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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

News
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Unpaid Care in Scotland Reaches £18.3 Billion as Carer Numbers Rise
23 June 26
New figures show 722,000 unpaid carers in Scotland, contributing £18.3bn to the economy as calls grow for better support.
News
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Creating communities where no carer feels alone
13 June 26
Nick Baird, Chair of Carers UK, reflects on the vital role that supportive communities play in helping unpaid carers feel recognised, connected and supported. 
News
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Carers Week reflections: Living the theme - community, conversations and connection
12 June 26
Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury reflects on a week of inspiring conversations, shared experiences and growing momentum behind the movement to create more carer-friendly workplaces.
News
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Watch: Why connecting carers to support matters
11 June 26
Michael Shann, Head of Carer Support shares his thoughts on this year’s Carers Week’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, and encourages carers to connect with the support available to them.

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.

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