The results from our 2011 survey revealed 81% of carers are worried about the proposed cuts, 4/5 carers told us they were wondering how they would cope.
Here's the story in numbers:
- 76% carers are worse off financially since taking on their caring responsibilities
- 59% were surprised at how little help they get from the government
- 75% have suffered with health issues as a result of caring
- 60% have had to give up on their ambitions and aspirations since taking on their caring responsibilities
- 49% have a disability, condition or illness themselves
- 48% have been a carer for more than 10 years
The survey made into a lot of our news coverage this year with 17 television outlets carrying the story in some form, radio stations such as BBC Radio 5 Live covered the issues facing carers in a Nicky Campbell phone in. Radio 4's You and Yours asked what the future of caring would look like and LBC asked who should pay for it. We also had features in many national newspapers. The Daily Mail reported on the number of carers aged 65 and over. We had several articles in The Society Guardian for more details check out our media coverage page.
3 in 5 people will be a carer at some point in their lives. This means there is a high chance that one day, the true face of a carer will be the one you see in the mirror.
Carers Week 2011 has revealed the surprising stories behind the 6 million carers who save the country’s economy £119 billion each and every year.
They provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. Some are forced to give up work to give 24 hour care. Others hold down top-level jobs, working a double life as carer and employee. Some carers are children and young people; those who should be the cared for, having to do the caring.
An allowance of £55.55 a week is all full-time carers get. And that’s for a minimum of a 35 hour caring week. At £1.59 an hour, this is a third of the national minimum wage.
Carers Week 2011 has highlighted and celebrated the incredible contribution that carers make, sharing the challenges overcome as well as those still being faced. We have been campaigning for greater support and recognition for carers and informing those who are unaware of the services and benefits they are entitled to.
