Libby’s passion for supporting carers stems from her time commissioning services for them at Cheshire East Council. With five years of experience working alongside carer organisations, she’s seen firsthand the challenges they face—and the lack of recognition they often receive.
The term carer itself is problematic. Many people who provide unpaid care to loved ones—due to illness, disability, mental health conditions, or addiction—don’t identify with the label. They see themselves as parents, partners, children, or friends, not carers. Yet, their contributions are immense.
According to the 2021 Census, there are over 5 million unpaid carers in the UK. More than 1.5 million of them provide 50+ hours of care each week, often while juggling other responsibilities. The most common age to become a carer is between 55 and 59, but many are caught in multi-generational caring roles—supporting both children and elderly parents.
The Cost of Caring
Caring comes with emotional and financial strain:
- Only 50% of carers over 16 are employed, compared to 60% of the general population.
- 1.2 million carers live in poverty, with 400,000 in deep poverty.
- 2.6 million have left work due to caring responsibilities.
- Carers who do work often find it a lifeline—if their workplace is supportive.
Despite saving the government an estimated £162 billion a year, 44% of carers receive no formal support. The Carer’s Allowance is just £83.30 per week, and eligibility is tightly restricted. If a carer earns more than £196 a week, they lose access to this support—making it nearly impossible to survive financially.
A Forgotten Strategy
The last National Carers Strategy was published in 2008, with an action plan that ended in 2020. Since then, there’s been no renewal. The State of Caring Survey 2023 revealed alarming statistics:
- Nearly 50% of carers feel depressed.
- 73% are at breaking point.
- 55% want better public recognition.
Carers often remain isolated, unable to leave the person they support. Their role is hidden, and funding is inconsistent across regions. If informal care collapses, local authorities face soaring costs to replace it.
Young Carers: A Silent Struggle
Young carers—aged 5 to 18—are especially vulnerable. The 2021 Census counted 120,000, while the 2024 school census found 64,500. Many come from minority ethnic backgrounds and face disrupted education:
- Missing an average of 23 school days a year.
- Nearly half are persistently absent.
- 2 in 5 struggle to study for exams.
Without support, their future prospects are at risk.
What Carers Need Most
Above all, carers need a break. Organisations like Carers Trust and Carers UK are working to provide that:
- Carers Trust funds local groups and runs services directly.
- Carers UK leads national campaigns and helps shape local services.
One powerful initiative is Protest From Home, a campaign by Carers Trust calling for a legal right to respite. Carers are sharing video messages to Parliament—because many can’t leave home to protest in person.
Libby’s message is clear: carers are the invisible backbone of our society. It’s time we recognised their value, supported their wellbeing, and gave them the breaks they so desperately need.
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Photo by thodonal
