Wellbeing support for carers

Carers UK suggests that each day, 6,000 people start caring so it’s something that can affect all our lives in some way.

Carers can often neglect their own health and wellbeing as they are busy caring for others with very little free time. Exercise and healthier eating can be harder to make time for.

It’s really important that you take care of your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, this will help to avoid burnout, stress and overwhelm. Making time for yourself and self-care isn’t selfish, it’s vital for your overall health.

Carers breaks and respite care

Respite care allows you to take a break from caring, while the person you care for is looked after. You can use this time to have a break and help stop you from becoming rundown and overwhelmed.

There are many respite care options that range from volunteer sitting and befriending services to a short stay in a care home so you can go on holiday. Learn more about MHA's respite care.

MHA also offer a befriending service ran by our community groups across the UK. Visit our befriending page to find out more.

The person you look after could also go to a daycare centre. Or, there are paid carer options where a carer can visit your home to look after them for a set period of time.

Your local council or local carers' centre can give you information about local support. Find your local social services team (England only)

There’s more information available about the eligibility for respite care on the NHS website.

Here are some top tips to stay well

1. Make time for something you enjoy - even if it means getting up earlier, or even if it’s just five minutes, it can add up and make a difference.

2. Speak to someone if you are struggling - there are organisations available that can offer support if you need someone to talk to. The Carers Support Centre, Samaritans, Mind all have information on how to get in touch.

3. Try to get some fresh air - could you meet a friend and go for a walk to have a change of scenery? Or are you able to take the person you care for out too?
   
   
4. Try meditation and mindfulness to stay calm and less stressed.
   
   
5. Use your Carers Emergency Card to get a discount for a relaxing massage or treatment. Check out your local college as they often have treatments available at a heavily discounted price.
   
   
6. Have you thought about volunteering? It’s a great way to get out of the house, and meet new people and you might be able to find something where the person you care for can come along too. Learn more about becoming a volunteer with MHA.

How MHA can help you

• Respite Care - find your local MHA care home that offers respite care
  
  
• MHA Communities - older people's social groups across England and Wales that could offer you some respite care, activities for you both to attend, dementia day centres, befriending and much more
  
  
• Download the MHA Active app - our range of videos offer chair-based exercise, dementia activities, crafts and much more that might be helpful for you to do together, or it might help you focus on something different.

There’s more information for extra support available including grants and funding on our Carers Support page. 

Additional support available

• Carers UK offer free help and advice including online support groups
    
• Carers discounts and Carers First also have information on discounts available 
  
  
• Carers Trust offer help and support for unpaid and young carers

Page last updated: July 2023.