Unpaid carers support

Swansea has it's own Carers Centre which is often the first port of call for carers who are not sure where to find the support they need. Social Services, Swansea Bay University Health Board (opens new window) and a number of voluntary sector organisations also provide advice, support and services for carers.

Are you an unpaid carer?

Is there someone who cannot manage without your help? Perhaps an older person, a disabled child or adult, someone with drug or alcohol problems, someone with mental health difficulties or someone with a long-term health issue? If so, you are an unpaid carer, and you are not alone.

An unpaid carer is somebody who looks after a relative or friend who cannot manage at home without help because of mental or physical illness or disability and/or the effects of old age. The help they provide is unpaid.

Most of the help received by people in society who need support comes from friends or relatives acting as unpaid carers. A substantial number of these are children and young people.

As an unpaid carer, you do a very difficult and demanding job. The physical and emotional demands involved in caring for somebody else can lead to strain, isolation and even illness (mental or physical). You need to have your own needs for help and support recognised.

The organisations found on this page can all, in their different ways, help you in your caring role. Some of the things they can provide include:

• providing welfare benefit advice
• access to grants and special funds
• a counselling service
• respite care
• employment support
• have dedicated parent carer, young adult carer, male carer and dementia services

If you are not sure where to start, Swansea Carers Centre may be able to help you.

If you are looking for support with short breaks or respite, please check out the Amser Programme 2023-25 - Carers Trust (carers.org) (opens new window).