Carers UK

Across the UK today, 6.5 million people are carers, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled, or seriously ill.

That's 1 in 8 adults who care, unpaid, for family and friends. Within our lifetime, there will be 9 million carers.

Our loved ones are living longer with illness or disability, and more and more of us are looking after them. Whether round-the-clock or for a few hours a week, in our own home or for someone at the other end of a motorway, caring can have a huge effect on us, our lives, and our plans.

Caring is such an important part of life. It's simply part of being human. Carers are holding families together, enabling loved ones to get the most out of life, making an enormous contribution to society, and saving the economy billions of pounds.

Yet many of us are stretched to the limit, juggling care with work and family life or even struggling with poor health ourselves. We often find it difficult to make ends meet if we're unable to work or if we've reduced our working hours. 

Every day, 6,000 people become carers. Many don't know how or where to get help. It can be frightening and very lonely.

For some, it's sudden: someone you love is taken ill or has an accident; your child is born with a disability. For others, caring creeps up unnoticed: your parents can't manage on their own any longer, and your partner's health gets gradually worse.

Looking after someone can be tough, but you're not on your own. Carers UK is here to listen, to give you expert information and advice that's tailored to your situation, to champion your rights, and to support you in finding new ways to manage at home, at work, or wherever you are.

We're here to make life better for carers

We give expert advice, information, and support.

Caring can be extremely complicated. The maze of rights and entitlements can be complicated. Filling out paperwork can be complicated. Getting a break can be complicated. Our feelings about caring can certainly be complicated.

We're here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don't have to care alone. 

Find out more about Carers UK

Carers UK Digital Resource for Carers

Welcome to Carers UK's Digital Resources page! We have brought together a wealth of information and resources designed to support those looking after a loved one who is older, disabled, or seriously ill. 

All resources have been developed by Carers UK and are offered in collaboration with local service providers and employers.  The digital resource is free to access. To create an account, you will need the free access code provided by your service provider or employer. If you do not have this code, please contact your service provider or employer.

View the Carers UK Digital Resource for Carers website

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