About us News & stories Contact us Open Main Menu Open Search Modal Donate Who we support and why Who is a carer? A carer is someone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Across the UK today 6.5 million people are carers, supporting someone else who is older, disabled or seriously ill. Even before the pandemic, it was estimated that carers save around £132 billion per year of state funding – the cost of a second NHS. There are many reasons people require care, including; illness, disability, frailty, mental health issues or addiction. A carer could be a 40 year old man caring for his partner with cancer or a 12 year old child caring for their parent who has suffered an injury. Young carers Adult carers We understand that caring can be hard, but believe getting the right help shouldn’t be. That's why we work directly with and for, unpaid carers to provide personalised information and advice. Making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest. 6.5 million Unpaid carers There are over 6.5 million people who are carers £132 billion Saved each year Each year, unpaid carers save the UK economy £132 billion 3 in 5 Will become a carer Three in five people in the UK will become a carer at some point in their lifetime Why? Every carer's story is different, yet the issues they face are often similar. Nearly half of carers struggle to balance employment with their caring role, others find it difficult to make time for their own health and wellbeing, and for many the situation can create serious financial difficulties. Obtaining relevant information and support can itself be a challenge, but with it, carers can thrive. That is why Carers First offers several avenues for people to get the help they need either online, on the phone or in their community. We offer timely advice and work with carers to identify the best way forward, for them as individuals. Find out more about how we help Where? No matter where you live, Carers First can help you find useful information through our extensive online information service. For one to one advice and support services, we are funded to support carers living in Essex, Lincolnshire, Medway, Southend-on-Sea and London Boroughs Waltham Forest, Newham, Hackney and Haringey. Get support Whether you're a carer in need of support or you're a professional concerned about somebody, you can refer through our local services. Contact us now Essex Hackney Haringey Lincolnshire Medway Newham Southend-on-Sea Waltham Forest If you're looking for support and you don't live in one of our areas, you can use the Carers Trust directory to find support in your area. Go to Carers Trust website (Opens in new window) Carers First About us Complaints Contact us Local support Online support Working for us Terms & privacy Accessibility statement Cookies Privacy notice Policies Follow us Facebook Twitter Instagram linkedin © 2021 Carers First We are registered as a charity in England and Wales (1085430). Carers First is also a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered at Companies House (04144820). Registered office: Unit 4 Michael Gill Building, Tolgate Lane, Rochester, Kent, England, ME2 4TG Site by Mentor Digital