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
Rising numbers of unpaid carers say they need more support from the NHS
An increasing number of unpaid carers looking after family members or friends who are older, disabled or living with a…
Project helping unpaid carers to get active is up and running again after three-year funding boost
New funding from Sport England will support the Carers Active Project, led by Carers UK, working to reduce barriers and…
Carers UK responds to Work & Pensions Select Committee report ‘Pathways to Work’
We are pleased to see the Select Committee’s report stress the negative impact the proposals in the Pathways to Work…
Carers UK responds to the House of Lords debate on the Universal Credit Bill on 22 July 2025
The Universal Credit Bill has now completed all of its stages through Parliament.
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.