Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age.

Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer, they are just looking after their mother, son, best friend, husband, wife
- just getting on with it and doing what anyone would in the same situation.

A carer

...is someone, who without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.

A young carer

.. is a person under 18 years of age, who is significantly affected by caring for a person with a long term illness or disability - including Mental Health Issues and substance misuse

Why do carers need support?

Taking on a caring role can mean facing a life of poverty, isolation, frustration, ill health and depression.

Many carers give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to become a carer.

Many carers work outside the home and are trying to juggle jobs with their responsibilities as carers.

The majority of carers struggle alone and do not know that help is available to them.

Carers say that access to information, financial support and breaks in caring are vital in helping them manage the impact of caring on their lives.