Support for carers

Providing care to a loved one is a hugely important role, yet it can come with some challenges, especially when juggling your care responsibilities around your own life and needs.

Many carers are in need of some kind of support, yet do not know how or where to get this. The Fund can provide a range of assistance if you are experiencing financial difficulties (eligibility criteria applies). This includes help with care costs, care/mobility equipment, home adaptations, and digital resources that help you support others better. Our support also includes grants to assist with things such as regular home help, subscriptions to telecare services or essential items or aids for the home. Other support available includes:

• Access to the Fund's RAF telephone friendship groups, aimed at reducing isolation and creating a safe forum to receive peer support.
• Relationship support, accessed through the Fund's partnership with Relate.
• A listening, counselling and wellbeing service, providing access to emotional support, including counselling sessions that can be delivered in your own home.
• Advocacy and benefits advice – we can advocate on your behalf if you are struggling to get the correct services from the NHS or your Local Authority. We can also advise you on the benefits you may be entitled to.

Digital resource for Carers

We've partnered with Carers UK to develop the Digital Resource for Carers - a free online platform packed with practical tools, information and guidance to help you manage your caring responsibilities with confidence.

Whether you're new to caring or have been caring for years, the platform offers easy access to resources that help you save time, build your knowledge and access the support you're entitled to.

The resources include:

• E-learning courses - Providing flexible, bite-sized learning on topics such as managing sleep, looking after your wellbeing and staying on top of your finances.
• How-to videos - Answering questions such as how to request a carer's assessment or complete a benefits form.
• A benefits calculator - Helping you understand which benefits you're eligible for and why.
• An Upfront Guide to Caring - A simple online tool that asks a few questions about your situation and creates a personalised plan based on your circumstances and needs.

How to access the Digital Resource for Carers:

1. Visit carersdigital.org
2. Click Create Account
3. Register using your email address and a password of your choice
4. Enter the access code RAFBF
5. Start exploring the platform