Caring for someone with severe mobility impairments is not only physically demanding — it can take a significant emotional toll too. At Darlington & Durham County Carers Support, we recognise the dedication of unpaid Carers, and we know that caring can affect your wellbeing, your relationships, and your day-to-day life. You deserve support, understanding, and practical help.
📍 Local Support & Contact
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Durham County Council — Social Care Direct
Carers Assessment, Occupational Therapy Assessments.
👉 Social Care Direct – Durham County Council — Durham -
Darlington Borough Council — Support You Can Get as a Carer
Guidance on carers’ assessments, breaks from caring and local resources.
👉 https://www.darlington.gov.uk/adult-social-care/carers/support-you-can-get-as-a-carer/ darlington.gov.uk -
Carers Register (local) — Registering as an unpaid Carer can help unlock benefits and local support.
👉 https://www.darlington.gov.uk/adult-social-care/carers/support-you-can-get-as-a-carer/join-the-carers-register/ darlington.gov.uk -
County Durham & Darlington Carers Discount Card — Offers local discounts to support Carers in everyday life.
👉 https://durhamcarers.info/index.php/support-for-carers/carers-card/ durhamcarers.info
🧠 Emotional & Wellbeing Support
Looking after your wellbeing helps you care sustainably — and there is support out there:
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Free Counselling Through Durham County Carers Support
Confidential emotional support from trained volunteers is available to unpaid Carers.
👉 Contact us at Darlington & Durham Carers Support. find more info HERE
📚 Practical Guides & Tools
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Carers UK (national) — One of the best comprehensive resource hubs for unpaid Carers: tips, wellbeing advice, rights info, and support tools.
👉 https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/ Carers UK - Virtual Carers Centre – Our Virtual Carers Centre can provide you with information and advice tailored to you specific Caring needs. 👉 https://www.virtualcarerscentre.org
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Carers Trust — Support & Resource Directory
Search for support services near you and find downloadable toolkits.
👉 https://carers.org/help-for-carers/carer-services-near-you/97-durham-county-carers-support carers.org -
Turn2us — Benefits and Grants for Carers
Use their guides and tools to explore financial help and benefit entitlements.
👉 https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/carer https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ -
Out & About Support (Carers Trust) — Tips on accessible facilities, support getting out of the house, and community links.
👉 https://carers.org/out-and-about/out-and-about-support-for-carers carers.org
🛠️ Practical Tips for Day-to-Day Caring
You’re often providing hands-on support with things like:
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Transfers (e.g., bed ↔ chair)
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Using mobility aids
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Toileting and personal care
These can put strain on your body, leading to pain or exhaustion — and it’s completely valid to ask for help or training.
👉 Speak with an Occupational Therapist via your local council or GP referral
👉 Ask for manual handling training
👉 See what equipment (hoists, rails, slide sheets) can make tasks safer
Your health matters too — and using the right support can protect your wellbeing and reduce the risk of injury.
❤️ Final Thoughts
You’re doing an enormous job — and support does exist to help you both emotionally and practically.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn, reach out to the local services above or national organisations — even one call or click can make a difference.