Who this support is for

Looking after someone can have an impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing. 

This can affect your day-to-day life as well as your ability to provide the best care. 

It’s important that you take care of your own needs as well as the needs of the person you’re caring for.

For more on looking after your own wellbeing, and for an opportunity to meet other carers visit the:

• Southwark Wellbeing Hub
• Southwark Carers
• Ageing Well Southwark

Help with your mental health

For general information and support, visit our Southwark Wellbeing Hub. This includes emergency or crisis help.

Carers UK offers specific advice on:

• getting enough sleep
• coping with depression and stress
• coping with resentment and guilt

1 to 1 support

It can be helpful to talk to a trusted friend or family member about your problems. However this is not always possible or enough. 

Sometimes it can be better or easier to talk to someone who does not know you. 

If you feel you need a bit more support, a professional counsellor could listen, advise and offer support. 

You can talk to your GP about free counselling from the NHS.

Meet other carers

You may not need or want any formal support, but it can still be helpful to talk to others who are in similar situations to you. 

Southwark Carers can help you find support groups in your local area.

If you’re caring for a someone with a learning disability, you can join the Southwark Carers Network. 

They send out regular newsletters and arrange local events for their members.

Taking time for yourself

Taking a break from your caring role (respite care) is a good way to make sure you are looking after your own wellbeing. This could be for a few hours or a few days. 

The NHS social care and support guide has information and advice on respite care and the value of breaks for carers.

Options for respite care and breaks can be considered as part of a carer's assessment, although you may still need to contribute to the cost of this.

Carers UK has directories of respite care providers, and holiday companies which specialise in breaks for carers, or carer holidays.