Support for carers

Support for Carers – Queens Park Medical Centre

We recognise and value the vital role that carers play in supporting friends, family members or neighbours. You do not need to live with the person you care for, nor be in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, to access support.

Identifying Yourself as a Carer

If you regularly provide physical, practical or emotional support to someone due to illness, disability, mental health problems or ageing, please let us know. With your consent, we can note your status in your record so we can offer you appropriate support and signpost you to specialist carer services.

Key Local Services for Carers

Here are some services you may find helpful:

  • Adult Carers’ Support Service – Stockton-on-Tees Adult Carers’ Support Service: Offers support for unpaid adults (18+) caring for another adult in Stockton-on-Tees. Phone: 01642 524 494 | Email: carerssupport@stockton.gov.uk. Visit: https://www.stockton.gov.uk/support-for-carers
  • Carers’ Hub – Stockton-on-Tees Carers’ Hub: A hub for all informal/unpaid carers, providing assessments, support, respite, peer-groups and more. Visit: https://www.stockton.gov.uk/article/10214/Carers-Hub
  • Carers’ Assessment – Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council: As a carer you have a legal right to an assessment of your needs. This can lead to a support plan, potential personal budget and access to support. Visit: https://www.stockton.gov.uk/carers-assessment
  • Bridges Family & Carer Service – Stockton-on-Tees: Specialises in support for families and carers affected by substance and alcohol misuse in Stockton-on-Tees. Contact: 07957 224 486. Visit: https://www.bridgesstockton.org/

Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs)

Our SPLWs are here to offer practical, emotional, and personalised support to help carers manage their wellbeing and access the help they need.  They can provide:

  • Emotional and Wellbeing Support
    Someone to talk to about the challenges of caring, stress, isolation, or burnout.

  • Help Connecting to Local Services
    Support in accessing community groups, carers’ organisations, respite services, peer support groups, and local activities that promote wellbeing.

  • Practical Advice and Signposting
    Guidance on benefits, financial support, carers’ rights, and services available locally or online.

  • Support with Daily Pressures
    Assistance in finding help with transport, housing issues, food support, or navigating health and social care systems.

  • Support Plans Tailored to You
    SPLWs work with carers to create a personalised plan based on your needs, goals, and circumstances.

If you are a carer and would like support, you can speak to any member of our practice team. We will arrange for a Social Prescribing Link Worker to contact you at a time that suits you.

National & Practical Support

Carers Card UK

Carers Card UK is a recognition and support card designed for unpaid carers.  It helps identify you as a carer in everyday situations, making it easier to access support, discounts, and emergency assistance when needed. The card provides peace of mind, especially in situations where proof of caring responsibilities is required.   There is an annual charge of £8 per year for this card which helps to cover Administration staff costs and card production.

Our Commitment

At Queens Park Medical Centre we are committed to supporting carers. Please let us know you are caring for someone when you contact us — this enables us to consider your needs alongside the person you support, and help you access the right services.  Alternatively please complete our carers form online.

Date published: 17th November, 2025
Date last updated: 1st December, 2025