We’re here to make life better for the 5.8 million carers across the UK.
Who is a carer?
A carer is a person of any age who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
Why caring matters
Carers are holding families together, enabling those they care for to get the most out of life, making an enormous contribution to society and saving the economy billions of pounds.
Yet many are stretched to the limit – juggling care with work and family life, struggling to make ends meet and often battling with poor health themselves.
You don’t have to care alone
Looking after someone can be a rewarding experience. It can also be tough, lonely and bewildering. But you’re not on your own. Carers UK is here to listen, to give you expert information and guidance, to champion your rights and support you in finding new ways to manage at home, at work, or wherever you are.
Latest updates
Carers UK responds to Guardian article reporting that the Government is considering compensation for carers hit by the Carer’s Allowance scandal
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said:
“This is very good news to hear that the Government is discussing…
Carers UK's response to the 2024 NHS Adult Inpatient survey
Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs responds to this recent survey.
Carers Rights Day theme announced
Carers UK has launched the theme for this year’s Carers Rights Day on Thursday 20 November 2025 which is ‘Know…
Rising numbers of unpaid carers say they need more support from the NHS
An increasing number of unpaid carers looking after family members or friends who are older, disabled or living with a…
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.