Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid help and support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who cannot manage on their own due to illness, disability, addiction, or frailty without that assistance.
Carers can be adults or children and provide care temporarily or on an ongoing basis.
Carer’s assessment
If you provide unpaid care, you have a legal right to a carer’s assessment from your local council to determine what support you may need.
Carer’s assessments – Social care and support guide
Financial support
Benefits for carers – Social care and support guide
Benefits if you’re over state pension age – Social care and support guide
Respite care
Caring can be emotionally and physically draining. Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers. Please follow the link below for anymore information required. Carers’ breaks and respite care – Social care and support guide
Work and caregiving
Flexible working, time off and leave – Action for carers
Support for young carers
If you are under 18 and helping to care for someone, you are entitled to support services from your local council and organisations like local young carers groups.
Other resources
Support and benefits for carers – Social care and support guide
Let your doctor know you are a carer. Additional assistance may be available for your situation, the doctor maybe able to provide more information for carers.