Who is a carer? | Not sure if you are a carer? Read our checklist

Three in five of us will care for someone in our lifetime

A carer is any of us who cares, unpaid, for a family member or friend who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without our support.

Many of us who look after someone do not see ourselves as unpaid carers. In many cases it can take up to two years for people to recognise themselves as a carer.

Not sure if you are a carer?

Do you help a family member, child, friend or neighbour that:

is frail
has a disability or special needs
has a chronic illness and/or
has a mental illness
has dementia/Alzheimer’s
has a substance misuse problem with drugs or alcohol.

Do any of these statements apply to you?

Is this help regular and ongoing?
Do you help with showering, toileting, dressing or other personal care?
Does this help involve cleaning, cooking, shopping, transport and/or assistance with bills or other paperwork?
Do you help with medication or other health care?
Would this person have difficulty managing on their own if you could not provide regular and ongoing support?
Do you receive Carers Allowance or no payment at all?

If any of the above statements apply to you, we are here to help you.

How we can help

If you are a carer in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough or Norfolk, Caring Together Charity is here to help – and it is easy to ask for support.

We have information and support for adult carers including:

We also support young carers who are young people aged under 18 with a caring responsibility.

We offer homecare, which can give you a much-needed break.

Find out information on subjects such as Carer’s Allowance and carer’s assessments in the Advice section of our website. If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call our Carer Advisors on our Advice Line on 0345 241 0954. They have a wealth of knowledge of all things relating to unpaid carers and are there to help make your caring role easier.

Find out more below.