Start here: Are you an unpaid carer?
You might not call yourself a “carer” — but if you’re supporting someone because of disability, illness, frailty, mental health needs or addiction, and they couldn’t cope without your help, you are an unpaid carer.
You don’t have to use the label if you don’t want to. But it can be helpful to know, because it means you may be able to access support for carers — including help to look after your own wellbeing.
Many people don’t realise unpaid caring is a recognised role. It can feel like “just being a spouse”, “just being a son or daughter”, “just being a good friend or neighbour”, or simply doing what anyone would do.
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
You might be an unpaid carer if…
- You regularly check in on someone, keep an eye on them, or worry about what might happen if you weren’t there.
- You help with appointments, medication, forms, phone calls, or managing services.
- You do practical things like shopping, meals, cleaning, laundry, or getting someone out of bed because they struggle to manage.
- You provide emotional support, reassurance, or help someone cope with distress, anxiety, low mood, or addiction.
- You have changed your routine — for example cutting down work, cancelling plans, or being “on standby” most of the time.
- You feel responsible for keeping things stable, even if you’re not doing hands-on care every day.
- You are supporting someone and it’s starting to affect your sleep, health, relationships, finances, or wellbeing.
- People rely on you to “just handle it” — and without your support, the person you help would struggle to cope or be less safe.
Choose your next step
Being a carer can be overwhelming and there is lots of information available for you. You don’t need to read everything. Just lick the button that looks most relevant for you to get some straight forward advice.
This site is general information for unpaid carers in England. It isn’t legal or medical advice. For further info please see our full disclaimer.