Carers

Who is a Carer?

A carer is anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of illness, frailty, disability, mental health condition, or addiction — and who cannot manage without that support. You may be providing care for a few hours a week or full-time; both are equally important.

If this sounds like you, please let us know. Identifying yourself as a carer helps us make sure you get the right support and information.

Web banner promoting the NHS App as a quick way for patients to access their health information.

By registering as a carer, we can:

  • Add you to our carers register.
  • Record your caring responsibilities in your medical record.
  • Offer flexible appointments and priority access where possible.
  • Provide flu and COVID vaccinations for carers.
  • Direct you to local support services and respite options.
  • Involve you (with consent) in the care planning of the person you look after.

You can tell us you are a carer by completing our Carer Registration Form.

Being a carer can be rewarding but also physically and emotionally demanding. You don’t have to manage alone — help is available.

Local Support

  • Carers First – Hackney
    Offers advice, emotional support, benefit guidance, respite information, and local carers groups.
    📞 0300 303 1555
    🌐 www.carersfirst.org.uk
  • Hackney Council Carers Services. Provides carer assessments, short breaks, and practical help. 🌐 www.hackney.gov.uk/carers
  • City and Hackney Carers Centre. Delivers workshops, support groups, and wellbeing activities. 📞 020 8533 0951 🌐 www.hackneycarers.org.uk

If you’re under 18 and help to care for someone, you are a young carer. Support is available through:

Young Hackney Carers Project
Offers fun activities, mentoring, and advice.
📞 020 8356 7404
🌐 www.younghackney.org/carers

Caring can affect your health and wellbeing. Please contact us if:

  • You’re feeling stressed, anxious, or exhausted.
  • You’re struggling to manage your own health conditions.
  • You need advice on practical support or breaks.

Our team is here to help. We can arrange appointments with our Social Prescriber, Health and Wellbeing Coach, or refer you to local carer support services.

It’s important to have a plan in case you’re suddenly unable to provide care. You can:

  • Create an Emergency Carer Plan with us.
  • Request a Carers Emergency Card from Carers First.
  • Let us know who we should contact if something happens.

Carers UK 0808 808 7777 National charity offering information and advice.
NHS Carers Direct 0300 123 1053 Information and advice on caring.
Mind in Hackney 020 8525 2301 Mental health support for carers.
Hackney Advice Service 020 7249 0360 Benefits and financial advice.

Scroll to Top