Caring responsibilities can have a huge impact on a carer’s life, both day-to-day and long-term, affecting relationships, health, finances, school and work.
A carer-friendly community is a place, space or organisation that values carers and does something practical to support them by identifying carers, listening and responding to their experiences so that they are not left to cope alone. This includes the workplace, local communities, faith communities, GP practices, hospitals, pharmacies, education settings and businesses supporting unpaid carers.
Around 14,000 people across North East Lincolnshire care for a loved one, according to the 2021 Census. Many of whom could be providing unpaid care for up to 50 hours a week.
Carers Week, an annual campaign run by Carers UK, highlights the challenges faced by unpaid carers, recognising the outstanding contribution they make to their families, friends and communities.
This year’s campaign, running from 8 to 14 June, will focus on building carer friendly communities – calling for better recognition and support for unpaid carers.
Far too often, carers of all ages miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, just because of their caring role. It is vital that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families, local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need.
What makes a person a carer?
Anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a mental or physical illness, a disability, an addiction, or requires additional ongoing support, is a carer.
In some cases, the individuals involved might be unaware they have become a carer as the transition from short-term help to long-term care can sometimes be subtle. Carers Week aims to help people to identify as carers who haven’t thought of themselves as having caring responsibilities so they can access much-needed support.
To find out more about what support is available for unpaid carers, visit carerssupportcentre.com or call (01472) 242277.
Councillor Nige Oliver, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Carers give so much of themselves to support others, often without recognition. Carers Week is about saying thank you and making sure our communities truly understand, value and support carers every day. Supporting carers strengthens our whole community.”
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“Carers Week 2026 is a crucial chance for all of us to play a positive part in building carer friendly communities, to think about unpaid carers and how we can help them look after their health and wellbeing, their relationships and their financial security.
“Carers face challenges every step of the way in their lives. We need carer friendly communities to steer a better pathway to support, giving carers and the people they care for a better quality of life and better opportunities, regardless of their age and where they live. Let’s work together towards greater visibility and support.”
Kate Osiadacz, Head of Responsible Business, TSB, said:
“We are proud to be the headline sponsor of Carers Week 2026 and to support a campaign that recognises the millions of unpaid carers who play a vital role in our communities. At TSB, we know how hard it can be to balance work and caring responsibilities, which is why we offer flexible support when it matters most — including up to 70 hours of paid carer’s leave each year to help colleagues manage their responsibilities and protect their wellbeing.”
For more information go to: www.carersweek.org
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