Who we are

Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA) support Carers who look after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental ill health or an addiction. The care they give is unpaid.

There are an estimated 119,000 Carers living in Derbyshire with over 26,000 aged over 65. Everyday across the UK 6,000 people become Carers.

What we do

Derbyshire Carers Association deliver a comprehensive support service to Adult and Young Carers throughout Derbyshire. All services are created to support Carers with the practical, physical and emotional impact of care giving.  We have formed partnerships with health, statutory and community services to complement our offer and connect Carers with professional and current support.

The impact of Caring

Caring can have a significant impact on everyday life. This can include health, relationships, leisure time, employment, and finance.  Carers UK have recently reported that 72% of Carers have suffered mental ill health and 61% experienced poor physical health as a result of caring. 8 in 10 Carer also reported feeling lonely and socially isolated.

Mental Health Awareness Week is happening between 9^th – 15^th May 2022. The theme is ‘loneliness’ and throughout the week, we are encouraging Carers to build meaningful connections with friends, family, colleagues and communities.

How to start making Connections:

Our support groups and activity sessions help to reduce the isolation and loneliness that can come from having a mental illness. Carers can be cut off from society and their local communities because of both the impact of caring, and the stigma associated with mental illness.

Our groups provide a safe space for people to speak openly and without judgement and can be impactful for both Carers and their Cared for. Group members are encouraged to build on their strengths and share their experiences with their peers.

We encourage all Carers, regardless of how long they have been caring and who they care for to register with DCA. This is so we can put in place preventative measures to reduce isolation and ensure Carers feel empowered, connected, and informed.

To make a referral to our services please call 01773 833833 or visit https://derbyshirecarers.co.uk/registration-and-referral  All of our services are free and confidential for Carers supporting a loved one in Derbyshire. We aim to contact all Carers within three days of receiving a referral.

Our Support Services

DCA services available to Carers across Derbyshire

Information, advice and guidance on a range of Carer issues

This can be over the telephone, online or at one of our Community hubs

• Carers Assessment and Support Planning

Our skilled team have a conversation about the caring role, how this impacts on a Carers life and what support would help from DCA or one of our many partners.

• Financial and legal advice and support

Hosting monthly Clinics and providing workshops on financial and legal issues

• Specialist advice for health conditions

Connecting Carers to health specific services and delivering training and workshops on prevention and managing conditions

• Telephone Befriending and Social Connection

Reducing isolation through weekly calls and support to connect Carers with their local community

• Training and Workshops

Weekly sessions to help Carers improve wellbeing and resilience as well as regular First Aid and Manual Handling sessions

• Help register as a Carer with GP Practices and create an Emergency Plan

Ensuring Carers are connected to support in their wider community and have a plan in place if they are suddenly unavailable to care

• Peer Support and Activities

Connecting Carers together through a variety of groups and activities such as gardening and book clubs

• BME Carer Awareness and Engagement

Working in partnership with the BME Forum to host monthly Carer support groups. Our Community Inclusion project establishes greater connections to help identify and support Carers from minority ethnic groups.