A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.
Looking after yourself
Taking care of your health and wellbeing is essential when you are caring for someone, but it can be hard to find the time to meet your own needs. You may struggle to eat and sleep well, find the time to exercise and manage your stress levels. Rethink Mental Illness has resources on their website that can help you if you are worried about your own mental health.
It’s common to feel lonely or isolated as a carer, especially as friends and family might not understand how tough it can be. All the supporter charities involved in Carers Week provide opportunities to get in touch, through online forums and social networks, helplines and local support groups. Carers Trust and Carers UK have online directories where you can find out about services near you.
