Are you a carer?

You may be a carer without realising it. If you help look after a family member, friend or neighbour because of their illness, disability, mental health or substance use, you are a carer.

In South Lanarkshire, there are over 42,000 unpaid carers, and many people do not recognise themselves as a carer. Becoming a carer can happen at any stage of life and can start suddenly or develop over time.

If you help someone manage their day‑to‑day life, appointments, medication, personal care, or emotional support, these pages are for you.

Who can be a carer?

Anyone can be a carer. You might be:

• a parent or partner
• a son, daughter or sibling
• a friend or neighbour

You do not need to live with the person you care for, and you do not need to care full‑time to be a carer.

Why recognising yourself as a carer matters

When you recognise yourself as a carer, you can:

• access information and advice
• get support for your own health and wellbeing
• understand your rights as a carer
• find help to balance caring with the rest of your life

These pages bring together information that carers told us would be helpful to have in one place.

Support for carers in South Lanarkshire

There is support available locally for carers, including:

• information and advice
• practical and emotional support
• help to plan for the future

You do not need to cope alone.

British Sign Language information

We have created a British Sign Language video for carers which explains carers’ rights and the support available in South Lanarkshire.