Carers Week 7-13 June 2021 - It's time to make caring visible and valued.

The aim of Carers Week this year is to make caring visible and valued.  The campaign recognises the contribution that unpaid carers make to their families, friends and communities.  It also highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and helps people who having caring responsibilities to identify as a carer and access much needed support. 

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older.

There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers.   Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, it can of course be challenging – especially if they do not have access to the information and support that they need. 

Unfortunately, the Carers Week 2021 report shows that over the past year, many carers have faced additional challenges as the support they were receiving before the pandemic – either from health and care services, or friends and family - has reduced or stopped altogether.   

The report recommends that: -

1. the UK Government should increase funding to enable carers to be able to take meaningful breaks from their caring responsibilities
2. the UK Government must bring forward plans for long-term reform of social care
3. carers must be recognised by the system so that they can access support to look after their own mental and physical health and wellbeing. 
4. there must be improved financial support for carers who often struggle financially.
5. there must be an increase in carer-friendly employment policies which enable carers to balance their caring and work responsibilities. 

You can find a copy of the Carers Week 2021 report, as well as information, support and details of activities taking place during carers week at https://www.carersweek.org

You can also pledge your support for the Carers Week campaign by writing to your local MP asking them to raise the need for carers to have access to meaningful breaks https://www.carersweek.org/?cmp=campaign