Are you an unpaid carer?

An unpaid carer is someone who

looks after a family member or

friend who could not cope without

their support.

The person you care for could have a disability,

illness, mental health condition, addiction, or may

need extra help as they grow older. Caring is often

part and parcel of family life and close friendships.

Every day, 6,000 people in the UK start looking

after someone close to them, unpaid. For many,

caring is something that happens gradually when

someone becomes older, or has a progressive

illness. For others, it arises suddenly, for example

as the result of an accident or a stroke.

Caring can be hugely rewarding, but it can also

have an impact on all aspects of your life. Looking

after someone without the right information and

support can be tough. If any of the issues below are

affecting you, the organisations supporting Carers

Week, listed overleaf, may be able to help. More info