If you provide unpaid care to someone who cannot cope without your support due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, you are an unpaid carer. The person you support could be a family member, friend or neighbour.
There is lots of support, advice and information available to you as an unpaid carer.
Carer’s needs assessments
If you care for someone, you can have an assessment to see what might help make your life easier. This is called a ‘carer’s assessment’, and will include a 'what matters conversation’ – you can find out more about what this approach means on Social Care Wales (external link).
You are legally entitled to a carer’s needs assessment regardless of:
- the amount or type of care you provide, your financial means, or the level of support you need
- whether or not you live with the person who you care for
If you are sharing caring responsibilities with anyone else, including a child under 18, each of you are entitled to an assessment in your own right.
The assessment is an opportunity to discuss what support or services you may need to help with your caring role.
You can find out all about what a carer’s assessment involves and how you can prepare on the Carers UK website (external link).
Ask for a carer’s assessment
If you want to have an assessment, please contact NEWCIS - North East Wales Carers Information Service (external link) or register with NEWCIS as an unpaid carer (external link).
Respite scheme
‘Bridging the Gap’ is a respite scheme that provides you with a short period of rest from your caring role. A short break from your caring role could include attending a personal appointment, a NEWCIS event or socialising with friends.
Training and activities
Working with a range of organisations, NEWCIS runs a training programme in four key areas:
- practical skills
- emotional support
- leisure/hobby activities
- employment support.
Some sessions are aimed at carers having a bit of time to themselves whilst taking part in an enjoyable activity. Others are aimed at carers learning new skills which can make life easier.