A carer is someone who, without receiving financial benefit, provides support to a family member, partner or friend that needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an  addiction and cannot cope without their support.

Carers feel a huge responsibility and commitment in looking after the person in their care, and they may fit in looking after someone whilst also doing paid work, they also do not have to be living with the person they are caring for.

The person they care for could be:

• Living with dementia.
• Have a physical disability, learning disability, or a mental health condition.

The role and responsibility of a carer can vary from day to day.

They can include:

• Help with household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning and paying bills.
• Personal care, such as bathing, administering medication, feeding and dressing.
• Providing emotional support.