1.2 million carers in the UK are living in poverty: How Carers First can help

According to the report: “Unpaid carers are a large and diverse population – around 5.7 million across the UK. Yet large numbers live in poverty and deep poverty – this is when someone’s resources are 50% below the poverty line.”

Carers First provides a range of support for carers. The charity has been operating for more than 30 years, providing carers with personalised information and tailored support to meet their needs.

They can also provide a range of advice about the financial support available to help carers with running and equipping the home, as well as guidance on available carer grants.

Jayne, a carer, called Carers First who guided her to the Household Fund.

She said: “Thanks to Carers First, I accessed the Household support fund. The fund helped my family pay the electricity bill and other essentials, due to the increase in prices we just couldn’t make up the difference quick enough.

“For us as a family it supported us to not stress and put in place the essentials that we needed, without that we would have been stuck and would need to have made more sacrifices.”

Marianne is a retired hospital care worker who now cares for her husband who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 50.

She said: “I got in touch and Carers First answered immediately. The team listened and gave great advice. They even organised a grant for me to go to London for my son’s wedding so that I could have a bit of respite from my caring duties and relax. That was incredible, and something that I wouldn’t have been able to do without their help.”

If you are a carer in need of more information on getting financial support , visit carersfirst.org.uk/help-and-advice/topics/getting-financial-support-as-a-carer

Carers First are available to help in one or more of the following areas: Looking after yourself, carers wellbeing assessments, connecting you with other carers, taking breaks, getting financial support, help with everyday tasks, planning ahead, handling legal matters, and managing work or education.

Carers First supports carers face to face in nine regions across the country and provides online support carers anywhere. Your donations will help us support more carers – you can donate here [link].

If you are caring for someone and would like to find out what support Carers First’s groups can offer, please visit our website www.carerfirst.org.uk or call our helpline on 0300 303 1555.