Being an unpaid carer

Unpaid carers in households and communities throughout Portsmouth and across the UK play vital roles for friends and loved ones day in, day out. Many of these carers are not seen, and do not identify as such, and therefore do not access much-needed support.

Carers of this kind can be exposed to greater risk of poverty, social isolation, poor mental and physical health.

Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older.

The 2021 Census revealed that in England and Wales, women are more likely to provide care than men. 59% of unpaid carers are female.

Support

A great way to find out what support is available is by reading updated guides such as:

• Carers UK’s Looking after someone guides and factsheets
• The Carers UK website also provides a useful overview of sources of practical support.
• Advice and information for carers : Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

Looking after yourself

Taking care of your health and wellbeing is essential when you are caring for someone, especially if you are caring for more than one person. It can be hard to find the time to meet your own needs. You may struggle to eat and sleep well, find the time to exercise and manage your stress levels.

The same 2021 Census also found that about 1 in 4 carers reported ‘not good health’, with the most recent NHS SACE survey finding that 20% of carers felt they are neglecting themselves.

Carer’s UK State of Caring Survey 2023 found that over three quarters (79%) of carers feel stressed or anxious, and half of carers (49%) feel depressed. 54% of carers said their physical health had suffered.

It is common to feel lonely or isolated as a carer, especially as friends and family might not understand how tough it can be.

If you are worried about your own mental health, the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub is ready to support you. Reach out today online, by phone or live chat.

Local support

The HIVE Portsmouth website hosts a directory of support for carers.

One of the regular sessions is a regular drop-in which welcomes all unpaid carers – adult carers, young adult carers, parent and family carers on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 12pm to 2pm at Portsmouth Carers Centre for coffee, cake and chat.

Black, Asian and ethnic minority carers

While we recognise that carers will have their own unique experiences, some Black, Asian and ethnic minority carers may have experienced the following:
Not identifying themselves as a carer, particularly when in some languages there are no words that translate as ‘carer’. This means that some Black, Asian and ethnic minority carers may see themselves primarily as a family member or friend rather than a carer, and are therefore not accessing the carer support services that are available to them.

• Feeling like their caring role is not appreciated or recognised by family and friends, particularly when caring for a parent is an expected part of life in some cultures, viewed as a duty and something that should be done without question.
• Feeling uncomfortable about seeking help when the person being cared for has a mental health issue. In some cultures, mental health problems are not identified and spoken about, and there can be a stigma around asking for help.
• Experiencing mental health issues which may make the caring role even more challenging.
• Experiencing prejudice, discrimination or harassment when accessing services, and feeling distrustful of support services as a result.
• Struggling to obtain information and advice due to language barriers.
• Not having the opportunity to shape and influence health and social care services. Some carers may feel that they have no ‘voice’ in the system, and feel unable to complain or raise concerns about services.

Work and finances

If you are balancing paid work with caring, it is worth checking out your company’s policies and procedures with regard to caring responsibilities. As a working carer, you also have a right to request flexible working and time off to look after dependants in an emergency.

If you are an employee based in England, Wales or Scotland, you also have the right to take up to one week’s unpaid carer’s leave per year.

You Are Not Alone

If you have recognised any of these issues in your own personal situation or perhaps that of a friend or relative, do reach out to the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub who can give you meaningful and practical support.