Report launched to mark the beginning of Carers Week 2024
From financial strain to low status, the report from Carers UK highlights why the next government must provide better support for carers nationwide.
Established by Carers UK 29 years ago, this week, 10th-16th June, marks Carers Week 2024, with the theme ‘putting carers on the map’. Arguably, this year’s celebration is the most valuable yet, as experts are using it as an opportunity to highlight the increasing pressures carers face ahead of the next General Election.
To mark the beginning of this year’s event, Carers UK published a new report outlining the severity of carers status. The report, which is otherwise known as ‘No choice but to care’, found that 62% of those who are currently providing, or those who have previously provided unpaid care, said they had no choice in taking on the role because no other options were available – this equates to around 10 million adults. What’s more, findings also detailed the negative repercussions of providing unpaid care. 63% of those surveyed said it was affecting their mental health and 53% said it was taking a toll on their physical health.
Ahead of this year’s election researchers also surveyed members of the public to gain their views on the treatment of unpaid carers. 73% think that workers should receive more support from the next government – especially financial.
Commenting on the reports findings, Helen Walker, chief executive at Carers UK said the report’s findings point to ‘why we need to see a future government deliver across government, in the form of a National Carers Strategy. With an ageing population, this is becoming ever more important.’
‘Carers Week is an important annual opportunity to ‘put carers on the map’. We want unpaid carers to know they are not forgotten, and they are not alone,’ Helen added. ‘Many are at breaking point, facing huge challenges with their caring responsibilities. On top of this they are struggling to manage their own health and wellbeing. Carers are worried about their long-term health, security and ability to care in the future.’
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