Carers Hub

A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t cope without their help. This could be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.

A “Young Carer” is someone below the age of 18 who looks after somebody who has an illness, disability, or is affected by mental ill health or substance misuse. Young carers are particularly vulnerable as they often take on practical and/ or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

Carers make a significant contribution to the health and care system; however they are not always identified in primary care. Elm House Surgery aims to ensure that all carers registered with the practice are identified, registered, supported and appropriately referred as early as possible.

Carers are at risk of from health problems varying from stress-related conditions and tiredness to injury caused by lifting. Some studies report very low levels of carers accessing GP services when they have health problems. This may be because they have to obtain respite care beforehand; they can only leave their house at particular times of day or because they simply neglect their own needs.

Elm House Surgery encourages carer’s to self-identify so that we may offer extra support.

Please complete the Carer’s Identification Form and return it to the practice; copies are also available from Reception.

Please see our Carers Support Pledge for more information.


Elm House Surgery will be hosting some Carers Peer Support Groups, facilitated by the Bromley Well. Take the opportunity to meet other carers with similar experiences and explore common difficulties. Make new friends and learn practical techniques to help manage and maintain your own wellbeing. If you live or care for someone living in the borough of Bromley, please come along! No need to book, just turn up on the day.