General Carers Info
A ‘carer’ is someone who spends time, unpaid, looking after someone else with an illness or disability. Not a professional carer but a friend, relative, neighbour or family member who helps someone else on a regular basis.
You do not necessarily need to live with the person you care for but if you spend time regularly helping someone else both you and they are entitled to support.
If you are new to caring you might find the Carers UK 'New to Caring' Booklet Helpful.
Are you registered with your GP?
Anyone who is a carer should let their GP know of their situation. Every practice has a Carer’s Register. There will be a person in the practice who is responsible for staying in touch with Carers and making sure they are getting the help and support they need.
Have you contacted your local Social Services?
Everyone is entitled to a free assessment from their local Social Services. You may be entitled to free support services.
Are you a young person caring for someone?
If you are a young person you are entitled to extra support. You should not need to take on the responsibilities that and adult carer might have. There is help available for you;
Help and Care can help
Help and Care provides a number of support services for Carers from sitting services, carers networks and carers events. See how one of our free carer’s support services could help you with your caring needs.