Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without you?
How Action for Carers Surrey can help...
Action for Carers Surrey is the countywide charity supporting unpaid carers of all ages.
They can offer carers:
- Information and practical advice
- Emotional support
- Help understanding carers’ rights
- Support to access a Carer’s Assessment
- Wellbeing support and opportunities for a break
- Support for young carers (aged 5-17) and young adult carers (18-24)
All support is free and confidential.
Does your GP know you’re a carer?
If you look after a friend or family member who is ill, disabled, has a mental health problem or is struggling with an addiction and cannot manage without you, you are a carer. Being a carer there may be times when you need help too, and your GP can support you if they know you are caring for somebody. Please click on the following link to download the form or you can fill in a hard copy which can be obtain from the reception team; and hand the part with your details to your GP practice to register yourself as a carer so you can access support to help as you care.
What is ‘Action for Carers’?
Action for Carers provides free information, advice and support for carers of all ages, right across Surrey. Their support includes weekly carer hub-based support, benefits advice, advocacy, guidance on moving and handling, workshops, events and support groups (by Zoom and face to face), free resources and more.
For more information and to find full details about the hubs visit:
www.actionforcarers.org.uk
Get in touch by calling on 0303 040 1234 text them on 07714 075993 or email CarerSupport@actionforcarers.org.uk
Crossroads Care Surrey
Crossroads offer an Emergency Care Planning Service with access to 24- hour support if required through either your own nominated person or they can arrange for free professional care support workers to step in, once you have registered with them. You can also receive a carers card and a helpline number to call if an emergency arises. They also offer Carer Replacement Breaks (up to 35 hours) to help you take some time out from the caring role.
To find out more please contact 01372 869970 or visit www.crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk
What Happens Next?
Your GP will register you as a carer with your surgery. If you would like to be referred to Action for Carers or Crossroads Care Surrey or other carer support services, please ask your GP to refer you. Also take a look at your surgery’s Carers Resource File which can be found in the surgery waiting area and contains helpful information. If you feel that your health is suffering due to looking after someone, please make an appointment to see your doctor. Your GP can help you to look after your own health needs with knowledge of your caring role.
Please note, completing this form does not automatically entitle you to have access to the medical records of the person you are caring for. Check your surgery policy regarding this.
Other support available as a carer:
• Flu vaccine.
• Covid-19 vaccine.
Published on 13 July 2026