Adult carers
A carer is 'a person of any age who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage to live independently without the carer's help due to frailty, illness, disability or addiction.'
We are developing a new carers strategy and will publish details of it on this page when available.
Free counselling support
Relationships Scotland Dumfries and Galloway is a local charity offering a free and confidential counselling service for carers. Go to counselling for carers – Relationships Scotland Dumfries and Galloway.
Free training for carers
Free short courses are available to all local unpaid carers throughout the year. Go to unpaid carers – Care Training Consortium.
We can also provide a free guide to safely moving and handling of people.
Telephone: 01387 260935
Email: carers@dumgal.gov.uk
Caring for someone with a mental health illness
Caring for someone with a mental illness can be a stressful and isolating experience. Change Mental Health is a charity that believes anyone affected by mental illness deserves compassionate and expert support.
They offer a confidential support and information service for carers throughout Dumfries and Galloway. Go to carer support – Change Mental Health.
LGBT+ carers
Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and a carer can bring additional issues and challenges. Carers may be anxious about accessing services and have concerns that they may not be LGBT+ friendly or be able to meet their needs.
- Dumfries and Galloway LGBT+
- Call: 0800 020 9653
Carers emergency card
Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre can provide a emergency card that identifies you as a carer in the event of an emergency. The card is designed to give you peace of mind when you're away from the person you care for.
Apply for a carers emergency card – Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre
Other sources of help for carers
If you find it difficult to talk about your caring situation and to ask for support you might like help from Dumfries and Galloway Advocacy Service.
You can also get benefits advice and ask us to check that you have all the financial support available.
When caring ends
Whatever the reason for your carer's role ending, you may experience mixed emotions. You may feel guilty about being relieved that you can have your life back, but may also experience grief, emptiness and loneliness. Find out what support is available when caring ends – Cruse Scotland.