Support and resources
Long COVID-specific support for carers varies throughout the UK and can be difficult to find. If you have been struggling to find support, then you are not alone. However, you may still benefit from general support services for carers, which are available across the UK.
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All carers are entitled to a carer’s assessment (known as a carer’s needs assessment in Wales and an adult carer’s support plan in Scotland). You can contact your local council for an assessment. Find your local council on GOV.UK
The assessment should cover how your caring role affects your life and health, your feelings around caring, your work and hobbies, planning for emergencies, and how to look after yourself. After the assessment, you may be offered support for your caring role or wellbeing, such as practical support, a break from your caring responsibilities, or information and advice.
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Long Covid UK runs a Facebook group for carers. Talking with other carers is a great way to feel understood and less alone.
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If you care for a child or young person who has Long COVID, you might also look at the resources from Long Covid Kids, which are available on their website.
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Carers Card UK offer a national ID card for carers. It is £8 for two years. As well as exclusive discounts for carers, other member benefits include a carer emergency plan, a carer circle tool, confidential 24/7 support, and connecting with the UK’s biggest carer’s community.
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If you are struggling and need emotional support, please contact the Carers UK helpline from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, on 0808 808 7777.
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If your loved one’s illness overlaps with ME, Action for ME offer a helpline that is available for carers on Monday to Thursday, 10.30am to 3pm, on 0117 927 9551.
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There are regional support services for carers across the UK. It may be worth getting in touch with your local council to find out what services are available in your area. Alternatively, you can find local services on the following links:
Looking after yourself
It can feel like there is always a job to be done. Juggling care with other responsibilities, like work and family life, can become overwhelming. This can impact a person’s physical and mental health, so it is important to look after yourself. Your needs are just as important as your loved one’s.
Remembering to eat well and stay active, and finding ways to relax, could make a world of difference. What brings you joy? It could be seeing a friend who makes you belly laugh, spending time on a hobby that you love, or something as simple as losing yourself in a jigsaw. Whatever helps you to feel like yourself and keeps your spirits up.
While it is important to have a support network, carers find that they are not able to spend as much time with friends and family. Sometimes they feel that friends and family do not understand Long COVID or their caring responsibilities. Sadly, this can lead to loneliness and isolation.
If you are struggling with your mental health, then it may be helpful to access counselling. Your GP may be able to help you find the right support in your area, or you can find a counsellor on Counselling Directory. Also, some carer services offer counselling, so it may be helpful to find out what your local carer service offers.