Are you looking after a family member, or friend?
A carer is someone who looks after a disabled or ill partner, child, parent, other relative, or friend.
The role is unpaid.
The person being cared for may have an illness, disability, or be an older person who would struggle to cope alone.
Your needs
We want to make sure that all carers get the right support in their caring role, so that they have the same life chances as other people – good health, financial security, the right to a family life and opportunities to work and pursue their own interests.
Finding support
When you first contact us about getting help and support, we will offer to carry out an assessment of your needs as well as an assessment of the needs of the person or people you are looking after.
Your own caring, physical and mental health needs should be taken into account when services are planned for the people you are looking after.
Carers Strategy
The Carers Strategy 2007 to 2010 looks at services for carers across the Council, Health Service, voluntary and community sectors and to give coherence and focus to the many developments taking place.
Related information
These links will take you to more information on some of the services available for carers:
Further information
For more information on carers' support and assessments, please contact our assessment services teams using the contact information in the menu to the right.
The useful links menu to the right will also give you more information about local and national support, respite options, and initiatives for carers.