Carers

See the pages on the left for information on a range of support and information for carers including -

• Adult carers are adults caring for another adult such as a spouse, partner, friend or relative
• Parent carers are adults caring for an ill or disabled child
• Young carers are children or young people who carry out significant caring tasks and have a level of responsibility for another person which would usually be taken by an adult. This may be a sibling or a parent.

About carers

Carers are people of any age who look after a friend or relative who needs support because of -

• a physical or learning disability
• mental illness
• impaired health due to sickness or old age.

Someone who is paid to undertake their caring role is not a carer, although some carers may be in receipt of Carers Allowance or in full time employment. Many carers give up work or reduce their hours of work to care and others in work report an impact of their own physical and emotional health. These services are designed to help you and support you in your everyday life.

Swim free in Hackney

Swimming is now available free for disabled people and carers at Britannia Leisure Centre, Clissold Leisure Centre, Kings Hall Leisure Centre and London Fields Lido.

Please note: carers can swim free independent of the person they are caring for. Proof of eligibility and Terms & Conditions apply. See Free Swimming for Disabled People and Carers (PDF, 361KB). More information is also available at the above leisure centres and at GLL.

Free learn-to-swim lessons

For disabled people and carers who are unable to swim or would like to gain more confidence in the water. Please register your interest at www.gll.org/swimfreeinhackney

Self-development events for carers

See the 2011/2012 calendar of events on a range of topics including family benefits, how to manage your money, providing first aid and helping your loved one with their medication by visiting the self-development events for carers page.

Help and support for carers

To find out what help and support is available for carers see the pages on the left or download the Carers Information Pack (Word, 1.3MB).

See also Personalisation - A Guide for Carers (PDF, 608KB). Personalisation means making sure that everyone has access to the right information and advice to help them make decisions about care and support.

This guide explains the five main stages to getting the support you need giving you more choice and control regardless whether support is being funded by local authorities or is self-funded. 

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Page updated: 29 Mar 2012