Carers UK, in partnership with supporting charities, has announced the theme for Carers Week 2025, running from 9th-15th June.
This year’s campaign will focus on ‘Caring About Equality’, highlighting the disparities and disadvantages faced by unpaid carers across the UK and calling for a fairer society where they have access to greater support.
There are 5.8 million people in the UK caring for a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, older or disabled. Unpaid carers save the UK economy an estimated £184 billion each year – the equivalent of a second NHS– yet many feel undervalued and unsupported.[1]
Caring for someone can have a significant impact on your own health, finances, employment and education opportunities. 70% of carers report a long term physical or mental health condition, disability or illness, compared to 50% of non-carers.[2]
Carers UK and charity supporters Age UK, Carers Trust, MND Association, Oxfam GB, Rethink Mental Illness, The ME Association and The Lewy Body Society are inviting the public to join them, helping to raise awareness of these inequalities by supporting Carers Week 2025 and take actions to address them.
TSB Bank is the headline sponsor for Carers Week 2025, which is also kindly supported by Regina UK and Centrica.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“Caring for a loved one should never be a reason for facing inequality, but sadly this is a reality for many in the UK. Unpaid carers are desperate for a break, for better health and social care provision, financial support and equality in the workplace. Over half say they need better understanding and recognition from the public.[3]
“Carers Week 2025 is a crucial opportunity to increase awareness, highlighting those who provide vital care to family members, friends or neighbours when they need it most. We want to see a future where they have the right support and the same opportunities to lead healthy and financially secure lives alongside their caring role.”
Kate Osiadacz, Head of Responsible Business, TSB, said:
“We are proud to back Caring for Equality to shine a light on the near six million unpaid carers in the UK who risk falling behind financially simply for fulfilling their caring responsibilities.
“We have seen first-hand the impact our paid carers leave has on colleagues who are carers, and would encourage all businesses to introduce this vital support.”
[1] : Petrillo, M., Zhang, J., and Bennett, M.R. (2024) Valuing Carers 2021/2022: the value of unpaid care in the UK. London: Carers UK.
[2]GP Patient Survey, NHS, 2024.
[3] Carers UK, State of Caring report, 2023.