About Carers

A carer is someone who steps up to support a person who couldn’t manage without their help. Whether it’s a relative, partner, friend or neighbour, carers make a vital difference every day—often without recognition, and always without pay.

Carers come from all walks of life. They can be any age, from any background, and their experiences are as diverse as the people they care for. What unites them is their commitment, resilience and compassion.

Caring can involve a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Practical support like cooking, cleaning, ironing and managing finances
• Personal care such as bathing, dressing and administering medication
• Emotional support—listening, advocating, problem-solving and simply being there

Behind these tasks is a deeper story: many carers face isolation, financial hardship, and health challenges. Too often, they go unrecognised and unsupported for years.

Key concerns for Carers

Based on findings from Carers UK’s State of Caring 2024 report

• Recognition: Carers feel invisible and undervalued by society, government, and health services.
• Financial Hardship: Low income and inadequate Carer’s Allowance are pushing many carers into poverty.
• Respite: Lack of regular, affordable breaks is leading to burnout and poor wellbeing.
• Health & Wellbeing: Carers face high levels of stress, poor physical and mental health, and often delay their own treatment.
• Employment: Caring responsibilities impact carers’ ability to work. They need paid leave, flexible working, and employer understanding.
• Equality: Carers want fair treatment, protection from discrimination, and support that reflects their diverse needs.
• Support Needs: Carers need clear, accessible information, practical help—not just signposting—and less bureaucracy.

Carers Support works to meet the needs of carers by providing free, accessible services that offer practical help, emotional support, and opportunities for connection and respite.

“There’s no sick pay, no annual leave, no bank holidays, no minimum rest breaks between “shifts”. It’s constant, and all for less than £2 an hour!” 

The scale of caring

Nationally

Locally

Young Carers – Supporting the Next Generation

Young carers are children and young people aged 18 or under who provide care for a family member. They face unique challenges that can shape their futures, including emotional strain, disrupted education, and limited access to support. Our Young Carers Service is designed to help them thrive – not just cope.

How Their Needs Differ

• Recognition: Often go unnoticed by schools and professionals.
• Education: Caring responsibilities can affect attendance and achievement.
• Health & Wellbeing: Higher risk of isolation and mental health issues.
• Respite: Need time to be children – access to play and social activities.
• Support Needs: Age-appropriate help and trusted adults to talk to.

The Scale

Ethnic minority carers

Ethnic minority carers often face additional challenges. In this series of short, engaging films, carers share their everyday experiences in their own words. The films are presented in community languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, and Urdu.