Celebrating incredible efforts of unpaid carers

Monday 9 June marks the start of Carers Week, an annual campaign celebrating the incredible job unpaid carers do every day supporting family members and friends who have a disability, mental or physical illness, or need extra help in their daily lives. 

It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness of the role of carers and the challenges they face, aiming to help people who might not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

Caring about equality

This year the theme is ‘Caring about equality,’ highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty and social isolation, as well as poor mental and physical health.

Far too often, carers of all ages miss out on opportunities in their education, career, or personal life, just because of their caring role.

There is a significant number of unpaid carers in Brighton & Hove who often don't realise they’re eligible for support.

To find out more about support for carers in our city, get advice and find resources or offers that are available, visit the The Carers Centre and The Carers Hub websites.

Celebrating our carers

Carers Festival

10am to 4pm, Wednesday 11 June

The Open Market, London Road, BN1 4JU

Come along to the Carers Festival to find out what support is available to unpaid carers in the city and enjoy free activities and refreshments.

Carers Week this year has the theme of Caring about equality, and participants will be joined by organisations from across the city to tell carers about the support they can offer.

As well as information and advice, the event will recognise the incredible efforts of unpaid carers by providing wellbeing activities to try out such as reflexology, QiGong, seated yoga, a puzzle table and more.

There will also be free refreshments for carers (while stocks last), and the Carers Centre team will be on hand to answer any questions or signpost to relevant support.

No need to book, just come along on the day.

To learn about more free events organised for carers during Carers Week and beyond, visit the Carers Centre calendar.

Looking after yourself

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “At some point in our life, most of us will find ourselves in a position of providing care for a loved one, or needing care to help us manage our everyday lives.

“Currently, there are over 23,000 unpaid carers in Brighton & Hove, not accounting for those who might not realise that they can identify as a carer.

“It is absolutely essential to spread awareness of the role of a carer and challenges it brings, whether it is trying to juggle care responsibilities with work or school, the toll it can take on one’s mental or physical health, relationships or finances.

“As we celebrate the incredible effort of carers, and the difference they make in the lives of their loved ones, we need to remember that carers also deserve to be cared for, supported and allowed to take some time to look after themselves.

“I recommend every unpaid carer to visit the annual Carers Festival and explore the Carers Centre/Carers Hub websites and see what support is available to take some weight of their shoulders during their caring journey.”