Our offices will be closed for the festive break from 1pm Friday 22 December 2023, re-opening at 9am on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
During this period, you can leave us a message on our Helpline number 0300 303 1555 or email us at hello@carersfirst.org.uk and a member of our team will be in touch with you when we re-open in the new year. You can also refer yourself or someone else using our online referral tool on our website.
We know that some carers will be looking forward to the festivities and seeing family and friends over the holidays. However, we understand that caring doesn’t stop at Christmas and many carers will be feeling isolated, exhausted, or worried about how they will manage.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Whatever you’re doing over the festive period, we want you to know there is help available through our website and online community to support you in your caring role.
You can find helpful information in the Help and Advice section on our website which includes information on Carers Assessments, End of Life, Everyday tasks, Financial support, Legal matters, Looking after Yourself, Planning Ahead, Support Entitlements, and Working and Caring. You can also find information on specific caring situations to help you to better understand your friend or relatives' condition, how it may change and affect them and your caring role differently in the ‘I’m caring for someone with…’ section.
What to do if you need support
If you have an urgent issue and need to contact your local Social Services Emergency Duty Team, here are the numbers to contact:
If you live in the Medway area ring 0300 041 9191 or visit the Medway Council website
If you live in the Essex area ring 0345 606 1212 or visit the Essex County Council website
If you live in the Southend-on-Sea area ring 01702 215 008 (option 5) or visit the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council website
If you live in the Lincolnshire area ring 01522 782 333 or visit the Lincolnshire County Council website
If you live in the Waltham Forest area ring 0208 496 3000 or visit the Waltham Forest Council website
If you live in the Haringey area ring 0208 489 0000 or visit the Haringey Council website
If you live in the Newham area ring 0208 430 2000 or visit the Newham Council website
If you live in the Hackney area ring 0208 356 2300 or visit the Hackney Council website
If you need urgent support, you can also contact:
- Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays) or contact Mind online – Get help
- Samaritans 116 123 open 24/7, whatever you're going through, you can call Samaritans any time, from any phone for FREE or contact Samaritans online– Get help
- Age UK 0800 678 1602 open 365 days a year, including Christmas day
- Carers UK Helpline 0808 808 7777 will be available as normal from Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm, including Bank Holiday Monday, New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day.
Have time for you if you can
As a carer it’s important you try and have a break over Christmas too. If you’ve got friends and family who could help, even for a couple of hours, don’t be afraid to ask them. Many people don’t realise the impact caring can have or that you may welcome some support. But may be able to provide some help if you explain your caring situation.
If you haven’t got someone who can help, or the person you look after needs more intensive care, you could consider a temporary care package so you can get some rest. If you haven't already had one in the last 12 months, you could request a Carers Assessment where you may be awarded a carers personal budget to help pay for a break if you are unable to leave the person you care for unattended. If you are able to, you could self-fund a service privately. Our page on ‘taking breaks as a carer’ has helpful information on breaks you should be taking as a carer and how to find replacement and respite care to help you get started.
Connect with other carers
If it’s not possible for you to get a break, you may benefit from talking to other carers in the same situation. One way to do this over the festive period is through our Carers First Facebook Community Group where you can chat to other carers and share helpful tips, experiences, and advice.
We wish all our carers, supporters, colleagues an enjoyable festive break, and a happy new year.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.