Need help now
If caring is affecting your physical or mental health, speak to your GP practice.
If you are struggling to cope, support is available. Please reach out to a healthcare professional, local carers service or a trusted family member or friend.
You do not have to manage alone.
Are you an unpaid carer?
An unpaid carer is someone who helps a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without support because of:
- illness
- disability
- mental health problems
- frailty due to age
- addiction
You do not have to provide care full time to be a carer. Many people do not think of themselves as carers, but if you regularly help someone because of their health or care needs, you may be an unpaid carer.
Looking after yourself matters too
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also affect your own health and wellbeing.
Many carers balance caring with work, study, family life and other responsibilities. It is important to make time for your own physical and mental health.
Support is available to help you in your caring role.
Register as a carer with your GP
Tell your GP practice if you are an unpaid carer.
This helps your practice understand your circumstances and may make it easier to access support, health advice and services that meet your needs.
Ask for a carer’s assessment
If you care for someone, you have the right to ask for a free carer’s assessment.
A carer’s assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what support may help you. It is not a test, and it is not about judging how well you care for someone.
A carer’s assessment may help you access:
- respite or short breaks from caring
- support groups
- training and advice
- help with practical tasks
- information about benefits and financial support
- services that support your wellbeing
To request a carer’s assessment, contact your local council’s adult social care team.
Financial support
You may be able to claim benefits or other financial support depending on your circumstances.
This could include:
- Carer’s Allowance
- Universal Credit
- help with household costs
- local grants and support schemes
Many carers do not realise they may be entitled to financial support. If you are unsure, seek advice from a carers organisation or benefits adviser.
Support if you work
If you are employed and care for someone with long-term care needs, you may be entitled to unpaid carer’s leave.
Eligible employees can take up to one week of unpaid leave each year to provide or arrange care for someone who depends on them.
Speak to your employer about the support available in your workplace.
Local support for carers in Essex
If you care for someone and live in Essex, Southend or Thurrock, help is available.
If you live in the Essex County Council area, you can get support with:
- carers assessments
- personalised information, advice and guidance specific to your situation
- financial advice
- emergency planning
- emotional wellbeing support, including counselling
- ppportunities to connect with other carers
You have the right to ask for a carer’s assessment if you regularly care for someone. You do not need to live with them or provide care full time.
For advice and support, contact Essex County Council or the Essex Wellbeing Service.
If you live in Southend-on-Sea, support is available through Carers First on behalf of the council.
They can help with:
- carers assessments
- personalised information, advice and guidance specific to your situation
- financial advice
- emergency planning
- emotional wellbeing support, including counselling
- opportunities to connect with other carers
You have the right to ask for a carer’s assessment if you regularly care for someone. You do not need to live with them or provide care full time.
Telephone: 0300 303 1555
Email: [email protected]
If you live in Thurrock, support is available through Thurrock Carers Service.
The service can provide:
- carers assessments
- personalised information, advice and guidance specific to your situation
- financial advice
- emergency planning
- emotional wellbeing support, including counselling
- Opportunities to connect with other carers
You have the right to ask for a carer’s assessment if you regularly care for someone. You do not need to live with them or provide care full time.
Telephone: 01375 659172
Email: [email protected]
Young carers
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who helps care for a family member.
Young carers have rights to support and can access help through local services, schools and councils. Support may include practical help, emotional support and opportunities to meet other young carers.
Other useful contacts
Carers UK
Carers UK provides information, advice and support for unpaid carers.
NHS
The NHS website includes information about carers’ assessments, benefits, respite care and support for young carers.