Carers Week 2026
Who is a carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.
Building Carer Friendly Communities
The UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities. Every day, they provide support to friends, family members, and loved ones. But are often overlooked, undervalued, and unsupported.
They can face challenges in every part of their lives – affecting their health and wellbeing, education, careers and livelihoods, relationships, daily life, hopes and aspirations.
How you can help build carer friendly communities
Supporting carers
Sometimes carers can find it challenging to take care of their own wellbeing whilst looking after someone. The impact that caring can have on all aspects of life should not be underestimated.
Getting more support
You can find out about local support groups and services by contacting Healthwatch Slough on 0300 0120184, enquiries@healthwatchslough.co.uk or fill in our form.
