A carer is anyone who looks after a friend, partner or relative who could not manage without their support due to illness, disability, mental health needs or frailty. This care is provided unpaid and may involve help with daily activities, appointments, or emotional support. If you are a looking after someone, please let the practice know so we can record this on your medical record and offer appropriate support.

Registering as a carer

Registering as a carer on your GP record helps us to:

• Offer you appropriate health advice and support
• Keep you informed about relevant services
• Ensure you are considered for vaccinations and health checks

Please speak to reception if you would like to be added to our carers’ register.

Carer wellbeing

Caring for someone can be rewarding but it can also be demanding. Many carers experience stress, anxiety or exhaustion at times. Your GP practice can support you and help you access local services. Some relevant information is listed below.

Islington Carers Hub

Islington Carers Hub (provided by Age UK Islington and funded by Islington Council), offers a wide range of support for unpaid carers aged 18 and over.

You can find out more or register at Islington Carers Hub.

If any children between 5-17 years support you or someone you look after, there is support from them to from The Children’s Society.

Vaccinations

If you are a carer, you are eligible for NHS vaccinations, including the seasonal flu vaccine. To ensure you are invited, please make sure you are registered as a carer with the practice.

Emergency Carer’s Card

For peace of mind that someone will take care of your loved one during an emergency, you can apply for an Emergency Carer’s Card.

The wallet sized card:

• Identifies you as a carer
• Contains details of people to contact in an emergency
• Ensures arrangements can be made for the person you care for

Details are securely held by Islington Council. To apply, contact Islington Carers Hub on 020 7281 3319 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm or email info@islingtoncarershub.org.

First aid training

The British Red Cross run regular first aid courses via zoom and face to face. First aid skills can help you know what to do in a crisis. Courses can also be specifically tailored to those looking after older adults. To find out dates please call Islington carers hub on 020 7281 3319 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm or email info@islingtoncarershub.org

Events and activities

Islington Carers Hub runs regular events and activities such as:

• Coffee mornings
• Walks
• Theatre visits and museum outings

These provide opportunities to take a break and connect with other carers. Find all events here.

Respite breaks

Carefree offers short hotel breaks for unpaid carers:

• Typically 1–2 night stays
• Small administrative fee
• Available for full‑time unpaid carers (30+ hours per week) 18 and older

Please note: these breaks are for the carer. You may bring a companion, not for the person you care for. For more information, contact Islington Carers. 

Knowing your rights

There are multiple pieces of legislation to support carers listed below:

Equality Act 2010: It is illegal to discriminate against or harass someone because they are caring for a disabled or elderly person (discrimination “by association”).

Care Act 2014: Ensures carers are recognised in law in the same way as those they care for. It gives Local Authorities a responsibility to assess a carers need for support.

• Right to a Carers Assessment

• Strengthen the right to Carers Allowance (up to pensionable age)

Health and Care Act 2022: NHS bodies and Local Authorities should ensure that, where appropriate, unpaid carers are involved in decisions about discharge.

Carer’s Leave Act 2023: gives employees the right to one week of unpaid leave per year to manage care responsibilities.

Flexible Working Act 2024: Employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements (e.g., flexi-time, reduced hours) from their first day of employment.

• You can make two statutory flexible working requests in any 12- month period

• Employees are entitled to reasonable time off for emergencies involving dependents.

Further support

You can also find national information about carers’ rights, assessments and benefits on the NHS website.