Carers Week is a UK-wide annual campaign to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution of unpaid carers. It shines a national spotlight on the 11.9 million unpaid carers across the UK, raises awareness of the challenges they face, and highlights the need for greater support. This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, calls for fair recognition and equal rights for all unpaid carers.
Unpaid carers – those looking after family or friends who are ill, disabled or frail – often face immense challenges. Many juggle caring responsibilities with paid work or education, leading to financial hardship, stress, and social isolation. The mental and physical toll of constant care, often without respite, is significant. Yet, carers’ voices are frequently unheard in policy decisions that directly affect them.
Equality for carers means access to support that values their role. This includes flexible employment policies, fairer access to benefits, and health and wellbeing services that recognise the unique pressures of caring. It also means ensuring that carers from all backgrounds, including young carers, older carers, and carers from minority communities, can access culturally appropriate support.
Help and advice
Unpaid carers don’t have to face challenges alone. Organisations like Carers UK, NHS Carers Direct, Citizens Advice, and Carers Trust offer expert advice, practical tools, and emotional support to help carers manage their responsibilities and protect their own wellbeing.
- Carers UK: Offers expert advice, a helpline, online forums, and information on financial support.
- NHS Carers Direct: Provides guidance on health, benefits, and respite care.
- Turn2us: Helps carers check their entitlement to benefits and grants.
- Citizens Advice: Offers local support on employment, legal rights, and housing.
- Carer services near you (via Carers Trust): Connects carers with community-specific support.
An essential guide for carers
If you’re looking after a loved one, Carers UK’s Looking after someone is a go-to guide for anyone caring for family or friends. It offers clear, practical advice on carers’ rights, benefits, support services, and how to navigate the challenges of caring.
Different versions are available to reflect the different legislation across the nations, as well as a Welsh language version.
