Support for carers

What is a carer?

A carer is someone who spends a significant proportion of their time providing unpaid support to a family member, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

It's not always easy to spot the symptoms of abuse. Someone being abused may make excuses for why they're bruised, they do not want to go out or talk to people, or they're short of money.

It's important to know the signs of abuse and, where they are identified, gently share your concerns with the person being abused. If you wait, hoping the person will tell you what has been happening to them, you could delay matters and allow the abuse to continue.

Family members, relatives, friends and neighbours all have an important part to play in keeping adults with care and support needs safe from abuse and neglect.


If you are worried or concerned about someone, please do not keep it to yourself.

Report a concern

It doesn't matter if you're not sure whether an action, a series of actions, or a situation is abuse or neglect. All the local agencies and national helplines would much rather you got in touch so that they can help you know what, if anything, needs to be done to keep someone safe from harm.