A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend, partner or neighbour who has a disability, an illness, is frail, has mental health difficulties or has alcohol or drug related problems and who could not manage without their help or support.While this includes people who receive Carers Allowance, there are also many people who do not consider themselves to be carers. They are perhaps looking after a family member, a neighbour or best friend, just getting on with it and doing the best they can to support and care for their friend or relative.