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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

News
Carers Week logo
Building Carer Friendly Communities means we need to do more to support carers to stay in work
10 June 26
John Perryman, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, explores why supporting unpaid carers to stay in work must be central to building carer-friendly communities.
News
Building Carer Friendly Communities - Lesley MacCulloch
10 June 26
This Carers Week article on Building Carer Friendly Communities was kindly submitted by Scottish carer, Lesley MacCulloch.
News
Illustration of a person standing in front of buildings
Watch: Kirsten Hogg's message for Carers Week 2026
09 June 26
Kirsten Hogg, Director of Devolved Nations at Carers UK, is sharing her reflections on this year's theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, and encouraging everyone to consider how they can better support unpaid carers.
Press Release
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A pivotal moment - Carers UK responds to Government consultation on workplace rights for unpaid carers
09 June 26
Response to Government consultation on Carer's Leave 

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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