Planning and practical help

Practical help and support can make a huge difference in both your well-being and ability to continue caring for others. Below is a breakdown of the most valuable kinds of support:

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1. Financial Support

We often have funds available for carers to apply for. If you are struggling financially please get in touch and find out if there’s anything you are eligible to apply for.

Carer’s Allowance or benefits: Regular payments that acknowledge the financial cost of caring  

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Council Tax reductions, fuel discounts, or grants: Help with living costs or adapting the home.

 

Help with managing someone else's finances: Support with Power of Attorney or benefit applications

 
 

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​​​​2. Emergency Card Service

What would happen to the person you care for if you were suddenly unable to look after them?

 

Whatever your caring role, we can give you peace of mind that if you have an emergency, the West Cheshire Carers Emergency Support Service can help ensure the person you care for will receive appropriate and rapid assistance.

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Features of the service:

• Contingency planning

• Carers Emergency Card to carry in wallet or purse

• 24/7, year round emergency phone line

• Information about other care services

**All aspects of the service are completely free

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Examples of an emergency:

• You are late or unable to get home

• You have an accident

• You suddenly become ill

• Because of another crisis, you are needed elsewhere

 

3. Training and Information

• Have a look at our Events page for upcoming training sessions.

• Condition-specific training: Learning about dementia, autism, mental health, etc., can boost confidence. 

• Manual handling, first aid, medication management: Makes care safer for both carer and person cared for.

• Online resources and workshops: Available at flexible times to fit around care responsibilities.

 

4. Equipment and Home Adaptations

• Mobility aids (hoists, stair lifts, walkers): Reduce physical strain on the carer.

• Assistive technology (alarms, apps, sensors): Promotes independence and gives carers peace of mind

• Home improvements: Ramps, grab rails, or bathroom adaptations funded through grants.​

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5. Peer Support

• We have lots of Peer Support Groups, please see these on our Events page

• Carer support groups: A space to share experiences and tips with others who understand.

• Online forums or local meetups: Flexible options to reduce isolation and foster community

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6. Flexible Working and Employer Support 

• Right to request flexible or part-time working: Helps balance care and employment.

• Carer-friendly workplaces: Understanding managers, compassionate leave policies, or carer support networks.

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7. Help Navigating the System
Care-needs assessments: From the local authority to access services and funding.

 

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​​​​​Accessing help often starts with identifying yourself as a carer. Once that step is taken, you're no longer invisible to systems designed to support you.