Do you look after, or do you intend to look after, a family member or friend who could not manage without your support? Then you are a carer.

The exceptions to this are if the only reason for providing care is that the person is under 18, or if you are caring because you  have a contract or as voluntary work.

You can be caring for someone for any number of hours, and you do not need to be providing a substantial amount of care for some on a regular basis.

A young carer is any carer who is under the age of 18, or who is 18 or over and still attending school

Whether due to disability, illness, addiction or general frailty, someone may need your extra help for a short time or for many years. The support you provide might be physical or emotional, and is often both.

No matter who you are or who you care for, Carers Link is here for you, so get in touch and see how we can help.