A Carer is an unpaid person who looks after a family member, relative, partner, neighbour or friend who needs help due to ill health, old age, disability, drug or alcohol misuse or who has mental health problems. You do not need to live with the person, nor do you have to be the only one who does the caring.

Sometimes, people don't realise they are carers, and think that they 'just look after, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children, friends, etc'. These 'hidden' carers deserve recognition and support, and may be eligible to receive a number of services to help them with their caring role. The Carers Support Team recognises that carers play a vital role in looking after vulnerable people and aims to help them continue caring for as long as they feel able to do so. Support for carers is provided in a number of ways from information and advice on Carer related issues to the provision of grants and special break schemes.

For further information or assistance, please contact the Carers Support Team on 01942 705959 or visit the website – www.wigan.gov.uk/carers

Carer registration leaflets are available from the surgery, from the Carers Support Team or can be downloaded at www.wigan.gov.uk/carers