Are you a family carer?
Support for unpaid family carers in Suffolk

Many people looking after an ill, disabled or older relative don’t see themselves as carers — it’s often “just something you do”. If you are providing unpaid care in Suffolk, you may be a family carer, and there is free help and support available to you.

What is an unpaid family carer?

Becoming a family carer is often a gradual process, much like the illness or condition affecting the person you care for. Over time, caring can begin to shape your daily life, leaving you with less time and space for yourself. Because of this gradual change, many people see themselves primarily as a wife, husband, parent, child or friend, rather than recognising their role as a carer. The truth is, you are both – and not recognising your caring role can be a real barrier to accessing the vital support available to unpaid family carers.

Early identification as an unpaid family carer can help you access the right support sooner and may significantly improve your health and wellbeing, reduce the risk of carer breakdown, and have a positive impact on the person you care for.

For young people, early identification is especially important, as it helps them access opportunities and have the same life chances as other young people who do not have caring responsibilities.

Could I be a family carer?

A family carer is anybody who looks after someone with a long term illness, mental health issue or disability who cannot cope without their help day to day. They may not be family. They can be anyone that has a close bond of love or friendship with the person they care for.

Family carers can be any age and are always unpaid for their caring roles. Young Carers are Children aged 5 – 15 whilst Young Adult Carers are teenagers and young adults aged 16 -24. Adults Carers are anybody looking after an adult, and parent carers are adults who care for their child.

As a family carer you may be the only person carrying out the caring role (sole carer), the primary carer, or part of a network of family and friends, all helping to provide aspects of care.

Family carers may provide care in many ways, help with cooking or cleaning (practical), help with washing and dressing (physical) or help managing mental health conditions, complex emotions or fears (emotional).

If you are new to caring, you can register with us for FREE to start receiving the support you are entitled to.

What support is available for unpaid carers in Suffolk?

61% of family carers suffer physical ill health and 72% mental ill health as a result of their caring role. We are here to support family carers in Suffolk, irrespective of age, caring role or circumstance.

Our advisers are here to talk with you about your caring role and what you need in terms of support. We are experts in supporting family carers with over 35 years experience of finding a solution to match your unique situation. This maybe via a service we provide directly to you, maybe help within your local community or help from the services and support of our partner organisations.

If you are a young person we could be working with your school or college to provide support, or it maybe from the range of activities we provide directly. Our dedicated Young People’s teams are here to help.

As an adult you can benefit from the range of different FREE and confidential services we provide.