Advice and support
The following links are here to provide you with the advice and support that you need to help yourself and the person that you care for.
Local advice and support
Durham Information Guide (DIG)
Durham Information Guide (DIG) is a free online database which allows you to search countywide, regional and national information for social care, health and community information, such as arts, leisure, sports and social groups and organisations.
Durham Information Guide (DIG) survey
Your views are important to us, please give us your feedback by completing a short online survey to help improve and develop Durham Information Guide.
Derwentside
Derwentside Carers Centre is an independent charity managed by a trustee board, and affiliated to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. The service operates with a centre manager, carer support workers, administrative support and a Respite Manager. Care workers are also employed to provide respite support in the home, specifically aimed at enabling carers to take time out as a break from their caring role.
Tel: 01207 502 688
Durham and Chester-le-Street
To support the needs of carers/parents in the districts of Durham and Chester-le-Street an independent charitable organisation has been developed - Durham and Chester-le-Street Carers Support. The delivery of this service is based totally on the needs of the carers and parents supported by it.
Tel: 0191 387 1991
Durham Dales
Durham Dales Action For Carers – are an independent charity affiliated to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Carers’ centres have been retained in both Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland, from which carer support groups are run and staff have their base. The centres aim to provide purposeful consultation and representation for carers, raising awareness of their needs and role, and ensuring effective services are made available.
Tel: 01833 630 202
Easington District Carers Support
Easington District Carers Support are an independent charitable organisation, which provides information advice and support to carers within the District of Easington. They are funded through NHS Foundation Trust, Durham County Council - Adults, Wellbeing and Health and Northern Rock Foundation.
Tel: 0191 586 9134
Sedgefield
Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre is part of a national network of Carers Centres called 'The Princess Royal Trust for Carers'. Each individual Carers Centre in the network is a charity in its own right. Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre is also a Company Limited by guarantee.
Tel: 01325 313 123
National advice and support
Carers Direct is the official NHS website designed to help you get the help and support you need as a carer. They offer information that you may need to get the financial help which you’re entitled to, as well as advice on getting a break from caring, going to work and much more.
Carers UK has a long history and was formed from the merger of two carer organisations with roots going back to the 1960's. Carers UK was set up by carers themselves and to this day is still a member led organisation.
Counsel and Care is a national charity working with older people, their families and carers to get the best care and support. They provide personalised, in-depth advice and information, which informs research and campaigning work.
Crossroads is a provider of support for carers and the people they care for. They work with over 35,000 individuals and their families, helping carers to make a life of their own outside caring. Crossroads aim to provide a special quality of care that gives carers peace of mind to let someone else step into their shoes.
Dementia UK is a national charity, committed to improving quality of life for all people affected by dementia. Dementia UK has four core areas including 'Uniting Carers' - a national network of carers, former carers, family and friends of people affected by dementia.
Direct Gov have created a series of carers webpages - Caring for someone which offer carers information that will help them and the person they care for, receive the advice and support that they need.
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care. Cancer affects us all. We can all help. We are Macmillan.
The MS Society is the UK's largest charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in the UK. Through its unique network of independently managed Carers' Centres, young carers' services and interactive websites. The Trust currently provides information, advice and support services to over 400,000 carers, including approximately 25,000 young carers.
Vitalise - a national charity providing short breaks (respite care) and other services for disabled people, visually impaired people, and their carers.
International advice and support
Founded in 2004 by eight European countries, Eurocarers provides advice and support to all of Europe’s carers.
Carers World Radio is produded with a global audience in mind and have developed audio services for carers for over ten years. Based in Surrey, they provide a platform for carers to learn about developments in policy, services, and help find out what is available to carers in your country.