Website

Our website gives you access to social and welfare advice, emergency numbers, self-help information, and links to specialist support. 

Helpline

A trained team of staff and volunteers are available from 10am to 4pm every weekday and every Tuesday evening until 7pm. 

Face-to-face

Please check our website for the latest news about face-to-face appointments. 

A referral from a professional

Referrals can be made into the hub through partner organisations or professionals such as social workers. 

Web chat

Click “chat to us” at the bottom of every page, or “send us an email” when it’s out of our opening hours. 

Web chat is open for instant help 10am to 4pm weekdays and until 7pm on Tuesday evenings. 

See us near you

We provide various activities in the community to support unpaid carers, including: 

• Coffee mornings for carers 

• Carers’ events 

• Community events 

• Community engagement (e.g. libraries, community halls, shopping centres) 

Training

Care skills training is free for unpaid carers via the Care Academy run by The Disability Resource Centre. 

See the main training page on The Disability Resource Centre for details of free workshops, mini-courses and 1–2–1 coaching programmes available to carers in Luton. 

Carers Central can support you with training options, provide further information, and help you complete enrolment forms. 

Peer support and local community groups

Support groups can help you feel connected to other people in similar caring roles. 

The following groups offer friendly support in Luton (subject to local regulations): 

• Carers Central support group for unpaid carers 

• Luton Asian Carers Service 

• Mind BLMK Carers Support Service 

• YAWN Life 

• CHUMS for young carers’ support 

• Carers Eating Disorders Association — [email protected] 

• Fibromyalgia Group — [email protected] 

• Alzheimer’s Society — [email protected] 

• Caribbean Carers Support Initiative — [email protected] 

• Woman’s Aid Luton 

• Luton All Woman’s Centre 

• Stepping Stones 

Disability equipment

Local authorities can offer an Occupational Health Assessment, which may include equipment, minor works, or major adaptations to help you remain safe and independent at home. 

The Disability Resource Centre has a team of Trusted Assessors who can show you the types of equipment available (bathing, toileting, walking, and everyday gadgets). 

To make an appointment call 01582 470900 or email [email protected]. 

Employment support for carers

The Disability Resource Centre offers a free support programme for carers to help you manage wellbeing, learn new skills and/or move towards paid work. 

Topics covered include: 

• Identify transferable skills and strengths

• Explore different work options

• Skills health checks

• Write a winning CV and prepare for interviews

• Covering letters and emails

• Volunteering and self-employment

• Support in the workplace

Contact us by email

Carers Central has a dedicated email address monitored daily: [email protected] 

Social media

We provide a Facebook community group for unpaid carers in Luton and a Carers Central Facebook page to share news and ideas. 

Call us during office hours on 0300 303 0201 

Or email us and we’ll get straight back to you. 

We’ve built this service to support unpaid carers across Luton, funded by Luton Council in partnership with NHS Luton Clinical Commissioning Group.