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Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who supports a family member, friend or neighbour who has a long term condition, disability, illness or who is frail. They are husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, daughters or sons, friends, or even a caring neighbour. In Kent, 12.58% or 127,848 people are carers according to the 2001 census. Of these:

25,203 provide care for over 50 hours per week
21% of carers who provide care for over 50 hours a week are in poor health

Many carers do not realize that they are carers and are not accounted for in these numbers. This is especially true of children who provide a caring role for a family member.

They Care: We Think You Will Too	National Carers Week	Consultation for Carers
The Sunday Times Young Carers Campaign: They care. We think you will too was launched to raise money for our work with young carers and increase awareness of the issues, as well as encouraging professionals such as teachers to identify and support young carers with whom they come into contact, before they become overwhelmed or isolated.	Carers FIRST has organised a number of events to celebrate National Carers Week, from June 7^th to June 14^th. Carers Week highlights the vital work done by those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. This year, the theme for the week is ‘Carers… the UK’s secret service’ and calls for carers	There are a number of public consultations under way. Some of them want the views of carers and service users, some of them want the views of the public in general. As part of Carers FIRST’s commitment to helping carers to shape services and gain access to services they need, we are happy to help you make your voice heard. Please call us for further information and support, or contact the groups directly. Go to Consultations for more information.