Carers

What is a carer?

A carer is someone who, without payment, looks after or provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage with out their help. 

Are you a carer?

• Do you look after a family member, partner, friend or neighbour?
• Do you care for someone on a voluntary basis?
• Do you care for someone full time or perhaps just do their shopping?

Many carers do not see themselves as carers or realise the impact that caring is having on their lives.

There are almost six million carers in the UK with an estimated 13 million people expecting to be carers in the next decade. It is estimated that there are up to 13,000 carers in Blackburn with Darwen.

They range from 9-90 years of age. More than 80% of carers say that caring has affected their health.

Many young carers (under 18) are in some way restricted because of caring duties and many miss days off school to care for someone. Almost a third have educational difficulties and most experience bullying and isolation from their peers.

Taking on a caring role can mean facing a life of poverty, isolation, frustration, ill health and depression.  Many carers give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to become a carer.  Some carers also work and are trying to juggle jobs alongside their responsibilities as a carer. 

The majority of carers do not know that help is available to them.

A practical guide for disabled people or carers: Where to find information, services and equipment.
This guide is published by the Department of Health. It provides accurate up-to-date information about rights and services for disabled people, older people, people with mental health problems and carers.