Carers Week '25 report reveals damaging impact of caring
To mark the start of Carers Week 2025, Carers UK and Carers Week supporter charities have today published research highlighting the significant disadvantages that many unpaid carers face.
This new research found that 43% of current or former carers across the UK have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on caring responsibilities – an estimated 10.7 million people.
Over half (58%) say they face disadvantages in looking after their own health.
Harmful to their own health
Concerningly, many carers find it difficult to access help or support with their own health conditions, due to the demands of caring.
- 40% of carers have cancelled or postponed a medical appointment, test, scan, treatment or therapy because of their caring responsibilities.
- Of those who had cancelled an appointment, 44% said this was because they couldn’t find appointments at a time they could attend.
Carers clearly need more support to look after their own health, with more opportunities for breaks, better identification of carers within the NHS, and targeted interventions to support carers’ physical and mental health.
Need for change
Carers UK and other Carers Week partners, are therefore calling for better coordinated cross-Government action in support of unpaid carers, leading to the delivery of a new and ambitious National Carers Strategy.
They have set out a range of recommendations in the report for improving carers’ lives and combatting the inequalities they face.
These include transforming the way the NHS interacts with unpaid carers and ensuring Baroness Casey’s independent review of social care in England has a central role for carers. They also are clear that the Government should immediately reconsider the changes it has proposed making to disability and health benefits and instead provide carers with the financial support they need and deserve.
What can I do?
Find out more about the campaign, and show your support by signing up, on the Carers Week webpage.
You can also write to your MP. Find guidance on the Carers Week website.