Can you lend a hand to help carers?
On the Coronation Bank Holiday on 8 May, we’re getting involved in the Big Help Out by encouraging everyone to lend a hand to help unpaid carers in their community.
Why carers need support
There are 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK looking after friends, family members or neighbours who rely on them for support due to illness, disability or old age. While caring for someone can be rewarding, it can also be stressful, isolating and even overwhelming, putting pressure on your finances, your health and your relationships.
Six ways you can help
1) Check in
If you know someone who’s caring for someone, get in touch and ask how they’re doing. A simple text or a knock on the door to check someone’s OK can make a real difference.
2) Let people know where to get help
Tell carers you know about Carers UK and where they can get support if they need it. You could direct them to our support for carers page.
3) Lend a practical hand to a carer you know
Offer to collect prescriptions, pick up the shopping, or, if appropriate, visit to give the person caring a break.
If you're not able to help yourself, we have lots of information about how carers can get more practical support on our website.
4) Sign up as a volunteer Community Connector
As a Community Connector, you'll help raise awareness in your area. We’ll support you with guidance, inspiration and resources to help you reach out to carers and let them know that support is available.
5) Become a Workplace Champion
Did you know one in seven people in the workplace balance caring responsibilities with paid employment? By becoming a volunteer Workplace Champion, you’ll help your colleagues who are caring find vital help and support.
6) Use social media for good
Want to help but don’t have much time? By becoming an Online Awareness Raiser, you'll share vital information and updates for carers on your social media. We’ll email you a monthly update with suggested posts to share.
About the Big Help Out
To mark The King’s Coronation, thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities. From checking in on someone who’d like a bit of company or volunteering for a charity the more of us who join in, the bigger help we will be.
Find out what’s going on in your area and how to get involved on the Big Help Out website.
Latest updates
Carers UK response to the ADASS annual survey
This latest report reveals that most Directors of social services have seen an increase in unpaid carers approaching them for…
Government to set out timetable for Carer’s Leave review and commits to hold public consultation
Last night, as the Employment Rights Bill was debated at Report Stage in the House of Lords, Peers discussed an…
Carers UK reaction to third reading of the Universal Credit Bill
MPs debated the Universal Credit Bill in the house of Commons on 9th July 2025. The Bill in its existing…
The GP Patient Survey 2025: A widening health gap for unpaid carers
This year’s GP Patient Survey reflects a worrying trend for unpaid carers’ health. 72% of carers said that they have…
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.