is available.
01179031803
Monday - Thursday :
9.30 - 5pm
Friday - Sunday :
Closed
AgeUK Bristol
Offers services for people aged 55 and over living in Bristol.
0117 929 7537
Open Wed - Fri, 10am - 1pm.
One of their team will take your information and pass it on to the Information and Advice team.
Bristol Parent Carers
A charity that provides information and support to families with children and young people aged 0-25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bristol. Your child or young person does not need to have a formal diagnosis to get their help.
07306650222
Admin team works Monday to Friday, 9:30am–2:30pm, during term time.
Dhek Bhal
Provides a range of services for the South Asian community in Bristol, including: Respite services for Carers of South Asian elders (disabled and able bodied) through a Sitting Service and a Carer Support Group.
0117 9146671/ 9146672 or Zehra Haq mobile :- 0777 6204661.
Khaas
Meeting the needs of black and minority ethnic disabled children and their carers and families in Bristol.
0117 955 4070/ 07392068593
National Carer Support
Carefree
A charity transforming vacant hotel rooms into vital breaks for full-time unpaid carers.
Carers Trust
Works to transform the lives of carers who provide unpaid care for family members or friends. Their vision is that unpaid carers are heard and valued, with access to support, advice and resources to enable them to live fulfilled lives.
0300 772 9600
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
Carers UK
Are there for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support. They also campaign to make life better for carers.
For information and signposting their telephone helpline service is available
0808 808 7777
Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm
Mobilise
A free, all-in-one support app for adults caring for a family member or friend. Connect with others who understand, access expert advice, and join supportive sessions.