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Who are Carers?
 A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not otherwise manage due to frailty illness or disability.
Carers differ in so many ways, they care for young and old, people with a physical or mental impairment. Most would not recognise themselves under the term 'carer.' They are just people trying to cope as best they can while helping to look after an elderly relative who has developed Alzheimer's, a partner with Multiple Sclerosis or a young child born with Cerebral Palsy. They may even be juggling paid work with their unpaid caring responsibilities at home.
In total there are 6 million adult carers across the UK of whom, around 1 million are looking after someone for more than 50 hours a week. There are also estimated to be around 50,000 young carers, people under the age of 18 who may be looking after a parent or a younger brother or sister.
What all carers have in common is the prime responsibility for another person's well being on a very specialised and personal basis.
Is important to remember though, that all carers need support, in order to maintain their own sense of identity, and they have a right to be supported by the community at large, as well as the various statutory and regulatory agencies.
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