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What is a carer?

 
When we talk about carers we do not mean someone who is paid to provide care as part of a contract of employment - for example, a care worker or care staff.

Carers are usually people who are looking after a relative or a friend who need support because of that person's age, physical or learning disability, or illness. This includes mental illness.

A parent carer is someone who is looking after their own child. They will often see themselves as a parent before a carer. The child will have extra care needs, though, and may be entitled to additional services.

A young carer is someone who is under the age of 18 and may be looking after their parents, brother or sister, grandparent or other relative who needs support.

Carers' information

You can read more about support that is available to carers by visiting our carers' section.

Benefits and grants

If you care for someone, you and the person you care for may be entitled to benefits.  Visit our benefits and grants section for more information.

Further information

For more information, please contact our Adults and Older People's Directorate using the contact information in the menu on the right.

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Contact information

  • 020 8921 2304

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