Free guide · England

Support for family and unpaid carers

Recognise your caring role, ask for support and make a plan for when you need a break.

Sources checked 2 October 2026 · General information, with links to advice for your circumstances.

Read at your own pace

Two women sitting together in a supportive conversation.

Part 1 of 5

You may already be a carer

If you regularly help someone because of illness, disability or age-related needs, you may be an unpaid carer. You might think of yourself simply as a partner, child, friend or neighbour. Caring can include practical tasks, organising appointments or emotional support. You do not have to wait until you are exhausted to ask about help. Start by noticing how the role affects your own day.

Your next step: Write down the support you provide during a typical week, including overnight interruptions.

Ask for your own assessment

An adult carer can ask the local council for a free carer’s assessment. This is separate from the needs assessment for the person you support. Talk about the impact on your health, work, relationships and rest, and be clear about what you are willing and able to continue doing. Ask for the outcome, support options and how to challenge a decision. Help may involve breaks, information, local groups or other support, depending on your circumstances.

Your next step: Contact adult social care and say: “I would like a carer’s assessment.”

An older couple spending time together on their sofa.

Part 3 of 5

Make help specific

“Let me know if you need anything” can be hard to answer. Try a concrete request: “Could you stay with Mum on Tuesday while I attend my appointment?” Make sure anyone helping understands the person’s needs and agrees to the task. Ask about local carers’ services, respite options and a benefits check. Consider telling your GP about your caring role and discussing its effect on your health.

Your next step: Choose one task you could ask someone else to take on this week.

Prepare for the unexpected

Make a contingency plan for illness, delay or an emergency that prevents you providing care. Agree it with the person where possible and with anyone named as a contact. Include who to call, essential routines, how to access the home safely and where current care information is kept. Check whether your council or carers’ service runs an emergency support scheme. Keep sensitive details securely and make sure the right people can find the plan.

Your next step: Test the plan: if your phone was unavailable, who would know what to do?

Part 5 of 5

Say when the arrangement is no longer workable

Your needs can change too. Tell the council or care team if the current arrangement is unsafe or you cannot continue providing the same support. Ask for reassessment and a practical interim plan. For immediate danger call 999; for urgent medical advice use NHS 111. Asking for help does not mean you care less. It helps make the situation visible to the people who can respond.

Your next step: Keep a short list of contacts and the next action you have agreed.

Your next-steps checklist

Print this page, or choose “Save as PDF” in your print options. Your notes stay with you.

What support am I providing and how does it affect me?
Have I asked for a carer’s assessment?
Which task or break would help most?
Have I asked about benefits and local support?
Who has agreed to help in an emergency?
When should the plan be reviewed?

My next step: ____________________________________

Who will help, and when: ____________________________

Sources and further help

Based on the published guidance below. Last checked 2 October 2026. Applies to England. These organisations have not endorsed or approved this Pheon Academy guide.

For a decision about your own care, finances or legal documents, use these services to find appropriate individual advice. Official pages carry current fees, eligibility details and contact information.

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