How to Build a Support Network as a New Carer
Becoming a carer — whether paid or unpaid — is life-changing.
You suddenly find yourself learning new skills, managing emotional moments, handling practical tasks, navigating health and social care systems, and carrying a level of responsibility most people never see.
And one feeling almost every new carer describes?
Loneliness.
Disconnection.
“Who do I talk to about this?”
You can love the person you support deeply and still feel overwhelmed or isolated.
That’s why building a support network is one of the most important things you can do as a new carer — not just for your wellbeing, but for the quality of care you’re able to give.
Here’s how to build a strong, supportive, reliable network around you.
💛 1. Start with people who understand your world
If you are new to caring, you may discover that some friends or family don’t fully “get it”.
Not because they don’t care — but because caring is complex, emotional and often unpredictable.
Build your foundation with people who share your reality:
other new carers
experienced carers
people who support a loved one
colleagues in health or social care
community nurses, social workers, therapists
These people speak the same language — risk assessments, medication, safeguarding, challenging days, small victories, exhaustion, humour, hope.
They won’t say, “Just take a break” as if that’s simple.
They get the emotional labour behind the everyday.
💛 2. Join national and professional networks
There are excellent organisations in the UK built specifically to support carers.
These networks offer training, connection and a sense of belonging — especially helpful if you feel unsure where to begin.
⭐ The Professional Carers Network
A supportive community for paid care workers across the UK.
Great for:
peer support
training news
sharing best practice
finding your professional identity
⭐ The Care Workers’ Charity
They provide:
financial grants
mental health support
crisis funding
community events
A lifesaver when life throws something unexpected your way.
⭐ Skills for Care Networks
Ideal for:
developing skills
hearing from sector experts
career development
connecting with others in adult social care
These networks help you grow your confidence — and your competence — in your caring role.
💛 3. Connect with local or community-based support
Many new carers find support close to home through:
local authority carer groups
peer meet-ups
church or community hubs
hospital-based carer services
condition-specific charities (e.g., dementia, autism, MS)
Local support means local understanding — people dealing with the same services, GPs, hospitals, waiting lists, social care teams and funding systems.
💛 4. Speak to professionals who can support you, not just the person you care for
You are part of the care plan too.
Reach out to:
GP surgeries
social prescribers
district nurses
community teams
early help or family support workers
Tell them:
what’s hard
what’s worrying you
what you need to continue caring
Professionals can guide you to respite, training, community support or practical tools you may not know exist.
💛 5. Build your emotional support system
Every carer needs “those people” — the ones you can message or call when everything feels too heavy.
This may include:
a close friend who listens
a colleague who understands the job
a family member who checks in
someone you met in a peer group
a fellow carer from a training session
Your emotional support system shouldn’t be huge — it should be safe.
💛 6. Share your voice and stories on Peopleoo — your always-available space
This is the most important part.
Because while networks, groups and professionals are wonderful, they aren’t always:
awake at 2am
available on weekends
able to respond instantly
safe to share anonymously
trauma-informed
moderated
built specifically for connection
Peopleoo is.
⭐ Peopleoo is always there
Whether you’re:
confused
overwhelmed
proud
exhausted
angry
hopeful
needing reassurance
wanting to celebrate a win
There is always space for you.
⭐ Peopleoo gives you:
Circles to connect with people like you
anonymous posting for sensitive or emotional topics
Special Mentions to appreciate others (and be appreciated!)
OOOs for quick positivity boosts
a trauma-informed environment that prevents triggering content
a safe, moderated community where carers are protected
connection with the UK’s widest caring network
This is the one support network that never closes and never disappears — because we know caring doesn’t happen only between 9 and 5.
💛 7. Celebrate your wins — even the tiny ones
As a new carer, every milestone matters:
the first successful medication round
the first time you calmed someone during distress
the first time you navigated a health appointment
your first proper night’s sleep
the first moment you thought, “I can do this.”
Capture these moments on Peopleoo.
Let others cheer for you.
Let yourself remember them.
Every carer deserves a support network that claps loudly for their small victories.
💛 Final Thought
Being a new carer is a journey you should never walk alone.
Build your network:
nationally
locally
professionally
emotionally
digitally
And let Peopleoo be the constant — the place where you can land, talk, learn, laugh, vent, connect and grow.
Download Peopleoo today and join a community that truly understands caring. 💛