We know that there are at least 370,000 carers in Wales (which is 10% more than the population of Cardiff) and that three in five of us will become a carer at some point in our lives.

Growing numbers of people are taking on caring roles for family and friends, which can be a hugely rewarding experience, enriching relationships and bringing satisfaction and well-being. However, up to 50% of carers miss the support they need to stay mentally and physically healthy whilst caring.

It’s more important than ever to shine a spotlight on the huge contribution carers make and reach out with information and support.

FINANCE

Unpaid Carers are entitled to an assessment of their needs to identify ways you can be supported in your role. If you are an adult providing unpaid care to another adult, you can contact C1V (01446 700111) for further information on this or to request an assessment, or contact Families First Advice Line (0800 0327 322) if you are a young carer or a parent/unpaid carer for a disabled child.

Contact Details can be found here: https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/living/social_care/adult_services/Carers/Carers-Assessment.aspx

 If you continue to experience severe financial hardship you may wish to make a claim to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF): 0800 859 5924 Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) | GOV.WALES

WELLBEING

If you want information or advice about your well-being – or want to know how you can help somebody else, online Information is available at www.Dewis.Wales

GENERAL

All of these sites offer practical advice as well as information on support and financial services that are available to you:

• Carers Wales: Provides advice and information to carers and the professionals who support carers. Advice line – Monday to Friday: 0808 808 777 www.carersuk.org/wales . Are you caring for someone but unsure of your rights and what support you’re entitled to? Our guide explains the different benefits and support available to carers step by step. Looking after someone also offers many practical ideas to help make life easier for you when taking on your caring responsibilities.  Looking after someone guide | Carers Wales (carersuk.org)

• Cardiff and Vale Carers Gateway. Telephone: 029 2192 1024  Email: gateway@thecarecollective.wales

• Carers Trust Wales: Committed to improving support and services for unpaid carers: 0300 772 9702 wales@carers.org https://carers.org/around-the-uk-our-work-in-wales/our-work-in-wales

• All Wales Forum: Provides a national voice to empower parents and carers of people with learning disabilities: 029 2081 1120 admin@allwalesforum.org.uk  www.allwalesforum.org.uk

• Vale of Glamorgan Local Authority Carers: Information for carers who care, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support: www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/carers

• Directory of Services for Older People in the Vale and Cardiff This directory, produced by Glamorgan Voluntary Services, contains information about services which can support older people and carers. It lists services in alphabetical order by type of service, eg advocacy, befriending, lunch clubs, shopping. Click on the link above to the Directories page on the website.

The Carer's Emergency Card (CEC) helps plan for someone to be looked after if something unexpected happens to their carer.

One of the biggest worries for carers is how the family member or friend who relies on them would cope if anything happened to their carer.

In response to this, Carers Wales has developed a new card for carers. Should an emergency or accident happen, by carrying this card it will let emergency workers and others know that someone relies on you as a carer. The card provides spaces for emergency contacts, for example family or friends who can help: Carer's Emergency Card (valeofglamorgan.gov.uk)

A young carer is defined as someone under 18 who provides care on an unpaid basis for another person. The person they look after may be a parent, a brother or sister, a grandparent or other relative.

They may provide practical or physical care, help with personal care, and help with domestic tasks and/or emotional support.

There are an estimated 800,000 young carers in the UK and a recent survey in the Vale of Glamorgan indicated that 1 in 6 (16%) of pupils in primary or secondary school could be young carers.

Young carers face serious caring responsibilities. In addition to the daily tasks they complete for their parents such as housework, cooking and bathing, they live with the added pressure of school and, often, a lack of understanding from schoolmates.

For more information and guidance see Young Carers (valeofglamorgan.gov.uk)