If you look after someone who is physically or mentally ill; disabled; frail or elderly and you are not paid for this you are a carer. Monmouthshire County Council offer a range of support for carers.

For information about:

• Carers legal rights
• Monmouthshire Carers Project and how and why to register with them
• Carers assessments
• Help that is available from social services, health and other agencies
• Transport
• Work and leisure
• The Mental Capacity Act
• Training for carers
• Having a break from caring

And much more, download the Monmouthshire carers handbook. To request your own copy from carers@monmouthshire.gov.uk or telephone 01633 644567 where you can also speak to the Carers Support and Information Worker about anything related to your caring role.

Schedule of carers surgeries

Every week the Carers' Support and Information Worker holds carers surgeries and information stands across Monmouthshire. These surgeries give you the opportunity to talk about anything that concerns you about your caring role. It is not a counselling service but it is a chance to discuss how your caring role affects your life and to look at help that may be available to you.

Support available

Help for carers and former carers

The Disability Advice Project offer a fully funded Life Coaching opportunity with qualified coaches to help you:

• build confidence
• do something different
• re-motivate
• develop new skills
• help to overcome stress and anxiety
• feel valued

To find out more, please contact Disability Advice Project phone: 01633 485865 or email: info@dap-wales.org.uk

Monmouthshire Carers Strategy Group

The Monmouthshire Carers Strategy Group is made up of carers and representatives of Monmouthshire County Council, Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Voluntary Organisations who receive funding through the Local Authority. The group meets to plan services for carers in Monmouthshire.

Meetings are held every 6 weeks at Sessions House, Maryport Street, Usk. Carers are very welcome to attend the meeting, but if you plan on coming along please can you tell us beforehand. Please contact: 01600 710052.

Download a copy of the latest carers strategy.