A Carer is anyone who, unpaid, looks after a friend or family member who can't cope alone due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction.

Anyone can become a Carer. Carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be any age. Many people don't recognise themselves as carers and are missing out on vital supports and services they may be eligible to.

If you are a carer please let the practice know via the onlne form below so we can direct you to additional sources of support.

South Lanarkshire Carers Network was formed in 1998 to promote the interests of carers in South Lanarkshire. Their aim is to empower unpaid carers by providing information and support in the community.

The Carers Network can be contact at:

65 Bothwell Road
Hamilton
ML3 6DW
Tel: 01698 285 163.

The key contact at the Carers Network, for Lincluden Medical Centre, is is Pauline McIntosh.

Pauline can be contacted at (Email) pauline.mcintosh@slcn.co.uk

To access a full range of services available to SLCN Carer Community please visit their website: www.slcn.co.uk

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

There is also a wealth of information on NHS Inform about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• Caring for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Managing someone's legal affairs

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund

   

• Tax credits

  Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible