While for many unpaid carers, caring can be a positive and rewarding experience, there are times when unpaid carers may need extra support.

To browse a list of organisations offering support to unpaid carers, please visit our Care Hub directory. This is an online search tool which allows you to narrow down results based on your location and other search criteria. 

There is a section for unpaid carers, although other sections, such as ‘Being part of the community’ may also be useful for those seeking groups and activities. 

For a range of clubs and activities open to all residents looking to meet other people or to get out into the community, visit our events page and the Connected Bexley website.

Financial support

You may be entitled to a Carer’s Allowance of £81.90 a week (as of 2024/25) to help you look after someone with substantial caring needs and who receives a disability benefit. You do not have to be related to or live with the person you care for.

To check your eligibility and apply visit the Government Carers Allowance site.

You may be entitled to other benefits including welfare benefits and debt support. To find out more info, visit Carer’s support.

Entitledto also has an online benefits calculator service which allows users to see which benefits and support they can claim. To use the online calculator, visit the Entitledto webpage.

Respite

Caring for someone can sometimes be tough, both physically and emotionally.

Unpaid carers often find that they need a break from their caring responsibilities, whether for a few hours, overnight, across a weekend, or for longer.

A short break in a residential, nursing care home, day centre or at home – often known as respite care – can be arranged. This not only allows unpaid carers a break but also provides a welcome change for the person being cared for.

A few of our partner organisations offer respite for carers.

Please note that some of these services may only be accessible through referrals from within the council.

• Carers’ Support Bexley runs a respite service available to unpaid carers where the person cared for lives in either Bexley or Greenwich. This service is free.
• Carer’s Support also offer a Support workers service who can provide companionship, trips out, assistance with shopping and assistance getting to and from appointments.
• Inspire Community Trust provides respite and ‘day support’ services for people with a disability, allowing unpaid carers a break from their support duties. The individual programmes of support are prepared with the person receiving the support, to help provide as much independence as possible.
• Crossroads Care Southeast London provides short breaks for parent unpaid carers of children and young people with a disability. The child or young person can participate in a range of activities of their choice.
• Age UK Bexley provides day care services for older residents. They also provide respite support for those caring for someone with dementia. Support at home is also available, including the opportunity to offer unpaid carers short breaks of one or two hours.

Support groups

Meeting others in similar situations can be a great way to share experiences, support one another and find comfort in knowing you are not alone.

Below is a summary of some of the groups available.

• Mind in Bexley runs a range of support groups for unpaid carers, including groups to meet other unpaid carers with similar experiences.
• Carers’ Support Bexley also provides several support groups, including coffee mornings, music sessions and lunch clubs.
• Bexley Mencap runs an online coffee group on Wednesdays from 2pm to 3pm. This provides an opportunity to meet other unpaid carers in a similar situation.
• Crossroads Care run monthly tea, breakfast and lunch groups for unpaid carers, parent carers and older people.
• Bexley Voice is a voluntary charity of parents and unpaid carers of children and young people (age 0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) living in the London Borough of Bexley. They signpost, support and empower parents and unpaid carers to obtain the best possible care and services. Bexley Voice offer a Tea & Talk Support Group, preparing for adulthood workshops, a preparing for adulthood focus group and a telephone helpline.