Swindon offers a mix of practical, emotional and financial support for carers, including assessments, advice, short breaks, training, and help with benefits. The main support available is summarised below.
| Support available | What it can include | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| Carer’s assessment | Looks at your caring role and the impact it has on you, and can identify support you may need | Swindon Carers Service |
| Unpaid carers support | Mutual support, social contact, access to services, 1:1 support, specialist benefit checks, help accessing funding, and carer groups/activities | Cornwall Rural Community Charity |
| Short breaks | Sitting services, specialist personal care, or other time away from your caring role | Through a carer’s assessment |
| Training, events and activities | Training courses, support groups, pamper days, coffee mornings, leisure activities and residential weekends for young carers | Swindon Carers Service |
| Benefit support | Help checking entitlement and making sure you and the person you care for get the right benefits | Carers service / specialist advice |
| Workplace support | Flexible working, special leave options, compressed hours and term-time working | Speak to your employer |
| Carer’s Allowance | Financial support if you meet the eligibility rules | Apply online |
| Help with applying | Support completing a Carer’s Allowance claim form | Cornwall Rural Community Charity or Citizens Advice Swindon |
A few pages also point to wider support such as local mental wellbeing services and support at home services. If you’re looking for practical help quickly, the most direct starting point is usually a carer’s assessment through Swindon Carers Service.