An unpaid carer can be a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who supports a person needing help because of disability, physical or mental health difficulties, frailty or addiction. Providing any level of care to somebody else can have an impact on an individual’s life and sometimes this can cause stress, fatigue and loneliness.
On this page you can find factsheets, tips and information, organisations and services in Edinburgh on what it means to be an unpaid carer, the impact it can have on your mental health and ways to improve your wellbeing.
Let us know what resource works well for you. If you have any other suggestions for our self-help pages, please send them to us at ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Factsheets
These factsheets will help you understand more about what it means to be an unpaid carer and the support available.
Facts and figures about carers in Scotland from Carers Scotland
Carers and Anxiety factsheet from Anxiety UK
Tips and information
Here are some different tips and ideas on how to look after your wellbeing:
Coping with stress and depression from Carers UK
A wide selection of practical information for carers from VOCAL Edinburgh
Health and wellbeing tips for carers from Super Carers
Marie Curie’s article on ‘Your own needs as a carer’
‘Looking after your health and taking a break’ from Carers UK
Online learning for carers
VOCAL run an online learning space with free, flexible courses to build confidence, strengthen practical skills, and provide clear information for your caring role. Register for free:
Online learning space from VOCAL
Organisations and services
Here is a list of national organisations related to carers:
Coalition of Carers in Scotland
MECOPP – Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project
If you are looking for local support, please go to our service directory to find out what services and projects are available to you.