Who is a Carer?
A Carer is a friend, relative or neighbour who provides support to someone with an illness or disability, either within the same household or living elsewhere, who would otherwise not be able to manage without that help.
A Carer’s life is often restricted by the need to be on call 24 hours a day because the person they look after cannot be safely left alone for long periods.
Carers are often under a great deal of physical and emotional strain through the demanding work of caring for someone heavily dependent upon them. They might also be trying to hold down a paid job, and have other family commitments.
Statistics About Carers*
- There are 5.2 million Carers in England and Wales.
- Every year over 2 million people become Carers.
- 1.25 million people provide over 50 hours of care per week.
- If every Carer stopped caring it would cost the government £57 billion a year to provide equivalent support
- 65% of Carers say that their health has suffered as a result of their caring responsibilities
