Carers

A carer is any adult who spends time providing unpaid care for a relative, family member or friend who needs help due to an illness or disability. People who provide care are sometimes in full time work and juggling responsibilities at home. You may feel that caring is having a big impact on your wellbeing and everyday duties.

There is help available. Organisations such as those listed below can give you information and advice to support you in your caring role. You can also ask for a carer's assessment which will identify your needs in supporting the person you care for.

A social worker or a health professional can help you to get a free carer's assessment, or you can contact us and request an assessment yourself.

Find out more about a carer's assessment

Organisations offering support and advice for carers

• Herefordshire Carer Links offer practical support for unpaid carers who look after someone with a disability or life affecting illness. If you're new to caring or are an existing carer who needs some additional support, you can also access their free Carer Links Herefordshire information and advice service
• Herefordshire Carers - help to keep carers connected, organise trips and social events for carers
• Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire - offer an opportunity for families of children with disabilities or additional needs to come together, to share information and to provide support to each other, while helping create services which meet the needs of their families
• Talk Community Directory - Looking after someone section - The Talk Community Directory has information to support you in your caring role, together with a directory of activities, events and services where you live

Financial support

You may be entitled to financial help, including a Carer's Allowance. You can find out about benefits for carers on the Carers UK website.