A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a friend, family member or neighbour who struggles to manage alone because of physical or mental health problems, physical or learning disability, frailty or because of drug and alcohol problems.
You may not recognise yourself as a carer. Caring can take a variety of forms, from preparing somebody’s meals, shopping, helping them get to appointments, bathing and dressing. It doesn’t have to mean 24 hour a day support.
You can get help, as you are entitled to a carers needs assessment. This means you get to speak to somebody about any help and support you may require. You can get support to look after your own health and wellbeing which is important if you have responsibility for looking after someone else.
Getting Help:
Manchester City Council have information about what a carers assessment is and how to get one.
There are organisations in Manchester that support carers:
Some groups specifically support the carers of people with mental health problems:
Manchester Carers Centre
0161 835 2995. Manchester Carers Centre, Beswick House, Beswick Road, M4 4PR. Their site has a series of factsheets for carers of people with mental health problems which are useful.
Alzheimer's Society.
Support groups for carers of people with dementia and other services
0161 203 6434
Longsight/Moss Side Community Project have a support group for carers of South Asian women with mental health needs. 0161 226 4632.
Time Out North. Support group in North Manchester for carers of people with mental health needs. Contact: Gwen Barr, 0161 355 5550. E-mail: gwenjimbarr@yahoo.co.uk
Connect Support. Support groups in Central Manchester and South Manchester for carers of people with mental health needs and other services.
Contact: John Mainwaring 01625 262 658
Admiral Nurse Team. Support groups for carers of people with dementia and other services contact: 0161 275 9115
Young Onset Dementia Service. Support group in Central Manchester for carers of people with young onset dementia (under 65). Contact: Chris Schofield. 0161 273 3049.