'Caring was the most difficult time of my life'

Tel Martin cared for his partner for three years

As one in five unpaid carers struggle financially in the UK, a Surrey charity says the real number could be even greater, with some people not even realising they are carers at all.

There are 5.8 million unpaid carers across the UK, often caring for family members, partners or friends, and about 1.2 million of those are living in poverty, according to research from Carers UK.

The charity Action for Carers Surrey said the figures do not paint a full picture of the problem, with many unsure where to turn.

Tel Martin, who cared for his partner at home, said: "The three years that I was caring was the most difficult time of my life, and got increasingly difficult."

Action for Carers Surrey estimates there are 120,000 unpaid carers in the county.

Rachel Brennan, manager of the adult carer service for the charity, said: "Many people who are supporting someone who could not manage without them do not know they are now an unpaid carer."

She said many carers do not seek the support they need and "many struggle on".

"As a carer, you're likely to face many challenges and you shouldn't be put in a position where your life, dignity and self-respect are put at serious risk.

"Knowing your rights is an important first step to protecting yourself and the person you care for," Ms Brennan advises.

"Being identified as a carer is one of the most important rights someone as an unpaid carer has."

Ms Brennan says once a person is identified as a carer, they can be put in contact with various services who can help with financial, emotional and practical support.

'Crisis moment'

Mr Martin, whose partner has dementia and now lives in a care home, did come forward for help.

"I reached a really low point," he said.

"I phoned up action Action for Carers Surrey who calmed me down in that crisis moment, then they arranged support for me.

"Despite knowing where to go, despite knowing all of the people who could help me, still there's that denial about the situation, you don't want to look like you're not coping."

But there are money people who do not know where to find support.

Research from Carers UK found 41% of unpaid carers do not know what benefits they are entitled to, while a third do not know where to get financial guidance.