Recognizing and Supporting Unpaid Carers – Why It Matters
Video and blog created by Carer Activist Matthew McKenzie
Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our health and social care system. Across England, 4.7 million people provide unpaid care, with 1.4 million caring for over 50 hours a week. Their contribution is valued at £152 billion annually, yet many struggle to access the support they need.
To bridge this gap, Carers UK and Carers Trust have developed an essential new resource: “Identifying and Supporting Unpaid Carers in England to Improve Integrated System Working.”
This guide, created in collaboration with NHS England and the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Health and Wellbeing Alliance, is designed to help health and social care professionals recognize, involve, and support unpaid carers effectively.
What’s in the Resource?
The resource provides practical tools and best practices to help professionals integrate carer support into their daily work. It covers:
📌 Carer Identification
Many carers do not recognize their role, delaying access to essential support. The guide includes strategies for identifying carers early, ensuring they get the help they need.
📌 Hospital Discharge & Unpaid Carers
Carers must be involved in hospital discharge planning, as required under the Health and Care Act 2022. The resource provides checklists and best practices for including carers in post-discharge care.
📌 Social Prescribing for Carers
Connecting carers with community-based support can reduce stress and improve their well-being. The guide explains how social prescribing can benefit carers.
📌 Carer Contingency Planning
Emergencies happen. This section helps professionals assist carers in creating contingency plans, ensuring continuity of care when carers cannot provide support.
📌 Supporting Carers Through Virtual Wards
As hospital-at-home care models expand, unpaid carers play a bigger role. The guide outlines how virtual ward teams can engage and support carers.
📌 Carers’ Breaks & Wellbeing
Too many carers struggle to take breaks, leading to burnout. The guide provides recommendations on respite care and flexible support for carers.
📌 Carers’ Assessments & Legal Responsibilities
Under the Care Act 2014, unpaid carers have the right to assessments and tailored support. This resource ensures professionals understand their legal duties to carers.
Who Should Use This Resource?
This guide is essential for:
✔ GPs, nurses, and NHS staff – to improve carer identification and engagement.
✔ Social workers and care coordinators – to ensure carers get the assessments and support they need.
✔ Local authorities and ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) – to shape carer-friendly policies.
✔ Community and voluntary sector organizations – to help carers access their rights and services.
How to Access the Resource
The resource is available on the Carers Trust and Carers UK websites, as well as on the NHS Futures Platform.
Identifying and Supporting Unpaid Carers in England to Improve Integrated System Working – Carers UK
📢 Help spread the word! Share this resource with your networks, colleagues, and local carer organizations to ensure unpaid carers receive the support they deserve
A Caring Mind 