For politicians
Millions of people across the UK provide unpaid care for friends and family. But many carers face significant challenges because of the care they provide which too often leads to significant inequalities; the loss of employment, poorer health outcomes, isolation and loneliness, missed educational opportunities, lower incomes and pensions and, for some, poverty and hardship.
That’s why this Carers Week the organisations involved are calling on all political parties to advocate policies which show they are ‘Caring about Equality’.
Supporting carers to provide care safely and well and ensuring they can lead a life of their own by continuing to participate in everyday life through work, education and leisure is morally and economically right, and in everyone’s best interest.
Carers urgently need your support to address the significant inequalities faced by unpaid carers across the UK and to see a fairer society for carers.
Specifically, we are calling for the UK Government to:
- Commit to undertaking coordinated cross-Government action in support of unpaid carers, leading to the delivery of a new National Carers Strategy.
- Improve identification and recognition of carers in all aspects of their lives.
- Address the significant financial hardship that too many carers currently face.
- Better supporting carers to juggle paid work with their unpaid caring responsibilities.
- Support young and young adult carers by signing and proactively supporting the Young Carers Covenant.
Please support carers this Carers Week by:
- Attending the Carers Week event in Parliament – 2.00-4:30pm, Wednesday 11 June, Attlee Suite, Portcullis House
- Joining us in saying ‘We care about equality for carers’ on the Carers Week homepage.
- Showing your support for carers on social media using #CarersWeek and tagging @CarersWeek.
- Contacting your local carers' organisation to find out what they are doing in your community. See Carers UK’s directory here.
- Sharing our advice and information resources with carers in your constituency.
- Working to create a Carer Friendly Community by encouraging organisations and services in your constituency (e.g. employers, GP surgeries, pharmacies, schools, colleges, universities) to help to identify and support unpaid carers.
Contact us
If you have any questions about getting involved with Carers Week, please contact policy@carersuk.org
“Equality means not being disadvantaged due to my caring role, being able to full take part in society in the same way as my friends who do not having a caring role.”