LifestyleHealthBBCBBC’s Dr Kas explained what help and support sharing this one bit of info could reveal14:27, 28 May 2026Around 5.8 million people in the UK take on the duty of caring for another person without it being part of their job. Known as unpaid carers, these people may be entitled to a range of Government support like Carer’s Allowance, but Dr Kasim Ahmed highlighted how GPs can also be of assistance.‌Appearing on BBC’s Morning Live on May 28, Dr Kas urged carers to tell their GPs that they are in a caring role. He said: “It's really important if you are in this kind of unpaid carer role; first, recognising that you're in that role and (second) letting someone know that you're in that role, ideally your GP.‌“Now, you might think ‘what's the GP you're going to do about this?’ but the big thing is documentation more than anything else.”‌Once a person tells their GP that they are a carer, this information should go into their medical record. Your GP might also be able to signpost you to different types of support if you need it.This can include referring you to specialists like physiotherapists, continence advisers and dieticians to help you or the person you care for a bit more than your primary care team can.‌Dr Kas added: “If you're having trouble with your physical health, they've got that little marker in the back of the head that you need to check in on this person every so often or if you were to come and see them with a problem, they think; ‘Well, actually, there's someone else who's involved here’.”He explained that just knowing about your caring duties can help your doctor understand your ailments a bit more, as caring can take a physical, mental and emotional toll in ways that other types of work don’t.It will also ensure your GP knows that if you are taken ill, there is someone else who will also need support during your recovery. And if you need some respite or a break from caring, your GP can be your “first port of call” in finding out what is on offer and how to arrange it.‌Carers UK also notes: “GPs in England are being urged to adopt new measures dedicated to ensuring young carers are offered flu vaccinations, regular health check-ups and mental health screening routinely. We hope this initiative will also be extended more widely in the UK and to adult carers. “If your GP surgery knows you’re a carer and the person you care for attends the same surgery, you may be able to get ‘double’ appointments. This allows you and the person you care for to be seen at the same time, saving you an extra visit to the GP.Article continues belowYour GP may also be able to provide supporting letters and documentation to prove your role as a carer, which can help you access benefits and certain types of support.Carers UK has a downloadable letter template that you can use to tell your GP that you are a carer and help register your role on your medical records. This and more support for carers can be found on the Carers UK website.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BBCMental healthFlu