I’m writing to you at the start of Carers Week to wish all of you who are running events and activities good luck for Carers Week, and to share our new Carers Week research, released today.

The Carers Week 2023 report on identification of unpaid carers finds that 19 million people in the UK have provided unpaid care but haven’t identified as a carer.

This means that nearly three quarters of people (73%) who currently provide unpaid care, or have provided care in the past, could be missing out on important information, support or advice that could make a real difference to their day-to-day lives. We also found that eight million people (31%) in the UK with experience of providing care have seen their health and wellbeing suffer

Nearly half of those who took longer to identify themselves as a carer (46%) said they missed out on financial support as a result of not knowing they were a carer, and 35% missed out on practical support. This lack of support can leave unpaid carers isolated; unable to take breaks from caring, struggling to look after their physical and mental health, stay in work or education, or manage financially.

It’s crucial carers are properly recognised by government, healthcare professionals & society.

That's why our Carers Week 2023 campaign calls for greater cross-Government action in support of unpaid carers, prevent poverty, help them stay in or return to work, combat loneliness, and improve carers’ health and wellbeing. Please write to your MP today and ask that they support our campaign to help ensure carers get the support they need.

You can also get involved in Carers Week by:

• Adding any events or activities you're running to the Carers Week website, to be part of the movement and show everyone what's going on during the week! This also helps us to understand how Carers Week is being marked throughout the UK and across sectors, so we can tailor our resources and support.
• Saying I CARE to show your support for carers. You can also choose to share your caring story, to help others recognise their caring role and raise awareness of the realities of caring.

• Sharing information about Carers Week on your social media, using #CarersWeek. Social media graphics are available on our website.

However you choose to get involved, thank you for helping to recognise and support carers in the community this Carers Week.

With best wishes,

Laura Bennett

Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Maternity Cover)

Carers UK