Unpaid Carers

Are you looking after someone who needs your help?

Recognising yourself as a carer is the very first step to getting the support you need. Many of us do not see ourselves as carers straight away: we are mums and dads, husbands and wives, partners, brothers, sisters, friends and neighbours. We are simply doing what anyone would, looking after loved ones and helping them through, when they are unable to do things for themselves. The fact is that if you do this, you are what is called an unpaid carer and there are things that you need to know that will be help you get a range of advice and support.

Who are Unpaid Carers?

An unpaid carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. An unpaid carer should not be confused with a care worker or care assistant who receives payment for looking after someone as a job. As an unpaid carer, you could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled, has mental ill health or substance misuse problems; or a child who has a disability or additional learning needs. Young carers are children or young people under 18 years old, or young adult carers who are aged 18-25 years old, who are caring for a family member. The family member could be suffering from physical or mental health , a disability or drug and alcohol problems.

Support for Carers

In the Gwent area, we work in partnership with The Health Board, 5 Local Authorities, Carers, Community Health Council Third Sector and Welsh Government to provide a multi-agency approach to support our carers. Information, advice and assistance can be found in the links below.

Supporting Carers in The Workplace

If you would like to share any good practice of supporting unpaid carers in places that you work, please contact us.