Carers

Information, support and guidance for people who support someone who can’t carry out everyday tasks by themselves.

Who is a carer?

A carer can be a child, a young person or an adult.

They might be looking after a family member, partner or friend who cannot cope without their support. This could be due to illness, a long-term condition, frailty, a physical or learning disability, mental health, trauma or addiction.

Start the conversation

People in a caring role may not identify as a carer or recognise the term carer.

Below are some conversation prompts you could use to help people reflect on if they are in a caring role, how that may be impacting them and what information may be of use to them.

  • Do you currently look after someone that could not cope without your help?
  • Do you pick up prescriptions for someone else?
  • Are you doing shopping for another person?
  • How are you? (not the person you care for but you)
  • Are you unable to spend time doing other things because you are supporting someone else?
  • Are you willing and able to continue caring?
  • Do you currently receive any support from other people or organisations?
  • Do you get a break from your caring role?
  • What impact is your caring role having on you?
  • Have you spoken to anyone about this?
  • Would you like to know more about support that is available?

Once you have started the conversation with a carer using these prompts, you can then signpost them to support available and more information.

Support available to carers in Essex

Essex Wellbeing Service:

Essex County Council:

More information