Becoming a carer

Carers look after family, partners or friends in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The care they provide is unpaid. Nearly seven million people in the UK are carers and look after a relative or friend who cannot manage without help because of sickness, age or disability.

Many people wouldn't identify themselves as carers. But carers are responsible for a whole range of tasks from visiting, shopping, cooking and collecting prescriptions, to heavy physical work such as bathing, dressing and lifting the person in need of care.

Find out more on our support for carers page or follow the links below.

• Brighton & Hove Carers' Centre - services focus on supporting carers
• Government information for carers
• Crossroads
• The Citizens Advice Bureau - free, confidential and impartial advice              
• Disability Law Service - Offers free legal advice to disabled people and their families and carers
• Leonard Cheshire - A leading disability care charity providing wide support services for people with physical and learning disabilities
• Motor Neurone Disease Association - Offers literature and advice for carers and their families
• Scope - Runs a network of fieldworkers in England and Wales providing support services to families and individuals affected by cerebral palsy
• Revitalise - Respite for carers and holidays for people with severe disabilities

Also see our adopting & fostering pages.