Research from Carers First suggests that 8% of carers say that they do not receive any support in their caring role.
Half of the respondents cited Carers First as a source of support, while 41% felt there was support in their wider community.
For example, Penny (not her real name, to protect her privacy) is a parent carer who looks after her thirteen-year-old son who has learning difficulties and autism.
When Penny needed support, she contacted Carers First which she said made a “serious difference” to her caring role, and to her family.
Penny and her husband were struggling to spend quality time together due to her caring responsibilities and her husband working nights.
Penny said that she felt isolated, could not connect with loved ones in Bulgaria after their laptop broke down, and struggled with English as its not her first language.
Penny said: “The support from Carers First has been fantastic. Our support worker has helped us with a grant to purchase a laptop, which has been essential for us. It helps us to stay connected with family in Bulgaria, access online services and support, shop online, and allows Nathan to do his homework. The benefits of this are huge.
“Carers First has also assisted us with short breaks for our son which have made it possible for us to have some quality time as a couple which we don’t often get. The support we have received has made a serious difference to us as a family."
Kehinde James started volunteering for Carers First in 2019. She runs a support group called Self-Care for Carers (SCFC), where carers can openly discuss the demands and challenges which come with their role.
She said: "Our monthly meetings provide a safe space for group members to express honestly what is actually happening in their lives: the demands, challenges, expectations, insecurities and ill-health, without being judged or criticised.
"Often carers are not only caring for someone through illness, but some are also in ill-health themselves. By sharing experiences, group members realise they are not alone and together we support each other.”
Carers First provides a range of support for carers. The charity has been operating for more than 30 years, providing carers with personalised information and tailored support to meet their needs.
Carers First are available to help in one or more of the following areas: Looking after yourself, carers wellbeing assessments, connecting you with other carers, taking breaks, getting financial support, help with everyday tasks, planning ahead, handling legal matters, and managing work or education.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.