Medway offers a mix of practical, emotional and financial support for carers, plus assessments to work out what help you’re entitled to. If you’re caring for someone and need help, the main route is a carer’s assessment, which can lead to tailored support.
| Support available | What it can include |
|---|---|
| Carer’s assessment | Practical support, respite care, equipment or help at home, support for your health and wellbeing, quality-of-life support, and financial guidance such as benefits advice |
| Carers First support | Advice, information and guidance, help with respite or support payments in a crisis, contingency and emergency planning, immediate practical or financial support, and signposting to assessments |
| Respite care and short breaks | Day care centres, homecare from a paid carer, short stays in a care home, friends and family support, respite holidays, and sitting services |
| Young carer support | Assessment, practical help at home, equipment, day care, a break from caring, 1-2-1 support, lunch clubs, peer meet-ups, trips, social activities, and help with school and emotional wellbeing |
| Financial help | Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit, Universal Credit and Pension Credit |
| Other support | Transport, housework, gardening, emotional support or counselling, training, local support groups, and benefits guidance |
Medway also says carers have rights including protection from discrimination, employment rights and the right to a carer’s assessment. If you want support, the council links carers to Carers First and offers assessment and referral routes online and by phone.