An unpaid carer is someone who provides care and support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who cannot manage without their help due to illness, disability, or age. This care is not provided as part of a paid role or formal volunteering position.

There is no official register for unpaid carers in Scotland. Registration is not required to receive help and support. However, registering as an unpaid carer can unlock additional benefits and services that you may be eligible for. To learn more about the benefits of registering and how to do so, visit our commissioned partner Mobilise - Register as a Carer.

Being a carer is a personal choice, and it’s important to know that there is no legal obligation to continue in this role. If you'd like to learn more about your rights as a carer, visit our commissioned partners at Mobilise for detailed information, including their guide on Carers Rights and the Law.

If you feel you’re no longer able to provide care, it’s important to let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) know as soon as possible. If you’re claiming or have applied for Carer’s Allowance (soon to be called the Carer’s Support Payment), any changes in your circumstances must be reported. You can do this directly through the DWP's Carer’s Allowance: Report Changes page.

For additional support, you can reach out to Connecting Carers, our commissioned carers support centre in Highland. They can assist you by conducting a Carer’s Assessment (also known as an Adult Carer Support Plan) to better understand your situation and provide tailored support.

Change can feel unsettling, but there is support available to help you through it. Our commissioned partner, Change Mental Health, offers mental health support tailored to what works best for you. Mobilise offers guidance on How to Cope When Your Caring Role Comes to an End to support you during this transition.

Our commissioned partner Mobilise offers a wealth of knowledge and resources to support carers, including:

• Financial Toolkits: Helpful resources to guide you through managing finances as a carer.
• Emergency Support: A list of emergency contacts and support services you can rely on in urgent situations.
• Checklist of Entitlements: A checklist to ensure you’re aware of all the benefits and financial support available to you as a carer.

In addition to these, Mobilise offers many more resources, tools, and support to help you in your caring role. Explore their full range of resources to get started.

Yes, there are both in-person and online options available:

• Connecting Carers hosts regular events across the Highlands. Check out their events calendar to see what’s happening near you.
• Mobilise offers a range of online peer support groups. You can view their live timetable and learn more about joining these groups.
• Mobilise can also help connect you with local services in your area. Visit their local services page for targeted support.
• Change Mental Health provides a range of mental health support, including carer support events, Awareness Days, and their Events Calendar to help you stay informed and connected.

Respite care is simply a way of giving you, as a carer, a much-needed break. You have a legal right to take time for yourself and step away from your caring role to recharge and focus on your own wellbeing.

Respite care can be delivered in many different forms, depending on what suits you best. To learn more, check out the Carer’s Guide to Respite at Mobilise and visit our breaks and support page to explore funding options for taking a break.

For tailored advice and to discuss the respite options that best meet your needs, reach out to Connecting Carers.

You have a right to be heard and supported. If you feel unheard regarding your loved one’s care - or your own needs and wellbeing as a carer - Partners in Advocacy can help. They provide independent advocacy to make sure your concerns are acknowledged, and your voice is heard. Their team can support you in navigating discussions with medical staff, advocating not only for your loved one’s rights but also for your own needs as a carer.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as supporting your loved one. Here are some ways our commissioned partners can help you:

• Connecting Carers: They offer a range of tailored support, including one-to-one emotional support, advice, and Carer’s Assessments to identify your specific needs and help you access the right services.
• Change Mental Health: Provides mental health support designed to work for you. Whether you need someone to talk to or resources to help manage stress and anxiety, they’re here to support your wellbeing.
• Mobilise: Offers free online peer support groups, including virtual "cuppas," where you can connect with other carers who understand what you’re going through.
• Partners in Advocacy: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like your voice isn’t being heard, their advocacy services can ensure your concerns are addressed and your needs as a carer are recognised.

Remember, taking time to focus on your mental health is essential. These resources are here to help you prioritise your wellbeing while continuing your caring role.

It’s important to have an emergency plan in place, as you never know what might happen. Having a plan helps you feel more at ease and ensures that your loved one will continue to receive care if you are unable to provide it.

• Mobilise offers a helpful guide and a template to create your own emergency plan, so you’re prepared for any situation.
• Connecting Carers, our commissioned partner, can also help by writing an emergency plan tailored to your needs. This can provide peace of mind, knowing that your loved one will have the right support when you can’t be there.

For more information on how to prepare, check out this guide from Mobilise, which offers tips on who can step in when you're unable to care.

Having a plan in place can ease your worries and ensure continuity of care when you need it most.

How do you usually support your loved one?

1. I help organise their appointments, medications, and finances.
2. I’m there to listen, provide emotional support and keep them company.
3. I assist with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, or shopping.

How often do you find yourself thinking about their needs?

1. I'm constantly planning around their schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly.
2. I often worry about how they’re feeling emotionally or if they feel lonely.
3. I'm regularly adjusting my time to help them with practical tasks.

What’s a common conversation you have about your role?

1. I just handle the logistics - someone has to.
2. I'm the one they rely on for their day-to-day needs.
3. They need help with day-to-day things, and I just step in.

How does your support affect your day-to-day life?

1. My schedule revolves around managing their care plans and appointments.
2. I'm emotionally invested and often feel drained from offering constant reassurance.
3. I spend much of my free time helping with their errands and household tasks.

How do you think of your role in their life?

1. I'm the coordinator who keeps everything in check.
2. I'm their rock - the one who keeps them emotionally supported.
3. I'm their helping hand, making sure they get through each day comfortably.

What’s the most challenging part of supporting your loved one?

1. Keeping track of all their appointments, medications and paperwork.
2. Staying emotionally strong and being available for them when they're struggling.
3. Juggling my own tasks while helping with their everyday needs, like meals and errands.

Did you choose...

Mostly 'A's?

The 'Organiser': You handle the mental load of coordinating appointments, finances, and schedules. Recognising your role can help you find support to share the responsibility.

Mostly 'B's?

The 'Companion': You provide emotional support and companionship, but remember, you have the right to take a break and care for your own wellbeing.

Mostly 'C's?

The 'Helper': You assist with everyday tasks that make a big difference in their life. Be sure to recognise your efforts and seek resources that lighten your load.

No matter your role, if you provide support to someone in your daily life without being professional paid for it then you’re an unpaid carer.