A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, frailty, disability, mental health issues or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

A carer may be any age including:

• A young carer under 18 years of age.
• A parent carer caring for a child with additional support needs (diagnosed and undiagnosed).
• A friend or neighbour providing support to someone who is vulnerable and could not manage without their support.
• A husband, wife or partner.

Caring for someone can take up a few hours each week, or a carer may be caring for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some carers live with, or near to, the person they are caring for, whereas others provide more remote support. Some look after more than one person.

The support provided by unpaid carers is varied and might include:

• Helping someone wash and dress themselves and with other personal care.
• Housework, food shopping and picking up and administering medication.
• Taking someone to hospital and GP appointments.
• Providing company and emotional support.

Carers’ Resource provides support for carers, no matter their age, gender, race, religion or needs. We deliver services in Bradford, Craven, Harrogate, and Selby Districts.