If you are a carer or look after someone who is dependent on you then please let us know - we may be able to help you or you may like to contact Carer Support Wiltshire via their website, facebook page or by calling them 0800 181 4118.

Carer Support Wiltshire is a local charity that supports carers of all ages in Wiltshire. Their aim is to create carer friendly communities where carers are recognised, valued and supported. 

Wiltshire County Council have an Accreditation scheme and we are very pleased to announce that in July 2022, The Old School Surgery was awarded PLATINUM status, again!

If you would like more information or talk to the Carer Topic Lead of the Surgery, please don't hesitate to enquire at reception, email or telephone in.

Carer Topic Lead: Donna Pais

Email: ossrec@nhs.net or Telephone: 01672 870388.

There is a wealth of information available on the NHS website about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• A guide to care and support

  Information for carers and people who have care & support needs.

• Caring for someone

  Advice on providing care, medicines etc.

• Care after hospital

  Providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job - find out about accessing breaks and respite care.

• Support and benefits for carers
  

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job - find out about accessing breaks and respite care.

• Work and Disability
  

  Guidance, support and help with employment issues.

  Being a Young carer

  Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the under-65s

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to.

  Benefits for the over-65s

  Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.

• Carer's Assessment
  

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

This November, to support Carers Rights Day (23 November), join Carer Support Wiltshire at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge for an new event designed to support unpaid carers. They will be bringing together experts from local government and the voluntary sector to share their knowledge on a range of topics that provide guidance and advice helpful to carers.

The event includes a variety of sessions, including building support networks, navigating the benefits system, and looking after yourself while caring for someone. There's even a practical first-aid tips session to help carers be better prepared in case of emergencies. The information hall will host organisations from across the public, voluntary, and commercial sectors to provide advice and guidance about your caring role.

Many carers struggle with a social care system that is struggling, financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis, and increased stress due to more hours of care required. Carer Support Wiltshire wants to empower carers with the knowledge they need to live their lives well and to provide the support they need to feel supported in their caring roles.

The expo is free, with an optional donation, and will take place on Tuesday 21 November, from 10.00am-6.30pm. Register for tickets in advance and discover the many ways we're here to help and support unpaid carers.

Book Your Tickets Here