National Carers Week 2023

Show Support & Say, I Care

We are proud to support Carers Week 2023, taking place from Monday 5th through to Sunday 11th June, to help raise awareness of caring and to increase the Government’s and society’s understanding of the challenges faced by unpaid carers on a daily basis.

An annual campaign, Carers Week raises awareness and highlights the challenges unpaid carers face as well as recognises the contribution carers make to families and communities across the UK. Furthermore, Carers Week is committed to helping those individuals who don’t consider themselves to be carers to identify as carers and get the support and advice they need.

Almost three-quarters (73%) of unpaid carers, either currently providing care or have done so in the past, have never identified as carers, and 8 million carers admit to seeing their health and wellbeing suffer as a result of their caring responsibilities – which is why Carers Week 2023 is encouraging everyone to get involved and show their support for carers by saying “I Care” on social media.

What Happens During Carers Week?

This vital week for carers is supported by thousands of individuals and organisations who unite to offer help for carers, arrange activities, and highlight the incredible role carers play in our communities and just why caring is so important.

Carers Week 2023 runs from 5-11 June and is supported by Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, MND Association, Rethink Mental Illness, Oxfam GB and The Lewy Body Society UK. These charities have collectively written to the Prime Minister, urging him to establish a dedicated working group focused on unpaid carers.

What Is A Carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care to a family member or friend who needs support because of illness, mental health, old age, disability, addiction or another reason.

Many carers work and have to juggle their caring responsibilities on top of this. Being a carer often impacts on the individual’s relationships, health, work and finances. The cost-of-living crisis has added stress and further financial strain for carers, too.

Carers must be recognised for the challenges they face and respected for all they do. They need society’s support – and many need help to identity as carers in the first place, in order to access the information, benefits and support that make caring for a family member or friend more manageable.

Nehemiah Is Here To Help

At the core of Nehemiah Housing is the support we offer our tenants – we are committed to providing comfortable and affordable homes within a caring community.

There are additional ways housing associations can help carers. Having a flexible approach with staff, letting them start late or finish early because of appointments, for example, provide those carers with vital support to juggle their duties. Raising people’s understanding of what it means to be a carer will help in the long-run too, as will creating a support network for carers within your organisation or community by providing a safe space for carers to talk and listen and share experiences.

As a housing association, we have many measures in place to support our staff and tenants, and are evolving all the time to ensure full awareness of the challenges faced by unpaid carers in our communities.

If you’re a carer and need support, you can get in touch with us by contacting your Housing Officer, or by calling us on 0121 358 0966 or emailing contact@nehemiah.co.uk and we will do all we can to help you. This includes providing advice on the best ways to access the benefits and support available to you.