The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
Who can be classified as a carer?
A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental illness. This includes parents of children with disabilities.
A young carer is a child or a young person under the age of 18 who takes on the responsibility for caring for someone. This is often a parent but can be a brother or sister, grandparent or other relative who needs support.
Often carers do not identify themselves as such and cope with a restrictive and isolated life. Carers are people of all ages and from any community.
The word carer does not mean care-worker or care staff of any kind who are paid to provide care as part of a contract of employment.
You may be a carer but don’t think of yourself as one. Do you look after an elderly relative or spouse, have a child with disabilities or look after someone with disabilities? You may be a carer! For a government definition of carer and further information please visit the Directgov website.
I am a carer, what help can the council give me?
There are a number of ways you can get support. Information and advice, respite care breaks, home support, equipment, day care services, health advice, general social support.
You (and the person you care for) may also be able to get financial help from the government through income support and a range of benefits.
You may be entitled to a carers assessment which will help you to talk about what you need and what is available.
If you have not yet been assessed please contact the Access Team on for an appointment. They will be able to provide you with further help. Alternatively please feel free to contact Carer's Support Service on 01628 668 413.
If you have already been given an assessment and require further information or a review of your needs assessment, please contact the Access Team.
Access Team, Slough Social Services, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough SL1 3UQ E-mail: socialservices@slough.gov.uk, Tel: 01753 690400, Fax: 01753 690801.
I am a parent of a child with special needs - am I a carer?
Yes, you are a carer if you are providing substantial care for your child. For further information, please contact the Access Team or the Carer's Support Service on 01628 668 413
Access Team, Slough Social Services, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough SL1 3UQ E-mail: socialservices@slough.gov.uk, Tel: 01753 690400, Fax: 01753 690801.
What information on caring is available to me?
There is a range of information available both from Social Services and from Slough Carer's Support Services. You can find information related to care at Slough on our Leaflets for Carers page. Details of local and national organisations who can offer support and advice can be found on our Useful Links for Carers page.
A Carer's Guide can be obtained from the Carer's Support Service as well as from Slough Social Services. The guide is available in five languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and Polish.
For further information please contact the Access Team on details below or Carer's Support Service on 01628 668 413
Access Team, Slough Social Services, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough SL1 3UQ E-mail: socialservices@slough.gov.uk, Tel: 01753 690400, Fax: 01753 690801
What kind of support is available to me as a carer?
There are a number of ways you can get help. Information and advice, respite care breaks, home support, equipment, day care services, health advice, general social support. You (and the person you care for) may also be able to get financial help from the government through income support and a range of benefits. You may be able to get in touch with a voluntary group which shares your problems and may be able to offer specialist advice and support.
Below are listed main organisations which can help you. All of the below services are free and confidential.
For further useful information please visit our Carers Leafets page and our Useful Links for Carers page.
I need some time off from caring, can you help me?
Yes, help is available following an assessment of your needs. Please contact the Access Team or the Slough Carer's Support Service (01628 668413). Access Team, Slough Social Services, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough SL1 3UQ E-mail: socialservices@slough.gov.uk, Tel: 01753 690400, Fax: 01753 690801.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
01753 875030
MyCouncil
Landmark Place
High Street, Slough
SL1 1JL, opposite
Slough Library
MyCouncil opening times.
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