Carers Under Pressure Programme

What is the Carers Under Pressure Programme?

Carers Under Pressure (CUPs) is a one-to-one counselling programme created specifically for those in caring roles—whether you’re looking after a loved one at home or working professionally as a carer. Across 10 individual sessions, you’ll explore practical strategies to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and find space to prioritise your own well-being.

Based on the success of our Parents Under Pressure Programme, CUPs is now available to both unpaid and professional carers who are feeling the weight of responsibility and need extra support.

While the counselling is provided free of charge, we do ask for a small contribution of £15 per session to help cover room rental and administration costs.

If you’re feeling burnt out, emotionally stretched, or simply in need of a safe space to reflect and reset, our experienced placement counsellors are here to help.

Why Should I Consider the Carers Under Pressure Programme?

Support for Your Mental Health & Well-Being

Caring for others can be overwhelming—1 in 6 adults in England experiences a common mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, each week (Mind). For carers, the constant pressure of looking after someone else’s needs—while often neglecting their own—can quickly lead to burnout.

Whether you’re an unpaid carer supporting a loved one or a professional working in care, the emotional toll is real. Stress left unchecked can impact not just your health, but your ability to care effectively.

Our one-to-one counselling offers a confidential, non-judgemental space to talk things through. With the right support, carers can feel more in control, more resilient, and better equipped to carry on doing the vital work they do.

The Impact of Stress on Carers

Caring for others can take a serious toll on your mental health. According to Mind, 1 in 6 adults in England experiences a common mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, each week.

For carers, the risks are even higher. A recent survey by Carers UK found that:

72% of carers reported experiencing mental ill health due to their caring role
61% said they feel lonely or isolated
29% described their mental health as “bad” or “very bad”

When carers spend their days supporting others, they often neglect their own emotional needs. Left unmanaged, this stress can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and a decline in both physical and mental well-being.

Whether you’re an unpaid carer supporting a loved one or a professional in the care sector, the emotional impact is real. Stress doesn’t just affect your health—it affects your ability to care effectively.

Carers Under Pressure (CUPs) offers a safe, confidential space to talk openly and be supported. Our one-to-one counselling is here to help you feel more in control, more resilient, and better equipped to continue the important work you do—without losing yourself in the process.

Strengthening Personal & Family Relationships

Caring stress can often spill over into other relationships—whether with partners, family members, friends, or even the person you’re caring for. According to Relate, emotional strain can lead to increased conflict, miscommunication, and a breakdown in support networks.

While CUPs is not a couples or family counselling programme, our one-to-one sessions can help you:

Reflect on your own needs and boundaries
Develop healthier coping strategies
Communicate more clearly with others
Improve your emotional resilience and reduce conflict

Supporting others starts with supporting yourself. These sessions offer a private space where you can work through the emotional toll of caregiving and find ways to protect your own well-being.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the emotional load of parenting, our one-on-one therapy can offer the personal support you need.

The Power of Seeking Help

Many carers put their own needs last—but prioritising your emotional well-being can have a positive ripple effect on the people you care for. According to NHS Digital, structured mental health support has been shown to improve coping ability, reduce stress, and enhance quality of life—not just for the individual, but for those around them.

Taking part in CUPs isn’t selfish. It’s a vital step towards protecting your own health, sustaining your ability to care, and creating a more stable, compassionate environment for everyone involved.

By looking after yourself, you’re laying the groundwork for better outcomes—not just for you, but for those who rely on you too.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in joining the Carers Under Pressure programme, get in touch with us today. Our placement counsellors provide one-on-one support in a safe, non-judgmental space—helping you feel heard, understood, and equipped to navigate the role of being a carer with confidence.

Please note:

This is not couples or family therapy—it is individual counselling designed to support you as a parent. Applicants will be assessed prior to acceptance to ensure the programme is the right fit for their needs.

Devon Clinic