Urgent help

Support for carers

Unpaid Carers of all ages play a vital role in keeping people safe and well at home who would otherwise need ongoing care from local services.

Local and national data consistently shows that caring can have a significant impact on Carers’ own health and wellbeing.

All GP practices have a carers’ register – a list of patients who are providing unpaid care to someone with a long-term health condition. If your practice knows that you are an unpaid carer, they can offer you support. Carers UK have information about ‘Talking to you GP’, which includes a template letter to help you contact your practice.

Carers Support in Norfolk and Waveney

Documents for carers

A Carers Passport helps hospital staff know who you are and recognise you as a carer. This means you can be involved in decisions about the care, treatment, and hospital discharge of the person you care for.

Going into hospital can be a stressful time. Carers often know the patient best — their needs, medicines, and how they like to be cared for. The passport helps your voice be heard.

The card shows your name, a passport number, and the date it was issued. It is provided by Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney to help track and improve the scheme.

Carers of any age in Norfolk and Waveney can get a free Carers Identity Passport. Visit the Carer’s Voice website to apply.

Norfolk County Council can help with information related to emergency plans.

For young carers,Young Carers Matter Norfolk have guidance on emergency plans.

Where to get more support

Find out about the support available for carers at the NHS hospital foundation trusts in Norfolk, including downloadable resources and visiting information:

  • Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney is an independent charity representing carers in Norfolk and Waveney, helping them to be recognised, heard, and involved in decisions about care and health services.
  • Carers Matter Norfolk supports unpaid carers by providing advice, information, and practical help to improve their wellbeing and daily life.
  • Caring Together is a charity supporting carers of all ages across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. They provide information, run services in local communities and deliver homecare, and campaign for improved support for carers.
  • Young Carers Matter Norfolk is a partnership of voluntary sector organisations specialising in supporting carers and young people. 
  • Family Voice Norfolk are a group of parents and carers of children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in Norfolk.
  • Norfolk County Council can support adult carers andyoung carers by connecting them with guidance, assessments, and local support to make caring more manageable.

Carers Support in Suffolk (excluding Waveney)

Documents for carers

Suffolk County Council can help with information related to emergency plans.

For young carers, Suffolk Family Carers have guidance on emergency plans.

Where to get more support

  • Suffolk Family Carers support carers across Suffolk ensuring that carers are visible, valued, supported and connected, and understand that becoming a carer is often a gradual process. They provide information, advice and support to thousands of family carers each year, helping carers access the vital support available to them. They also campaign on issues that affect carers and their families, to ensure their voices are heard.
  • Suffolk County Council can support adult carers and young carers by offering assessments, information, and access to services that help them balance caring with their health, education, and daily life.

Find out about the support available for carers at the NHS hospital foundation trusts in Suffolk, including downloadable resources and visiting information: