Carers

If you support someone who cannot manage without your help, you are an unpaid carer. This may include doing household tasks, shopping, paying bills, or giving emotional support. The person you care for may have an illness, disability, mental health condition or substance misuse issues.

You are not alone

Caring can be rewarding but also challenging. Support is available to help you look after yourself while you care for others.

Signposting we offer

Emotional support

Counselling, peer groups and wellbeing services.
Practical help

Help with benefits, respite care and accessing local services.
Training

First aid, dementia care and moving and handling.
Carer's assessment

Explore your needs and identify what support is available.

Looking after yourself

It is important to take regular breaks, stay connected and ask for help. Remember to look after your health, it really matters.

Urgent advice: What to do in an emergency

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of urgent support to keep you or a loved one safe, then please contact our crisis service.

Your rights as a carer

Do

have the right to a carer’s assessment
have access to financial support (if eligible)
have the right to involvement in care planning decisions

National support

Regional support

Financial support

If you are balancing paid work with caring responsibilities, you can get support through Employers for Carers (EFC). This free online platform provides information on health, wellbeing, carers’ rights, and how to manage work alongside caring.

You can access the carers’ support using the code: DGTL1849.

For information, advice and guidance on the cost of living, such as debt, housing, employment, benefits, grants and saving money, phone Citizen’s Advice on 01302 243 057.

Page last reviewed: March 31, 2026
Next review due: March 31, 2027

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