Across the UK today 6.5 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. Many carers are stretched to the limit – experiencing poor mental 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. The COVID-19 pandemic put carers under enormous strain with many taking on extra care without access to their usual support.  

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. This Carers Week, we invite you to join with us as we Make Caring Visible, Valued and Supported. 

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“The pandemic had a massive impact on unpaid carers’ lives – not only because of the increased amount of care that many are having to provide, but because of the far-reaching effect that providing this level of care is having on many aspects of their lives: their relationships, their mental and physical health, their paid work and finances, and their emotional wellbeing. It is more important than ever that carers are provided with the support they need to look after themselves and the person they care for.   

"Carers Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness and recognise the huge contribution carers make. This Carers Week we want to make carers visible, valued and supported. We want local communities, organisations and individuals to come together and recognise and value the role of unpaid carers, and provide them with support and information” 

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

Or contact us: info@carersuk.org

Our helpline services

Email advice@carersuk.org or call 0808 808 7777 (Monday-Friday 9am-6pm)