What is the Carer’s Prescription?
The Carer’s Prescription is a secure online referral mechanism which allows doctors and other primary care health professionals to support unpaid carers they come into contact with. By completing a referral, professionals can connect carers to a range of support services available across Surrey.
Support can be offered directly to the carer, or to the person they care for, depending on what is most helpful.
The purpose of the Carer’s Prescription is to support the health and wellbeing of carers, reduce the risk of crisis, and help carers find a better balance between their caring role and life outside caring.
Who can be referred?
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Adult carers
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Young carers (under 18)
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Young adult carers (18–24)
Referrals can include support for the carer and for the person they care for.
How to make a referral
There are two portals depending on your role:
- GP referrals:
Surrey GP Carer’s Prescription Portal
- Any other kind of healthcare workers:
What support is available via the Carer’s Prescription
Once a referral is submitted, carers can access:
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Carer information and the Surrey Digital Offer
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All Action for Carers’ services – for adults, young carers, and young adult carers.
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Help with a Carer’s Assessment – The assessment is an opportunity to discuss with a social care practitioner what support or services a carer needs. The assessment will look at how caring affects the carer’s life, including for example, physical, mental and emotional needs, and whether they are able or willing to carry on caring. This is a Surrey County Council service
- Crossroads Care Surrey provides respite and home-based support.
- Specialist support and advice from organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society for dementia carers.
GP Carer Break Scheme
Additionally, when GPs complete a Carer’s Prescription, the carer may be entitled to a ‘GP Carer Break’. This is a one-off payment at the GP’s discretion, giving the carer household up to a maximum of £300 for a break. More about the Carer’s Break Scheme here.
The Surrey Carers’ Prescription scheme is hosted on behalf of the NHS by Surrey Independent Living Council (SILC).
Why this matters in Surrey
Carers often don’t recognise themselves as carers, yet caring can impact physical and mental health. The Carer’s Prescription provides a straightforward referral route from primary care into support that can make a real difference to carers’ quality of life.