A Carer's Assessment is a free assessment from your local council, available in the UK to anyone who regularly looks after a family member, partner or friend who couldn't manage without that help. It looks at your needs as a carer — not the needs of the person you care for — and what support might make caring more manageable.
You're generally entitled to a Carer's Assessment if you provide regular, unpaid care, regardless of how many hours you care for or your income. You don't need to be related to or living with the person. It's worth requesting one even if you feel you're managing, as it can identify help you didn't know was available.
The assessment considers things like how caring affects your health, work, free time and wellbeing, whether you can take breaks, and what would help. Based on it, the council may offer support such as help with caring tasks, respite care to give you a break, information and signposting, or practical equipment — and it can flag eligibility for other support.
Contact your local council's adult social services and ask for a Carer's Assessment. The charity Carers UK offers guidance on the process and wider carer support. This is general information — eligibility and what's offered vary by individual circumstances and area, so check with your council and see GOV.UK. Our free carer's emergency plan and guide for carers may help.