In the UK, about 5.8 million people are providing unpaid care to a friend or family member. 61% of carers are worried about living costs and managing the future, and 28% are cutting back on essentials like food and heating.
Two in three of us can expect to become a carer at some point in our lifetime.
Now, more than ever, our Carer Support Advisers and frontline staff are needed to provide practical information, advice and guidance to carers. They do this online, in their homes and in the community – wherever carers are. Alongside this, volunteer-led services such as telephone befriending helps carers feel less alone and more supported in their caring role.
Carers First is a charity, and we need donations to ensure our work with carers can continue in these most demanding of times.
- £10 could help train a volunteer befriender
- £20 could help develop resources to give guidance to carers on financial matters
- £33 could give access to a weekend break for a carer
Your support will help carers like Susan, whose story you can read below.
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Susan's Story: Caring for my mum
“Thank you so much Carers First, you have improved my mental wellbeing. You have also made a difference to my confidence by improving it, showing there are kind people out there willing to listen and not judge us.”
Susan is a full-time carer to her mum, Valerie. When Valerie came home from hospital, Susan found she needed to support her mum who had limited mobility, while also worrying about her dad whose health was declining. The strain of caring for both of her parents left Susan exhausted, struggling with sleep and her mental health. Everyday worries about bills and high food costs added to the mounting pressure she felt, and when her dad sadly passed away in 2024, the weight of responsibility on Susan’s shoulders felt heavier than ever.
That’s when Susan reached out to Carers First and Susan was able to access practical support including a financial grant, a food parcel, and a wellbeing payment for a washing machine. These small but vital steps lifted a huge burden, helping Susan and Valerie to eat well and wear clean clothes, improving their physical and mental health. Just as importantly, Susan says she felt listened to and not judged and was reminded that she wasn’t alone in her caring role.
Many carers have similar experiences to Susan, who feel the same loss of independence that comes with putting someone else’s needs first.
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Thank you for your support of Carers First
With your support, Carers First can continue to be there for carers like Susan, helping people to cope with the challenges of caring and supporting them to gain more independence and confidence. Together, we can make sure that carers can access the support they deserve.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.