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Who Are Carers?

Am I a Carer?

​A carer is someone who provides unpaid help and support to a family member, partner or friend who couldn’t manage without them. This is not the same as a paid care worker.

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You don’t have to live with the person or be related to them to be a carer. Many people don’t realise they are carers, they’re simply looking after someone they care about.

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Caring can be rewarding, but it can also affect your health, work and social life. Carers are entitled to support by law.

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Did You Know?

  • An estimated 10.6 million people in the UK provide unpaid care to someone who is frail, ill or disabled. That’s nearly 1 in 9 people. 

  • In Telford & Wrekin, around 18,000 people (about 10–11% of the local population) are unpaid carers. 

  • Many carers don’t recognise themselves as such, as many as 73% have never identified as a carer, even while providing vital care. 

  • Carers come from every background and age group. They might be supporting a parent, a friend or a neighbour, and don’t always live with the person they help.​

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Why This Matters
Caring often starts quietly, people just step in and do what’s needed. Yet this unpaid commitment can affect work, social life, finances and health. Recognising yourself as a carer is the first step to getting support and advice.

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