Support
Support For You
If you support a family member, partner, friend, neighbour or someone else, you may be entitled to help and advice yourself.
Many people don’t think of themselves as ‘unpaid carers’ – they simply see themselves as someone fulfilling their duty. But that doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. Getting support can improve the quality of life for you and the person you support.
The organisations below provide a range of support and advice services across the UK. They can help with information, guidance and resources on a wide range of topics related to care, such as financial aid, mental health support, combining work and care, etc.
Financial Support
A carer’s allowance is a weekly financial aid available to people who provide care for at least 35 hours a week to someone receiving qualifying disability benefits.
Carer’s credits are National Insurance credits to help protect your State Pension while caring.
Universal Credit Carer Element
Universal carer credits add an extra monthly amount to your Universal Credit allowance if you provide 35 hours or more of care a week.
You may get a discount or exemption on your council tax bill if you live with and care for someone. Entitlement depends on your income, savings, circumstances and where you live.
Charitable Trusts and Funds
Charitable organisations like Carers Trust Grants offer small, one-off grants for household repairs, replacement appliances, technology, or short breaks.
Benefits and financial support checker
You can also use online benefit calculators (or speak to an advisor) to check eligibility for extra help and support with issues such as Universal Credit, council tax reductions, or pension credits.
Local Support
Generally, carer support is tailored locally and delivered through your local council. You can visit your local council’s website to explore what is available in your area. Key resources options include:
A free assessment from your local council’s adult social services to discuss equipment, practical support, or respite options.
Respite Care
Temporary care services designed to give you a planned break from your daily caring responsibilities.
Local Support Networks
You can utilise organisations like the Carers Trust to search for local support groups and hands-on guidance near you.
Depending on where you live, you could access a free registered carers card to help prove your role at GP practices, pharmacies, and local businesses. Carer’s cards can be issued by local councils, charities, NHS Trusts and private companies.
National Organisations and Helplines
NHS Social Care and Support Guide
Read the guide on support and benefits for carers to learn more about support across the country.
Call 0808 808 7777 (Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm) or email [email protected] for expert advice.
Runs a large UK network of local partner organisations. They help carers find local support, apply for small grants, and arrange short respite breaks.
Call 0800 144 8848 for independent guidance on financial rights, benefits, and legal matters.
Offers specialised guidance if you care for an older person, including help with social care navigation, day care, and local carer support cafes.
LGBTQ+ Support
LGBT Foundation is a national LGBTQ+ charity offering a wide range of health and wellbeing services, including a helpline, peer support, wellbeing programmes, information and signposting, and LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health support. They also provide resources for people facing isolation, discrimination, bereavement, and caring responsibilities.
Switchboard is the UK’s national LGBTQ+ support line. It provides a confidential listening service via phone, email and online chat for anyone seeking support with sexuality, gender identity, emotional wellbeing, relationships, or concerns about someone they care for.
Mermaids supports transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families. Services include a support helpline, online communities, family support, local peer groups, and resources for parents and carers who are supporting a trans young person.
FFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
FFLAG provides support, information and peer networks for parents, carers, families, and friends of LGBTQ+ people. It can be particularly valuable for those in caring or supportive roles who want advice and connection with others in similar situations.
Consortium LGBT+ Member Directory
Consortium’s directory brings together LGBTQ+ organisations across the UK, helping individuals find local mental health, wellbeing, advocacy and community support services.
Faith-Based Support
Muslim Youth Helpline is a national, faith-sensitive support service offering confidential emotional support, listening services and signposting for young Muslims across the UK. Support is provided in a way that recognises both mental health and faith needs.
Inspirited Minds is a Muslim-led charity working to reduce stigma around mental health and provide culturally and faith-sensitive support. It offers support groups, awareness raising, wellbeing resources and community events.
Premier Lifeline provides a confidential listening and prayer service for Christians. Staff and volunteers are trained to support people experiencing emotional distress, loneliness, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Mercy UK provides Christian-centred mental health and wellbeing support, including counselling, training, resources and programmes designed to help people navigate the relationship between faith and mental health.
Local Faith Communities
Many churches, mosques, gurdwaras, temples and faith centres offer practical help, befriending schemes, community meals, pastoral support, bereavement services and social groups that can help reduce isolation for unpaid carers.
Support for Male Carers
The Men’s Health Forum provides information and resources specifically aimed at male carers. Research conducted with Carers Trust highlights the unique challenges male carers face, including isolation, balancing work and care, and difficulties seeking support.
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where men can connect, learn new skills and build friendships. While not exclusively for carers, they can be particularly valuable for male carers experiencing loneliness, stress or social isolation.
Many local Age UKs run Men in Sheds projects, giving older men, including carers, opportunities to socialise, share skills and improve their wellbeing through community activities.
Male Carers Peer Support Networks
Several carers’ organisations offer dedicated peer support networks for male carers, recognising that men are often less likely to identify themselves as carers or ask for help. These groups offer practical advice, emotional support and opportunities for respite and social connection.
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