For Carers Week 2026, it takes place from 8–14 June and shines a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers who provide essential care and support to family members, friends and loved ones throughout the UK.
This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlights the need for workplaces, healthcare services, schools, local authorities and communities to better recognise and support unpaid carers.
Despite contributing billions of pounds worth of care each year, many unpaid carers continue to face challenges including financial hardship, social isolation, poor mental health and difficulties accessing support. So Carers Week aims to raise awareness of these issues while encouraging practical action to create a society where carers are valued, respected and included.
As a carer activist and founder of my site A Caring Mind, I am sure that creating carer-friendly communities starts with understanding the realities of caring. Whether you are caring for an ageing parent, a disabled child, a partner with a long-term condition or someone experiencing mental ill health, carers play a vital role in keeping families and communities together.
However, there are still many people do not identify themselves as carers and therefore miss out on important support, benefits and services. Carers Week 2026 provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and policymakers to listen to carers’ experiences, champion carers’ rights and improve access to support for unpaid carers across the UK.
Watch my Carers Week 2026 video below to learn more about the campaign, this year’s theme and how you can get involved in supporting unpaid carers. Please share the video to help raise awareness and encourage more people to recognise the invaluable contribution that carers make every single day.
Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive and more carer-friendly communities
May is Mental Health Awareness Month 2026 over in the states, with this year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together”, encouraging communities to support mental well-being.
Unpaid carers and family caregivers often face unique challenges, and organizations like Mental Health America, National Alliance for Caregiving, Family Caregiver Alliance, AARP, and the American Association of Caregiving Youth provide valuable resources and guidance.
This month is a reminder that small acts of support and self-care can make a big difference in creating more good days for everyone.
For Unpaid carers those who support loved ones living with long-term physical or mental health conditions, they face a unique set of challenges. The role is often demanding, emotionally taxing, and can feel isolating. Yet, in recent years, the rapid advancement of digital tools, apps, and online platforms has begun to transform the landscape of unpaid care, offering new avenues for support, organization, and connection.
My blog is a short transcript of my longer video below
Drawing from the lived experience as a passionate advocate for unpaid carers and an IT professional, my article and video explores how digitization, artificial intelligence, and mobile technology are reshaping the way informal carers manage their responsibilities. We’ll delve into the practical benefits, the most useful apps, and the limitations of technology in the caring role, providing a comprehensive guide for carers seeking to harness digital tools for their own well-being and the well-being of those they support.
Understanding the Role of Technology in Unpaid Care
The Growing Demands on Carers
Unpaid carers often juggle multiple responsibilities: managing medication schedules, tracking symptoms, coordinating appointments, and advocating for their loved ones with health professionals. The emotional and cognitive load can be overwhelming, especially when combined with work, family, and personal commitments.
As I points out, “As humans, we can only remember things so often. So, especially when we’re getting older or if we are under a lot of stress trying to juggle our caring role and busy lives, it does help to have apps that can schedule these things.”
The Promise of Digitization
Digitization offers carers a “second brain”, a way to offload tasks, reminders, and information, reducing stress and mental clutter. Mobile phones, now more powerful than ever, serve as hubs for health management, communication, and emotional support. But while technology can be transformative, it’s not without its challenges, including digital literacy, access, and the irreplaceable of value of human connection.
The Future of Care: Technology as an Empowering Force
The digital revolution is reshaping unpaid care, offering carers new ways to manage responsibilities, connect with others, and support their own well-being. While technology is not a replacement, it can be a powerful ally, reducing stress, improving organization, and fostering community.
As my experience shows, embracing digital tools can transform the caring journey. By leveraging apps for health management, communication, and emotional support, carers can reclaim control, reduce isolation, and find new sources of strength.
Ultimately, the goal is not to replace human kindness or connection, but to empower carers with the tools they need to thrive. With thoughtful adoption and ongoing support, technology can help unpaid carers navigate the challenges of their role and build a brighter, more connected future.
Resources and Recommendations my video covers
Essential Apps for Carers
Pill Reminder: Medication management and alerts
Medsafe: Medication tracking and scheduling
NHS App: Health records, care plans, and feedback (UK)
Google Calendar / Microsoft Outlook: Appointment and routine management
To-Do List / Trello: Task organization
Zoom / Microsoft Teams / Google Chat: Virtual support groups and communication
Siri / Google Assistant: Voice commands and reminders
AI Journals / Well-being Apps: Emotional support and mindfulness
Tips for Safe and Effective Use
Choose reputable apps with strong privacy policies
Keep software updated to ensure security
Seek training or support if you’re new to digital tools
Balance online and offline support for holistic well-being
Conclusion
Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our communities, providing vital support to those living with long-term ill health. The rise of digital tools and technology offers new hope, making the caring role more manageable, less isolating, and more connected.
By embracing digitization, carers can streamline their responsibilities, access emotional support, and build resilient communities. While challenges remain, the future of care is bright, powered by technology and the enduring spirit of human kindness.
Are you currently juggling the responsibility of caring for both a child and a care-dependent adult? If so, you may be what we call a “sandwich carer”—someone who provides care for loved ones across different generations.
At UCL’s Center for Transport Studies, They are conducting an important research study exploring the travel experiences of sandwich carers, and we want to hear from you.
Why Participate?
Sandwich carers play a critical role in our society, often balancing work, caregiving, and personal needs—all while navigating complex travel routines. However, little is known about how this group manages their daily transportation. Your input can help inform future transport policies and support systems to make travel more accessible and manageable for carers like you.
Who Can Take Part?
You are eligible if:
You are a carer for at least one child and one care-dependent adult,
And you currently live in England.
How to Participate
Simply scan the QR code in the flyer (see below) to complete a short pre-screening questionnaire. It only takes a few minutes and is the first step to being part of this valuable study.
Get Involved Today
Your voice matters. By participating, you’ll be contributing to research that could lead to meaningful change for thousands of carers across the country.
For any questions or more information, feel free to contact us at: 📧 njoud.hurr.20@ucl.ac.uk
Thank you for considering taking part in this important work. Please share this invitation with others who might qualify.
Understanding Unpaid Carers and the Vital Role of Carer Centers
This blog is by carer activist Matthew McKenzie. In the UK, millions of people, often unnoticed and unappreciated, dedicate their lives to caring for family members with long-term physical or mental health conditions. These unpaid carers are the backbone of the caregiving system, yet they face numerous challenges daily. Here, we delve into the crucial role of carer centers, the obstacles they encounter, and potential solutions to sustain and enhance their vital services.
A Caring Mind 