Carers
Are you a Carer?
You are a carer if you regularly help someone who would struggle to manage on their own because of illness, disability, mental health needs, frailty or addiction.
This help might include:
- Personal care, such as washing or dressing
- Practical tasks, like shopping, cooking or attending appointments
- Emotional support or supervision
You are still a carer if:
- You do not live with the person you help
- You are not paid
- You are a friend, neighbour or family member
- You have never thought of yourself as a “carer”
Many people don’t realise they are carers until they start looking for help. If this sounds like you, support is available.
Find out about Your Right to Support as a Carer
Your Right to Support as a Carer
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring, stressful and isolating. You do not have to cope on your own.
You can get help to:
- Look after your own health and wellbeing
- Reduce stress and pressure
- Get practical advice and support
- Understand your rights and options
- Get help if you are worried about someone’s safety
You can ask for support even if caring is something you have always done, or if things are only starting to feel difficult.
Your Right to Support as a Carer
Caring often affects people’s sleep, work, finances, relationships and physical and mental health.
Under the Care Act 2014, carers have a legal right to support.
This includes the right to a Carer’s Assessment if caring affects your life in any way.
You do not need to:
- Be caring full‑time
- Care for a certain number of hours
- Be at breaking point
- Live with the person you care for
You can ask for support for yourself, even if the person you care for does not receive social care.
Watch this video from Carer's Trust to understand your rights as an unpaid carer.
What is a Carer’s Assessment?
A Carer’s Assessment is a chance for you to talk about:
- How caring affects your day‑to‑day life
- What support could help you now
- What matters to you in the future
It is not a test and it is not about judging you.
The assessment may lead to:
- Practical support
- Advice and information
- Support to help protect your wellbeing
- Referral to carers’ organisations
Asking for an assessment will not automatically change the care of the person you support.
Local Support for Carers in Lewisham
There are organisations in Lewisham that specialise in supporting carers. They can help with:
Advice and Support
- Information and Advice on providing practical support for Carers
Groups, activities and wellbeing
- Carers support groups
- Wellbeing / peer support services
- Community or voluntary sector carer support
Breaks and respite
- Short breaks / respite information
- Support to help carers take a break
They can also help you understand safeguarding and how to raise concerns if you are worried about safety.
Carers Lewisham Support Carers in the London Borough of Lewisham. They provide practical and emotional support to unpaid carers, empowering people who care for a family member, neighbour or close friend to actively manage the challenges they face and thrive.
Their services include:
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Information and Advice providing practical support, such as applying for a Carers Assessment, welfare benefits or emergency grants.
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Providing practical support, advice on welfare benefits or emergency grants.
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Helping carers to come together for support and to share experiences with one another.
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Supporting those carers most isolated and socially excluded to get the help they need.
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Promoting and raising awareness of the needs of all carers across Lewisham.
Imago – Maximising Wellbeing of Unpaid Carers - Supporting Unpaid Carers to access the support they need.
Imago deliver the Maximising Wellbeing of Unpaid Carers, which supports Adult Carers across the borough of Lewisham. If you are an unpaid carer or know someone who provides care but is not getting paid, help and support are available.
If you or someone you know is an unpaid carer, please get in touch. Their Proud to Care family will ensure that you are valued, visible to others, and fully supported.
Find out more about Money, Work and Practical Help for Carers
Money, Work and Practical Help
Caring can affect your income and employment.
You may be entitled to:
- Carer‑related benefits or financial support
- Help with housing or council services
- Support to balance caring with work
- Advice about your rights at work
You can ask for advice even if you are unsure what you might be entitled to.
Welfare and money advice services
- Citizens Advice: Offers comprehensive, free, and confidential advice on debt, benefits, housing, and employment.
- MoneyHelper: Government-backed, free, and impartial guidance for money and pensions.
- Turn2us: Helps people find financial support, offering a PIP helper tool and information on welfare benefits.
- National Debtline / Business Debtline: Free, independent, and confidential advice on personal debt and for self-employed individuals.
Community Connections Lewisham have a weekly drop in clinic with a Department for Work and Pensions Advisor visit their Thursday Drop in webpage for further information.
Employment and Caring Information
Organisations like Carers UK and Carers Trust offer advice on juggling work with caring.
Independent Age recognise that caring for someone can be demanding, both emotionally and financially. They have lots of information in their Support for Carers Section and want to make sure you know your rights as a carer and can check what support and benefits are available to help you and the person you care for.
Read more on Your Health and Wellbeing Matter
Your Health and Wellbeing Matter
Caring can be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may notice:
- Feeling exhausted or run down
- Feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed
- Finding it hard to cope
- Feeling isolated or unsupported
Support is available to help you look after yourself. Getting help early can prevent problems from becoming worse.
Good mental wellbeing helps people make safer choices and seek help when needed.
The Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub provides timely, targeted support to help people across the diverse communities in Lewisham to manage their mental health. Their aim is to provide people with the tools, resources and links to local services to improve their wellbeing and resilience in the long term, through the support of their experienced and skilled staff team. The service is open to anyone over 18 who lives in the London Borough of Lewisham, has experienced challenges with their mental health and who wants to improve their wellbeing.
The service provides time-limited one to one practical sessions for residents in Lewisham to develop strong self-care practices, maintain their wellbeing and feel able to be a part of the local community.
Find out more about the Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub
Download the Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub Leaflet
If you are caring for someone who struggles with their mental health the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) has a whole section on their website on information for carers, families and friends.
Information for carers
Carers, families and friends
Sport and Leisure for your Wellbeing
See what sports facilities are available in the borough and check if you're eligible for discounts on leisure activities.
Local Arts
Find out about local arts activities including theatres, cinemas, dance classes, choirs and public art.
Lewisham Libraries
Sports or the Arts not your interest? Lewisham Libraries has lots of activities and groups, including Cat Bytes for help with using digital devices, sound bath sessions for relaxation.
Read more on If You Are Struggling Right Now
If You Are Struggling Right Now
If caring is affecting your mental or physical health, you do not have to wait until things reach crisis point.
You can:
- Contact your GP
- Speak to local carers support services
- Use confidential emotional support or listening services
- Ask adult social care for advice
Asking for help is a positive step.
Contact the Adult Gateway for advice and information from Lewisham Council, Adult Social Care.
Lewisham Council has advice for carers who suddenly can't care for someone on their website. Including information about what to do if you suddenly can't care for someone who depends on you.
Emotional Support and Listening Services
Carers UK: Offers weekly "Care for a Cuppa" Zoom chats for emotional support.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, 24/7, confidential support for any distress
Shout: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for a 24/7, confidential text-based service.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) for those in crisis or needing to talk.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 41 41 (24/7) for people under 35 experiencing suicidal feelings, or those concerned about them.
The Silver Line: 0800 4 70 80 90 for older people (over 55) providing conversation and support.
NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent, local support.
Side by Side (Mind): An online, moderated community to share experiences and find support.
Find out about Safeguarding Keeping People Safe
Safeguarding Keeping People Safe
Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse, neglect or harm.
This includes:
- The person you care for
- You, as a carer
Abuse or neglect can happen in many ways, including:
- Physical, emotional or financial harm
- Neglect or lack of care
- Pressure, control or exploitation
- Situations where caring becomes unsafe
Spotting signs of abuse Information for carers
It is not always easy to spot the symptoms of abuse. Someone being abused may make excuses for why they are bruised, they don't want to go out or talk to people, or they are short of money.
It is important to know the signs of abuse and where they are identified, gently share your concerns with the person being abused. If you wait, hoping the person will tell you what's been happening to them, you could delay matters and allow the abuse to continue.
The lists of possible indicators and examples of behaviour are not exhaustive and people may be subject to a number of abuse types at the same time.
Read more about the most common types of abuse and neglect on our Forms and Signs of Abuse page.
Your Safety Matters Too
Carers can experience harm or be put at risk because of stress, exhaustion, unsafe situations or difficult relationships.
You may need safeguarding support if:
- You feel frightened, threatened or controlled
- You are being financially pressured or exploited
- You feel unsafe at home
- Caring is having a serious impact on your wellbeing
Raising a safeguarding concern does not mean you have failed as a carer.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you are worried about the safety of:
- The person you care for
- Yourself
- Another adult with care and support needs
You can report a safeguarding concern to Lewisham Adult Social Care.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
You can raise a concern even if you are unsure what is happening. It is better to let Adult Social Care know.
Find out more in our How to Report Your Concerns page.
Find out about help and advice for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers
Young Carers and Young Adult Carers
Children and young people can be carers too.
Young carers and young adult carers have a right to:
- Be recognised
- Receive support
- Have their education, health and wellbeing considered
Support is available specifically for them and their families.
Lewisham Council has Information and Support for Young Carers on their website. Including information on:
- Who counts as a young carer
- What support we offer young carers
- Links between children and adult services
Carers Trust has support and guidance for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Carers Trust runs a network of local carer organisations in England, Scotland and Wales. They offer information, advice, practical support and/or care in the home to unpaid carers of all ages. Many of these local carer organisations in our Network have dedicated services for young carers and young adult carers.
You Are Not Alone
Caring can feel overwhelming at times, but help is available.
Support can make a real difference to:
- Your wellbeing
- Your safety
- Your ability to continue caring, if you choose to
If you are unsure where to start, local carers organisations or adult social care can help guide you.
Carers Lewisham Support Carers in the London Borough of Lewisham. They provide practical and emotional support to unpaid carers, empowering people who care for a family member, neighbour or close friend to actively manage the challenges they face and thrive.
Their services include:
-
Information and Advice providing practical support, such as applying for a Carers Assessment, welfare benefits or emergency grants.
-
Providing practical support, advice on welfare benefits or emergency grants.
-
Helping carers to come together for support and to share experiences with one another.
-
Supporting those carers most isolated and socially excluded to get the help they need.
-
Promoting and raising awareness of the needs of all carers across Lewisham.
Imago – Maximising Wellbeing of Unpaid Carers - Supporting Unpaid Carers to access the support they need.
Imago deliver the Maximising Wellbeing of Unpaid Carers, which supports Adult Carers across the borough of Lewisham. If you are an unpaid carer or know someone who provides care but is not getting paid, help and support are available.
If you or someone you know is an unpaid carer, please get in touch. Their Proud to Care family will ensure that you are valued, visible to others, and fully supported.
Carer's Wellbeing
Lewisham Council recognise that as a carer, it is important that you are also aware of your own physical and mental health.
Read more on what you can access locally to support your mental and physical wellbeing.
Community Connections Lewisham can connect you with groups, activities and services in our local community that can support your health and wellbeing.
Supporting a person with dementia can be positive and rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Looking after yourself is important for both you and the person you are supporting. The Alzheimer's Society has a lot of supportive information including
Other Useful Links for Carers
Professionals using too much jargon?
If you're finding it difficult to navigate the mind field of jargon that can often be used by professionals in the care and support occupations Think Local Act Personal have a useful Jargon Buster that can help carers understand the language that is commonly used in care and support work.
Information for Professionals Supporting Carers
If you're a professional supporting a Carer there's lots of helpful information on the ADASS Supporting Carers Hub.
Read more in our Information for Professionals section.