Scottish Borders offers a mix of practical, advice and financial support for carers, plus routes into tailored help for adults and young carers. The main starting points are the Borders Carers Centre, national carers services, and a carer’s support plan.
| Support available | What it covers | How to access |
|---|---|---|
| Borders Carers Centre | Advice, information and guidance to help you maintain your caring role | Visit the Borders Carers Centre website, or phone 01896 752431, or email admin@borderscarers.co.uk |
| National support for carers | General national advice and support | NHS Inform or phone 0800 011 3200, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm |
| National Wellbeing Hub | Health and wellbeing advice for carers | Visit the Scottish Government’s National Wellbeing Hub website |
| Carer’s support plan | A conversation about your caring role, how it affects your life, and what could make caring easier | Contact the Borders Carers Centre |
| Short breaks | A break from the pressures and demands of caring, to help you recharge | Find out more on the council website |
| Support for young carers | Help for young people caring for a family member | Find out more on the Young carers webpage |
| Support for the person you care for | Advice and information if the person you care for may need social care support | Contact Customer Advice and Support on 0300 100 1800 (option one) |
| Carers Allowance / financial support | Carers Allowance and related support may be available if you meet the criteria | Check the UK Government website for Carers Allowance; Scottish Borders also lists other financial support options such as Carers Allowance Supplement, Council Tax Reduction, Community Care Grant and Crisis Grant |
A carer’s support plan is free, and you do not have to live with the person you care for or be getting Carers Allowance to qualify. If you’re supporting a young person, Scottish Borders also points people to school staff, social workers or the CHIMES service for help.