Who Is an Adult Carer?
An Adult Carer is someone aged 18 or over who looks after or supports another adult who needs help due to:
- Illness
- Disability
- Mental health condition
- Substance misuse
- Age-related needs
The help provided is unpaid. It can be for a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour. The support might include helping with daily tasks like washing, dressing, cooking, managing medication, or providing emotional support.
Adult carers can be:
- Supporting someone full-time or part-time
- Living with the person they care for or elsewhere
- Balancing looking after someone with work, studies, or other responsibilities
Information, Advice and Support for Carers
Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACSS), which is delivered by Derbyshire Carers Association on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, provides a range of support services including:
Carers Helpline
Having someone to talk to can bring real peace of mind for Carers. Whether it’s a quick question or a more complex concern, Carer Support Workers are here to help. The Carer Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays), offering friendly, confidential information, advice, and guidance over the phone. Please telephone 01773 833833.
Carer Support Groups and Cuppa & Chats
These are a great way to meet new people, share experiences, gain advice and information as well as finding out what is available to you as a Carer. Support groups and cuppa & chats are facilitated by a Carer Support Worker and/or Volunteers who will be available to make you a cuppa, offer advice and information, as well as arranging speakers to come along for you to learn more about services available in your local community.
To find out more, please visit: Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service - What's On
Training & Breaks
There are a range of online and in-person events and activities, from webinars with experts, to crafts sessions, first aid training, yoga and wellbeing - or just an informal catch-up over coffee and cake!
The activities program provides information on a range of adult community activities across Derbyshire (excluding Derby City) that are fully-funded. These activities support individual needs and are a great way to take time out from your caring role to enjoy something for you! Please visit the ‘What’s On’ guide where you will find the latest Training, Events and Activities schedule.
Assessing Carer’s needs
A Carers Assessment will help to identify the support you need as a Carer and the things that could make your role easier for you. It can provide access to support such as:
- Information about the condition or illness of the person you care for and signposting to support services.
- Information about Support Groups
- Information and help to access any training courses available to you (for example, moving and handling)
- Information on how your GP can support you
- Advice about how to get a balance between supporting your loved one and your own health & wellbeing
- Services to enable you to have a break from your caring role
- Help to make a plan in case of an emergency or crisis
- Advice on how to access services such as housing, employment support and education
- A person‑centred and family‑centred approach to you, the person you look after, and anyone else involved in their care and support (this could include a young carer or other family members).
Take a look at the ‘What’s On’ guide where you will find our latest Training, Events and Activities schedule. Our webpage now enables users to search activities by locality, so please take a look at what we offer in your local area!
Registering with Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACSS)
To register with the Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACSS), please complete the online referral form. If you would prefer to discuss your needs further please call 01773 833833.
Emergency Planning
This service supports carers with an Emergency Plan that is activated when the carer is not able to continue providing care because of an emergency.
To find out more information and ways of completing this, please visit:
Derbyshire County Council - Carers Emergency Card