Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know, we may be able to help you.

There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

Finance and The Law

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

Benefits for carers
Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

Benefits for the under-65s
Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they   
are entitled to.

Benefits for the over-65s
Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.

Carer’s Assement
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

Other benefits
Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring.

Contact Carers Direct

Helpline Information – Telephone – 0808 802 0202

Visit the NHS Website  

Contact by Email

Office Hours

Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Finance and The Law

Helpline Information – Telephone – 0808 802 0202

Visit the Website  

Contact by Email

Office Hours

Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Are you a Carer? To register with us please complete the form below and send to us via askmyGP.

Group A Streptococcus - Information for families and carers of children

You may have seen reports about a higher-than-usual level of Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections in children this year, and we understand if you are concerned.

GAS is a common bacteria – lots of people carry it without being unwell.

It can cause many common mild infections, including sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics. 

The information below explains how it is spread, and what to look for when your child is unwell.

How is it spread?

GAS spreads by close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound.

Which infections does GAS cause?

The bacteria usually causes a mild infection, producing sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics.

What is invasive group A strep?

This is when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream and causes serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). These cases are very rare.

Symptoms of mild GAS infections

Symptoms of mild infections include: sore throat; fever; chills; muscle aches; and in cases of scarlet fever, a rash and a white coating on the tongue, which peels leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in bumps

When to contact us:

– If your child is not recovering after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection, and you are concerned they are becoming more unwell

– If your child is drinking much less (50% less) than normal

– If your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration

– If your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher

– If your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

– Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs

– There are pauses when your child breathes

– Your child’s tongue or lips are blue, or their skin is mottled/pale

– Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

– Your child has a weak, continuous, or high-pitched cry