Carers Week has finally arrived and offers us a vital opportunity to raise awareness and to help connect more carers to essential support!
We know many of you will be joining online events and activities taking place across the UK and hope you will find it a valuable and positive week.
Carers UK and Carers Week supporter charities today published new research about the significant disadvantages that many unpaid carers face.
Read the Caring About Equality report
The research found that 43% of current or former carers across the UK have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on caring responsibilities – an estimated 10.7 million people. Over half (58%) say they face disadvantages in looking after their own health.
Concerningly, many carers find it difficult to access help or support with their own health conditions, due to the demands of caring. 40% of carers have cancelled or postponed a medical appointment, test, scan, treatment or therapy because of their caring responsibilities. Of those who had cancelled an appointment, 44% said this was because they couldn’t find appointments at a time they could attend.
Carers clearly need more support to look after their own health, with more opportunities for breaks, better identification of carers within the NHS, and targeted interventions to support carers’ physical and mental health.
This Carers Week, please join us in saying ‘We care about equality for carers’ on the Carers Week homepage. This quick and easy action is a great way to show your support. You can also, visit the Carers Week activities section to find out about events and activities taking place.