Carers UK launch new campaign: This Counts as Care

Do you know what counts as care?

There are currently 5.7 million people across the UK caring for an ill, elderly or disabled relative or friend long-term, but research shows that the time it takes for people to recognise themselves as unpaid carers contributes to the delay in them accessing the support and information available.

Carers UK’s latest awareness campaign is working to highlight what counts as care in a bid to reduce the time it takes for people to identify themselves as an unpaid carer to ensure that more people begin to access vital information, advice and support.

What is an unpaid carer?

Becoming an unpaid carer doesn’t always happen overnight, sometimes a slowly changing relationship dynamic means recognising oneself as a carer isn’t inherently obvious.

Being a carer means looking after a friend, relative or neighbour who due to a disability, illness, frailty, mental health problem or addiction cannot live without support. A carer can be an adult or a child.

Carers UK

Carers UK have been campaigning with carers for 50 years, listening to the reality of carers’ lives and working for the transformation of carers’ rights. The charity’s mission is to make life better for carers’ by providing information, advice and support.

Where to get help and support

If you believe you are or might be a carer, please reach out to Carers UK for guidance and support here.