“I just help them.”
You might be a carer.
Lots of people look after or support someone without ever using the word carer. It might just feel like what you do for your mum, dad, partner, child, sibling, friend or neighbour.
But if someone relies on your help because they need extra support, you could be an unpaid carer. Recognising that is the first step towards understanding the support you may be entitled to – including a carer’s assessment.
Caring is often hidden inside everyday life.
You might not think of these things as caring. You might simply think of them as helping someone you love or care about.
Check on someone regularly
Making sure they're safe, okay and have what they need.
Help with appointments
Booking visits, going with them, collecting prescriptions or helping manage medication.
You're the person they rely on
Listening, reassuring, keeping them company or helping them through difficult days.
Help with everyday jobs
Shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing, transport or paying bills.
Help them manage day to day
Supporting someone to wash, dress, eat, move around or stay independent.
Give extra support at home
Looking after a child, sibling or another family member who needs more support.
Keep everything moving
Managing care, paperwork, finances, calls, appointments or arrangements.
Wonder how they'd cope without you
If that thought feels familiar, the support you provide may be more significant than you realise.
You don't have to do everything to be a carer.
An unpaid carer is someone who regularly helps another person who couldn't manage as well without that support.
You might support someone because of illness, disability, mental health difficulties, addiction, a long-term condition or because they're getting older.
You could live with them or somewhere else. You could care every day or at particular times. You might be balancing caring with a job, education or your own family.
It isn't about having a job title. It's about the role you play in someone's life.
Could you be an unpaid carer?
Tick anything that sounds like you. This is just a quick self-check – nothing you select here is stored or sent to us.
In an ordinary week, do you…
Choose as many as you like. There are no right or wrong answers.
Choose your area so we can point you to the right carer’s assessment route.
Support for your caring role. Time for you.
A carer’s assessment is about understanding your needs as an unpaid carer. Mytime is different: it creates opportunities for carers to enjoy a break, experience or a little time away from the caring role.
If somebody relies on that help, you may be doing more than you realise. Recognising your caring role can open the door to support – and to opportunities such as Mytime.
