Are you an unpaid carer?

💜You may be a carer without even realising it.

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An unpaid carer is someone who regularly supports a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help because of illness, disability, a mental health condition, frailty, addiction or another support need.

You might help with everyday tasks, appointments or medication.

You might provide emotional support, keep someone safe, manage paperwork and finances, or simply be the person they rely on.

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Caring looks different for everyone.

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You might be:

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a young person supporting a parent or another family member

a parent caring for a child with additional needssomeone supporting

a partner with a long-term or serious illnessan adult caring for an ageing parentan older person caring for

a husband, wife or partnera friend or neighbour providing regular support.

 

You don't have to live with the person you care for, and you don't have to provide care around the clock to be a carer.“I’m not a carer — I’m just looking after someone I love.”

We hear this a lot.

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Many people don't think of themselves as a carer. You may simply see yourself as a husband, wife, partner, parent, son, daughter, sibling, friend or neighbour doing what you can for someone who matters to you, but recognising that you have a caring role can be important.

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Unpaid carers have rights, and recognising yourself as a carer can help you find information, support and opportunities to have your voice heard.

 

Your experience matters.

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💚At Rotherham Carers Forum, carers are at the heart of everything we do.

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We believe unpaid carers are experts by experience. You understand the realities of caring in a way that others often cannot, and we believe that experience should have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions, services and support that affect carers and the people they care for.

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Whether you've been caring for years or have only recently found yourself supporting someone, your voice matters here.

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Hear your voice.

Value your experience.

Make the change.

 

Promoting Wellbeing. Preventing Isolation. Responding with Support.