Who is a carer

You're an unpaid carer if you help a family member, friend or neighbour who needs it. 

They may need care if they: 

• are disabled
• have a mental health condition
• are ill, including terminally ill
• have an addiction 
• are older

You can be an unpaid carer even if:

• you do not live with them
• you're not related to them
• you're caring short term or only some of the time
• they do not get support from the council

What caring means

Care means giving help and support in the way a person needs it, such as:

• cooking, cleaning or shopping
• helping them get around
• emotional support
• washing, dressing or helping them go to the toilet
• translating, managing their money or helping to apply for benefits
• managing medication or arranging appointments

You may do all these things or only some of them.

You can be providing care as often as they need it, for example once a week or up to 24 hours a day. 

Young carers 

You're a young carer if you provide care and you're either:

• under 18
• 18 and still at school

There's extra support for young carers. 

Who is not an unpaid carer

You're not an unpaid carer if you're providing care as a professional care worker or through a volunteering scheme or charity.