A range of organisations provide support for carers.
Carers NI
Carers NI works to:
- Provide expert advice, information and support
- Connecting carers so no-one has to care alone
- Campaigning together for lasting change
- Finding new ways to reach and support carers
Activities include:
- an advice and information service for carers and professionals, which covers:
- carers’ benefits
- rights in work
- community care
- carer support plans
- services for carers
- regular newsletter for carers, members and professionals
- carers awareness training for organisations
- carers’ rights training for carers
- research into carers’ experiences and highlighting their needs to government and policy makers
Visit the Carers NI website.
Email: advice@carersni.org
Tel: 028 9043 9843
Alzheimers Society
The Alzheimers Society provides:
- a number of carer support groups across Belfast
- information sessions and education programmes for carers of people with dementia
Visit the Alzheimers Society website.
Tel: 028 9066 4100
Cancer Lifeline
Cancer Lifeline offers carers affected by cancer access to:
- counselling
- complementary therapies
- benefits advice
- feel good sessions
The service is available in the North Belfast, Shankill and Newtownabbey areas.
Tel: 028 9035 1999
Caring Breaks
Caring Breaks provides:
- regular short breaks for family carers
- social and recreational activities for adults with learning disabilities
Visit the Caring Breaks website.
Tel: 028 9070 9118
CAUSE
CAUSE is a mental health community organisation directed by carers. It provides support, education and short breaks for the relatives of people with serious mental illness. It also provides short courses and carer support groups.
Visit the Cause website – Cause
Tel: 0845 603 0291
Macmillan information and support centres
There are Macmillan centres at the Belfast City and Royal Victoria Hospitals. They offer a drop-in service, which provides support and a wide range of information on all aspects of cancer.
Listen here to the team sharing information on support provided to carers of people with cancer.
Newington Carers Project
Newington Day Centre in North Belfast provides a support group for carers of people with dementia who attend the day centre on a weekly basis.
Visit the Newington Day Centre Facebook page.
Tel: 028 9035 1947
Praxis
The PRAXIS carer advocacy service actively supports carers who look after someone with a mental health issue. Praxis explores ways in which the carer can improve their quality of life and lobbies for improved carer services.
The carer advocate based at Whiterock Health Centre provides:
- home visits
- support groups
- information and advice on a range of issues
Tel: 078 4156 0881
Other support services
Visit the caring and support services section of the NI Direct website.