Looking after a family member or friend

Are you a carer?

A carer is a person of any age who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or someone close to them due to an illness or disability.

Caring can take a variety of forms, such as:

• Personal care
• Practical help, for example shopping, housework, gardening, house maintenance and medical appointments
• Emotional support
• Help with managing behaviours
• Support to complete paperwork
• Managing finances
• Providing social opportunities, for example taking to a social club, going out for the day or attending an event.

You don’t have to be living with the person you support to be helping to care for them. You could be helping for a few hours a week or supporting them full-time.

If you are 18 and under and provide care for someone, go to our young carers web page.

What is a Carers Assessment?

You can ask for an assessment which is free and separate from the needs assessment the person you care for might have.

An assessment of a carer’s needs is an opportunity for you as a carer to talk and think about the impact of your caring role on your well-being and what support you may need with your caring responsibilities. This may include not just support from the council, but your local community and support network.

Read more about the carers assessment and how to request one.