What happens next?

Carers First will continue to support you through regular check-ins to see how you are and whether your support plan is working. Your support plan might include suggestions such as:

getting in touch with local support groups with other carers
practical support like arranging short breaks
support your mental health through counselling, peer support, training
resources to support your physical health
carers breaks
a grant from health and wellbeing fund to buy items to support your health and wellbeing
signposting to services in the community

For additional national advice and information and factsheets, please visit the following sites:

Employment and benefits

If you are caring for someone and want to combine paid work with your caring responsibilities, your local Jobcentre Plus can provide benefits advice
To find out more, contact Job Centre Plus on 0845 604 3719
To apply for Carers Allowance please visit the GOV.UK website
The Livewell website has links to further carers websites where you can find advice
The Benefits section of our website provides information on Housing Benefit, Local Housing Allowance and Council Tax Benefit
The Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre, offer free seats to carers to accompany the person they care for, find out more on their accessible performances page
The Southend Advantage Card offers reduced rates for a range of venues across Southend and is free for local carers in receipt of a Carers Allowance. To find out more visit the Advantage Card page or call us on 01702 215 011