Carer focus

If someone takes responsibility for helping a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without help because of disability, illness or frailty, then they are a carer.

The person for whom care is provided may have a mental health problem, a drug dependency or a disability.  The carer doesn’t necessarily live with the person they care for.  Carers are generally unpaid for this kind of activity

This could be:

• An adult who looks after another adult, such a spouse, partner, friend or relative
• A person who looks after an ill or disabled child
• A young carer under 18 years of age who make take responsibility for the care of a parent, grandparent, brother or sister

For information about our mental health services and to answer some of the questions you may have, you can download our Carer's Guide to Mental Health Services (PDF).