This page intends to provide carer information and support for those who need it.  6.5 million people across the UK are currently carers, providing support to family or friends who may have a disability or illness. This saw an increase during the pandemic too, with Carers UK estimating that there were over 13 million people caring for others through the pandemic.

Caring is something that many people find extremely rewarding and worthwhile. However, it is also something that causes many people to experience stress and issues with their own mental health. It is estimated that 72% of carers are dealing with poor mental health. This comes as a direct consequence of their caring responsibilities. 

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t care for others. It means that carers need more guidance, advice, and support. They need this so that they can manage their caring responsibilities in a healthier and more sustainable way. 

At Careers with Disabilities, we have put together a list of resources to help you find the support you need as a carer. We understand how tough being a carer is. We admire the profession and all it does for those of us who need it. So, we want to provide you with somewhere to turn to if you need an extra bit of help and support.

Sources of Carer Information and Support UK

Carers UK

First up, Carers UK. One of the main sources of carer information and support that we recommend.

Carers UK is a national charity that works exclusively to make the life of carers better. They:

  • provide support telephone advice
  • connect carers through groups and communities
  • campaign for carers’ rights
  • and conduct important research in the field of caring. 

Whatever your question or query, Carers UK will provide support to help you solve a problem you may be facing. Whether you are new to caring or an experienced hand. 

It is always worthwhile to talk to people who have expert knowledge and decades of knowledge behind them. You never know what way they may be able to help and advise you.

You can visit their website here.

Carers Trust

Carers UK is a charity “for, with and about” carers”. It is a great resource, therefore, for career information and support.

They work to improve the support, services and recognition available for unpaid carers. They have a network of independent partners across the UK to provide unpaid carers with any extra help they may need.

Their online information is very well-presented and has a lot to offer different kinds of carers. They have information on financial problems, how to take care of yourself, caring for a certain illness, and so on.

They also have information applicable to certain areas and regions of the U.K. Therefore, you can easily find the most relevant information for you. 

To find out more about the Carers Trust, visit their website.

The NHS

The NHS has a lot to offer carers. You can find lots of information and signposting on their own website.

Their resources can help you find out what benefits and allowances you are entitled to. They can also tell you more about your rights as a carer. 

In addition, their website directs you to a tool to help you find your Local Authority Adult Social Care services so that you can arrange a carer’s assessment. A carer’s assessment can help you get the support you need. The social care services can provide certain breaks and resources to make your caring responsibilities more comfortable and appropriate. These assessments are free and anyone over the age of 18 is eligible. 

Government Resources

In addition to knowing where to find carer information and support for yourself, it is also important that you are familiar with what help and schemes are in place to support the disabled person you care for.

The Equality Act 2010 is a great resource to help you understand how disabled people can be protected under UK law.

There are also several funding schemes and initiatives from the government that will be relevant to disabled people. These are definitely important to be aware of.

Careers with Disabilities 

Finally, you can check out the carer information and support resources on our own website. Take a look at Disability Advice Hub to access more material to help those with disabilities. 

You can also find accessible, inclusive, and diverse caring jobs for yourself on our inclusive job board

The right support and the right conditions can make all the difference.

A group of older people having a conversation

Parents & Carers