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Each day 6,000 people become carers. Looking after a loved one can be physically and emotionally exhausting so it’s vital that you get the support you need. Find out how you can make sure you look after yourself.
Some people become carers overnight. When somebody has an accident or is taken ill, they can suddenly need support from those around them. For others, it can happen gradually, such as when parents cannot manage independently, or a partner’s health deteriorates.
Only some people realise that they have become a carer. The gradual development of a mental or physical health condition can see someone’s needs build over time and their loved one slipping into the role of carer without acknowledging its impact on their lives.
Looking after yourself: top tips
- Take time to be compassionate to yourself.
- Be honest with the person that you may not know what they are going through but that you care and want to help.
- Find your local carers support groups – they can be vital in giving you the support you need and helping you speak to people in similar situations:
Kirklees
- Carers Count – Kirklees. They offer information, advice, support, groupwork, training, advocacy, and peer support for carers.
- Barnardo’s Kirklees Young Carers – The service provides assessed 1 to 1 and group support for young carers aged 8 to 17.
- Kirklees Mental Health Carers Forum – If you care for a family member, friend or neighbour with a mental health condition , including dementia, and you want to make a difference to services in Kirklees then the forum may be of interest. For more information, please contact Carers Count on 0300 012 0231.
Calderdale
- Carers Count – Calderdale. They offer information, advice, support, groupwork, training, advocacy, and peer support for carers.
- Calderdale Young Carers – Supporting young carers across Calderdale.
- Carers Wellbeing Services Calderdale – They provide an extensive range of resources and support designed to promote carer’s health and wellbeing.
West Yorkshire and wider
- Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire – West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire’s leading provider of support for carers and the people they care for.
- Carers UK – Provides expert information, advice, and support for unpaid carers, and also campaigns to make life better for carers.
- NHS – Support and benefits for carers – social care and support guide
- AgeUK – Help & advice for carers
- MIND – Where to find support for carers
- PCAN – Parents of children with additional needs
- Make the time to do things you enjoy, such as walking the dog, joining an evening class or meeting friends.
- Join the Carers UK online chats – Care for a cuppa. For more information on how to join the Zoom sessions and the dates, visit the Carers UK website
- Acknowledge that you may not be able to ‘fix’ the person you are caring for but that you are there to help and support them.
- If you are struggling, talk to your GP and tell them how your caring role impacts your health. They will be able to offer confidential advice and support.
If you want additional help, please head to our ‘Contact us’ page.
If you are an unpaid carer, check out our carers lanyard project, and find out if you can get a lanyard to identify yourself.