1.5 million carers in the UK look after someone with a mental health problem (Carers Trust, 2013). Caring can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it does present particular challenges.

Caring can affect a person’s ability to work, socialise, look after yourself and live fully day-to-day. Caring can put strain on an individual’s finances, especially if the carer has to give up paid employment. It can also lead to social isolation, and 87% carers feel that it undermines their own mental health (Age UK et al, 2012).