GP surgery information

We need your help in identifying carers and registering them to us for support, which will lead to many benefits for GPs, such as reducing the number of appointments and admissions to hospital.

When carers are identified early and properly supported, they are better able to continue in their caring roles. It’s important they register as carers with their surgery, so they can access all the services they need.

This NHS video highlights how GPs can make life better for a carer.

We have a referral form for GPs to be able to register carers for support to Carers in Bedfordshire. It only take a few minutes to fill in, but it could make a huge difference to a carer’s wellbeing.

Useful downloads

Carer Aware poster for GPs – how to spot and refer carers

GP benefits for referring a carer to Carers in Bedfordshire

Carers in Bedfordshire slides for GP surgery screens

Carers in surgery Bedfordshire leaflet

Carers in Bedfordshire surgery poster

Who is a carer?

An unpaid carer looks after someone who couldn’t cope without their support due to illness, dementia, disability, addiction, mental health or special educational need. A carer might look after a parent, child, partner or other family member or friend. They could be aged anywhere from four-years-old to 104. They might not realise they are a carer and are just doing what they should for a loved one.

How does caring impact their life?

Caring for someone can take its toll on a carer’s wellbeing, as they take on extra responsibilities such as sorting out medication, doctors and hospital appointments, bills, doing the shopping, carrying out personal care and ensuring the person they care for is safe and well.

In a lot of cases carers often have to give up work to look after the person they are caring for. They have to rely on benefits which are extremely minimal and far less than the minimum wage for the hours of caring they undertake, which can be up to 24/7 with little or no respite. Some carers juggle work and caring which can seriously affect their wellbeing. Or they could be a young carer which can have a serious impact on their schooling, mental health and leave little or no time for a social life.     

What support can carers get from Carers in Bedfordshire?

We offer a whole range of help, information, support, advice and guidance to carers of all ages. This includes over the phone with our fully trained support workers, face-to-face contact, support groups and workshops. We also provide counselling, information events, respite activities, wellbeing sessions, hospital support, grants and information, such as in our Carers magazine or targeted newsletters. Our memory navigation service is for people living with memory loss and dementia, and their carers. We also work closely with local and national agencies and can signpost carers to specialised sources of support.Useful GP