Carer Support Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Here are the supports available for carers in the Belfast HSC Trust

• Join the Carer Register to keep you up to date with information, signposting, activities, courses, community events and Newsletters.
• We will issue a Carer ID card to recognise your unpaid caring role which may help to gain discounts and easier access to public venues, events and attractions.
• Health, well-being and information courses
• Hello Carers Activity Programme (Walking Groups, Carer Cafes, Family Days, Gardening, Choir, Sing -a-Long, Pamper Days, Well-being Days at Drumalis, Carer Support Groups and much more)
• Listening Ear Support Service
• Carer Counselling Service 
• Carer Support Groups throughout Belfast and the opportunity to meet other carers.
• Find out how to access Complementary Therapies
• Find out about a Carer Assessment and how it can help you in your caring role. 
• Link young carers to support and available services. A young carer is aged under 18. For further information refer to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/young-carers
• Offer opportunities for you to have a say in our work or get involved to plan and shape our services in Belfast HSC Trust in the future so they are carer-focused. 
• Volunteering opportunities 

How to access support in the Carer Support Service

Self-referral or referral via a professional e.g. GP, Health Visitor, Professional staff in the Belfast HSC Trust e.g. Occupational Therapist, Psychiatrist, Nurse, Social Worker, Support Worker, Key Worker, Consultant or via the community and voluntary sector. Staff in the Carer Support Service are happy to help with joining the Carer Register and accessing support.

Carer Awareness Campaign, Outreach and Education

• Staff in the Carer Support Service are happy to deliver education sessions on Carer Awareness, speak to any groups or staff in all organisations.
• The Carer Support Service will provide Information Stands and sessions at Health and Well-being Conferences, Information Days or Carers Events.