This introductory page looks at what it means to be a carer, and explains where you can get help and support: from social work, from your GP's surgery or from carers' centres and other voluntary organisations.

This page looks at things you should consider if you're moving in with the person you care for on a temporary or permanent basis, or if they move in with you. It also looks at what you can do if neither of your homes is suitable for you both to live in, and you need to find somewhere else.

It may be hard for you to find time for yourself, especially if the person you care for needs you to be with them constantly. However, it's important for your health and well-being to spend time away from the person you care for. This may be a couple of hours a week to meet friends or spend time with your family, or it may be a longer break.

If you look after a partner, friend or relative who can't manage without your help, you are entitled to a carer's assessment from the social work department. This will look at your needs and see if anything can be done to make life easier for you in your caring role.

Many young people who are still at school or college also look after someone at home. This could be a parent, a grandparent, a brother or sister, or another family member who is ill or disabled. This page looks at issues that affect young carers specifically and the help and support that's available.

This page looks at issues affecting people who care for children with disabilities, including getting help from social work and other sources, contacting other parents with disabled children, and getting financial support.

This page looks at the financial issues that affect carers and the support available, including carer's allowance and other benefits, council tax reductions, and how best to combine your work and caring responsibilities.

The person you look after may ask you or someone else they trust to look after their legal, financial and welfare rights once they become too ill to do so. To do this, they will need to see a solicitor and sign a power of attorney. If the person can't sign a power or attorney, you may be able to apply for a guardianship or intervention order.

This page has advice on how to cope if the person you care for dies. It includes information on coping with grief and dealing with practical issues that may arise. It also looks at your housing rights.

This page lists useful websites that provide further information, advice and support to carers.