Today (Tuesday 8 October), key charities brought 23 unpaid carers to an event in Parliament to share their experiences of caring with MPs and Peers. The event was kindly hosted by Wendy Chamberlain MP.
Parliamentarians from both Houses met with unpaid carers to hear about their experiences of caring and the vital contribution they make to communities, and to better understand the challenges and support carers urgently need.
The event was supported by the eight charities who came together back in June for Carers Week – which is led by Carers UK and includes Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, The ME Association, Oxfam GB, Rethink Mental Illness, and The Lewy Body Society – and TSB Bank plc, who supported the event.
The organisations involved are collectively calling on the Government to develop a new National Carers Strategy – the first in sixteen years – to ensure all carers get the support they need and that the Government better coordinates its support for carers across different Departments.
In June 2024, Carers Week analysis of a YouGov Omnibus poll found that 62% of unpaid carers have no choice about taking on the role, with no other care options available. While caring can be rewarding, the impact of providing unpaid care can also have a devastating impact on carers: 63% said caring had negatively impacted their mental health, 53% their physical health, and 48% said it had limited their ability to work.
Carers UK were delighted to welcome Wendy Chamberlain MP, Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP; Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP; Leader of Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey MP; Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, and Baroness Jill Pitkeathley.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive, said:
"It was fantastic to see so many politicians from all nations engaging with unpaid carers at our event in Parliament this week. It was a vital opportunity to hear from carers sharing their experiences and for MPs and Peers to understand the many challenges they are facing.
We are extremely grateful to all the carers who shared their stories and to the MPs and peers who attended the event. Carers are waiting to see urgent change and politicians from all parties must work together to improve the lives of unpaid carers around the UK."
Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North East Fife, who sponsored the event said:
"I am proud to have supported today's event and the campaign for a new cross government National Carers Strategy. My debate on this issue in September highlighted the vital need for cross-departmental coordination to support unpaid carers, and I hope MPs from all parties will see this having met and heard from unpaid carers today.
"I thank Carers UK and all the organisations who supported today's event for their hard work putting the millions of unpaid carers on the political agenda."
Ariam Enraght-Moony, Chief People Officer, TSB said:
“We are proud to support Carers UK in calling for all carers to get the support they need. This is key to helping working carers live balanced lives, further their careers, and grow the economy.
"Having offered paid carers leave to TSB colleagues for over four years, we have seen first-hand the positive impact it has on our colleagues and in our ability to retain talent. We would encourage all big businesses to introduce this vital support."
