This week (6th-12th June) is the UK’s National Carers Week.
There are currently 6.5 million carers in the UK, many of whom work tirelessly in the background improving and supporting the lives of those they look after. A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or someone who may need extra help as they grow older.
Carers Week brings the nation’s attention onto these dedicated people and is made possible by Carers UK joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Motor Neurone Disease Association and MS Society.
This year, Carers Week focuses on building Carer Friendly Communities which support carers to care in the way they want to and recognises that they are individuals with needs of their own. There are 1000s of events planned across the UK in recognition of carers and their work.
You can find out more about Carers Week here or you can check out their Facebook page.
And if you know someone who is a carer, or are a carer yourself, you can find information and support on these sites:
Carers Resource
Carers UK
Independent Living
Young Carers Resource