Explore local support for carers

Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 21 November and is all about helping carers recognise and understand their rights and how to access available support.

One in eight of us, at some point in our lives, will look after a loved one who has a disability, mental or physical illness or addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. These responsibilities affect people of all ages and backgrounds and can be emotionally and physically challenging. 

We’ve pulled together information about the local support available to carers of all ages, as well as events and activities taking place for carers to mark Carers Rights Day. 

Local support

It’s crucial to ensure a carer’s health and wellbeing remain supported as they provide assistance for their dependents. In Richmond upon Thames, there is a vast amount of local support available to help.

As a first step, we strongly encourage all carers to take a free carer's assessment. This is simply a conversation that helps us understand the impact caring is having on your life and how best to support you.

If you let your GP know you’re a carer, they can offer additional support, which might include flexible appointments and longer consultation slots or, with permission, referring you to Richmond Carers Centre and signposting you to other helpful local networks.

Adult or young carers who live in our borough, or care for someone who lives here, can access further services by registering with Richmond Carers Centre. To register, please visit the Richmond Carers Centre website or call 020 8867 2380. 

Events and activities this November 

See what's on this month:

Carer support on our Health Bus 

On Carers Rights Day, our community health bus will be offering free vaccines for those eligible, blood pressure checks, stop smoking support, support for carers, and energy-saving advice. Come along for a chat with our health professionals! 

• Date: Thursday 21 November 2024
• Time: 11am to 4pm
• Location: Heathfield Recreation ground, Richmond 

The health bus will also be available on Thursday 28 November at The Avenue car park, outside The White House Community Centre TW12 3RN, from 11.30am to 5.30pm.

‘Who Cares’ book launch event 

On Wednesday 27 November, come along to a local book launch to celebrate and support local carers. Local author Sara Challice, an experienced carer and Carer Representative on Richmond’s Health and Wellbeing Board, is launching the second edition of her award-winning book ‘Who Carers?’. This shares her own story of regaining her health and enjoying life again whilst caring for her terminally ill husband, and now includes a section for healthcare professionals and those supporting carers. 

Find out more about the book launch and RSVP

‘Hearing our Carers’ workshop 

On Thursday 28 November, join the ‘Hearing our Carers’ workshop to discuss how to make meaningful changes to our local systems that will help carers, with South West London and St. George’s Mental Health Trust. 

Find out more about the workshop and RSVP