Information and advice

Our services

Our aim is to respond to Carers and their needs, whether as an individual or family. We help enable Carers to make informed choices, and secure their rights and entitlements by offering free, confidential and independent information and advice.

All Carers registered with us can access our services, including specialist information, advice, support and groups related to specific caring roles.

1

Carer Rights

Read below for information on social service assessments, hospital discharge, planning for emergencies, bereavement, how best to manage someone's affairs, care facility standards and disagreements, and taking care of yourself.

2

Money Matters

We offer form filling assistance and advice on Carer discount opportunities, as well as benefit check appointments and cost-of-living advice through our expert Citizens Advice Team.

3

Respite and Breaks

Going on holiday is a great way to unwind and recharge the batteries; but for Carers, there are usually many issues to consider which are often barriers to taking a break.

Do you need help to overcome

the challenges of getting away?

Upcoming Events

Multiple Dates
Wed 04 Nov
Sutton College Carers Course
Sutton College
RSVP
04 Nov 2026, 12:00 – 13:30
Sutton College, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA
Are you caring for someone older at home? Join this free course from November 4th for free, practical sessions to help you manage day to day informal caring for an older loved one. Find out more end enrol now!
Multiple Dates
Thu 12 Nov
New Dementia Carers Talk & Support
Sutton Carers Centre and online
RSVP
12 Nov 2026, 11:00 – 12:30
Sutton Carers Centre and online, Sutton Gate, 1st Floor, 1 Carshalton Road, SM1 4LE
New dementia Carers, either caring for someone newly diagnosed or you feel is showing signs of dementia. Our Dementia Lead Naomi will be joining us to cover dementia signs, challenges and support.
Multiple Dates
Thu 12 Nov
New Carers Drop-in
Sutton Carers Centre
RSVP
12 Nov 2026, 11:00 – 12:30
Sutton Carers Centre, Sutton Gate, 1st Floor, 1 Carshalton Road, SM1 4LE
Come and see the Centre, meet other Carers and speak to specialist staff.
Fri 11 Dec
Maintaining your Wellbeing as a Carer Workshop
Sutton Carers Centre with online option
RSVP
11 Dec 2026, 10:30 – 12:00
Sutton Carers Centre with online option, 1st floor, Sutton Gate, 1 Carshalton Rd, Sutton SM1 4LE, UK
Do you want to learn about maintaining your own wellbeing as a Carer? Book onto this free online group session. The online session is open to all Carers and is run by our Wellbeing Navigator, Ruth who will cover self-care, assertiveness and where to access further support.

Carers Rights

Carers Rights

The Carers UK Carers Rights Guide covers your rights as a Carer and where to go for financial or practical help in England.

The guide includes:

A benefits overview including which benefits you or the person you care for may be entitled to and information about how to get a benefits check
Financial advice including help with council tax, fuel costs, pensions and health costs
Practical help including community care assessments, carers assessments and direct payments
Information about health and care technology that could make life easier for you and the person you care for
Your rights at work, including flexible working, carer's leave, and protection from discrimination
How to find other help nationally and in your local community.

Carers Guide

Young Carers Guide

Practical information

Care Act

The Care Act 2014 outlines the way in which local authorities should carry out Carer’s assessments and needs assessments; how local authorities should determine who is eligible for support; how local authorities should charge for both residential care and community care; and places new obligations on local authorities.

Care standards and CQC

The care you get in a hospital, a care home, from an agency in your own home, at the dentist, in a GP practice and elsewhere, must meet standards required by law. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the regulator who monitors and inspects all organisations providing care, to ensure standards are being met. All NHS and social care providers have to be registered and are expected to conform to CQC standards which can found on the CQC website.

Coming out of hospital

Each hospital will have its own discharge policy based on guidance from the Government. You can request a copy of the hospital’s discharge policy from the ward manager or from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) department. Discharge planning starts as soon as the person you care for is admitted to hospital, so it is important to let the hospital staff know as early as possible if you are a Carer or thinking of taking on (or stopping) the role. A discharge coordinator (or ward care coordinator) should be available to coordinate the planning process, acting as a key contact person for you to find out and discuss the discharge plans.

Local authority assessments

If you are an unpaid Carer, you are entitled to a carers assessment conducted by the local authority (in the locality of the person you care for). You are entitled to an assessment regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, your financial means or the level of care needs. You don’t have to live with the person you are looking after to have an assessment.
A needs assessments can also be carried out for the person who has care needs (18 years and over).
For more information and to make a self-referral you can use the link below, or if you would like support with a referral, please contacts us.

Taking a break

Going on holiday is a great way to unwind and recharge the batteries. For Carers, there are usually other issues to consider and it can be a challenge to get away.
The first question to consider is: are you going to go away with the person or people you care for, or on your own?

If you need to arrange respite care for the person you care for, it is a good idea to organise this first as there may be difficulties in booking a suitable place or services for the days you want – particularly at popular holiday times.

When the local authority considers your needs as part of the Carer's Assessment, they should take into account your need for time off; both on a regular basis and to take an occasional holiday. Any services they provide will usually be subject to a financial assessment. Talk to us if you would like to discuss your options.

Taking a break

Information page index

Bereavement & life after caring

Cost of living

Looking after yourself, looking after you back

Wellbeing

Cancer

Deputyships, LPA & being an Appointee

Planning for an emergency

Carer ID and discount cards, travel, trips out

Finding care

Respite

Seeking useful contacts?

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