New opportunities

You may have been out of work for a while because of your caring role and are now unsure of how to get back into employment. Or maybe you are considering brushing up on your skills or learning something new. Our Learning and Work team can help you put together an action plan and support you as you move towards achieving your goals.

If you are considering returning to work or starting some training and the person you care for still requires care, it is important to have up-to-date Carers Assessment, even if you have had one previously. The purpose of this assessment is for you to talk about your own needs and discuss what help you may need with caring. It should be carried out one-to-one (unless you request to complete the forms in your own time) and you can ask to have it done in private away from the person you care for. The law says that the assessment should also look specifically at your needs with regard to work, training and leisure activities. Sometimes it is possible, as a result of registering your needs in this way, to obtain funding in the form of a Carers Direct Payment to enable you to pursue a training course or other learning opportunities. To arrange an assessment, call Surrey County Council Contact Centre on 03456 009009 or speak to your local Carer Support Worker who can arrange it for you. You may also wish to look at the relevant legislation click here