Find someone to talk to about caring

If you have identified yourself as a carer, we know that you may not have much spare time. There are a number of organisations that can help you find the information, advice, support and activities, you need as a carer.

Support for carers in Leicestershire

Support for carers

Whether you care full-time or just a few hours a week, we provide information and advice service for carers in Leicestershire through Support for Carers. Support for Carers is Leicestershire’s commissioned provider for carers. Their services include:

  • telephone advice line - call 01858 468 543 during office hours Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm) or email: maureen@supportforcarers.org
  • issuing carers passports, which identify, recognise, and support unpaid carers in the community or in an organisation
  • telephone befriending service - for people who feel isolated and haven’t got support from family and friends
  • buddying scheme - get to know other carers in the same situation as you
  • local carers support groups and other social community groups they can put you in touch with
  • carers emergency plan and carers ID cards are issued out on registration
  • help completing a carer’s assessment to see whether you might be eligible for support

First Contact Plus

Visit First Contact Plus for health and social care information and advice in Leicestershire. By making a self-referral, you will get a call back within 2 days.

Local area coordinators

Our Local Area Co-ordinators may be able to put you in touch with a support group in your community.

Other support

The NHS Carers Direct Helpline (0300 123 1053) and web chat are available Monday to Friday (9am to 8pm) and weekends (11am to 4pm). 

Carers UK provide information and advice on caring and help carers connect with each other.

Carers Trust offers online help and advice.

Social media (such as Facebook and Twitter) and online forums can be a convenient way to link up with other carers. You may want to consider setting up your own if you can't find one.

Further reading

NHS helplines and forums