Carers

We are interested in identifying informal carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. ​Informal carers (also called unpaid carers) are people who look after family members, friends, neighbours or others because of long-term physical or mental ill health or disability, or care needs related to old age.

Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer.

Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.

As a Carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services. A Carer’s Assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also look at the needs of the person you care for. There is no charge for an assessment.

Caring for others should not be to the detriment of the carer’s own health and wellbeing and carers can receive support in a number of ways – including from carers’ services, social services, the NHS, or the benefit system.