You Are Not Invisible: Carers Week UK

It is estimated that unpaid carers save the economy £162 billion a year

This week marks the beginning of Carers Week UK, a week dedicated to raising awareness and 'Putting Carers on the Map'. But what actually is a Carer? According to Carers Trust, a carer is anyone 'who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support'. It is one of the most important roles anyone can play, yet this work, done by an estimated 5.7 million people in the UK, largely goes unrecognised.

Despite providing much needed support, Carers are often left unsupported themselves. Many are forced to leave employment to care full time, and have to buy additional equipment and resources. Whilst this helps to facilitate daily life activities for the person receiving care, it is certainly not budget-friendly. It is estimated that being disabled incurs an additional cost of £975 a month. Many carers receive no money for the care that they provide (it is thought that around 1 in 3 people eligible for Carers Allowance do not claim it) and it is estimated that they save the economy £162 billion a year. Unsurprisingly, research suggests that around four in ten of these unpaid carers in the UK are living in poverty.

And it's not just a financial lack of support. In providing for their loved one's needs, a carer's own personal needs are often left met. A Carers UK survey from 2022 found that 82% of carers reported the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a 'challenge' over the coming year and nearly 60% believed that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing.

All of this will be familiar to SEND parents and carers, and yet, many simply see themselves as parents, without realising how much additinal work they are actually doing. But just because a carer's work is so often invisible, it doesn't mean carers should be too. If you are a carer you are almost certainly doing more than you realise. Carers Week aims to raise the profile of this hidden army of unsung heroes and provide advice and support to carers past present and future. Whilst Carers Week is primarily focussed on organisational and institutional change, asking for 'recognition for carers in their communities and at national government level', there are also resources and support available for individuals. Both practical help (such as respite and financial information) as well as local and peer support, is available from organisations including Carers UK and Mind.

SEND Advocacy is here to help support children who learn differently to access and/or progress in education, and we recognise the life changing impact that the right support can have on the whole family; including parents and carers. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child or young person deserves, contact us today.