Carers Needs Assessments

All Carers in the UK, aged 18+, are entitled to an Assessment of their own needs; separate to the needs of those that they care for.  This right exists in law, such as through the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995, and more and more is being done to campaign for greater awareness and greater rights.

The foundation for this right is the Carers Assessment. It aims to identify areas where greater support can be given to you as the Carer, whether that be in the form of Occupational Therapist or Social Worker involvement, respite, your own health needs (both emotional and physical) and anything else you wish to discuss.

You get to decide what you want to say, and the Assessment gives you the formal means of saying it.

In Cumbria, five Carers Agencies, representing each of the regions, exist to assist and support Carers, both in completing the Assessments, and in identifying and tailoring ongoing support mechanisms.

These Agencies are:

West Cumbria Carers (01900 810 101)
Carlisle Carers (01228 542 156)  
Eden Carers (01768 890 280)  
South Lakes Carers (01539 815 970)  
Furness Carers (01229 822 822)