19 million people in the UK have provided unpaid care – but haven’t identified as a carer

An incredible 19 million people in the UK have provided unpaid care – but haven’t identified as a carer

A recent report Carers UK – ‘I Care,: Carers Week Report on Unpaid Carer Identification‘ has shown that most Carers simply see themselves as a parent, partner or friend.

• 29% of people who did identify or call themselves a carer took up to 1 year to do so, with another 29% taking over a year. This suggests it may take people some time to understand what support they may be entitled to
  
• The most common way in which people realised they were a carer was through the help of a family member or friend (29%). 22% said that a healthcare professional identified them as a carer. 11% said that a carer organisation or charity identified them as a carer.

Recognising yourself as a Carer (even if you don’t like this label) is the first step to seeking support. Do you carry out any of the following activities for someone who relies on you because of illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction:

• Pick up food/ shopping/ medication for someone
• Make regular check-in calls
• Support someone with physical or practical needs
• Help with their housework or chores
• Take someone to / or make appointments
• Support someone with their bills or correspondence
• Keep someone company or watch over them
• Provide emotional support.

If you do any of the above and you live in Birmingham or care for someone living in Birmingham, you can access free information, help and support from Birmingham Carers Hub. You do not need to be in receipt of benefits to access our support. Our specialist team can carry out Statutory Carer’s Assessments (if you are caring for an adult living in Birmingham) and provide:

• Information and advice about your caring role
• One-to-one support – such as welfare entitlements and benefits calculator
• Accessing carer breaks (subject to availability)
• Carer emergency backup service – CERS
• Training for carers
• Carer support groups
• Wellbeing provision, for some ‘me-time’ away from caring
  Support when the card for is in hospital
• Signposting to other agencies who can assist carers
• Online communities through our Facebook page

You can speak to one of our advisors on 0333 006 9711 or email a member of the team info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk. To register with Birmingham Carers Hub, just complete this form and we will be in touch.