Your Care Counts Campaign

Helping us find and support hidden carers in West Berkshire.

Across West Berkshire, many people provide care for someone who is ill, disabled, elderly, living with mental health problems or experiencing addiction. Many don't think of themselves as carers - but their caring role can have a real impact on their day‑to‑day lives.

'Your Care Counts / Their Care Counts' is our campaign to reach those hidden carers. We want to make sure unpaid carers are recognised, valued, and supported.

You could be a carer - even if you don't think you are

You might be a carer if you:

care for a family member, friend or neighbour
do things that affect your work, college, school or personal life
provide help outside of any paid employment

Caring is different for everyone. It could be:

doing the weekly shop or cooking meals
taking someone to medical appointments
spending time with someone to prevent loneliness
supporting someone with day‑to‑day personal care, such as helping them get dressed

For some people, caring might be a couple of hours a week. For others, it can be all day, every day.

You can still be a carer even if you don't live with the person you care for.

Why we're focusing on hidden carers

Many people caring today wouldn't describe themselves as carers. But they can face real practical, emotional and financial challenges because of the support they give.

By helping carers recognise their role earlier, we can:

make life easier
support their wellbeing
reduce pressure before it becomes overwhelming

We can help you find the support that's right for you

Everyone's situation is different, and any support available is tailored to individual needs and wishes.

When you make contact, we can guide you towards:

support with your overall wellbeing
information about carer's assessments
breaks from caring, while safe and professional care is provided
advice on carers' rights at work, including flexible working
help to explore financial support, including Carer's Allowance

You can find more detail about these areas on our carers information pages.

Their Care Counts - help us reach someone who may be a carer

Do you know someone who:

helps a family member, friend or neighbour
balances caring alongside work, education or other responsibilities
would never think of themselves as an unpaid carer

They might not realise support is available, or feel comfortable asking for help.

By encouraging someone to register as a carer, you'll be making a real difference and helping ensure unpaid carers in West Berkshire get the support they need and deserve.

You can point them towards our support for carers pages.

Children and young people who care

Anyone can be a carer, including children and young people.

Young carers may be supporting someone at home while also managing school, college and friendships. Identifying them early helps ensure they feel understood and supported.

Find out more about support for young carers here.

Download our leaflet

We have leaflets available in four languages (other languages and formats are available on request):

If you would like hard copies, please contact us.

Contact us

Use the contact details below to call or email to register as a carer with us. If you would like further support, complete our carers self-assessment form.