Carers Direct

Welcome to Carers Direct: information, advice and support for carers

Mutual caring

Do you look after someone who also looks after you? Many carers are part of a mutual caring relationship, and it's important to strike a balance between making sure your own care needs are met and meeting the care needs of the other person.

Mutual caring

New to caring?

If you're not sure where to start, read our quick guide to the Carers Direct website and how it can help you.

Money and legal

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

Guide to caring

A step-by-step guide to the practical help, support and advice that's on offer to carers, and how to get it.

Young carers

Under 18 and looking after someone? Find out here what help is available.

Your wellbeing

As a carer it's important to take time to look after yourself. Get advice on keeping fit and healthy.

Work and study

Want to combine working or studying with your role as a carer? This advice can help you manage the two.

Carers' lives

Real stories of how carers have got the help they need and where they have found local support.

Advice on Carer's Allowance

Check whether you're entitled to Carer's Allowance and find out how to claim.

Guide to a carer's assessment

Our must-read guide to how a carer's assessment can help you.

Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202

Free, confidential information and advice for carers.

Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines or you can request a free call back.

You can also ask for a call back in one of more than 170 languages including ربي, বাংলা, 中文, Français, ગુજરાતી, Polski, Português, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, Soomaali, Español, Türkçe and .اردو.

You can send a query to our advisers by email.

Find out more about the Carers Direct helpline.

Services near you

Find addresses, phone numbers and websites for services for carers near you.

Located in:

Better mental health through singing

Find out how singing can boost your mental health.

National carers organisations online

The National Autistic Society survey

If you are caring for someone with autism, work with people with autism, or are yourself on the autistic spectrum, complete a short survey for the NAS.

Caring for a parent at home

By having her mum move in with her, Claire now worries about her less and has help looking after the children. And her mum has her family around her and less financial strain.