Am I an unpaid carer?
An unpaid carer is anyone who cares for a friend or relative regularly because they are ill, they are older, or because they have a disability or mental health condition. They don’t receive pay for doing this.
Most people think of themselves as simply looking after someone that they are close to. They wouldn’t think of themselves as a ‘carer’ and as a result might find being referred to as a ‘carer’ confusing.
But if you are helping with shopping, paperwork, attending hospital appointments, or providing emotional support by phone, this counts and you are entitled to support.
Carers help with things like:
- washing, dressing or taking medicines
- getting out and about and travelling to doctors’ appointments
- shopping, cleaning and laundry
- paying bills and organising finances
They can also give emotional support by:
- sitting with someone to keep them company
- watching over someone if they can’t be left alone
You might help someone round-the-clock or for a few hours a week.
What support can I get as an unpaid carer?
Islington Carers Hub’s team is here for unpaid carers in Islington: for emotional, financial and practical advice and guidance. We can register you as a carer, introduce you to a network of Islington carers and help you to get a break.
We can also provide a Carer’s Assessment. This is a structured conversation to see if there’s anything that can make your life easier as a carer. When you register, we can work out whether Islington Carers Hub, Islington Council or another service should complete the carers assessment with you.
How to get started?
The first step to joining Islington Carers Hub is to contact us. We’ll contact you to complete your registration and to find out what support you may need. You’ll then receive a welcome pack and our regular newsletter and mailings.
