As Carers Week continues, Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury, Account Manager at Carers UK, reflects on a week of inspiring conversations, shared experiences and growing momentum behind the movement to create more carer-friendly workplaces. In her blog, Zahra shares some of the highlights from engaging with employers and working carers across the UK, and explores how building supportive workplace communities can help carers feel seen, valued and empowered to thrive.

With Carers Week well underway, I've been reflecting on what has already been one of the most inspiring and energising weeks I've experienced as part of the Employers for Carers team.

Over the past few days, I have had the privilege of delivering Lunch & Learn sessions, hosting in-person stands, facilitating conversations, and meeting hundreds of individuals across organisations who are committed to creating more carer friendly workplaces. Every session, every conversation, and every interaction has reinforced why engaging with employers matters.

This week has been filled with meaningful insights, powerful stories, and genuine human connection.What stands out most is the overwhelming sense of community.

Whether it was a carer sharing their story, a manager asking how they could better support a colleague, or an employer discussing the steps they are taking to build a more inclusive culture, each interaction demonstrated the power of coming together with understanding, empathy, and purpose.

Carers Week is about raising awareness, increasing visibility, and driving change. This week, I have seen all of those things in action. More importantly, I have seen people listening to one another, learning from one another, and recognising that supporting carers is not just the right thing to do, it strengthens our workplaces, our communities, and our society.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the employers who welcomed us into their organisations and created space for these important conversations. Thank you to the individuals who tirelessly champion carers every day, often behind the scenes. Thank you to the allies who stand alongside carers, advocating for understanding and support. And most importantly, thank you to the carers themselves.Thank you for sharing your experiences, your challenges, and your successes. Your voices continue to shape the conversations we have and the progress we make.

As Carers Week comes to an end, the conversations don't stop here. The awareness raised this week must continue throughout the year.

Together, we can (and must) keep building workplaces where carers feel seen, valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

For me, this week has been a powerful reminder that while caring can sometimes feel isolating, carers are not alone. There is a growing community standing beside them - champions, allies, employers, fellow carers and always us at Carers UK - working together to create meaningful change.

Looking ahead, if your organisation is keen explore how they can be part of building carer friendly communities, Carers Week’s new blueprint is a great starting point.

Many of the inspiring conversations, initiatives and moments of support I've seen this week are made possible by organisations that are committed to supporting working carers year-round. Through Employers for Carers, we're proud to help our members with practical guidance, shared learning and a community of peers who are all working towards the same goal: creating workplaces where carers can truly thrive.

Thank you for making this Carers Week a memorable one.

Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury, Account Manager at Carers UK