Advice for Carers
Caring for Carers in Norfolk
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid help and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without it due to illness, disability, mental health issues, or age-related needs.
You might not call yourself a “carer”, you might simply feel you’re helping someone you love, but recognising yourself as a carer is the first step to getting the information, advice, and support you’re entitled to.
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.
Around
81,500
unpaid carers live in Norfolk. That's roughly 1 in 9 adults.
Over
34,000
provide 35+ hours of care per week.
Norfolk exceeds
£1.9 billion
per year in estimated value of unpaid care
Nearly
50%
of carers report an impact on their own health and wellbeing.
Caring for Carers in Norfolk
Every adult carer in England has a legal right to a Carer’s Assessment, even if the person you care for doesn’t receive social care services.
The assessment focuses on your wellbeing, looking at how caring affects your health, finances, work, and daily life.
In Norfolk, Carers Matter Norfolk delivers these assessments on behalf of Norfolk County Council.
Local Support & Services
You’re not alone. These local organisations provide free, confidential support, advice, and opportunities to connect with others:
Carers Matter Norfolk
Free support, assessments, wellbeing advice
t: 0800 083 1148
Norfolk Citizens Advice
Independent advice on benefits, money, work, and housing
t: 0800 144 8848
Age UK Norwich
Advice, activities and social support for older adults
t: 01603 496 333
Age UK Norfolk
Countywide advice and home-based support
t: 0300 500 1217
Financial & Practical Help
Caring for someone can have an impact on your income and daily life, but there is financial and practical help available to support you. You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, Council Tax discounts, or a Blue Badge to make travel and parking easier. There are also a range of energy and household grants that can help with living costs, and you may have the right to request flexible working from your employer to help balance caring responsibilities with work.
For local guidance and one-to-one advice, you can contact Norfolk Citizens Advice or Age UK Norfolk. National organisations also provide detailed information:
Looking After Yourself
Caring for someone else starts with caring for yourself. It’s important to look after your own wellbeing so that you can continue to provide support to others. Staying connected with your community, through local groups or volunteering, can help you feel supported and less isolated. Make sure you take regular breaks and consider respite options to give yourself time to rest and recharge.
Keeping active is also vital for your physical and mental health, and you can find useful ideas and activities through Active Norfolk’s carer resources. Remember to speak to your GP about regular health checks, and don’t hesitate to explore counselling, peer support groups, or mental health services if you need someone to talk to.