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.
Equipment Advice Service
The Equipment Advice Service is available to anyone with a physical or learning disability who lives in County Durham and has difficulty managing everyday activities. The service provides information to help people live independently, offering advice over the telephone and by e-mail. A website, Equip-Yourself-Durham, is also available offering a free and easy to use method of assessing your own equipment needs.
Carer support
Durham County Carers Support is an independent, charitable organisation providing information, advice and support to carers. Durham County Carers Support offers a wide range of local, confidential support services to adult and parent carers.
To find out more please contact Durham County Carers Support directly using the contact details below. Their support workers will be happy to assist.
Durham County Carers Support
Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre
Suite 3
Avenue House
Greenwell Road
Newton Aycliffe
County Durham
DL5 4DH
Tel: 0300 005 1213
Email: admin@dccarers.org
Download the 
Durham County Carers Support.pdf (2 pages, 197kb) information leaflet.
Horizons Young Adult Carers Service
Horizons is an innovative and groundbreaking transitions project for young carers and young adult carers across County Durham. The transitions service supports carers between the ages of 14-25 years and we aim to increase access to services, improve confidence and well-being and increase choices available and achieve their aspirations.
Registered Trader Scheme
Durham County Council's Trading Standards Service has set up the Registered Trader Scheme, in association with the County’s Community Safety Team, the police and other voluntary, public and private sector agencies. The scheme helps you to make an informed choice if you need the services of a trader. It also supports and recognises those businesses which are committed to high standards of trading.
National advice and support
AskSARA is an award-winning guided advice tool developed by national charity the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) to help people find solutions to their daily living problems.
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.
Carersnet Resources is a website for carers in Surrey but also contains national resources for people working with carers.
Crossroads Care and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers have merged to form the charity Carers Trust. Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
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.
DemTalk is an online toolkit for effective communication with and for people living with dementia. Their website contains sections for carers of someone with dementia.
Dying Matters website contains information and links for carers looking after someone approaching the end of life.
Independent Age provide information and advice service for older people, their families and carers, focusing on social care, welfare benefits and befriending services.
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. Macmillan 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.
Parkinson's UK is a national charity, committed to improving the quality of life for all people affected by Parkinson’s and their families and carers. Please contact your local Information and Support Worker for County Durham and Darlington, Margaret Hunter Tel: 0844 225 9827 E-mail: isw.sunderlanddurhamdarlington@parkinsons.org.uk
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.