Caring in Reading Information

Are you or do you know a child or adult who looks after a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who needs help because of illness, frailty, disability, mental health or addiction and couldn’t cope without their support?

A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid (Source: NHS England)

Caring can be rewarding but it can also be demanding, physically and mentally. This can have a huge impact on your own health and wellbeing.

As a carer it is very important that you are aware of the help available to support you so you can continue to care without putting your own health and emotional wellbeing at risk. 

Caring can: 

  • Put you more at risk of injury if you need to help someone with walking or getting out of bed
  • Wear you out - especially if you don't get a break
  • Cause financial difficulties - for example if you have to give up work
  • Make you feel guilty, angry, frustrated or depressed
  • Isolate you from family and friends - especially if caring makes it difficult for you to stay in touch with family and friends or stay involved in your hobbies and interests

Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership

The Carers Partnership is the commissioned carers provider for Reading & West Berkshire. It offers a range of support for carers, to help you look after yourself as well as the loved one you care for. The help available includes: 

  • Get support to help you in your caring role
  • Find local services and sources of help
  • Look after your health and wellbeing
  • Connect with other carers
  • Understand your rights
  • Carers Assessments for Reading-based carers

Information, advice, and support services for family carers in Reading and West Berkshire will be provided by the Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership from 1st November 2022.  The partnership members – Reading Mencap, Age UK Reading, Age UK Berkshire and CommuniCare - all have a successful track record of working with carers.

How to contact the Carers Partnership

Caring for a child or adult with a Learning Disability in Reading?

Reading Mencap, Information & Advice and Carers Assessments in Reading,

21 Alexandra Road, Reading, RG1 5PE, Tel: 0118 926 3600: Email: carers@readingmencap.org.uk Website: www.readingmencap.org.uk 

 

Caring for someone 50+ years in Reading?

Age UK Reading, Information & Advice and Carers Assessments in Reading

Walford Hall, Carey Street, Reading, RG1 7JS, Tel: 07716 418 941: Email: carers@ageukreading.org.uk Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/reading/

 

Caring for someone 50+ years in West Berkshire?

Age UK Berkshire: Information & Advice in West Berkshire

Unit 119, Broad Street Mall, Reading RG1 7QA, Tel: 0118 959 4242

E-mail: info@ageukberkshire.org.uk Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/berkshire/

 

For all other carers in Reading & West Berkshire: 

CommuniCare: Information & Advice and, in Reading, Carers Assessments as well.

233 Kings Road, Reading, RG1 4LS, Tel: 0118 926 3941: 

Related Advice

Parent Carers Needs Assessment & Support Carer's Emergency Plan and Carer's Card Help from your GP What carers can expect from their GP practice Social care for the person you look after Help with care costs and independent financial advice Help with health costs Getting a break from caring Mental health and emotional wellbeing Healthy Lifestyle (Caring in Reading Information Pack) Carers grants, discounts and offers Benefits for Carers (Carer's Allowance) Disability Benefits Help with housing costs Housing grants and loans Help with heating costs Priority Services Register for vulnerable households Accessible holidays and days out Help with travel and travel costs (plus accessible facilities) Working and caring Support for young carers Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children Supported learning, training and working Learning Disabilities information page: Day Services and List of local Day Activities Autism Support Living well with Dementia Help with decision making (Power of Attorney) End of life care Drug and Alcohol Support NHS Health Services Advocacy for vulnerable adults Vision Impairment - Registering your Sight Loss

Actions

Related Images

Page last reviewed: 19/02/2024

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
Skip back to top of page