Are you a carer?

A 'carer' is someone who - without being paid - regularly looks after, helps or supports someone over the age of 18 who wouldn't be able to manage everyday life without their help.

Carers under the age of 18 are sometimes called 'Young Carers'.

Who you may be looking after

You may be caring for a partner, relative, friend or neighbour. For example, it may be someone who:

• has a physical or learning disability
• has a mental health condition
• is living with dementia
• has sight, hearing or communication difficulties
• has a long-term health condition
• misuses drugs or alcohol

A carer doesn't have to be living with the person they care for, and the help they give doesn't have to be physical.

Things you may help do

You may be helping with:

• shopping, personal finances
• paperwork and administration
• transportation
• personal care, such as washing and dressing
• going to the toilet or dealing with incontinence
• eating or taking medicines
• getting about at home or outside
• practical things, like companionship
• counselling, emotional support or communicating
• attending appointments

Help for carers

Find out what help is available for carers and people who look after someone.

Carers Count in Essex

View our Carer's Strategy for Essex, 2022 - 2026 (PDF, 1.08MB).