Carers

Carers are people who, without payment, provide help and support to a family member or a friend who may not be able to manage without this help because of frailty, illness or disability. Carers can be adults caring for other adults, parents caring for ill or disabled children or young people who care for another family member.

One of the Department’s key objectives is to support people to live independent lives safely in the community and carers enable many thousands of vulnerable people to do this.  It is therefore vital that carers are supported in their caring role so they can continue to care for as long as they wish and are able to do so.

In recognition of this, the Department published a strategy for carers in January 2006.  “Caring for Carers” was the product of an extensive period of consultation with carers and their representative organisations.  The strategy deals with a range of issues including health and personal social services, employment, training, education, information and support services.  It is an ongoing piece of work designed to recognise, value and support the role of carers.

As well as practical guidance for the Health and Social Care staff the Department has produced an A - Z guide for carers in Northern Ireland.  This provides advice on who and where to contact for information, support and services relevant to carers.  This and other guidance can be found on this website.

The Legislation places a responsibility on Health and Social Care Trusts to inform carers of their right to an assessment of their needs and gives Trusts the power to supply services directly to carers to help them in their caring role.  Each Trust in Northern Ireland has a nominated carers’ coordinator whose contact details are also available on this website.