When your loved one has died
If you’re reading this because the person you cared for has died, our condolences on your loss.
This will be a very difficult and sad time for you – and the rest of your family and friends.
Here you’ll find some guidance on coping with the loss of your loved one, and some suggestions of support and other opportunities that might be of interest, when you feel the time is right.
Unfortunately, because of our fixed resources, these opportunities are only for carers already registered with us, Action for Carers Surrey, and for up to one year following the loss of the person cared for.
We’re here
Most importantly, don’t forget we’re here. Our Helpline team can help with anything that’s concerning you.
They can provide information, advice, and support, or just simply listen. Call 0303 040 1234.
If you need advice with forms or any other issues, particularly surrounding the loss of your loved one, we can put you in touch with one of our Carer Support Advisors in your area.
If you’ve been registered with us we’d be very happy for you to stay as ‘part’ of Action for Carers for up to one year following your bereavement, and receive our quarterly newsletter, regular email and other communications, if you’d like to. These include events, activities and consultations of interest to former carers.
Thinking about returning to work
You may now been in a position where you want to retrain or re-enter the workforce, if your caring role limited your working life.
While you were caring you will have developed skills that may be very useful, such as time-management, scheduling, negotiation and communication.
Charity Carers UK have useful information for carers and former carers thinking about returning to work.
Volunteering
Volunteering may be something that interests you. There are a variety of varied and interesting roles out there. If you’d like to give your time to help other carers, we have lots of opportunities available.
Bereaved carers want to help, we can volunteer to give back.
Volunteer roles with Action for Carers include:
- Hub volunteers – people helping out at our drop in Hubs
- GP volunteers – visiting Surrey GP practices to help ensure they have up-to-date information
- Drivers – delivering gifts and products, for example at Christmas
- Help with the newsletter – carer to carer pages
- Become a Trustee – our Trustees are all volunteers, the majority are carers or former carers.
If you have a skill which you are willing to share, then please contact our volunteering team (email [email protected]).
Please see our volunteering page for more details of our volunteer programme.
Using your experiences
Your experiences as a carer — both good and bad — are hugely important.
Your views and experiences can help to make changes for the better for all carers, both in Surrey and nationally. As a former carer, you are likely to have a great deal to contribute.
There are many ways to do this.
Feedback
We run regular feedback sessions (see our events) for you to share your views on being a carer, and our services.
External consultations
We encourage carers to have their voice heard by taking part in external consultations and research, both in Surrey and nationally.
Share your story
Would you consider sharing your story with others? We often share carers’ stories in our communications, as they resonate with other carers, as well as helping others understand carers’ lives better.
The media also ask us for carers who will share their experiences and comments in print, radio and TV. If that’s also of interest, please let us know (email [email protected]).
Fundraising
We hope you feel you have benefitted from the support offered by Action for Carers, and the other carers you may have met on your caring journey.
Action for Carers aims to support all Surrey’s carers, aged 5-95. As you know we offer a wide range of support and activities. Although we receive much of our income from Surrey County Council, we also fundraise to be able to do more.
When the time is right, you may be interested in fundraising, and if so, we’d be delighted to have your support. Find out more.
