Carers UK, in partnership with supporting charities, has announced the theme for Carers Week 2026, which will run from 8th-14th June.
This year’s campaign, backed by headline sponsor TSB Bank, will focus on building carer friendly communities – calling for better recognition and support for unpaid carers.
There are 5.8 million people in the UK caring for a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, older or disabled and many find the impact of caring on their health, finances and employment opportunities a challenge.
Unpaid carers save the UK economy an estimated £184 billion each year – the equivalent of a second NHS – but not everyone gets the support they need. Carers UK research shows that more than half (57%) of carers feel overwhelmed ‘often’ or ‘always’.
A carer friendly community is a place, space or organisation that values carers and does something practical to support them by identifying carers, listening and responding to their experiences so that they are not left to cope alone.
This includes the workplace, local communities, faith communities, GP practices, hospitals, local NHS neighbourhoods, pharmacies, schools, colleges and universities, businesses or online communities supporting unpaid carers. Carers Week 2026 will shine a light on what works well at present and what must change so that unpaid carers get better recognition.
Carers UK and charity supporters Age UK, Carers Trust, MND Association, Rethink Mental Illness, The ME Association and The Lewy Body Society are inviting communities to share good practice, and for all of us to help raise awareness of the importance of carer friendly communities.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“Carers Week 2026 is a crucial chance for all of us to play a positive part in building carer friendly communities, to think about unpaid carers and how we can help them look after their health and wellbeing, their relationships and their financial security.
“Carers face challenges every step of the way in their lives. We need carer friendly communities to steer a better pathway to support, giving carers and the people they care for a better quality of life and better opportunities, regardless of their age and where they live. Let’s work together towards greater visibility and support.”
Kate Osiadacz, Head of Responsible Business, TSB, said:
“We are proud to be the headline sponsor of Carers Week 2026 and to support a campaign that recognises the millions of unpaid carers who play a vital role in our communities. At TSB, we know how hard it can be to balance work and caring responsibilities, which is why we offer flexible support when it matters most — including up to 70 hours of paid carer’s leave each year to help colleagues manage their responsibilities and protect their wellbeing.”
