Caring for someone with Mental Health Concerns or Dementia can be extremely challenging. You may sometimes feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn. But you are not alone – across the UK there are thousands of Carers supporting someone with these conditions.

‘Hidden’ Caring

Because Mental Health Concerns and Dementia are not always visible in the same way as physical conditions, many Carers don’t see themselves as Carers at all. The support you give might not be obvious to others, but it is invaluable.

You may be:

• Providing emotional reassurance and encouragement.

• Supporting them through difficult or overwhelming moments.

• Helping with day-to-day practical tasks such as cooking, shopping, or cleaning.

• Managing appointments, medication, or finances.

• Offering memory prompts, safety reassurance, or structured routines.

If this sounds like you, then you are a Carer – and you deserve recognition and support in your role.

Specialist Support for Carers

In County Durham and Darlington, there are services specifically for Carers supporting someone with Mental Health Concerns or Dementia. These include:

• Durham County Carers Support and Darlington Carers Support – offering one-to-one support, groups, and advice tailored to Carers. We are your local support service!

• NHS Mental Health and Memory Teams – if the person you care for is under the care of a service, staff can refer you to Carer support.

• ManHealth (Shildon and wider County Durham) – peer support groups and resources dedicated to men’s mental health, including for male Carers.

• Alzheimer’s Society – national charity offering information, local Dementia support, and advice for Carers.

• Mind and Rethink Mental Illness – national charities offering practical resources and emotional support for Carers.

These services can talk through your caring situation, suggest coping strategies, connect you with groups, and make sure you get the support you need.

Conditions Carers May Encounter

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It may cause confusion, changes in mood, and difficulties with daily living.

Mental Health Concerns can also affect how someone thinks, feels, and behaves. These may include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Bipolar Disorder

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Personality Disorders

• Psychosis

• Schizophrenia

Every experience is unique, but many Carers face similar challenges – uncertainty, emotional strain, and balancing their own life alongside caring.

Carer’s Assessment

If you are supporting someone with Mental Health Concerns or Dementia, you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment through your local council.

• This looks at your needs as a Carer, even if the person you care for does not have an assessment of their own.

• It’s a way to recognise your role and explore what support, respite, or practical help you might need.

• In County Durham and Darlington, Carer’s Assessments can be arranged through your local council, directly with Social Services.

Understanding Mental Health and Dementia

It can be difficult to fully understand what someone with Mental Health Concerns or Dementia is going through. At times, their behaviour may feel frustrating, upsetting, or unpredictable. Learning more about their condition can help both you and them – but it’s also important to take time out for yourself when needed.

Support groups, workshops, and training sessions (such as Dementia Friends sessions) can help you feel more confident and less alone.

When the Person You Care For Won’t Seek Help

Sometimes the person you support may not want to engage with services or accept help. This can be one of the hardest parts of being a Carer. Talking it through with a Carer Support service can help you explore ways of coping.

Charities such as Mind and Alzheimer’s Society also offer useful guidance for situations where someone does not want support.

Looking After Yourself

Caring for someone with Mental Health Concerns or Dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. To continue caring, it’s vital that you also look after your own wellbeing:

• Make time for rest and relaxation when possible.

• Stay connected with friends or social groups.

• Take a Carers Break assessment or talk to your Carer Support Coordinator about support we can give you.

• Ask for support early, rather than waiting until things feel overwhelming.

• Consider counselling or peer support to talk through your feelings (we offer a Free Counselling Service).

Key Contacts for Carers in County Durham & Darlington

Here are some useful places to turn for support if you are a Carer of someone with Mental Health Concerns or Dementia:

• Durham County Carers Support
  📞 0300 005 1213
  🌐 www.dccarers.org

• Darlington Carers Support
  📞 0300 030 1215
  🌐 www.dccarers.org

• ManHealth (Shildon & County Durham) – Men’s peer support for mental health
  📞 01388 320 023
  🌐 www.manhealth.org.uk

• Mind (National) – Mental health support and guidance
  📞 0300 123 3393
  🌐 www.mind.org.uk

• Rethink Mental Illness – Support for people affected by mental illness and their Carers
  📞 0808 801 0525
  🌐 www.rethink.org

• Alzheimer’s Society – Dementia information and support
  📞 0333 150 3456
  🌐 www.alzheimers.org.uk

• Samaritans (24/7 listening support)
  📞 116 123
  🌐 www.samaritans.org

Additional Dementia Services in County Durham

• Dementia Advisor Service (County Durham)
  Free advice and guidance if you’re worried about memory problems, have a diagnosis of dementia, or are caring for someone who does. They can support with information, referrals, and planning for the future.
  🌐 durham.gov.uk/dementia

• County Durham Dementia Advisor Service (CDDAS)
  Run in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society and local organisations. Offers personalised advice, emotional support, and signposting for people living with dementia and their Carers. Self-referrals and professional referrals welcome.
  🌐 livin.co.uk – Dementia Support

• Memory Café (Durham – Newton Hall)
  A friendly, dementia-inclusive social group offering reminiscence activities, refreshments, and peer support. Open to people living with dementia and their Carers.
  🌐 Alzheimer’s Society – Memory Café Durham

Final Thought

Supporting someone with mental health concerns or Dementia can be incredibly tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Local Carer services in County Durham and Darlington, along with national organisations, can provide advice, reassurance, and practical help.

Remember: looking after your own wellbeing is just as important as caring for someone else.