Carers Matter!
Are You an Adult or
Have a Child Who is a Caregiver?
At MyBCEHub.com, we understand the unique challenges faced by those who support and care for a family member, relative, neighbor, spouse, or child in need. If you or your child are providing such support, you are recognized as an unpaid caregiver.
This means you offer care without receiving financial compensation from the person you're looking after.
Being an unpaid caregiver can be a challenging and sometimes unexpected role.
As one spouse shared, "I didn't expect to care for my wife; I expected her to care for me." Another caregiver expressed, "I’m not my husband's carer," when offered a Carers Assessment, reflecting the emotional complexities of caregiving.
If you're unsure whether you qualify as a caregiver or are eligible for caregiver support, it’s important to seek clarification. You can check with your local Job Centre or consult with the social worker of the person you care for. Remember, if you provide 35 hours or more of care each week, you are entitled to a Carers Assessment under the Care Act 2014.
We’re here to support you on this journey,
ensuring you have the resources and information you need.
Why CarersToday is Passionate and Committed to Supporting Carers;
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At CarersToday, we are driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers and enhancing the quality of services they receive. Carers are the backbone of support for countless individuals, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. We believe it’s time to change that.
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Unpaid Carers: The Unsung Heroes;
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Unpaid carers provide essential care without financial compensation. Their reasons for stepping into this role vary:
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Some choose to care for a loved one out of a deep sense of duty or love—whether it’s a parent, sibling, partner, or friend.
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Others feel there is no one else who can take on the responsibility, or they find themselves unexpectedly stepping into the role.
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Some feel trapped by their circumstances, balancing the weight of responsibility with the need for personal well-being.​
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Regardless of how they became carers, the fact remains: caring for someone can be incredibly demanding, consuming time, energy, and resources. Many carers sacrifice their personal lives, leading to social isolation, loss of friendships, and diminished social networks.
The Economic Impact of Caring
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The emotional and physical toll of unpaid care is often compounded by financial struggles. Many carers have had to leave their jobs to provide full-time care, leaving them without a stable income. The Carer’s Allowance, designed to provide some financial relief, offers less than £1 an hour, while professional carers can earn upwards of £11 an hour. This stark inequality leaves many unpaid carers in economic hardship.
At CarersToday, we are dedicated to advocating for better recognition, financial support, and services for carers. We believe that all carers deserve the ability to provide quality care without sacrificing their well-being or livelihood.
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The Hidden Struggles: Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health
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Caring can significantly impact a carer's mental, physical, psychological, and emotional health. Carers often experience:
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Mental health challenges due to stress and emotional strain, which can lead to breakdowns.
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Physical injuries, such as back problems, from the physical demands of caring.
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Sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and a weakened immune system due to the constant pressure of looking after someone else.
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Some carers face the additional challenge of experiencing violence from the person they care for, particularly in cases involving dementia, brain injuries, schizophrenia, or addictions. Many carers suffer in silence, afraid that reporting the abuse could lead to the person they care for being placed in a residential home, arrested, or worse. Some fear being subjected to safeguarding investigations by their carer’s social worker.
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Carers may feel trapped by matrimonial commitments, such as "in sickness and in health," and forget that their own health is just as important. Many suffer from self-neglect, lacking time for personal grooming or the financial means to take time for themselves. Some carers can’t even afford a meal out or a social outing with a friend, and they often neglect their own health, failing to book GP appointments for themselves while ensuring their loved ones are cared for.
Why We Care: Carers Deserve Better
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There are over 8 million carers in the UK who may be living under these difficult and challenging circumstances. Many carers feel that society doesn’t care. But we do.
At CarersToday, we value every carer. We are passionate about ensuring that they receive the support they need under the right circumstances. We believe carers deserve care for their mental, social, psychological, physical, and economic well-being. We don’t simply tick boxes; we tick their hearts. Every carer is valued, and we are committed to making sure they receive the support they deserve.
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Carers Are the Foundation of Care
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Without unpaid carers, the burden on the NHS would be even greater. Carers provide an invaluable service, and their health and well-being should be a national priority. Carers’ Health Matters. That’s why we are here to ensure every carer is supported and appreciated for the vital role they play in society.