Caring for a loved one can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. According to the State of Caring survey, the UK’s most comprehensive regular research into the lives and experiences of unpaid carers, many unpaid carers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford day-to-day living costs, with the worry and anxiety of this affecting their mental health and wellbeing.

Carers, particularly those receiving Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit, are struggling to make ends meet, and forced to make difficult choices such as reducing meal sizes or skipping meals altogether. Many are cutting back on social connections with friends and family, taking away a vital lifeline which forces them to balance caring responsibilities with their own wellbeing.

The 2024 survey found that:

• 61% of unpaid carers are worried about living costs and managing in the future.
• 28% of carers are cutting back on essentials like food and heating.
• 68% of carers have cut back on hobbies and leisure activities, with 60% having reduced time spent with family and friends.
• Over half of carers (51%) said that their financial situation is having a negative impact on their mental health.

Carers UK are working in partnership with a wide range of local and national charities to coordinate the 2025 Carers Week (9^th – 15^th June). This focuses on ‘Caring About Equality’, highlighting the challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK and calling for a fairer society where they have access to greater support.

In BANES, you can support Carers Week by supporting the BANES Carers Centre. They will be hosting events and activities including a carers meeting, a craft group, and other opportunities for carers to connect and share their experiences. Additionally, the University of Bath will host a hybrid network meeting for carers.

To find out more about the Carers Centre and the support services they are running in BANES, visit their website or call 0800 0388 885.