Support services for carers

Seeking help is often the first step towards getting well and staying well. However, it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to at times.

Support for the carer’s mental health include:

• Talking to a GP - It is always okay to seek help, even if the carer is not experiencing a specific mental health problem.
• Talking treatments - Treatments, such as counselling, give carers time to explore their worries and problems with a professional. They can talk about how looking after someone else affects them without feeling guilty for expressing their frustrations or difficulties.
• Mental health helplines and listening services - Helplines are staffed by trained people who are ready to listen without judgment. They could help carers make sense of what they are feeling.

News stories regarding carers in the UK

This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges due to the coronavirus outbreak. Many people take on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who have disabilities, physical or mental, and need support.

They need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support, and understanding.