Building Carer-Friendly Communities: What’s in the 2026 Carers Week report?
A new report for Carers Week 2026 reveals the true scale and impact of unpaid care in the UK, with 11.6 million people currently supporting loved ones. There is a growing call for action to build more carer-friendly communities and ensure carers are valued, included, and able to thrive.
Informal Carers: Unseen and Overloaded
Informal carers are the unseen backbone of our care system, quietly taking on responsibilities that grow heavier with time. What carers need most—time and respite—remains the hardest thing to secure.
The Hidden Backbone: Recognising and Supporting Unpaid Carers
Unpaid Carers in the UK play a vital yet often invisible role, supporting loved ones through illness, disability, and ageing. Despite saving the government billions annually, many face emotional strain, financial hardship, and limited access to support. This blog explores the realities of caring, the gaps in policy, and the urgent need for recognition and respite.