Support for carers

A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who could not manage without their help, whether because of illness, disability, a mental health condition, frailty or an addiction. You do not have to live with them, and you may not think of yourself as a carer. If this is you, please let us know.

Tell us you are a carer

Let us know by sending an online message or by telling a member of staff. We will add this to your record so we can support you better.

How we can help you

  • We can note that you are a carer on your record.
  • You may be eligible for a free flu vaccination.
  • We can help you keep up to date with your own health checks and reviews.
  • You can talk to us about your own health and wellbeing, and we can refer you to our social prescriber for practical and emotional support.

Manage NHS services for someone you care for

Proxy access lets you manage NHS services online for someone else, for example a child, an elderly relative or someone you care for. With their consent, or as the person with parental responsibility, you can order their repeat prescriptions, book appointments and, where agreed, see parts of their record from your own NHS account.

To request proxy access, send us an online request or ask at reception. We will need to confirm identity and consent before we set it up.

You can read more about how to manage health services for someone else.

Get a carer’s assessment

As a carer, you have a right to a carer’s assessment. This is a conversation about your own needs and how caring affects your life, work, health and free time. It is free, and separate from any assessment of the person you care for. You can arrange one through the Carers Hub, below.

Local support for carers

The Carers Hub is the main service for unpaid carers in Brighton and Hove. It offers advice and information, carer’s assessments, help to take a break, training and peer support. Call 01273 977000 or visit carershub.co.uk.

Through the Carers Hub and Brighton and Hove City Council, you can also get:

  • The Young Carers Project, which helps children and young people aged 6 to 17 who care for someone in their family.
  • A free Carers’ Card, which gives discounts on local activities and services. You can apply for it through Brighton and Hove City Council.
  • An emergency back-up plan, so that if something happened to you, the person you care for would still get the support you have agreed. Ask the Carers Hub about this.

Financial support

You may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance if you spend a lot of time caring. Check whether you qualify at gov.uk/carers-allowance. For wider help with money, benefits or debt, see our Local support and helplines page.

Looking after your own health and wellbeing

Caring for someone can be tiring and stressful, and it is important to look after yourself too. For support with your mood, stress or mental health, see our Mental health and wellbeing page.

National advice

For information on benefits, taking a break and looking after yourself, see the NHS carers and social care guide. You can also call the Carers UK helpline on 0808 808 7777 (Monday to Friday) for free, confidential advice.

This page was last updated in June 2026.