Carers UK published its “State of Caring” report, which focuses on the mental health and social care support for unpaid carers in the UK.
The report, based on a survey conducted between June and August 2024, examines the challenges faced by unpaid carers and their need for greater support.
The survey revealed a growing mental health crisis among unpaid carers in the UK. With 57% of carers feeling frequently overwhelmed and 35% reporting poor mental health, up from 27% last year.
Additional key findings include:
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Only 23% of carers have had a Carer’s Assessment in the last 12 months.
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42% of carers who’d had a Carer’s Assessment said their local authority has not supported them following this.
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57% of carers are experiencing long wait times for support.
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51% of carers say services were not available when they need them.
Carers UK is asking the government to ensure that unpaid carers are a specific and key part of the Casey Commission into reform of adult social care. They care calling on the government to invest an additional £1.5 billion in breaks and respite services in England (with consequential funding for Devolved Nations) and legislate so that carers have a statutory right to regular and meaningful breaks.
