This report examines the financial impact of unpaid caring in Northern Ireland, based on data from Carers NI's State of Caring 2023 survey. It shows:

• 30% of carers in Northern Ireland are struggling to make ends meet.
• More than one in five are struggling to afford the cost of food.
• 31% are cutting back on essentials like food and heating.
• Two-thirds say the increased cost of living is having a negative impact on their physical or mental health.
• plus much more

The report puts forward a programme of policy measures and practical interventions to help address the financial hardship and poverty impacting many unpaid carers in Northern Ireland.

This is the first in a series of reports based on data from the State of Caring 2023 survey in Northern Ireland.