Carers UK

Across the UK today 5.8 million people are carers, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill 

Carers hold families together, enable loved ones to get the most out of life and make an enormous contribution to society. However caring can come with high personal costs. Many carers are stretched to the limit – experiencing poor mental health or physical health themselves, finding it hard to make ends meet, struggling to juggle work and family life, or having to give up work to care. With friendships and relationships impacted, caring can be a lonely and isolating role. Many carers feel that their caring role is not recognised, that they are invisible or forgotten about.   

At Carers UK, we want carers to know that they're not alone. We're here to listen, to give expert information and advice, campaign for lasting change, and find new ways to support carers with their caring role. We want to see a world where carers are supported not only to cope with the challenges of looking after someone, but to build a life of their own too. A life which includes caring but is not overwhelmed by it, and one where carers are able to look after their own health and wellbeing too. 

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

"Carers Week 2026 is a crucial chance for all of us to play a positive part in building carer friendly communities, to think about unpaid carers and how we can help them look after their health and wellbeing, their relationships and their financial security.

Carers face challenges every step of the way in their lives. We need carer friendly communities to steer a better pathway to support, giving carers and the people they care for a better quality

of life and better opportunities, regardless of their age and where they live. Let’s work together towards greater visibility and support.”

Find out more on our website: www.carersuk.org

Or contact us: [email protected]

Our helpline services

Email [email protected] or call 0808 808 7777 (Monday-Friday 9am-6pm)