Advice for carers

A carer is a person who helps someone - often a family member, friend or neighbour - who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. Anybody could be a carer, young or old.

The support carers give is unpaid and many carers don't see themselves as carers. It takes them an average of two years to acknowledge their role as a carer (Introduction to care and support - Social care and support guide - NHS).

It can be challenging for caregivers to separate their caregiving role from their personal relationship with the individual they care for, whether as a parent, child, sibling, partner, or friend.

Most of us will likely take on caring responsibilities at some point in our lives, facing various challenges along the way.

Many caregivers balance their caregiving duties with work, studies, and other family obligations.

Some younger caregivers may not identify or see themselves as carers. They might refrain from sharing their responsibilities with relatives, friends, or healthcare professionals due to feelings of separation, guilt, pride, or other reasons.

As a result, the roles and responsibilities of caregivers can differ significantly. These responsibilities may include assisting with daily tasks, such as getting out of bed and personal care like bathing, as well as providing emotional support to help someone manage the symptoms of a mental illness.

Support for carers

Being a carer is challenging and, at times, may be overwhelming. You may feel physically exhausted, isolated, guilty and over-burdened by the sense of responsibility. These circumstances mean carers are often more likely to experience anxiety, stress and depression.

If you would like support to manage your life differently and you are ready to make changes to improve your wellbeing, then we may be able to help.

There are four different ways you can arrange an appointment:

Click here to self refer

 

  • Complete the form on our website by clicking the button above
  • Call us free on 0300 123 1503 Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm)
  • Ask your GP to refer you
  • Complete the form on our Wellbeing leaflet, fold and seal, then using the postage paid address, post it back to us free of charge

Once you have referred, we will contact you within 3 working days to arrange your first appointment. The purpose of this appointment is to discuss what your needs are and how we can help.

Other support

There is also lots of free support available from our partner, Suffolk Family Carers. Please find further information on the below links:

For Adult Carers: Adult Carers - Suffolk Family Carers

For Young Carers: Young Carers | Suffolk Family Carers

For Parent Carers: Parent Carers | Suffolk Family Carers

Useful resources and links