A carer is someone who provides support to family or friends who could not manage without this help.

Anyone can become a carer, and carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be any age.

There are nearly six million unpaid carers in the UK. You are a carer if you provide unpaid support with day to day living tasks or personal care to a family member or friend.

Those you care for could be ill, frail, disabled, or experience poor mental health.

Information and Support

• Support for Carers – Information and signposting to support available in the borough for carers
• Carers UK (external link) – Help, advice and practical support for carers
• Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre (external link) - an established, successful and well-respected independent registered charity supporting unpaid carers who look after people living in Wigan borough
• Age UK Wigan Borough (external link) - an independent charity working in the Borough of Wigan to offer support and services to older people
• Citizens Advice Wigan Borough (external link) - a Local charity based in Wigan, Leigh and Makerfield providing free, confidential and independent advice
• Welfare Support and Welfare Rights (external link) – Welfare Rights Advice and Guidance
• Carers Conversation Tool.

Taking a Break

Respite for carers is essential to relieve the pressure of the responsibility of caring. Even long-distance carers report experiencing an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

MyTime Wigan connect unpaid carers who could benefit from a break from their demanding roles with businesses and organisations who kindly donate complimentary leisure, cultural and educational activities.

• Giving Carers The Break They Deserve (external link).