Who this support is for

A carer is an unpaid person who regularly looks after, helps, or supports someone who would not be able to manage everyday life without them.

Often this is a relative, neighbour or friend. This is different to a paid care worker.

We recognise how important carers are and want to make sure they get the support they need. 

Contact Southwark Carers for advice and information about being a carer. 

Carers often find it hard to take a break or to look after their own health. It can be overwhelming and sometimes difficult to know if you are doing the right thing, especially if you are new to the role. 

We can help with:

• emotional support
• financial support
• training and advice

Caring roles are varied and unique to every person. You could be giving lots of help or a little.

You do not have to be living with the person you care for. The help you give does not have to be physical.

Who you may be looking after

You may be caring for a partner, relative, friend or neighbour. For example, it may be someone who:

• has a physical or learning disability
• has a mental health condition
• is living with dementia
• has sight, hearing or communication difficulties
• has a long-term health condition
• misuses drugs or alcohol

Tasks you may help with

The intensity of a caring role can vary greatly. You might:

• provide support all day every day

• carry out more than one caring role

• be providing lower levels of support like helping out with shopping or collecting medication

You may be helping with:

• household activities like shopping, cleaning or gardening
• personal finances, paperwork and administration
• transportation
• personal care, such as washing and dressing
• going to the toilet or dealing with incontinence
• eating or taking medicines
• getting about at home or outside
• practical things, like companionship
• counselling, emotional support or communicating
• attending appointments
• picking up prescriptions