A Carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot manage without their support.

The types of support that Carers provide is incredibly varied and dependent on the unique needs of the person that they care for. Caring can involve help with daily tasks such as getting out of bed and personal care such as bathing, supporting to attend appointments, and shopping. Equally, it can involve providing emotional support and or supervision through helping someone cope with their health condition.

The varied nature of being a Carer means that the challenges that Carers face take many different forms. Large numbers of Carers have to try and balance their caring responsibilities with work, study, and any other family commitments. Some Carer groups may be more difficult to identify or are seldom heard and often hidden, for example Young Carers or Carers of those with addictions.

To find out more about the services that would be available to you if you are a carer follow this link to the Manchester Carers charities:

- https://www.manchestercarers.org.uk/

- https://www.manchestercarersforum.org.uk/ 

- https://www.carersmanchester.org.uk/ 

- https://carers.org/ 

- https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200015/carers/3649/caring_for_someone