Across the UK, 5.7 million people are carers, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.
Yet carers are experiencing even greater challenges. Since the coronavirus pandemic, we estimate that 4.5 million more people have taken on caring responsibilities.
We share our insights on caring with local authorities, employers and other organisations, making the most of technology to help solve the problems that carers face.
Better services for carers
Carers rely on good quality services to help manage care alongside everything else.
We work with service providers to help them provide the support carers urgently need.
Better employers for carers
Staying in work is a major challenge for the 3 million working carers – every day, 600 people on average are leaving their jobs to provide unpaid care.
With over 215 members covering 3.5million employees, our Employers for Carers membership forum helps employers improve their understanding of carers and retain the carers in their workforce.
Better technology for carers
By listening to what carers need, we’re using our expertise to develop useful products that can help improve carers’ lives.
Our mobile and online app, Jointly, has been designed to make life a little easier for people who share care. And our MyBackUp tool helps carers develop a contingency plan for greater peace of mind.
Latest updates
Caring About Equality: Why tackling carer poverty must be a national priority
John Perryman, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, writes about the importance of tackling carer poverty.
Carers Week 2025: Why we care about equality for carers
Carers UK Chief Executive Helen Walker shares a message to mark the start of Carers Week 2025.
Unpaid carers in employment need further support to improve their health and wellbeing
44% of carers in employment have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on…
Nearly half of UK adults with caring responsibilities say their health has been impacted since caring, reporting new or worsening conditions
43% of current or former carers have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking…
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
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