What Is Carers Week?

15 Jun What Is Carers Week?

Every June, Carers Week shines a spotlight on the six‑plus million unpaid carers across the UK—those family members, friends or neighbours who quietly shoulder the day‑to‑day support of loved ones, often at significant personal cost. This year, Carers Week runs from 9–15 June 2025, with the theme “Caring About Equality.” It highlights how carers can face higher risks of poverty, social isolation and poorer health—inequalities that demand our collective attention and action carersweek.orgactionforcarers.org.uk.

The National Picture
Unpaid carers save the UK economy an estimated £162 billion every year, yet too many remain hidden from view, without the recognition or resources they deserve. Carers Week is a chance not only to thank them but also to press for fairer policies—whether that’s improved access to mental‑health support, flexible employment rights, or financial advice—so that caring doesn’t equate to being left behind carersuk.orgactionforcarers.org.uk.

Hounslow’s Caring Community
In the London Borough of Hounslow alone, 19,403 residents identify as carers, and over half of them provide more than 20 hours of care each week hounslow.gov.uk. That’s nearly 20,000 individuals juggling work, family and education around their caring role—often feeling isolated or unsure where to turn. Carers Week isn’t just a national campaign here; it’s a vital reminder that help and companionship are right on the doorstep.

Why Carers Week Matters

1. Recognition & Belonging
   Too often a carer’s identity is wrapped up in “just doing what any decent person would.” Carers Week invites us to drop that “just” and honour the dedication, skill and compassion involved in caring.

2. Connecting to Support
   Information stalls, workshops and peer‑meetups let carers discover local services—from short‑break grants and emergency cards to legal advice on Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

3. Fighting Inequality
   By spotlighting the “Caring About Equality” theme, we amplify the voices of carers facing financial strain or mental‑health challenges, urging policymakers to act.

How to Get Involved in Hounslow

• Carers Celebration Tea Party
  Kick off Carers Week on Monday 9 June (10:30 am–12:30 pm) with Harlington Care and Transit Community CIC at 115 B High Street, Whitton, TW2 7LG. Enjoy tea, cake and the chance to swap stories with fellow carers hounslowhealthandcare.org.

• Community Event in Hounslow
  On Thursday 12 June (10 am–3 pm) at Holy Trinity Church, 6 High Street, Hounslow, TW3 1HG, the borough’s social‑care team and local charities are hosting a free drop‑in for unpaid carers. No registration needed—just turn up to relax, learn about support services and try out wellbeing activities beta.hounslow.gov.uk.

• Online Session: Understanding LPAs & Deputyships
  Also on 12 June (1 pm–2 pm), join the Office of the Public Guardian for a virtual deep‑dive into LPAs and deputyship orders—essential for carers managing someone else’s finances or health decisions. Register via Eventbrite to secure your place beta.hounslow.gov.uk.

The Lasting Value of Carers Week
Beyond these events, Carers Week is a springboard for ongoing change. It sparks community partnerships, from health‑trust listening sessions to employer roadshows championing carer‑friendly workplace policies. It also helps more “hidden” carers recognise their role and come forward for support, whether through a local carers’ centre or online peer network.

For Hounslow’s carers—many of whom balance long‑hour shifts, young families or their own health worries—this week is a powerful reminder: you’re not alone, and your wellbeing matters. By celebrating and lobbying together for “Caring About Equality,” we can build a borough (and a country) that values carers not as unpaid extras, but as essential pillars of our communities.