Unpaid carers pushed to breaking point

THE past 18 months has been a challenging period for many – not least unpaid carers.

These are people looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or who needs extra help as they grow older.

Many have cared round the clock for loved ones with complex needs, while others are providing additional support for a few hours a week.

Some are looking after a relative in their own home, while others travel miles to care for a friend.

Last year, 81 per cent of carers responding to a Carers UK survey said they took on more care for the person they support during the crisis.

Carers have been pushed to breaking point and need support to resume their lives.

It’s thanks to carers telling us about their experiences that we are able to explain to politicians and policy-makers the challenges they face, and fight for lasting change.

It’s the 10th anniversary of Carers UK’s State of Caring Survey – by filling it in (at carersuk.org/ survey) carers in Leicester can help inform the UK’s most comprehensive study into people’s experiences of looking after a loved one.

With the Government plan for social care reform currently in the making, it has never been more important for unpaid carers to share their experiences.

Helen Walker, chief executive, Carers UK