Carers Week 2026 is from 8th – 14th June, raising awareness of the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities.
Carers Week is an annual UK wide campaign that raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges unpaid carers face, and celebrates the enormous contribution they make to families and communities. It also helps people who may not recognise themselves as carers to identify their role and access much needed support.
The 2026 theme, “Building Carer Friendly Communities,” focuses on creating places where carers are recognised, valued, and supported in everyday life.
Carer friendly communities can include workplaces, healthcare settings, schools, local services, and neighbourhoods that actively identify carers and respond to their needs, with the aim of reducing isolation. The campaign encourages individuals, organisations and communities to work together to improve understanding, increase visibility, and provide practical support.
Across the UK, around 5.8 million unpaid carers provide essential support to people who are ill, disabled or older. Their contribution is enormous, estimated to be worth around £184 billion a year, underlining just how essential carers are to society.
However, many carers face challenges including impacts on their health, finances, and employment, with over half reporting feeling overwhelmed. Carers Week is an opportunity to recognise these pressures and take action to ensure carers receive the support they deserve.
Carers Cuppa & Cake in the Community are running several events in June – The closest to our Practice is Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Stratford Park, Stroud. Why not pop along and see if you can benefit?
For more information on practical support and financial advice you can find local offers here: https://gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk/news/carers-week-2026/