Are you a carer? :: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Are you a carer?

If you look after someone who is ill you are a carer, even if you don’t think of yourself that way.

There are 6.8 million people across the country caring for someone. Almost half of us give up work to care while others juggle work life and their role as a carer.

Caring for someone with a health problem can make you feel isolated. You’re not alone, but it may sometimes feel like that. It can affect everything from your relationships with the person, to money problems and having time to yourself.

Keeping yourself well is really important. When you’re caring for someone else, it’s easy to overlook your own needs. But you’ll cope better in your caring role if you look after your own health.

We can help you get the support you deserve. There’s lots of help out there. Our guide to services for carers includes support and respite groups, and we can direct you to advice on benefits, other financial help and assessment so you can maybe have a break from your caring role.

If you’re not happy about any part of your care you can talk to our PALS – Patient Advice and Liaison team - who will try to help put things right.

Mental health websites

These websites give advice on a huge range of mental health topics:

NHS Choices
Mental Health Foundation
MIND website
The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day in full confidence, call 116 123
Find health apps

Downloadable resources (local and national)

YoungMinds - their resources library is full of useful toolkits, publications, reports and policy information about children and young people's mental health.

Samaritans - DEAL (Developing Emotional Awareness and Listening) is a free teaching resource aimed at students aged approximately 14 and over and inclusive of all abilities and learning styles. It has been developed by Samaritans in consultation with young people and schools across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Red Ties - an original short film, developed by local young people for young people, exploring issues surrounding self-harm, aimed at raising awareness and promoting discussion, with accompanying resources available to download.

Child Bereavement UK - they have information and resources for schools, young people, professionals and families. Includes an app developed for 11-25 year olds who have been bereaved of someone important to them. It can also be used by friends, teachers, parents and professionals who would like to know how to support bereaved young people.