When people think about “support for carers”, they often think it means money. But there is a much larger range of support unpaid carers can get, beyond financial help.
For most unpaid carers, the biggest difference comes from practical help: a proper break, safer ways to care, help with admin, equipment, training, emotional support, and a backup plan for when things go wrong.
This post answers what support can unpaid carers get, what councils can sometimes provide, what help exists beyond the council, and what to ask for in your Carer’s Assessment.
A quick truth: support isn’t just cash
A good support package might include:
- someone to take over caring so you can rest
- training (for example, lifting safely)
- help with transport costs so you can get out or attend appointments
- wellbeing support and peer groups
- practical help at home (housework/gardening)
- help planning for emergencies
These are real examples listed by the NHS as things a Carer’s Assessment may recommend. (nhs.uk)
Where does the Carer’s Assessment fit?
Think of the Carer’s Assessment as the “gateway conversation” that helps services understand:
- what you do
- the impact on you
- what’s risky or unsustainable
- what support might help
It’s also the point where councils may consider a personal budget for a carer (sometimes offered as a direct payment) to help make life easier. (nhs.uk)
If you haven’t requested one yet, read: How do I get a Carer’s Assessment?
If you want to turn support ideas into a strong request, read: How do I prepare for a Carer’s Assessment?
Support a council might provide
What’s available varies a lot by area. But these are common categories carers can ask about.
1) Breaks and respite (for you and/or the person you care for)
This might look like:
- replacement care at home so you can rest
- day services or short breaks
- a short stay in a care home (sometimes)
- support to help you get time off regularly
The NHS notes that if you want a council to fund respite care for you or the person you care for, assessments are important (carer’s assessment for you, needs assessment for them). (nhs.uk)
Carers UK also has guidance on taking a break and creating an emergency plan. (Carers UK)
2) Direct payments / personal budgets (choice and control)
Sometimes, instead of the council arranging support, you can receive money to arrange certain support yourself.
- GOV.UK explains direct payments let you choose and buy services you need yourself, instead of getting them arranged by the council. (GOV.UK)
- The NHS notes carers may be entitled to a personal budget after a carer’s assessment. (nhs.uk)
- Carers UK notes that “direct payments for carers” are often used to support the carer’s wellbeing (for example, to access a break or activities). (Carers UK)
(Important: rules and local practice vary — always ask what’s available in your area.)
3) Training and safer caring
Examples include:
- moving and handling / lifting safely
- training linked to the person’s condition (where available)
- practical guidance to reduce risk and injury
“Training how to lift safely” is one of the NHS examples of support that may come from a carer’s assessment. (nhs.uk)
4) Equipment and home adaptations (often via OT)
Sometimes the most powerful “support” is making caring physically safer:
- grab rails, raised toilet seats, shower chairs
- hoists, slide sheets, bed levers
- mobility aids
This is usually linked to an occupational therapy assessment (often for the person you care for), but it can massively reduce your caring load.
5) Help with practical tasks and admin
Depending on the area and situation, you may be offered or signposted to:
- help with gardening/housework (sometimes)
- transport support (e.g., taxi fares) so you can get out or attend appointments
- help navigating services and forms
Again, these are included as examples by the NHS. (nhs.uk)
6) Emergency planning and contingency support
If you get ill, who steps in?
Carers UK encourages carers to have an emergency plan/contingency plan when taking breaks (and it’s just as useful day-to-day). (Carers UK)
Support beyond the council (often faster, sometimes better)
Even if the council doesn’t offer ongoing funded support, you can still get help.
Local carers organisations and carers centres
They often provide:
- advice, information, and 1:1 support
- peer groups (online or in person)
- help preparing for assessments and meetings
- breaks activities and wellbeing support
Carers Trust can help you find local carer services in many areas. (carers.org)
GP support and social prescribing
Many GP practices can refer people to a social prescribing link worker who connects you to community support and helps create a practical wellbeing plan. (NHS England)
(Carers Trust has also produced information about how social prescribing can support unpaid carers. (carers.org))
Employer support (if you’re working)
Many carers can get support through:
- flexible working requests
- carers policies / carers leave (if your employer offers it)
- occupational health adjustments
(You don’t need to disclose everything — just what you need.)
Benefits and money advice (signpost, don’t drown)
This post isn’t a benefits deep-dive — but it’s worth checking what you might be entitled to.
Good starting points:
- Citizens Advice (Carer’s Allowance info + help) (Citizens Advice)
- GOV.UK benefits calculators list (includes Turn2us and others) (GOV.UK)
- Turn2us Benefits Calculator (benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk)
What to ask for (a “menu” you can choose from)
If you’re in (or preparing for) a Carer’s Assessment, you can literally use this as a pick-list. You won’t always get everything you ask, as the council has a duty to meet your eligible needs under the care act (2014). There may be other needs or wants that need to be met in a different way.
Breaks and time to recover
- “I need a regular break I can rely on.”
- “I need replacement care so I can sleep / attend appointments / rest.”
- “I need support to prevent carer breakdown.”
Safer caring and reducing physical strain
- “I need moving and handling training.”
- “I need an OT assessment for equipment/adaptations to reduce injury risk.”
Help with specific times of day
- “Mornings are the hardest — I need help then.”
- “Evenings/nights are unsustainable — I need support around bedtime.”
Emotional support and isolation
- “I need someone to talk to who understands caring.”
- “I’d like peer support / carers groups / wellbeing support.”
Admin and coordination
- “I’m drowning in appointments, forms, and phone calls. I need help navigating services.”
Contingency planning
- “If I get ill, there’s no backup. I need an emergency plan.”
Choice and control
- “Can I have a personal budget or direct payment to arrange support that fits our life?”
Helpful article for you to read: How Do I Prepare for a Carer’s Assessment?
How to justify support requests (without feeling like you’re “begging”)
Support is usually based on:
- the impact on your health and wellbeing
- risks (injury, burnout, safety)
- sustainability (can you realistically keep caring without help?)
Evidence doesn’t have to be formal. A simple caring diary + impact notes often helps.
Read: How do I prepare for a Carer’s Assessment?
What happens after a Carer’s Assessment?
After the assessment you may receive:
- a write-up/record
- an outcome decision (which may include support, a personal budget/direct payment, or information/advice/signposting)
- next steps and review information
Read: What happens after a Carer’s Assessment?
Legal disclaimer
This article is general information for unpaid carers and is not legal advice. Support varies by local area and individual circumstances. If you or the person you care for are unsafe or at immediate risk, seek urgent help. For more info please read our full Disclaimer.