Are you taking care of a family member, partner, friend or neighbour?

Do they have a long-term illness, disability, addiction, mental health condition, or need extra support day to day?

If so — even if you don’t think of yourself as a carer — you might be one.

What is a Carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to another person who could not manage without their help. 

This might include:

• Helping a parent with dementia get dressed and take medication

• Supporting a partner through a mental health condition

• Assisting a child with autism with daily routines

• Accompanying someone to hospital appointments

• Preparing meals for a friend with mobility challenges

• Checking in regularly on a neighbour with addiction issues

• Providing emotional support to someone experiencing long-term illness

Many people don’t see themselves as carers — they think of themselves as simply being a devoted parent, spouse, sibling, or friend. But recognising your caring role is the first step to accessing the information, support, and rights you’re entitled to.