New to Caring

Taking on a caring role for the first time, or managing increased caring responsibilities, can bring new challenges. If you need extra support, the following services and resources may be helpful.

Get information and advice early

As a carer, accessing information and advice can make a real difference to your caring journey. It can help you understand your rights, find out about the support available to you, and make informed decisions about the care you provide. Caring can sometimes feel overwhelming, and knowing where to go for guidance can help you manage challenges, look after your own health and wellbeing, and feel less alone. Accessing information early can also help you identify when you need additional support and ensure both you and the person you care for receive the help you need. At Carers in Hertfordshire our team of advisors is here to help you navigate the Health and Social Care system and find the right information for your unique situation. Contact us to get support.

You may also find our FAQs section useful

Tell your GP you are a carer

It is important to register as a carer with your GP surgery. Letting your GP know about your caring responsibilities helps the practice provide appropriate support and take your needs into account. For example, they may be able to offer more flexible appointment times to fit around your caring role, provide a free annual flu vaccination, and help monitor and support your own health and wellbeing. Many GP surgeries in Hertfordshire also have a Carers Champion who can offer information, guidance, and signpost you to additional support services.

Look after your own health and wellbeing

Carers often put their own health and wellbeing second while focusing on the needs of the person they care for. However, caring can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it is important to recognise the impact it may have on you.

Make time for activities that help you relax, recharge, and maintain your wellbeing. Seek out sources of emotional support, such as family and friends, and use them when you need to. Looking after yourself is not selfish—it is an essential part of staying healthy and being able to continue caring effectively. Carers in Hertfordshire runs carers groups, these are a great way to meet other carers, socialise whilst also having access to information and support.

Our free Carers Development and Learning courses and workshops can help you build confidence, develop coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the challenges of caring.

It is also important not to ignore your own health concerns. If you are feeling unwell or have worries about your physical or mental health, make an appointment with your GP or healthcare professional rather than putting it off. Your health matters too.

Take a Break

As a carer it is important that you make time for yourself. Taking a break from caring, sometimes called respite, can mean different things for different people, you will need to think about the type of break that is right for you and the person you care for. It could mean a couple of hours a day or a week, a few days here and there or a couple of weeks to enable you to go away. There are a range of options that will depend on your personal circumstances.

• Check out our Breaks for Carers page, which tells you about the support we provide or can arrange for you. This includes our free courses and workshops that give you an opportunity to take time out from caring, or let you learn new skills to cope.
• Parent carers can access a break from caring through the Local Offer – find out more: The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer
• Helping you care is a dedicated Carers Support and Breaks Service. It is short term support (6-8 weeks maximum) designed to assist unpaid carers in Hertfordshire caring for adults aged 18 and over, including older adults (65+), and individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions.
  • In Stevenage and North Herts, the service is delivered by Crossroads Caring for Life. You can request support on their website or by calling 01462 455578.
  • In the rest of the county the service is delivered by Care by Us and support can be requested here: 0333 700 8080 or enquiries@carebyus.com
  • Alternatively, an adviser from Carers in Hertfordshire can make a referral on your behalf.

Assessments of need

If you are aged 18 or over and provide regular unpaid care for someone, you have the right to a Carer’s Assessment under the Care Act 2014.

A Carer’s Assessment is a conversation with the local authority where the person you care for lives. It gives you the opportunity to discuss how your caring role affects your physical health, emotional wellbeing, work, education, and daily life.

The assessment helps identify what support you may need and whether you are willing and able to continue providing care.

Find out more about Carers’ Assessments

You are entitled to have a Carer’s Assessment regardless of whether the person you care for receives social care support. However, it may also be helpful for them to have an assessment of their own care and support needs.

Benefits Entitlement

You may be entitled to benefits as a carer. Find out more about the available benefits and eligibility criteria on the Carers UK website. Turn2Us also offers an online benefits calculator.

If you would like to discuss your specific situation, our advisors can refer you to benefits specialists at the Hertfordshire Money Advice Unit. If you are unsure on how to complete a benefit form, it is important to seek specialist advice. Get in touch to speak to our advice team.

Useful websites

Hertfordshire County Council
Social Care information for residents of Hertfordshire. They also have a specific area of their website for carers.

Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust
Information for people with a mental health condition living in Hertfordshire and their carers.

Gov.uk
Information about welfare benefits.

Carers UK and Carers Trust
Both websites have information on all matters related to caring.
Carers UK has published a booklet specifically for people new to caring.