10 Reasons why we need Carers Rights Day

22.11.2021

As carers, we can feel often feel overwhelmed and the challenges of the last 18 months have not been easy.

For many, it’s too much to think past the next hour, day, week or month. At Carers Count we understand how hard the pandemic has impacted on carers lives and the challenges and concerns that many still face.

A recent survey by Carers UK of nearly 8,000 carers across the UK recently highlighted 10 key reasons why Carers Rights Day is so important.

1. Four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives
2. 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic
3. Two thirds (67%) are worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions
4. Over one in five unpaid carers are worried they may not cope financially over the next 12 months
5. One in four carers (23%) may not have enough money to cover their monthly expenses
6. Almost two thirds (63%) are also using their own income or savings to cover the cost of care - spending an estimated £1,370 a year on average on services or equipment for the person they care for
7. Over half of carers feel that their mental health is suffering with (52%) feeling anxious or stressed about their finances
8. Just 13% of carers are confident that they will get the practical support they need in the next 12 months
9. 65% of carers reported being worried about their ability to save and plan for the future
10. Over half of carers (55%) have reduced or no access to day services, with a third reporting reduced or no access to paid care workers

The strain on unpaid carers is clear, and that’s why is more important than ever that we keep working hard to raise awareness of carers rights and campaigning for funding of vital services.