Carers are society’s unsung heroes – we must do more to tackle the inequalities they face

During Carers Week, Ian Sollom MP praised the 12 million people in the UK giving unpaid care to a family member or friend and he called for improved, tailored support to help them.

The week’s theme was ‘Caring About Equality’ and focused on the impacts caring can have on carers’ lives, and the fact they do not have access to the same opportunities as those without caring responsibilities.

Of the 12 million carers, around 3 million are providing more than 35 hours of unpaid care a week. The vital support that carers provide to our health and social care systems is worth an estimated £184 billion to the economy each year – without carers these systems would simply collapse.

But many carers face negative impacts on their own lives including financial problems; mental and physical health and wellbeing; and disadvantages around staying in paid work and career opportunities. It is hard for carers to take the breaks they need as there is little in the way of respite care available, and many reported cancelling medical appointments as they don’t have time to attend – all of which means their health can worsen.

Ian said:

“Carers are the unsung heroes in our society and the support they give is crucial to our health and social care systems. But despite this huge contribution, carers still face significant inequalities and disadvantages.

“It is vital that all of us play our part in reducing these impacts. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a fair deal for carers, including paid carer’s leave and a statutory guarantee of regular respite breaks. There needs to be tailored support that considers carers' individual circumstances and caring responsibilities; tackles the barriers and disadvantages they face and ensures they have access to equal opportunities.”

Carers Week ran from 9-15 June and was organised by Carers UK, supported by a range of other charities.