Introduction to caring
A carer is someone looking after a friend, relative or neighbour who needs support because of their sickness, age or disability.
What is a carer
A carer is anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support.
The care they give is unpaid.
Health and Social Care Trusts
Your Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust may be able to make things easier for you and the person you care for.
They may offer help such as:
- home help (like cleaning)
- short-term breaks for you as a carer
To find out what services you could benefit from, social services may ask:
- support the person you care for needs
- what help you give
This is called a carer's assessment.
To request a carer’s assessment you can contact the Carer Coordinator in your HSC Trust.
Carer's Allowance
If you give care to someone for at least 35 hours a week, you might be eligible for Carer's Allowance.
You can make a claim online or use a downloadable form.
Further information and how to apply is available at:
Young carers
If you are under 18 and care for someone, it is important that you get help and support.
You should not have the caring responsibilities that an adult could take on and there are people and services available to help you.
Caring for a child with disabilities
If you care for a child with disabilities, your needs will be considered in the family's needs assessment, through the social services department of your HSC Trust.
You can contact the Trust directly, or you can ask your doctor (GP) to contact them on your behalf.
Your rights as a carer
As a carer, you have certain rights by law.