Does someone rely on you for care and support? Do you provide any of the following?
- Practical support
- Emotional support
- Personal care
- Physical help
- Help with medication
- Help with finances
……did you know you are a carer?
A carer is anyone, including children and adults, who look after a family member, partner or friend who cannot manage alone. This could be because of illness, frailty, disability, mental health problems or addiction. The care they give is unpaid. Unpaid carers can be children, young people, or adults.
Carers receiving benefits like Carers Allowance are unpaid carers.
You may have found yourself in a caring role suddenly. Perhaps a loved one became ill or had an accident, or your child was born with a disability. Maybe your parents find it hard to cope on their own. Or your daughter’s drug use makes it difficult for her to look after herself or her children.
Different Types of Caring Roles
Caring comes in many forms and you might be surprised to find you fit into one of the following roles:
- Young carer: A child or young person under 18 who provides care for a family member with an illness, disability, or addiction.
- Parent carer: A parent who cares for a child (under 18) with additional needs due to illness or disability.
- Sandwich carer: An adult who cares for both ageing parents and dependent children at the same time.
- Kinship carer: A relative or close family friend who raises a child when the parents are unable to do so.
- Working carer: Someone who balances paid employment with unpaid care responsibilities for a loved one.
Looking After Your Own Health and Wellbeing
You might not like the term 'carer' and that is absolutely fine. We are not here to label you. We simply want to make sure you have the support and information you need, when you need it most.
As a carer, looking after your own health and wellbeing matters just as much as the care you provide. When you prioritise yourself, you’re better able to care for others. You can access support through the following local carer support services:
Carers Together
Next Steps
The Junction Foundation
Teesside Mind
Mobilise
Let your GP know you’re an unpaid carer so they can better support you. Download our Carers GP Registration Form and hand it in at your local surgery.
You also have rights under the Carers Act 2014. This includes the right to a Carers Assessment from your local authority.
Hear From Other Carers
Take ten minutes to watch this short film featuring local carers. They share their experiences and the local support they've found.
This short video from Carers UK and British Gas, shows the hidden challenges of caring. It highlights how many challenges can go unseen and showcases the value of talking to others.
Do you know someone in a caring role who doesn’t have internet access? Download and print our WCYC Carers Guide to share with them.
Taking on caring responsibilities is a significant commitment. What you’re doing makes a real difference not just to the individual, but to the wider community.
According to Carers UK, unpaid carers across the UK save the economy an estimated £184 billion a year
Thank you!