West Berkshire offers a mix of council help, local support, and financial advice for carers. The main route is usually a carer’s assessment, and there’s also support from the Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership, plus options like respite, carers’ emergency cards, and benefits guidance.
| Support | What West Berkshire says it can help with | How to access it |
|---|---|---|
| Carer’s assessment and support plan | Checks whether you meet national eligibility criteria for support from the council; may lead to a Carer Support Plan | support for carers from the council |
| Practical council support | Home adaptations, special equipment, someone stepping in for a short break, local support groups | support for carers from the council |
| Information and advice even if you’re not eligible for council support | Information, advice, and signposting to other services and support groups | support for carers from the council |
| Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership | Information, advice and guidance on respite, carers’ breaks, carers’ cards, support groups, events, health and wellbeing, benefits, and help with carers forms | carers support services |
| Benefits and financial support | Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, household support fund, housing benefit, and other financial guidance | carers’ benefits and financial support |
| Carers’ emergency card and plan | A card and emergency plan so others know there’s someone dependent at home if you become unwell or have an accident | carers support services |
| NHS and GP support | Help on respite breaks, carers’ assessments, benefits, young carers, and practical tips; GP registration as a carer is recommended | carers support services |
| Young carers support | Help for children and young people with caring responsibilities, including breaks and support with school or college | young carers |
If you’re an adult carer living in West Berkshire, there’s an online carer’s assessment form you can use. West Berkshire also says carers do not need to pay for their support services, and some carers may receive a one-off carer’s payment or a carers personal budget.