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

This week is national Carers Week (10th–16th June 2024), and a wide range of charities and local services will be coming together to shine a light on the vital role that carers play in supporting vulnerable people in the community. This year’s theme is ‘putting carers on the map’.

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

See more information about Carers Week.