The unpaid caring population is diverse and the needs and challenges facing carers are varied and complex. Unpaid carers from ethnically diverse communities can often face particular challenges which differ from the wider caring population.

In 2024 Carers NI undertook an initial scoping exercise to try and understand the issues facing unpaid carers from ethnically diverse communities in Northern Ireland.

The research clearly highlighted that the way care or a caring role is perceived varies significantly between different cultures. As such many carers (as Carers NI would classify a carer) are not self-identifying as a carer or presenting to or availing of support services.

Organisations participating in our research were clear that mainstream methods of delivering information and support would not be effective in such communities. Instead, they felt a more local approach delivered in conjunction with community groups would have greater reach and success.

Read the briefing in full at the link below.