Carer support
Carers in the film and TV industry attempt to juggle caring responsibilities with demanding film and TV careers and the result is frequently mental and physical exhaustion. Often, we just don’t have the time, or energy, to explore what carer support is available to us.
Being a carer can leave you feeling isolated and uncertain about the future. You don’t need to face caring alone, the Film and TV Carer’s Club is with you all the way. Whether you have recently become a carer, or have been a carer for some time, we’re here to support you. There is also an established network of amazing carer support options.
We won’t pretend otherwise, finding ways to continue working in our industry, particularly as a freelancer, whilst providing care and support for someone can be very challenging and sometimes, you may need a bit more help or support with being a carer.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, join our monthly Carer’s Zoom meet-ups or contact one of these fantastic organisations.
There are carer support tools below the support organisations.
Carers Trust
Carers Trust works to transform the lives of unpaid carers.
There’s an excellent search facility to find carer support organisations in your local area (highly recommended).
Carers UK
Carers UK is a national charity. Carer’s UK’s mission is to make life better for carers. They provide information and advice on caring, help carers connect with each other, campaign with carers for lasting change, and use innovation to improve services.
Mobilise
Mobilise is an online service for unpaid carers providing advice and support through the collective knowledge, wisdom and expertise of unpaid carers.
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity offering a range of national and local services, including carer support services.
MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK
Rethink
Rethink Mental Illness is a leading charity providing mental health services in England for people living with mental illness and those who care for them.
Samaritans
When life is difficult, Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year. You can also call them free on 116 123. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re there to listen so you don’t have to face things alone.
Mental Health at Work
Paying attention to mental health in the workplace is important. Mental Health at Work helps you find the information and resources you need to ensure you thrive in your workplace.
Carer Support Tools
Carer Support and Hospital Discharge
The NHS is working hard to include carers in patient support.
London NHS hospitals are rolling out carer support initiatives including this Carers and Hospital Discharge document.
Digital Carer Tools
Carer’s UK and NHS England have teamed up to create an online platform packed with practical information and support resources for carers including e-learning, factsheets, guides and useful tools.
You can find information on health and wellbeing, practical support, help with finances, and information on carers’ rights - including rights at work, and lots more.
There’s a section on Working & Skills and an e-learning course on working and caring.
You can find more information and sign up here.
Emergency Care Plan
If you are caring for someone, it’s vital to have an emergency care plan for you, and those you look after.
Carer’s UK has a webpage covering getting help in an emergency and some tips for creating a contingency plan.
The Carers Information Service has put together a great PDF about things to consider when planning your emergency care plan.
Your local CarersTrust group might be able to assist with helping you to create your emergency care plan as well as provide emergency care support workers.
Every emergency plan is unique, but don’t put off preparing your tailored plan.
Film and TV Carer’s Club accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.
