By Matthew McKenzie – Carer and Carers UK Ambassador
As unpaid carers, many of us know what it feels like to operate in the background. We juggle complex health systems, care for our loved ones, and manage our own lives, all too often feeling invisible.
That is why I am excited to share a major milestone for our community.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), alongside the Departments for Education, Business and Trade, and Work and Pensions has officially launched the Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognize, Refer, Reach.
This is England’s first-ever cross-government action plan dedicated entirely to supporting unpaid carers.
I was honored to attend the official launch event to represent our community, meet with Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock MP, and participate in the official DHSC launch video.
This isn’t just another policy document; it is a commitment across multiple government sectors to drive real, practical change.
The plan is built around three core pillars:
1. Recognise
Carers must be identified early. One of the most exciting digital updates is a new “MyCarer” section being introduced on the NHS App, allowing us to easily register our caring role so healthcare staff know who we are from the start.
2. Refer
No carer should have to navigate the system alone. This pillar focuses on making sure we are directed to local carer centres, financial advice, and emotional support early on. Crucially, it aims to ensure we are formally included in major healthcare decisions, like hospital discharge planning.
3. Reach
Caring shouldn’t mean giving up on your own future. For working carers, the plan explores paid carer’s leave and will require large employers (250+ staff) to publish carer support plans from spring 2027. For young carers, it means stronger support within schools so their education doesn’t suffer.
A Message to My Fellow Carers and Carer Centres
For years, we have argued that caring is not just a “health” issue, it impacts our jobs, our education, our finances, and our mental health. Seeing four government departments finally come together to address I feel is a massive step forward.
To my fellow unpaid carers: Please know that using your voice gives you a chance at being heard. It is important to get carers “on the map” to be recognised, and this plan is a direct result of carers sharing their lived experiences.
To Carer Centres and Forums: This action plan is a powerful tool for us. It gives us a framework to hold local services accountable and ensure the “Recognise, Refer, Reach” goals are delivered on the ground.
Of course change doesn’t happen overnight, but this plan gives us a vital foundation to build on. Let’s keep pushing, keep connecting, and make sure every single unpaid carer gets the recognition and support they deserve.
A Caring Mind 