What is a Carer?

A Carer is someone who looks after a partner, a parent, a child, a relative, a friend or neighbour who does not get paid for caring. They look after someone who has a long term illness, a disability, mental health problem, learning disabilities or frailty due to old age which means they cannot be completely independent. Some Carers provide 24/7 care, others may only provide a few hours a week to help someone who is unable to do everything for themself.

Many people do not consider they are Carers. Comments such as "I do Mum's shopping because she can't get out now" and " I keep an eye on the old man next door" are common place. Many people in need of help are supported by their families. Husbands and wives, sons and daughters, uncles and aunts just assume that it is expected that they will look after a loved one. But they are Carers.

Birmingham has an estimated 100,000 Carers. Our membership is around 1000 so there are many more we need to find. We can only ever be as strong as our membership.