Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping every older person who needs us
In the UK we help more than seven million people every year, providing support, companionship and advice for older people who need it most. We work as part of a network of independent charities which includes Age UK; our national partners Age Cymru, Age NI and Age Scotland, and over 130 local Age UK partners in England.
Age UK and many of its local partners are pleased to participate in Carers Week 2023. We provide help and support to carers across the country in many different ways - such as offering counselling and support groups, sharing advice on Carer's Assessments and benefits, and providing day care and respite, or organising fun activities to allow carers to relax.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK says:
“As I and many other people know from our own experience, caring for someone is a tough job which even when done willingly, can exact a heavy toll on the carer – practically, emotionally and often financially too.
“Over 2 million carers in this country are themselves aged 65 plus and astonishingly, over 150,000 carers are themselves 85 and above. Also there are 1.1 million sandwich carers in the UK who are caring for an older relative as well as bringing up a family.
“Whoever they are, all carers need our support. Unfortunately, as the State has retreated and failed to fulfil its social care duties it is the individual carers and families who are having to pick up the pieces.
“Age UK provides independent information and advice for carers and their families now. We also campaign for social care to be reformed and properly funded. Ensuring carers get the support they deserve and should be entitled to as of right is very much part of our vision as a charity.”
For more information:
- visit the Age UK website
- call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602