New national hotline for carers: 0808 802 0202

A national, one-stop information and advice service for carers who look after ill, frail or disabled friends and relatives was launched today.

The Carers Direct hotline – freephone 0808 802 0202 – offers:
  • details of support available, including assessments, benefits, direct payments, individual budgets and time off,
  • help to maintain, leave or return to employment,
  • help with education or training,
  • advice on how carers can maintain or improve their social and emotional well-being and their physical and mental health,
  • access to health and social care for the person being cared for, and
  • advice on how to access information about, and support from, health and social care services for the person being cared for.

The free Carers Direct hotline is available seven days a week, and is backed up by a website (Carers Direct) and advice by email and post.

Further information
 

For more information, see New hotline for carers launched on the Department of Health website.