Are you a carer

If you regularly look after or support a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help, you may be an unpaid carer.

You might help someone because they are older, have a disability, have a physical or mental health condition, or need extra support with everyday activities. Caring can include helping with washing and dressing, preparing meals, collecting prescriptions, attending appointments, managing finances or providing emotional support.

You do not have to live with the person you care for, and you do not have to be related to them.

Your health and wellbeing matter too. Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring, stressful and isolating. Support is available to help you look after yourself as well as the person you care for. 

How can your GP practice help?

Please let your GP practice know if you are an unpaid carer. With your agreement, we can record your caring role on your medical record. 

Local support in Haringey

Carers First – Haringey

Carers First supports unpaid carers aged 18 and over who look after someone living in Haringey. Support includes practical advice, emotional support, one-to-one guidance, workshops and opportunities to connect with other carers.

• Telephone: 0300 303 1555

• Website: Carers First – Haringey

Haringey Council – Carers' support and assessment

You may be entitled to a free carer's assessment to discuss how caring affects your life, your wellbeing and the support you may need. An assessment can help identify ways to make your caring role more manageable.

• Carers eligibility checker: Check your eligibility for support

National and government support

NHS – Carer's assessments

Find out what a carer's assessment involves, how to request one from your local council and what support might be available, including help with taking a break from caring.

Read the NHS guide to carer's assessments

GOV.UK – Benefits and financial support for carers

You may be eligible for financial help depending on your circumstances. Government information covers Carer's Allowance, Carer's Credit, Universal Credit and other support.

Explore benefits and financial support for carers

GOV.UK – Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance may be available. Eligibility rules and earnings limits apply, and claiming can affect other benefits, so check the guidance carefully before applying.

Check Carer's Allowance eligibility 

Looking after yourself

It is important to seek help before caring becomes overwhelming. Try to make time for your own health appointments, rest and social connections. 

Young Carers – Support for Children and Young People

Are you a young carer?

A young carer is a child or young person under 18 who helps look after a family member or someone close to them who has an illness, disability, mental health condition or problems with drugs or alcohol.

You might help with household tasks, prepare meals, look after brothers or sisters, provide emotional support, help someone move around or make sure they are safe.

Being a young carer can sometimes feel rewarding, but it can also be tiring, stressful or difficult to balance with school, friendships, hobbies and your own wellbeing. 

Support for young carers in Haringey

Haringey Young Carers Project

Haringey offers support to young carers, including:

• Someone to talk to about your caring responsibilities.

• Advice and guidance for you and your family.

• Opportunities to meet other young carers and make friends.

• Group activities, trips and events.

• Help to understand illness, disability and how to manage caring responsibilities.

• Advice about getting help and what to do in an emergency.

Find out more through the Haringey Safeguarding Children Partnership – Young Carers website.

You can also find local support information through SEND Power in Haringey.

Haringey SEND Local Offer

If you are a young carer and also have special educational needs or a disability, or if you are caring for a child with additional needs, Haringey's Local Offer provides information about services, activities and support for children, young people and families.

Visit the Haringey SEND Directory. 

Your rights as a young carer

You have the right to have your needs and wishes considered. You should not have to take on caring responsibilities that are inappropriate for your age or that put your health, education or development at risk.

You or your parent/carer can ask the local council for a young carer's needs assessment. This can help identify what support you and your family need and whether your caring responsibilities are appropriate.

Find out more in the NHS guide: Being a young carer – your rights. 

National support and information

• NHS – Young carers' rights: Information about assessments, support and your rights.

• Carers Trust: Information, advice and support for unpaid carers, including young carers.

• Childline: Free, confidential support for children and young people who want to talk about anything that is worrying them. Call 0800 1111.