Caring for someone close to you
If you support a partner, family member, friend or neighbour who relies on you for help to live their life, you are a carer. Anyone can become a carer and carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be any age. You might not see yourself as being a carer; you might just feel you are doing what anyone else would do in the same situation.
It’s important to know if you’re a carer, because as a carer you have rights and can get support with your caring role.
On this page, you will find information to help you understand whether you are a carer, your rights as a carer, and support for carers in Doncaster.
Carers Week 2025: 9th - 15th June
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
This year the theme is 'Caring About Equality' highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, poor mental and physical health. Far too often, carers of all-ages miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, just because of their caring role. Get involved in Carers Week 2025, and together let’s work towards an equal society, where carers are truly valued, recognised and supported.
In Doncaster we have a number of events planned from 9th-15th June to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for Carers of all ages to access support, advice and information:
Monday 9th June - Theme: Health and Social Care
Carers Support in One - Launch Event
Where: The Civic Office (One Stop Shop in the Main Reception), Waterdale, DN1 3BU
When: 10am - 5pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice, and guidance for carers from council, health and other key partnership services across Doncaster.
Health Checks and light refreshments available.
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Thorne Library, The Vermuyden Centre, DN8 4BQ
When: 10:30am
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Carers Advice and Support Session
Where: Renew 127, 127 Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0JH
When: 10am - 12pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Advice, information, support and refreshments
Care for a Cuppa
Where: The Linney Centre, Weston Road (behind the shops), Balby, DN4 8NF
When: 10:30am - 12:30pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Carer's advice and support session over a cuppa
Garden Party
Where: Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, DN1 3BZ
When: 10:30am
For Who: All Carers
What: Coffee, biscuit and a chat, with a chance to make some art and handle some museum objects.
Carer's Advice & Support Session
Where: Lakeside Village (in the Ping-Pong Palour), Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 5PH
When: 11am - 3pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice and support. Refreshments available.
Carer's Advice & Support Session
Where: Bentley Baptist Church Foodbank, Askern Road, Bentley, DN5 0EW
When: 1pm - 3pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice and support. Refreshments available.
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, DN1 3BZ
When: 1:30pm
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Tuesday 10th June - Theme: Financial Wellbeing
Carers Support in One
Where: The Civic Office (One Stop Shop in the Main Reception), Waterdale, DN1 3BU
When: 10am - 5pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice, and guidance for carers from council, health and other key partnership services across Doncaster.
Hobby Hour
Where: Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, DN1 3BZ
When:
10am - Crochet for Beginners (Adults)
12pm - Board Games Club (Adults)
3pm - Board Games Club (Children)
For Who: See above
What: Fun activities for Adults and Children
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Edlington Library, Martinwells Centre, Thompson Avenue, DN12 1JD
When: 10:30am
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Carers Advice & Support Session
Where: Walkers Nurseries, Mosham Road, Blaxton, DN9 3BA
When: 1pm - 2pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Advice, Information and Support
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Woodlands Library, Windmill Balk Lane, DN6 7SB
When: 1:30pm
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Crossroads Care, Dementia Carers Activity Group
Where: Dunsville Community Centre, High Street, Dunsville, DN7 4BX
When: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
For Who: Adult Dementia Carers
What: Music, games, holistic therapies, Carers Trust Grant application support, refreshments and foodbank.
Wednesday 11th June - Theme: Work & Employment
Carers Drop In and Work & Employment Advice
Where: The Civic Office (One Stop Shop in the Main Reception), Waterdale, DN1 3BU
When: 10am - 3pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Advice, information & support with the opportunity to have a 1:1 chat with a member of the Council's Carers Wellbeing Team and information for carers on education, training and employment. Refreshments available.
Carers Support in One
Where: The Civic Office (One Stop Shop in the Main Reception), Waterdale, DN1 3BU
When: 10am - 5pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice, and guidance for carers from council, health and other key partnership services across Doncaster.
Doncaster Parents' Voice - Open House Coffee Morning
Where: Doncaster Carers Centre, 2 Regent Terrace, Doncaster, DN1 2EE
When: 10am - 11am
For Who: Adult Carers
What: Quiz, food and information on rights and services
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Mexborough Library, John Street, Mexborough, S64 9HS
When: 10:30am
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Carers Advice & Support Session
Where: Martinwells Centre, Thompson Avenue, Edlington, DN12 1JD
When: 10am - 12pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, Advice and Support
Carer's Advice & Support Session inc. support for the Armed Forces Community
Where: Lakeside Village (in the Ping-Pong Palour), Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 5PH
When: 11am - 3pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice and support. Refreshments available.
Doncaster's Armed Forces Covenant Co-ordinator will be present to provide specific support for those from the Armed Forces Community.
Hobby Hour
Where: Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, DN1 3BZ
When:
10am - Family History Research
11am - Comics Club
2pm - Origami
For Who: All the family
What: Fun activities for Adults and Children
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, Waterdale, DN1 3BZ
When: 1:30pm
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Crossroads Care, Dementia Carers Activity Group
Where: The Silverlink Centre, Bennethorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AA
When: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
For Who: Adult Dementia Carers
What: Chair aerobics session, games, holistic therapies, Carers Trust Grant application support and refreshments.
Doncaster Parents' Voice - Online Parent/Carer, Coffee & Chat
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams - register via: dpvevents@doncastercarers.org.uk
When: 8pm - 9pm
For Who: Parent Carers
What: Information on Carers rights and services
Thursday 12th June - Theme: Younger Carers
Carers Support in One
Where: The Civic Office (One Stop Shop in the Main Reception), Waterdale, DN1 3BU
When: 10am - 5pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice, and guidance for carers from council, health and other key partnership services across Doncaster.
Barnby Dun TARA Carers Advice & Support Session
Where: Peacehaven Communal Hall, Barnby Dun, DN3 1AF
When: 10am - 12pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice, and support. Refreshments available.
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Hatfield Community Library, High Street, Hatfield, DN7 6RY
When: 10:30am
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Carers Advice & Support Session
Where: Queens Drive Communal Hall, Bentley, DN5 9QL
When: 1pm - 3pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice, and support. Refreshments available.
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG): Understanding LPAs and Deputyships
Where: Register via www.opgcarersweek2025.eventbrite.co.uk
When: 1pm - 2pm
For Who: All Adult Carers
What: Information for carers who help manage finances and/or health for person being cared for.
Crossroads Care, Dementia Carers Activity Group
Where: Denaby Family Hub, School Walk, Denaby, DN12 4HZ
When: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
For Who: Adult Dementia Carers
What: Chair aerobics session, games, holistic therapies, Carers Trust Grant application support and refreshments.
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Edlington Library, Martinwells Centre, Thompson Avenue, DN12 1JD
When: 2pm
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Young Carers Drop In
Where: Central Area, DN1 - to register, tel: 01302 736099 or email: young.carers@doncaster.gov.uk
When: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
For Who: Young Carers
What: Young Carers Advice and Support Session
Friday 13th June - Theme: Older Carers
Carers Support in One
Where: The Civic Office (One Stop Shop in the Main Reception), Waterdale, DN1 3BU
When: 10am - 5pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice, and guidance for carers from council, health and other key partnership services across Doncaster.
Carer's Advice & Support Session
Where: Lakeside Village (in the Ping-Pong Palour), Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 5PH
When: 11am - 3pm
For Who: All Carers
What: Information, advice and support. Refreshments available.
Crossroads Care, Dementia Carers Activity Group
Where: The Greenwood Centre, Latin Gardens, Scawsby, DN5 8TE
When: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
For Who: Adult Dementia Carers
What: Chair aerobics session, games, holistic therapies, Carers Trust Grant application support and refreshments.
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Mexborough Library, John Street, Mexborough, S64 9HS
When: 10:30am
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Concerteenies: The Musical Story of 'Blown Away'
Where: Cusworth Hall, Cusworth Lane, Doncaster, DN5 7TU
When: 1:30pm
For Who: Children aged 0-7 and their families/carers
What: With fun actions and songs to join in with and a relaxed and friendly environment, this is a perfect introduction to music, animation and storytelling. Performances last approximately 45 minutes.
Are you a carer?
A carer is a person who supports someone close to them who needs extra help as they grow older, or due to a disability or health condition.
The person you care for could be your:
- Husband, wife or partner
- Family member – such as a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter friend or neighbour
You might help the person with:
- Cleaning or shopping
- Preparing and eating meals
- Personal care – such as getting washed and dress, and using the toilet
- Getting about at home, or going out to work, to see friends or to other places
- Medical care - driving them to and from appointments, arranging appointments and helping with medicine dosages or delivery
- Friendship and emotional support
- And much more
Carers are sometimes referred to as ‘unpaid carers’ because they are not paid for their caring role. People who receive Carers Allowance are still unpaid carers.
You are not classed as a carer if you have a paid job like a care worker or a support worker, or you work as a volunteer in a caring role.
Your rights as a carer
If you are a carer, you have lots of rights.
You can find out more about your rights on Your Life Doncaster at Carers' rights.
Find out about your rights as a carer on Your Life Doncaster
Carer’s Assessment
All carers are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment. This is not a test of your skills as a carer or a judgement on how well you are caring for someone. It is a friendly chat, focusing on you and your caring role.
As of Tuesday 1st April 2025, the Carer’s Wellbeing Service (previously carried out by Making Space) will be provided directly by the Council, using its own Wellbeing Team.
This means that more workers will be available to help Doncaster’s carers with information, advice and support than now. Workers in the Wellbeing Team are already connected into Doncaster’s different neighbourhoods and have a lot of local knowledge to help carers.
Although the Council’s Wellbeing Team will take over providing the service from Making Space, there won’t be wider changes without the full involvement of carers. For example, the carers peer support groups that currently run in the St Mary’s Church Hall (Sprotborough), St Peter’s Church Hall (Conisbrough) and Kirk Sandall Assembly Hall will continue. The group run from the Baptist Church Hall (Doncaster) will continue to be run by Making Space.
A worker from the team will listen to you to understand what matters most to you, whether you are willing and able to continue in your caring role, and any support you may need to live the life you choose to lead.
As experts in supporting Doncaster residents, the Wellbeing Team will also be able to give you information about your rights, and advise if you could claim some benefits and allowances or tax reductions.
To help prepare for a Carer’s Assessment it is a good idea to make a list of all the things you do in your caring role and how it affects you. You can find more information and advice on the Carers UK website.
You can contact the Wellbeing Team on 01302 737100 or email carers@doncaster.gov.uk
Local support groups
Carers tell us that speaking with other people who are in a similar situation can be a good way to get advice and support.
Preparing for an emergency - Get a Doncaster Lions message in a bottle
The bottle is a simple but effective way to keep essential personal and medical details in one place. Paramedics, police, fire fighters and social care workers know to look in the fridge when they see the Lions Message in a Bottle sticker. Bottles can be supplied free of charge.
You can apply at Doncaster Lions Message in a Bottle
Getting support at work
It can be challenging to balance a job and support someone close to you. You should talk to your employer to see what support they can offer you. The support can include:
- Flexible working
- Taking time off
- Changing your work arrangements
You can find more advice on your rights at work by visiting Carers UK
If you are a Doncaster business you can find practical resources, advice and information to support your employee’s at www.efcdigital.org and enter our unique access code #EFC1849 to register
Free courses for carers
As a carer you will have developed lots of skills and knowledge, and you might want to learn some new skills such as First Aid or supporting people to move safely and with dignity, as well as more specific training such as supporting someone with diabetes or dementia or someone who is autistic.
You may also no longer be caring and want to use the skills you have learnt as a carer to support others through a paid role. We also offer a number of courses to help you gain some formal qualifications.
You can find full details of all courses, including how to book your place, in the attached document below.
- Carers Master Copy 2024-25
- Download (446KB - DOC)
- Course booking terms and conditions
Download (20KB - DOCX)
For more information on our Moving and Handling Carers sessions (including dates and times) please click the link Below
- ASC Family carers Moving and Handling 25-26
- Download (294KB - DOCX)
Doncaster's All Age Carers Strategy
Doncaster’s All Age Carer’s Strategy ‘’We hear, we listen, we care, if you care” outlines how the City of Doncaster Council, and partners, will support unpaid carers of all ages to undertake the invaluable contribution they make on a daily basis to the people they are supporting, to services and to City.
Visit our carers strategy webpage to read the strategy and find out more.
Other useful links:
Downloads & Resources
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