Mentoring For Carers

Carers provide support for a family member due to illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse. This is usually a parent, child, partner or sibling. A carer may be providing practical, emotional, personal, medical or financial support, or a combination of these.

Many carers can feel isolated by their caring role. People who look after a family member at home are under considerable pressure and often don't have time to seek out the support and guidance that could make a real difference to their life.

A mentor can provide a carer with the chance for some time for themselves and the space to focus on their own needs.

A mentor could provide:
• Emotional support or the chance to offload.
• Information and encouragement
• Help to get involved in new activities and meeting new people
• Help to access opportunities in employment, education and training
• Help achieve a goal

Mentors work with the carer they are supporting openly and honestly, sharing their experiences. They provide a safe and confidential space to discuss concerns and worries and help people to explore and work towards the things that they identify as important to them setting realistic and achievable goals.