If you look after a family member, partner, friend or neighbour, you may not always think of yourself as a Carer. You might simply see yourself as someone who is there for the person you care about.

But looking after someone can be a big commitment – and it is important to remember that your health, happiness, confidence, and wellbeing matter too.

 

You don't have to do it alone

As a Carer, you do an enormous amount for someone else. But you deserve support too.

Derbyshire Carers Association can offer information, advice, emotional support, carer support groups, activities, and wellbeing opportunities.  Please do not wait until things become overwhelming before reaching out.

Asking for help or taking some time for yourself is not selfish. It can help you feel more patient, resilient and better equipped to support the person you care for.

If you don't know what would be right for you, that's okay too. We are here to help you explore the support available.

Derbyshire Carers Association
📞  01773 833833 Helpline Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Option 1: Derbyshire, Option 2: Derby City
✉️ info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk

 

Caring can affect your own wellbeing

The latest research from Carers UK highlights just how important it is for unpaid Carers to have the right support.  The State of Caring 2025 report, based on responses from more than 10,500 Carers, found that:

• 42% of Carers said their physical health had suffered as a result of caring.
• 74% said they had felt stressed or anxious.
• 65% said they found it difficult to get a good night's sleep because of their caring role.
• 68% said they were less able to take part in activities that improve their mood, such as hobbies, interests, volunteering, or community activities.
• 68% said they needed more support to look after their own health and wellbeing – the highest level recorded since Carers UK began asking this question in 2020.                                                                                            

Reference: https://www.carersuk.org/media/upzd0h2y/state-of-caring-2025-cost-of-caring-report_v2.pdf

 

Building confidence when caring at home

Wellbeing isn't just about relaxation and activities. Feeling confident and prepared in your caring role can make a real difference too.

The closure of the telecare and emergency response services, Careline and Carelink have understandably raised concerns for some Carers. Alternative falls and emergency response services are available, and information can be found on the local authority websites. However, one worry that many of you have shared is what might happen if the person you look after has a fall at home and they are unable to get up independently.

Trying to lift someone without knowing the safest techniques can put both you and the person being cared for at risk of injury. We want to support you to feel confident about what you can safely do and when to seek further help.

DAACSS has arranged a free Manual Handling Training course with an external professional trainer at 10.30am on Saturday 28^th November 2026 at Ascot Drive Fire Station, Derby.

The course is designed specifically with unpaid Carers in mind and will cover simple, practical manual-handling techniques to help build confidence, protect your own bodies and make every day caring tasks safer and easier. No previous knowledge is required.

The session is free and open to Carers registered from Derby and Derbyshire.  Places are limited so please book early by contacting 01773 833 833 or events@derbyshirecarers.co.uk.

An additional Manual Handling training course is also planned for the High Peak in 2027, with the date to be confirmed.

 

You Said – We Did

We listen to what Carers tell us about their experiences, needs and interests. Your feedback helps us shape the support and activities we provide. We would love to hear more from you so please contact our Carers Voice Worker by emailing - carersvoice@derbyshirecarers.co.uk

You Said	We Did
Lack of information on respite care for Carers, including eligibility, funding options, transport methods and how to book.	Derbyshire Carers Association asked Carers what information they would find useful and are working together with other agencies to utilise the feedback and design an information booklet on respite care in Derbyshire.
Improvements required with the Carers’ Assessment, particularly yearly review reminders.	Launched the Reimagining Carers Assessment project so that Carers could share their opinions to enable us to create a new Carers Assessment and a digital Carers review. This will support a more streamlined, accessible, and consistent approach for Carers and staff.
Engagement required with more Carers from diverse communities.	Delivered the ‘Caring with Confidence’ programme to Carers who may not have English as their first language in partnership with LinksCVS and supported by translators. Between 10 -18 Carers attended each session.
Carers struggle to sleep because of anxiety and finding it difficult to relax.	We introduced an online weekly Heart-Centred Meditation course, giving Carers the opportunity to relax, pause and make time for themselves.
Lack confidence in lifting and moving a loved one safely at home, especially if they have a fall.	We arranged a free Manual Handling Training Course with an external professional trainer on Saturday 28 November 2026 at Ascot Drive Fire Station, Alvaston, Derby. An additional course is planned to take place in High Peak, with the date to be confirmed.
Carers would like more activities that include the person they look after.	Dementia-Friendly Walks within Darley Dale which are Support Worker led, providing opportunities for Carers and the people they care for to enjoy time outdoors together.   Free community passes available with National Trust’s Calke Abbey for a Carer, plus one.
High demand for Tai Chi exercises.	We held an additional online Tai Chi session in October 2026 in response to demand.
Carers are increasingly needing a break from their caring role.	We made 95 referrals to Carefree between April to June 2026, enabling Carers to enjoy a night away in a hotel with breakfast – providing valuable time to rest, recharge and have a break from their caring responsibilities.

Find something that's right for you

We know that Carers need different ways to access wellbeing support. That's why we offer a variety of routes to support and Carer-friendly activities, both online and face to face.  These include:

• Caring With Confidence Programme - offers specialist free courses e.g. Work Readiness and New to Caring
• Out Of Hours Support via the Bridgit Care Online Carer Platform
• Online Gardening Group
• National Trust Community Passes
• Face to Face Cuppa and Chat Support Groups
• Dementia Friendly Walks
• Online Exercise to Music
• Support Worker Led Wellbeing Walks
• Online Chair-Based Yoga

 

For more details, please look at our ‘What’s On’ page https://derbyshirecarers.co.uk/whats-on

Bridgit Care is our new online platform that is here to support Carers 24/7: https://carers.bridgit.care/app/dca/ca/

Carers Rights Day is taking place on Thursday 19^th November, and we are hosting extra free events throughout November for you to enjoy. Here is the link to the schedule with further details of how to book https://derbyshirecarers.co.uk/carers-rights-day-2026