Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Being a carer can make life extremely complicated; not only do you hold a significant amount of physical, financial, and emotional responsibility, you also make sacrifices on a daily basis. You forgo social engagements, prioritise other people’s medical appointments and feel like you are balancing a million different tasks. It might be a light but critical touch you offer, such as keeping a loved one company. Additionally, you might provide physical help, give medication, deal with care services, or provide personal care.
The 2024 Carers Report found that 62%of those who are currently providing or who have previously provided unpaid care said that they had no choice in taking on the role.
The data suggests that by far the biggest negative impact has been on mental health. An estimated 10.1m current and former unpaid carers in the UK experienced a negative impact on their mental health as a result of caring.
Supporting unpaid carers is not just the social and morally right thing to do, it makes business sense. If we support them to live healthy, fulfilling, productive lives alongside caring it eases pressure on the health and care system, boosts their contribution to the economy through fewer lost workdays and enhances their health and wellbeing. In that respect, we all win, so let’s keep raising awareness of unpaid carers.
Carers’ Support Network
Our University Carers' Support Network is for carers with responsibilities for adults or children with additional needs (you don't need to be a registered carer). It aims to better support carers at the University and offers:
- opportunities to meet and connect with other staff members at meetings
- opportunities to discover what support is available at the University for carers
- a safe and confidential space to share and discuss the challenges you face.
Learn more about the group by contacting carerssupport@bath.ac.uk or by joining the network's Teams group.
Join the next meeting (in person or online) on 12 June, 12.00 to 12.45.
Health Assured
If caring responsibilities are taking a toll on your mental health, you can access free and confidential counselling 24/7, 365 days a year with our wellbeing provider Health Assured. They also offer a wealth of practical wellbeing support, guidance and information on their website and through their Wisdom app.
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