Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and help people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to support carers, run activities and highlight carers' vital role in our communities.
The theme for 2026 is Building Carer Friendly Communities. This will highlight the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere. The campaign will be brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations taking action to ensure more communities understand, recognise, and empower carers.
Click through to your local area to find Carers Week events near you
Who is a carer?
A carer is someone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.
Why do we support carers?
Nearly half of carers struggle to balance employment with their caring role, others find it difficult to make time for their own health and wellbeing, and for many the situation can create serious financial difficulties.
Obtaining relevant information and support can itself be a challenge, but with it, carers can thrive. That is why Carers First offers several avenues for people to get the help they need either online, on the phone or in the community. We offer timely advice and work with carers to identify the best way forward, for them as individuals.
