Supporting unpaid carers

Many people don't see themselves as carers - they are simply mum, husband, daughter, friend and so on. By using language that a carer can relate to, and by recognising their relationship with the person being cared for, is a simple yet effective step in helping them access support.

Our services are available to anyone looking after a partner, friend, child or family member that couldn't manage without their support. People don't need to identify with the term 'carer', they just need to recognise that they have extra responsibilities and that there is support available for them.

People with caring responsibilities often tell us they feel invisible and unheard. Taking five minutes to ask how a carer is and giving them a private, non-judgemental space in which to talk, can make a huge difference.

This can enable a person to open up about the challenges of caring for someone, helping you identify where they could benefit from some support.

Caring can have a huge impact on someone's health and wellbeing, yet they can feel guilty for seeking support.

They may not want the person they care for to feel like a burden, or to feel like they're not up for looking after their loved one. There are lots of reasons why a carer may not want to reach out.

Offering a non-judgemental safe space to confide, can be life-changing.

An easy way to understand what their caring role entails is to simply ask about their day. Talking about the multiple tasks they complete day-to-day can bring to light the pressures and challenges they may be facing. This is a useful conversation that can lead to support.

Sometimes just having someone else (especially a professional) asking what they need, can be the first positive change in a carer's situation.

It is possible that you are the first person that has recognised the gravity of their caring role, so if you have the opportunity to offer a route to support, we encourage you to do so.

Explain the benefits of getting proper recognition from a trusted charity and of meeting others in similar situations, who really understand and may have essential advice to share.

Consider being proactive by making the referral for, or with, the carer, instead of simply signposting and giving them another job to do. Many carers will rarely put themselves first and reach out for help, so progressing this first step can result in them receiving support years sooner and avoiding a crisis point.