Caring About Equality

At Involve, we recognise the incredible contributions of unpaid carers and as we celebrate this year’s Carers Week, the message is more urgent and powerful than ever. The theme for 2025, “Caring About Equality” calls on all of us to acknowledge the deep inequalities faced by carers and to take meaningful steps toward a fairer, more supportive society.

Who are unpaid carers?

Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our communities. They are family members, friends, and neighbours who provide necessary care and support to someone who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older. This is done out of love, duty, and compassion.

In England alone, there are 5 million unpaid carers. Their work is estimated to be worth £184 billion a year – more than the entire NHS budget. But their true value goes far beyond economics. They provide stability, dignity, and comfort to those who need it most.

The inequalities carers face

Despite their vital role, unpaid carers often face significant challenges:

• Health: 70% of carers live with a long-term health condition or disability
• Work: 1 in 4 working carers have had to reduce their hours
• Education: Young adult carers are 38% less likely to attend university than their peers
• Finances: Many carers live in poverty, struggling to make ends meet while providing round-the-clock care

These inequalities are not just statistics – they are real barriers that limit opportunities and affect quality of life.

Why Carers Week matters

Carers Week is more than a moment of recognition – it’s a call to action. It’s a chance for all of us – employers, educators, policymakers, and neighbours – to pledge their support for carers.

In the last year we identified and supported 5,860 unpaid carers in West Kent. This year, we commit to identifying and supporting even more carers by:

• Further raising awareness of carer’s rights and needs
• Improving access to Carers’ Assessments and support in partnership with Kent County Council
• Support to access breaks from caring
• Ensuring carers are connected to others reducing isolation and providing emotional support
• Supporting carers to remain in employment by ensuring employers create inclusive workplaces that understand and accommodate caring responsibilities

Support for carers in Kent

If you’re a carer in Kent, we, alongside KCC and the other carer organisations are here to support you:

• Involve Kent
• Kent County Council – Support for Carers

To every unpaid carer reading this – we see you, we value you, and we stand with you.

Your care makes a difference every single day. And during Carers Week 2025, we want to honour your strength, sacrifice, and unwavering love.

Working together, we can build a future where caring is not a burden carried alone, but a shared responsibility, supported with dignity and respect.