Support for carers
Most care in the community is provided by family, friends and neighbours. We want to make sure carers get the help they need.
Who is a carer
You’re a carer if you provide unpaid care and support to someone who couldn’t manage without your help. This could be a family member, friend, partner or neighbour.
You might not think of yourself as a carer, just someone helping out. But caring is more than that. The person you care for may have:
- a physical or learning disability
- a long-term or life-limiting illness
- mental health difficulties
- difficulties with substance use
What caring involves
Caring can include:
- helping with washing, dressing or eating
- taking someone to appointments
- keeping them company when they feel lonely or anxious
- offering emotional support
It’s important to look after your own wellbeing too. We offer different ways to support carers.