Supporting Greater Manchester’s carers this winter

NHS Greater Manchester is reminding unpaid carers that their own health and wellbeing are just as important as the person they support.

Every day, around 12,000 people across the UK become unpaid carers for a partner, family member, or friend, often without realizing they’ve taken on this vital role. Many are unaware of the practical help, legal rights, and financial support available to them.

Across Greater Manchester, thousands of people provide unpaid care for a loved one, from elderly parents to friends with disabilities or long-term conditions. This winter, NHS Greater Manchester is encouraging carers to take small but important steps to stay well, safe, and connected.

Practical tips for carers this winter

Keep up to date with vaccinations: Make sure both you and the person you care for have had your flu jab and COVID-19 booster if eligible. These are free for eligible unpaid carers and available through GP practices, pharmacies, or walk-in clinics.

Look after your mental wellbeing: If you need urgent mental health support, for example, if you feel mentally unsafe or severely distressed, you can quickly and easily access support by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option 2. It’s available 24/7, free of charge, and you can call for yourself or someone else.

Free digital mental wellbeing support: Join the community and access free, safe, and anonymous professional support online. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7. Support available includes:

• Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals
• Self-help tools and activities
• Online community Qwell (for ages 26+)  www.qwell.io/

Plan ahead if you become unwell: If you catch a winter illness, have a back-up plan so that the person you care for can continue to receive the support they need. Your local council can provide information on emergency or respite care options.

Keep your home safe and warm: Falls prevention advice, heating support, and financial help are available via your local council or through winter wellbeing hubs across Greater Manchester. Find details at GMCA Winterwise.

Staying well and getting the right care: Carers often put their own health last, but it’s essential to look after yourself. Pharmacies can help with many minor health concerns and medicine advice. Pharmacists can assist with a wide range of minor health issues and provide advice on managing medicines. For urgent care needs that aren’t life-threatening, use NHS 111 online or by phone, or download the NHS App to check symptoms, book appointments, and order repeat prescriptions.

Support and advice for carers: Carers can also ask their local council for a carer’s assessment to explore what support could make caring easier. Many areas offer drop-in sessions and support groups where carers can share experiences and receive practical advice.

For those balancing caring with work, local schemes such as the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, WorkWell, and the Greater Manchester Working Carer Toolkit can help employers and employees find flexible solutions.

Joanne Chilton, Director of Adult Social Care Transformation at NHS Greater Manchester, said: “Carers play an invaluable role in our communities, but we know it can take a toll on their own health and wellbeing.

“We want to make sure carers know they are not alone. There is practical help and local support available to help them stay well and continue caring safely.”

Visit NHS GM for information on winter wellbeing, carers’ support, and staying healthy this winter.

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