Care for carers – charity calls for awareness

A leading care charity is raising awareness of the impact caring for a family member or friend is having on millions of unpaid carers across the UK.

Carers UK is warning that one of the biggest obstacles to getting the support unpaid carers need is recognising themselves as an unpaid carer, with the majority believing that caregiving is simply part and parcel of family life. 

In fact, there are currently 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK caring for an ill, elderly or disabled relative or friend long-term, with 267,900 people in England and Wales providing 20 hours or more of care a week.

Aston spoke to Helen Walker, chief executive at Carers UK.