Featured
Bosworth Battlefield welcomes carers
Kerry took members of her Hinckley & Bosworth carers group to Bosworth Battlefield and Heritage Centre, where they were given a year’s free entry and a free hot drink.
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Support for Carers Leicestershire is here for you
Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without you?
Then you’re a carer, and you deserve help and support. Talk in confidence to our experienced, friendly team about any part of your caring role.
- Free and confidential
- For carers aged 18+ in Leicestershire
- Full-time or a few hours a week
Advice line open: Monday to Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–4.30pm
17,250+
carers supported across Leicestershire since 2011
Am I a carer?
Most carers don’t see themselves as carers
They see themselves as someone looking after a relative, friend or neighbour. If the person you look after couldn’t cope without you, and you’re not paid to do it (apart from Carer’s Allowance), you are a carer.
Find out more about being a carerCarers can be any age, and look after people who are:
- Older or frail
- Living with dementia
- Ill or physically disabled
- Living with a learning disability
- Living with mental illness
- Affected by alcohol or substance misuse
- A child or adult child with a disability
Whether you care full-time or just a few hours a week, we can help.
Getting started
Three things every carer should do
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Step 1
Have a Carers Assessment
A conversation about you, not a test of how well you care. It looks at what would help you keep caring, and may lead to financial help that isn’t means-tested.
- Takes about 20 minutes
- Do it online, or let us fill it in with you over the phone
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Step 2
Get your Carers Passport
Your carers ID card, recognised across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It can get you free or discounted entry to attractions, and flexible hospital visiting.
Where do you live?
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Step 3
Tell your GP you’re a carer
Fill in a form at your surgery to register as a carer. At the very least it means a free flu jab and Covid vaccine.
- Some GPs offer more flexible appointments
- Some offer an annual health check
Information and advice
Practical and emotional help for every stage of your caring journey.
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Looking after yourself
Rest, breaks, and coping with guilt and resentment
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Money and benefits
Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit, PIP, Attendance Allowance and Council Tax
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Planning for emergencies
Our free Carers Emergency Plan and carers card, Message in a Bottle, Herbert Protocol
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Working and caring
Your rights at work, including flexible working and Carer’s Leave
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Care at home and breaks
Home care, sitting services, meal deliveries and respite care
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Health and your GP
Registering as a carer, managing medication and NHS 111
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Legal matters
Lasting Power of Attorney, wills and living wills
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Equipment and getting around
Aids and adaptations, wheelchairs, Blue Badge and Radar keys
A Guide for Carers
Everything above and more in our free guide. Download it, or call us for a printed copy, large print or another format.
Carers training videos
Short videos that sit alongside the guide, on our YouTube channel.
Meet and talk to other carers
Monthly carers support groups across the county, plus online groups and a telephone befriending service just for carers.
- Face-to-face groups
- 7
- Online groups
- 2
- Peer support groups
- 2
Find support in your area
Further support
I care for Mum but still go out to work. I’m only 40 but I feel like I just work and care.
News and events
All news
More news
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Carers Passport offers for summer 2026
Free entry to the 1620s House and Bosworth Battlefield with your Carers Passport – first visit before 30 September 2026.
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Our launch went well!
Volunteers, clients, professionals and the community joined us on 22 April 2026 to launch our new offices.
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VASL has moved!
Our new home is above Joules at The Old Bank, 40 The Square, Market Harborough – enter by the white door, bottom left.
How we’re funded
Support for Carers is funded by Leicestershire County Council. Businesses and organisations who would like to support our work are welcome to get in touch.