The UK’s carers are, quite literally, indispensable. By providing unpaid care for someone they know who is ill, frail or disabled, they save the economy an incredible £87 billion - the same cost of running the NHS.  

Despite this - and the fact that 3 in 5 people will be carers at some point in their lives  - carers often face a lack of recognition in all areas of their lives. Carers experience this from employers, GPs and social workers, even friends and family.

The main consequence of this lack of recognition is that carers suffer more than they need to. Carers struggle with their finances (Carers Allowance at £53.90 is the lowest benefit of its kind), health, job, social life and general wellbeing.

Carers Week will combat this by highlighting and celebrating the incredible contribution that carers make, sharing the positive experiences as well as the more difficult.

We will campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and inform those who are unaware, of the services and benefits they are entitled to.  

We can provide the following:

• Case studies of carers (covering all ages, backgrounds, experiences and geographic spread)
• Celebrity spokespeople
• Facts and figures about carers  
• Details of national and regional events taking place during Carers Week