Ask us how we can support you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe support disabled people with complex needs of all ages and their carers. Get in touch with our team to find out more about Sense services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nContact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\nThis page gives more information about what support is available for carers in the UK, and how to access it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for more information about financial support, visit our page about benefits for carers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn this page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Support from social services<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Support from your GP<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Respite care<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sense services<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Taking care of yourself when you\u2019re a carer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Support from social services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYour local authority might be able to give you some practical help with caring. This could include things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Information about local support groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some extra support for the person you care for. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To get this support, you\u2019ll need to have a carer\u2019s assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about carers’ assessments.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Yvette_still-500x373.jpg\")
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n“As a carer or parent of a disabled child, sometimes you feel guilty. I understand how that feels. But you don\u2019t have to carry it all yourself. It\u2019s okay to need help sometimes.”<\/p>\nYvette, full-time carer to Rosey. Read Yvette’s story.<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSupport from your GP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCaring can be hard. It\u2019s important your GP practice knows and can look out for your health and wellbeing, as well as offer advice and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, you may be entitled to other health services such as a free flu jab or annual health checks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is why it\u2019s important to let your GP know that you\u2019re caring for someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to register as a carer with your GP<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAll GP practices should have a carers’ register. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019d like to register as a carer, simply ask your GP surgery how to sign up. Usually, they will give you a form to fill out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve done this, they should add a note to their system that you are a carer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Respite care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nRespite care is a way of describing services that give you a break from caring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about respite care and how to access it.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n\nSense services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSense is here for disabled people with complex needs<\/a> and for their families and carers, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nOur services give carers a break from caring, while also giving disabled people with complex needs the opportunity to build confidence, make friends and express themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We also offer services for siblings, young carers, parents and families around the UK. Check out some of our services below, or speak to our information and advice service<\/a> to find out more about how we could support you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/220618_sense_selects_170-1buddying-got-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n Sense short breaks for disabled people and their families\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tSense Short Breaks are get-aways and days out for disabled adults and children.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Mersea-Island-2022-Group-03-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n Go on a Sense Holiday\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tHave an unforgettable time on an accessible adventure and leisure holiday. We have a choice of UK locations.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/horton-2-adults-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n Community support\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tOne-to-one support to help you communicate and live your daily life.\u00a0\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \n ![\"two](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/190524_sense_barnet_selects_edit_292-1-about-woman-dancing-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n Day services\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tAt our centres all over the UK, we offer a huge range of daytime activities for disabled people with complex needs.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sensory-Snooker-1-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n Activities for disabled people\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tArts, sports and wellbeing are vital for everybody. With Sense\u2019s accessible activities, you can build confidence, keep fit and express yourself your way.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n Activities for young carers\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tSense helps young people to learn new skills, make friends and talk about their lives.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2303-scaled-1-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n Early intervention for disabled children\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tOur free play service helps disabled children up to 8 years old and their families communicate, develop and connect.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTaking care of yourself when you\u2019re a carer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMaking time for hobbies and self-care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re caring for someone with complex needs, it can be so hard to carve out time to still do the things that make you feel like you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your own interests and hobbies can often take a back seat. It can be even harder to get a proper break, even if only for a few hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not selfish to take care of your own needs. It\u2019s important that you get time to exercise, pursue hobbies or simply rest. Even if you don\u2019t have time to go to an event or activity, it\u2019s a good idea to take short breaks whenever you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking some of the steps outlined on this page should help you to find some time to take care of yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building your own support network<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEverybody needs help sometimes. It\u2019s a good idea to share details of your caring responsibilities with your family and friends, so that they know what you\u2019re doing and how best to support you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They might even be able to share some of your responsibilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might also find it helpful to speak to other carers and people who understand your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carers UK has an online forum, a directory of support groups and a listening service.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n\nMore support for carers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n \n ![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/SENSE_AnastasiaJobson-5928-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n What benefits can you claim if you’re a carer?\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tIf you care for a disabled person, you might be entitled to help with your living costs.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n \n ![\"Raji,](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/1052-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n \n Carers’ rights at work\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n \n\t\t\tThis page explains carers\u2019 rights in the workplace, including your right to time off in an emergency and protection against discrimination.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
This page gives more information about what support is available for carers in the UK, and how to access it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for more information about financial support, visit our page about benefits for carers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On this page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your local authority might be able to give you some practical help with caring. This could include things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get this support, you\u2019ll need to have a carer\u2019s assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about carers’ assessments.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n “As a carer or parent of a disabled child, sometimes you feel guilty. I understand how that feels. But you don\u2019t have to carry it all yourself. It\u2019s okay to need help sometimes.”<\/p>\nYvette, full-time carer to Rosey. Read Yvette’s story.<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Caring can be hard. It\u2019s important your GP practice knows and can look out for your health and wellbeing, as well as offer advice and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, you may be entitled to other health services such as a free flu jab or annual health checks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why it\u2019s important to let your GP know that you\u2019re caring for someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All GP practices should have a carers’ register. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like to register as a carer, simply ask your GP surgery how to sign up. Usually, they will give you a form to fill out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve done this, they should add a note to their system that you are a carer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respite care is a way of describing services that give you a break from caring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about respite care and how to access it.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sense is here for disabled people with complex needs<\/a> and for their families and carers, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our services give carers a break from caring, while also giving disabled people with complex needs the opportunity to build confidence, make friends and express themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also offer services for siblings, young carers, parents and families around the UK. Check out some of our services below, or speak to our information and advice service<\/a> to find out more about how we could support you. <\/p>\n\n\n When you\u2019re caring for someone with complex needs, it can be so hard to carve out time to still do the things that make you feel like you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your own interests and hobbies can often take a back seat. It can be even harder to get a proper break, even if only for a few hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not selfish to take care of your own needs. It\u2019s important that you get time to exercise, pursue hobbies or simply rest. Even if you don\u2019t have time to go to an event or activity, it\u2019s a good idea to take short breaks whenever you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking some of the steps outlined on this page should help you to find some time to take care of yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Everybody needs help sometimes. It\u2019s a good idea to share details of your caring responsibilities with your family and friends, so that they know what you\u2019re doing and how best to support you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They might even be able to share some of your responsibilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might also find it helpful to speak to other carers and people who understand your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carers UK has an online forum, a directory of support groups and a listening service.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Support from social services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\n\t\n
Support from your GP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to register as a carer with your GP<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Respite care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sense services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n Sense short breaks for disabled people and their families\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n Go on a Sense Holiday\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n Community support\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n Day services\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n Activities for disabled people\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
\n \n Activities for young carers\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n Early intervention for disabled children\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
Taking care of yourself when you\u2019re a carer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Making time for hobbies and self-care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Building your own support network<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More support for carers<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n What benefits can you claim if you’re a carer?\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
\n <\/figure>\n \n \n \n Carers’ rights at work\n <\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n \n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Hajara_Talhah_Sense-6481-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n ![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-600x300.jpg\")
\n <\/figure>\n \n