Carers

Are you a carer?

Carers provide substantial, unpaid support to someone who needs extra help to manage day-to-day life. They may not live in the same house, and they do not have to be related to the person they look after.

Caring for someone covers lots of different things, like helping with washing, dressing, or eating, taking someone to regular appointments or even just being there for them.

There are many professional support groups for carers, friends, or their family, who can give support or information or even just a shoulder to lean on. Most carers are happy to look after their relations or friends but sometimes need extra help or support to continue their caring role.

Non-urgent advice: Remember

You cannot care for someone else if you don’t care for yourself!

Am I a ‘young carer’?

You are a young carer if you are under 18 years old and help to look after a relative with a disability. Caring can take any form, you may do extra jobs around the house, maybe even cook tea, help someone get dressed, give emotional support to the person you care for, and to the rest of your family.

If you generally hold more responsibility for the wellbeing of a family member than would normally be expected of you, then you ARE a young carer.

Sometimes, just venting to your friends about anything tough at home can be a MASSIVE help. They’ll want to listen to you, comfort you and help you in any way that they can, even if it’s just the smallest conversation. Relaxing and watching TV is always a good form of self-care aswell!

Print off  a Carers Emergency Cards. In the event of an accident or illness, this will inform someone what to do, if you are a carer.

Useful Websites for Carers

Don’t struggle in silence – there is help available.