Let's Talk Carers

What is a carer?

A carer is someone who provides support to family or friends who could find it difficult or unable to manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. All the care they give is unpaid.

A carer could be a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, child, friend or any other relation. Anybody from any background and of any age can be a carer and each carer's experience is unique to their own circumstances.

Just as the reasons why someone becomes a carer vary greatly, the variety of tasks that a carer takes on can be broad. They can include practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing up, ironing, paying bills, financial management and engaging appropriate services; personal care such as bathing, dressing, lifting, administering medication and collecting prescriptions; and emotional support such as listening, advocacy, problem solving, motivating and companionship.

Taking on a caring role can mean facing a life of challenges and rewards, each carers experience will be different. Many carers go unidentified until many years into their caring role and a number of carers are unaware that help is available to them.

Sunderland City Council recognise the significant and vital contribution unpaid Carers make in the city looking after family and friends. We want to recognise and value all that you do and work with you to ensure the support within the city meets your current and future needs.

We are gathering information from carers within the city to enable us to ensure the right services are available at the right time and are accessible for the carers within the city.

Taking a few minutes to share your experiences in this survey will help us ensure that future Carers' Support meet your needs.

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