You may be a carer without realising it. Many people provide regular support to a family member, friend, neighbour, or loved one without ever thinking of themselves as a carer.
If someone relies on you because of illness, disability, frailty, mental ill health, or substance misuse, you may be a carer – even if you do not receive payment and regardless of your relationship with the person you support.
Many carers spend years helping others before discovering that support, advice, and services are available specifically for them.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a person who could not manage without their help. You may be a carer if you support:
The support you provide does not need to be full-time, and you do not need to live with the person you care for.
Every caring situation is different. You may help with practical day-to-day tasks such as:
Some carers also provide more complex support including:
Many people provide these forms of support simply because they care about someone and may not recognise that they are fulfilling a caring role.
Caring can be rewarding and provide a strong sense of purpose. However, caring responsibilities can also affect many aspects of your life, including:
Some carers experience:
It is important to remember that looking after your own wellbeing is just as important as supporting the person you care for.
Many carers tell us they did not realise they were carers until someone explained it to them.
Because they do not identify as carers, many people miss out on valuable support, advice, information, and services that could make a real difference to their lives.
Recognising your caring role is often the first step towards accessing help and improving your own wellbeing.
If you think you may be a carer, we are here to help.
North Staffs Carers provides information, advice, emotional support, wellbeing services, support groups, counselling, befriending, and guidance to help carers manage their caring role whilst looking after their own health and wellbeing.
Whether you have recently become a carer or have been caring for someone for many years, support is available.
Many people do not realise they are carers until they discover the support available.
