Carers Week: raising awareness for unpaid carers

This initiative seeks to spotlight the 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, individuals who offer vital assistance to family or friends dealing with illness, disability, mental health challenges, or addiction. 

Despite their immense contributions, unpaid carers can often feel marginalised and overlooked in their roles. Carers Week, due to take place 10-16 June 2024, emerges as a nationwide campaign to enhance awareness among policymakers, service providers, employers, communities, and businesses about the challenges facing carers today.  

The chosen theme for 2024, "Putting Carers on the Map," carries particular resonance this year due an impending general election. It aims to draw attention to the mounting pressures faced by carers and advocate for their recognition and support through funding and other initiatives. Recognising the multifaceted challenges experienced by carers is central to the campaign, drawing particular attention to financial strains, employment obstacles, and impacts on their own health and well-being. 

A recent survey conducted by Carers UK revealed concerning insights: 82% of carers anticipate encountering difficulties in maintaining their physical and mental health in the upcoming year, whilst nearly 60% express that feeling valued in their caregiving role would substantially enhance their well-being. These findings emphasise the urgent imperative for policymakers and politicians to address the overlooked needs of carers.  

By rallying support and amplifying the voices of unpaid carers, Carers Week 2024 looks to foster understanding and empathy whilst also advocating for more concrete measures to be put in place to help alleviate the burdens carried by these unsung heroes. Through heightened awareness and concerted action, the campaign aims to cultivate a more supportive and inclusive society for carers throughout the UK. 

If you are struggling as an unpaid carer or you know someone who is, charities such as Carers Trust provide free resources to help guide and advice those in need. Visit their website to find out more: https://carers.org/  

You can also visit the Carers Week website here: https://www.carersweek.org/ and check out their free resources designed to help you host an activity in support of unpaid carers. Ideas include: 

• Hosting an online quiz or coffee morning for carers to connect with other carers and take a break 

• Partner with a local business to send hampers or care packages to carers 

• Hold an event at work to let staff know about your carer-friendly policies and support available in the workplace 

At Care Show, we commit to recognising and celebrating the work and compassion of all those in the social care sector, including the roles of unpaid carers.