Carers Week - Putting Carers on the map

Carers Week, taking place from 10–16 June 2024, is a UK-wide awareness campaign seeking to increase visibility for carers with decision makers, services, employers, communities, and businesses.

Millions of people across the UK care, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or addiction cannot cope without their support.

The new theme for 2024 aims to highlight the increasing pressures on carers; and to campaign for much-needed recognition and support.

This includes raising awareness about the challenges carers face which impact on their finances, employment, health and wellbeing and ensuring policymakers and politicians take steps to better support carers’ needs.

Key Statistics

Recent research suggests there are 5.7 million unpaid carers across the UK.

It is estimated that unpaid carers save the economy £162 million a year – the equivalent of a second NHS. Yet, many carers feel their role is forgotten and invisible.

A staggering 82 per cent of carers surveyed by Carers UK said the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge over the coming year, with nearly 60 per cent adding that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing.

Nadia and Chris' story

Many of you will know me as a financial adviser who loves supporting financial education, charity and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

I love the life I share on LinkedIn and the events I get to attend as part of the Future Faces committee, and as a young professional within the Birmingham Finance industry.

Not many of you will know that behind the smiles and busy life attending events, I was diagnosed with a degenerative muscle wasting disease which is slowly impacting my ability do to things I once would have done easily.

To be able to continue the career I love; I rely on the support of my husband Chris to help me make the most of the opportunities and events and preserve the energy I have available.

On a daily basis, there are so many additional considerations to remain part of the hustle and bustle of the professional world.

• Chris waking up early to help make me breakfast so I can try and get additional rest. I live with chronic fatigue and pain, therefore any chance for an additional snooze is much appreciated!
• Support carrying my laptop and work in and out of the car. My balance has been impacted, so having a hand to carry things is a massive help.
• Living in Birmingham we know many of the beautiful city buildings are listed. This means there are limitations to the adaptations and accessibility options available. I often need Chris on hand to drop me off at appointments or events if I am not sure if there will be steps without railings, and nobody on hand to offer an arm. Without his help, the fear of going to new venues would likely impact me wanting to attend.
• Many business and networking events involve hours of fun standing and mingling with new connections. Although I really enjoy the events, this can be extremely painful and tiring. I often then spend the remainder of the evening/weekend in bed avoiding movement altogether to support recovery. This means Chris has to take on the majority of tasks such as shopping, cooking and washing.
• As part of a chronic condition, there are lots of hospital appointments to attend. Chris is my emotional and physical crutch to help get me through the sessions.
• Most importantly, Chris is always on hand to make me laugh and find the positive in any situations. Without his strength and support, I definitely would not be the person I am today.

Not only does Chris maintain a full-time job of his own as a graphic designer, but he has the job of caring for me alongside his own work.

Without the love and support of unpaid carers like Chris, many of us would struggle to find our place within the fast-paced professional world.

I am forever thankful for the support and encouragement I get daily, which helps me to remain in a career I love.

Behind the scenes, there are an estimated 5.7 million unpaid carers like Chris in the UK.

Carers Week 2024 is an opportunity to raise awareness and thanks for the amazing and vital work of both paid and unpaid carers. The aim is by raising awareness, carers will receive the recognition and support they need to thrive themselves.