Why identify carers?
You meet many carers in your role. However, many don’t see themselves as carers and aren’t aware of all the help and support available. GP practices play a vital role in identifying carers early and helping them access support.
Frequently their caring role starts because of a trauma, illness or emergency which then leads into a long term responsibility.
Juggling caring with work and other family commitments, carers can soon become overwhelmed and stressed. They typically neglect their own health and well-being if not supported, which can create a further burden on your surgery.
GPs in Surrey should refer carers via the Carers Prescription.
Surrey GP Carer’s Prescription Portal
How Action for Carers Surrey can help
Action for Carers Surrey is the countywide charity supporting unpaid carers of all ages.
We can offer carers:
-
Information and practical advice
-
Emotional support
-
Help understanding carers’ rights
-
Support to access a Carer’s Assessment
-
Wellbeing support and opportunities for a break
-
Support for young carers (aged 5-17) and young adult carers (18-24)
All support is free and confidential.
How to refer Surrey carers via GP Carer’s Prescription
GP practices in Surrey can refer carers directly to Action for Carers through the Surrey GP Carer’s Prescription.
This is a secure online referral route that allows carers to be contacted by our team and offered support.
Surrey GP Carer’s Prescription Portal
Why refer a carer?
Referring a carer can help them:
-
Feel less isolated
-
Get support before reaching burnout
-
Access the right services sooner
-
Understand what help is available locally
-
Improve their own health and wellbeing
GP Carer Break Support
Additionally, if a carer is struggling in their caring role, then there is a range of support a GP can offer, including social prescribing and GP Carer’s Break scheme. This is a one-off grant of up to £300, based on a clinical assessment of your health and wellbeing.
Download leaflets and information for your practice
It’s important that carers register as carers with their GP, so that they can access all the services they need.
To help with this, there are two Surrey NHS leaflets to be used in GP’s surgeries, which contain information for the carer, a form for them to complete and information for the practice. One for adult carers and one for under 18s.
- Adult carers leaflet (accessible)
- Action for Carers – general poster ‘Are you looking after relative or friend’
- Action for Carers – Young Carer Poster
These can be used in waiting rooms, consultation rooms, and community noticeboards.
Waiting room screen
We have a single slide PDF for use on waiting room display screens. Simply download it here. (Enquiries, please email [email protected])
GP Carer FAQ’s
What is an unpaid carer?
An unpaid carer is someone who supports a family member, partner or friend who couldn’t manage without their help due to illness, disability, frailty, mental health needs or substance misuse. This can be for a few hours a week to full time support.
Why should GP practices identify carers?
Identifying carers early helps prevent burnout, improves wellbeing, reduces isolation, and supports carers to stay physically and mentally well.
How can GP practices refer carers in Surrey?
GP practices can refer carers using the Surrey GP Carer’s Prescription, a secure referral route to Action for Carers Surrey.
Should carers register as a carer with their GP in addition to Action for Carers?
Yes. Carers should tell their GP practice about their caring role and ask to be added to the practice carers register.
Is Action for Carers Surrey support free?
Yes. All support from Action for Carers Surrey is free.
Is Action for Carers Surrey support confidential?
Yes. Support is confidential.
Can Action for Carers Surrey support young carers?
Yes. We support young carers aged 5-17 and young adult carers aged 18-24.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Action for Carers Surrey on 0303 040 1234 or email [email protected]
