Here to support carers in Salford
Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone, of any age (adult or child) who looks after, unwaged, a family member (adult or child), partner, friend, or neighbour, who due to any illness, disability, frailty, a mental health condition, substance use, or addiction, needs their help/cannot cope without their support.
This definition was co-produced by Salford Carers.
You may not think of yourself as a carer; many people who look after someone don’t use this label to describe their experience. Caring is often something people ‘just do’ because they love the person the support.
In many families, cultures and religions, there is an expectation to care for loved ones. In some languages the word ‘carer’ does not exist – caring is seen as a natural extension of family and community responsibilities, and sometimes considered an expectation.
Carers’ rights
People have a right* to choose whether to be a carer or not, to choose what they can and are able to do, and to have a life alongside their caring role, including employment, education, training and leisure.
*The Care Act 2014, The Children and Families Act 2014, The Children Act 1989
Often, caring begins gradually. You might start by helping with small things, and over time those responsibilities grow, sometimes without you even noticing.
The important thing to remember is:
No matter who you care for, no matter how often you care, no matter whether you call yourself a carer or not, That Counts as Caring – and help is available.
How do Gaddum support carers in Salford?
We understand it can feel daunting reaching out for support. You might be feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. But rest assured: you are not alone. Gaddum is here to support you. We offer support to carers in Salford of all ages.
Click on the buttons below to find the support that’s right for you.
Young Adult Carers
Page coming soon…
In the meantime, please email our team for more information: salford.carers@gaddum.org.uk
What does caring for someone involve?
Caring looks different for everyone. You might live with the person you care for, or maybe they live independently, with someone else or in a care home.
Below are a few examples of what caring for someone might include:
Carer events & groups
We host lots of free events each month for Salford carers. To find out what's on, head to our events page.
You may also wish to sign up to our monthly carers newsletter, packed with useful resources and information about upcoming events:
What people say about our carers service
I think that it’s really important for people to know about young carers because if there are other children who look after siblings or Mums and Dads, they need to know that there are people there for them to talk to if they are feeling upset.
Young carer
Struggling to care for a child with special educational needs as well as balancing work and doing shopping for my mum is tough. Support from Gaddum has really helped me look at balancing everything I do. I know even get some time each week for me.
Carer
You allowed me time to express myself & listened attentively. For the first time in a while ‘I felt listened to & heard’. You are a star, please keep doing what you are doing.
Carer
If you’d like some help or advice, send an email to salford.carers@gaddum.org.uk, or you can speak to someone in our team by calling 0161 834 6069.
