This Carer’s Week, which runs from the 8th to the 14th of June 2026, RedArc reports that it received a 37% rise in referrals year on year (2025 vs. 2024) from unpaid carers seeking support for themselves, and demand is now double what the nurse-led organisation experienced five years ago.
This sharp increase reflects mounting pressure on unpaid carers, driven by an ageing population, persistent gaps in social care, and rising living costs that reduce access to paid support. As more people take on complex caring responsibilities, the need for dedicated, specialist support has never been greater.
Christine Husbands, commercial consultant, RedArc, said: “More carers are coming forward for support, underlining the strain of balancing caring with other responsibilities. Society relies on them, and employers benefit from their skills and experience, so supporting carers is vital. Carers Week is an opportunity for everyone to consider whether they are doing enough for this important group.”
All areas of health and wellbeing impacted
In RedArc’s experience, caregivers frequently neglect their own needs, so all areas of their health and well-being can be affected. They can face chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and emotional fatigue, all affecting their mental health. Physically, the demands of caregiving can lead to persistent fatigue and chronic pain from physical tasks. Over time, these pressures can compound, worsening both mental well-being and overall physical health.
Caregiving can also significantly affect social well-being, often leading to isolation and reduced contact with friends and the wider community. Many caregivers have little time or energy for leisure activities, and the strain of their responsibilities can place pressure on other relationships.
In terms of the financial impact, according to Carers UK, of the 5.8 million people who provide unpaid care to family members and friends, 35% of carers who juggle caring with paid employment have reduced their working hours, and 20% have moved from full-time to part-time work. This can place a significant financial strain on carers, as reduced income coincides with the additional costs often associated with providing care.
Christine Husbands added: “The UK’s unpaid carers need accessible support, whether that be through the workplace or health and protection insurance, particularly as state provision dwindles. With limited time to themselves, support must be easy to access as any barriers can reduce uptake and prevent carers from getting the help they need.”
When support is offered, it should help provide support for all areas of health and wellbeing, including providing a professional to talk to, as well as practical guidance and emotional support. This can include assistance in finding support groups, arranging short-term respite care, exploring independent living or long-term care options, alternative therapies, and receiving advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Christine Husbands concluded: “Caring rarely replaces existing commitments; it is typically added on top of them. Often it is also unplanned, with many unpaid carers stepping into the role unexpectedly after a loved one’s illness or injury, while continuing to manage daily life, work, family, and other demands. We must facilitate easy access to and encourage all carers to access support, particularly before their ability to do paid work is compromised.”
