Durham has a good mix of practical, emotional, and specialist support for carers. The main local services are Durham County Carers Support and The Bridge Young Carers Service, with help ranging from advice and assessments to breaks and emergency cover.
| Support available | Who it’s for | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Information and advice | Carers in County Durham | Help understanding your caring role and where to find other support |
| Benefits and grant form help | Carers | Help with accessing and completing benefit and grant forms, plus financial advice |
| Carer’s needs assessment | Carers | Assessment to identify what support is needed |
| Carer breaks | Carers | Help to take a break from your caring role, including carer breaks opportunities |
| Counselling / emotional support | Carers | Emotional support, including counselling |
| Training | Carers | Caring training, including First Aid and Moving and Handling |
| Discounts / carer card | Carers | Discounts through the Carers Card or carer discount card |
| Local support groups and activities | Carers | Access to local support groups and activities |
| Employment support | Carers | Help with employment issues |
| Emergency support | Adult carers and young carers of adults | Carers Emergency Support Service provides replacement care in an emergency |
| Young carer assessment and support | Young carers | Young Carer Needs Assessment, one-to-one support, peer groups, help with school, and carers breaks |
| Transition support | Young adult carers | Bespoke support for changes such as further education, work, or leaving the family home |
| SEND family support | Parents of children and young people with SEND | Local Offer advice and information for ages 0-25 |
If you’re a carer in County Durham, Durham County Carers Support is the main point of contact for general support, and The Bridge is the key service for young carers and young adult carers. They can also help you get the right assessment so you can access the support you’re entitled to.