Carers are people who look after family, partners or friends who are ill, frail, have a disability or a mental health problem. They may be caring for another adult or be a parent of a disabled child. The care they provide is unpaid.

Sometimes people do not recognise themselves as carers, especially when they are looking after a spouse/partner, close relative or friend.

For example, Sarah looks after her mum who is 76 and frail. Her mum does not live with her but lives close by. Sarah, who works, visits her mum every day and does most of her cooking, cleaning and shopping. She also helps her mum get in and out of the bath as she cannot manage by herself. As well as being a daughter, Sarah is also a carer.

Carers under the age of 18 are called young carers. Find out about support for young carers.