Am I carer?
Who is a carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who could not manage without help. This might be because of illness, disability, mental health needs, substance use, or age-related needs.
Carers can be partners, parents, siblings, children, friends—or anyone else. People of all ages and backgrounds can be carers, and every caring situation is different.
You do not need to provide support for a certain number of hours to be a carer. Whether you help occasionally or every day, your caring role is important.
The person you support does not need to live with you. You may support someone who lives in their own home, supported living, extra care housing, residential care, or somewhere else. If you continue to provide support, guidance, or emotional reassurance, you may still be a carer.
Many people do not think of themselves as carers. You may see yourself first as a husband, wife, partner, parent, child, relative, friend, or neighbour. But if someone relies on your unpaid support, you may be a carer. This is especially true when caring becomes part of everyday life and happens gradually over time.
You may be able to get Carer’s Allowance, a financial contribution to help with the cost of caring. This is not a wage, and you are still considered an unpaid carer if you receive it.
What do carers do?
Caring looks different for everyone. It is not only about helping with physical tasks.
You may support someone by:
- Helping with daily routines like getting up, washing, or dressing or preparing meals
- Giving medication or collecting prescriptions
- Helping with housework or shopping
- Supporting someone to attend appointments or get out and about
- Helping with finances or paying bills
- Providing emotional support, encouragement or reassurance
- Helping someone make decisions or speak up about what matters to them
- Checking in regularly to make sure someone is safe and well
- Organising services and support on someone else's behalf
Some people provide hands-on support every day. Others mainly provide emotional support, help manage finances, organise appointments, or stay involved when someone lives elsewhere. All of these are important forms of caring.
The challenges of caring
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Many carers balance their caring role alongside work, education, family life, and other commitments.
Some carers, including young carers and people supporting someone with mental health needs or substance use, may not always be recognised as carers.
Why support for carers matters
Carers often need support themselves. This might include:
- Emotional support
- Short breaks from caring
- Information and advice
Support to maintain their own health and wellbeing
We recognise that every caring role is unique. Whatever your situation, support is available to help you continue caring in a way that works for you.
Note: A carer is not the same as a care worker or care assistant. Care workers are paid professionals who are employed to provide care.