Are You a Carer?
If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you.
What is a Carer?
A carer is anybody who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty or disability. All the care they give is unpaid.
Many carers don't see themselves as carers. It takes carers an average of two years to acknowledge their role as a carer. It can be difficult for carers to see their caring role as separate from the relationship they have with the person they care for, whether that relationship is as a parent, a son or daughter, or a friend.
It’s likely that every one of us will have caring responsibilities at some time in our lives. There are around six million carers in the UK, but with more of us living longer and having age-related illnesses and disability, that figure will certainly rise.
North Argyll Carers
Based in Oban, North Argyll Carers Centre provide a needs-led service to all unpaid carers in North Argyll. The centre provide free information and advice on issues that affect you including benefit advice, home visits, information about condition-specific support groups, complimentary therapies, bereavement support, social activities, outings and festive celebrations, fundraising events and Oban Hospice community services.
The team at NACC offer emotional support and a listening ear when the going gets tough. Why not pop along and see how they can help you? The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 3.00pm or you could phone and make an appointment. Whatever you decide, the kettle is always on and staff are always available.
Taynuilt Medical Practice are proud to support NACC with their Outreach Activities, a range of activity programmes designed to give you a valuable break from your caring role. Craft Therapy Sessions include Basketmaking, Feltmaking, Sugarpaste Cake Decorations, Photography, - just some of the examples! Courses include Healthy Eating, Pressure Sore Prevention, Moving and Handling Awareness, Medicine Matters, Power of Attorney and Mindfulness.
For further details of the outreach activities and support available contact:
Morag MacLean, Centre Manager, on 01631 564 422 or Mairi Fleck, Outreach Activities Co-ordinator, on 07795 434 499. Email: mairi@northargyllcarers.org.uk
North Argyll Carers Centre, Albany Street, Oban, PA34 4AL
More Information and Extra Help
There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful. You can also telephone Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202.
- Caring for a parent
Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
- Telling people
Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
- Taking a break
Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
- Housing and carers
Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Carers support groups
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.