If you help look after someone else, there is help for you too
If you help look after someone else, there is help for you too
Lots of tenants and leaseholders look after friends, neighbours, relatives or loved ones who couldn’t manage without them. But if you help care for another adult it is really important that you can access support to help you in your role and ensure you take care of yourself.
Unpaid Carers Support Southampton is here to help. The friendly and professional team can offer free practical advice, put you in touch with other organisations for support, and check on your wellbeing to make sure that you are okay.
People sometimes realise they are ‘a carer’ after many years, but sometimes you can become a carer overnight. You may provide help and support to someone who is:
- Unwell
- Frail
- Disabled
- Living with mental health or substance misuse problems
- Recovering from an accident or serious injury
Whatever your situation is, being an unpaid carer can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it is important that you look after your own health and emotions as the better you feel, the better you can take care of your loved one.
That’s why Unpaid Carers Support Southampton offers a Carers Assessment as part of its free service. Through a relaxed conversation with an adviser, the assessment aims to find out how your caring role fits into your life and if your physical, mental or emotional wellbeing is being affected in any way. The adviser will identify what could help to make your life easier, and then discuss a way forward for the future.
You will be able to receive advice and support to improve your own personal situation, find out about your rights and what help or financial support you’re entitled to, and receive a carers card to identify yourself as a carer. The service also organises social events and activities where you can meet and connect with other unpaid carers so that you can get out, make new friends and realise that you’re not alone.
If you or someone you know helps to look after another adult you can find out more about the free Unpaid Carers Southampton service online, email, or call 023 8083 2253 for a friendly chat.
