Are you a carer?
A carer is a person of any age who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour, who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they get older (Carers UK). Carers make an enormous contribution to society and often juggle their caring responsibilities with family and work commitments; carers may even experience their own health issues.
According to the 2021 Census there were around 52,700 unpaid carers in County Durham – approximately 10.6% of residents aged 5 and over. You can discover more information and data about carers in County Durham by visiting www.durhaminsight.info/carers.
Types of carer
Adult carer
If you are an adult who provides care for another adult who needs care and support, then you are an adult carer. Parents caring for their child who is over the age of 18 are also adult carers.
In partnership with adult carers, we have produced a Carers Plan on a Page.pdf to clearly outline local actions needed to support people with unpaid caring responsibilities in County Durham.
This plan is due to be renewed, so before we look ahead, we want to take time to look back at the progress made so far. This You Said We Did.pdf document highlights the key achievements and positive changes delivered through the plan, showing how carers’ feedback and involvement have helped improve and shape our services.
Parent carer
If you look after your own child who has a disability and is under the age of 18, then you are a parent carer.
In partnership with parent carers, we have produced a Carers Plan on a Page.pdf to clearly outline local actions needed to support people with unpaid caring responsibilities in County Durham.
This plan is due to be renewed, so before we look ahead, we want to take time to look back at the progress made so far. This You Said We Did.pdf document highlights the key achievements and positive changes delivered through the plan, showing how carers’ feedback and involvement have helped improve and shape our services.
Young adult carer
If you are aged 16 – 24 years and provide unpaid care, assistance, or support to a family member who has care and support needs then you are a young adult carer.
In partnership with young adult carers, we have produced a Carers Plan on a Page.pdf to clearly outline local actions needed to support people with unpaid caring responsibilities in County Durham.
This plan is due to be renewed, so before we look ahead, we want to take time to look back at the progress made so far. This You Said We Did.pdf document highlights the key achievements and positive changes delivered through the plan, showing how carers’ feedback and involvement have helped improve and shape our services.
Young carer
If you are a child or young person under the age of 18 who looks after someone with care and support needs, for example, a parent, sibling, or other relative, then you are a young carer. You can find more information about Young Carers on the Durham County Council website.
In Partnership with young carers, we have produced a Young Carers Plan on a Page.pdf to support those under the age of 18 who may have caring responsibilities in County Durham. We have also developed a local agreement between Durham County Council, the NHS Integrated Care Board, and Education leaders called ‘No Wrong Doors’ Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU sets out how organisations will work together to identify, support, and protect young carers and their families across County Durham.
How you can get help
In County Durham, there is a range of support available to unpaid carers. Visit our Support hub for information and advice to support you with your caring responsibilities, along with signposting to organisations who can provide you with specialist support and practical help.
It is important that you register as a carer with one of our Support organisations and your GP, to ensure you can access the most appropriate support and information. GP’s may also offer additional benefits and support such as more flexibility with appointments and access to a Carer Champion.
If we know you have caring responsibilities, you can Get a carer’s assessment to have your needs assessed, which is your right under the Care Act 2014.
