Family Support

Caring for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Carer burnout is common, affecting an estimated 40% of unpaid carers in the UK. This guide helps you recognise the signs of burnout, offers practical strategies for managing stress, and signposts to support services that can help you maintain your own wellbeing while caring for someone else.

If you provide unpaid care for a friend or family member, you have a legal right to a carer's assessment from your local council. This assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what support might help you. This guide explains how to request an assessment, what to expect, and what support you might receive as a result.

Feeling guilty about arranging professional care for a loved one is one of the most common emotions family carers experience. Whether considering a care home or home care support, guilt can feel overwhelming. This guide helps you understand why guilt is normal, offers strategies for reframing your decision, and explains how professional care can actually benefit both you and your loved one.

Caring for a loved one can take a significant toll on your mental health. Research shows that carers are twice as likely to experience mental health problems as non-carers. This guide provides practical strategies for protecting your mental wellbeing, recognising when you need support, and accessing NHS and charity mental health services designed for carers.