A carer is an adult or child, who provides unpaid support to a family member, partner, or friend. Who needs help because of illness, disability, mental health challenges, addiction, or age-related frailty.
Carer support can range from practical help to emotional care and companionship.
Caring can be rewarding, but it can feel overwhelming. Many carers juggle work, school, and family responsibilities. For some, becoming a carer can happen overnight as a result of an accident or sudden diagnosis. For others, it happens over time as a loved one's health declines.
Not everyone wants to be called a carer and some carers remain hidden. Young carers, in particular, tend keep it to themselves. They might feel worried about what will change if they speak up, proud of managing on their own, or be unsure of where to turn to for help.
