If you’re a Carer who helps and supports someone who can’t manage on their own, we want to ensure you get all the support you need.

At Aspen Medical Practice we offer:

• Carers’ Support Group which runs monthly
• Flexibility around Appointments
• Support from our Prescriptions Team
• Annual Flu immunisation
• Health checks for Carers
• Carer Information Packs from reception or the Wellbeing Centre of our website.
• Dedicated Carers’ Champions within the Surgery.
• Named GP for young carers to help build rapport and continuity.

We would like to hold this information in your medical record, this will help us provide support as necessary and have a better understanding of your needs.

With your permission, we will refer you to Carers Gloucestershire or Gloucestershire Young Carers if you are under the age of 18. These countywide organisations provide relevant information and advice, local support services, newsletter and telephone help for carers. They are able to assess your needs (called a Carers’ Needs Assessment) and give you the chance to discuss your role as a Carer and what help you may need to:

• Support you as a Carer.
• Maintain your own health.
• Balance caring with other aspects of your life, like work and family, looking at both your current and future needs.
• Discuss the emergency carers scheme in the event that you become unwell.

As a result of completing the Assessment they may provide services to help you in your caring role or to maintain your own health and well-being. It can also look at the needs of the person you care for. This could be done separately, or together, depending on the situation.

Please complete a Carer Registration form either online or from reception and hand it back to reception once complete.

Gloucestershire Carers Hub is part of the PeoplePlus group’s Independence services, which empowers people with a range of support needs to lead independent lives. The Carers Hub aims to support Carers across the region to access a one stop shop for advice and support. They endeavour to be the listening ear and the supportive hand for Carers seeking guidance.

Contact Carers Hub Gloucestershire on 0300 111 9000 or visit their website.

Gloucestershire Young Carers provide support to young Carers and their families. Contact them on 01452 733060 or visit their website www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk.

There is also a wealth of information on NHS.UK about carers and caring. You can also visit our section about Carers in our Wellbeing Centre.

Carers

• Monday 8th January 2024 – Looking after yourself as a Carer, including in a crisis.
• Monday 15th January 2024 – Developing Healthy Boundaries and Building Resilience.
• Monday 22nd January 2024 – Dealing with Carer Guilt & Compassion Fatigue & Feeling of Loss.
• Monday 29th January 2024 – Communication with professionals, building confidence & knowing your rights.
• Monday 5th February 2024 – Contingency Planning.
• Monday 12th February 2024 – Planning hospital care and discharge including technology & services to support at home.