Carers Week 2025 is here! This is an annual, week-long event that raises awareness of the challenges facing carers and connects more carers to available support.  

It also aims to help people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers. Meaning they can access much-needed support.   

‘We care about equality for carers’ 

This year’s Carers Week theme is ‘Caring about equality’. 

The awareness week, which runs from 9 to 15 June, provides an opportunity to highlight the inequalities faced by unpaid carers.  

During the week-long campaign, the official Carers Week website will be promoting daily themes. You can follow along via their social media channels.   

There are plenty of ways to get involved during the week, such as participating in some of the hundreds of events and activities taking place throughout the UK, including online.   

You can find an activity on the ways to get involved webpage.   

Carers in East Sussex  

Did you know that here in East Sussex, there are an estimated 69,421 unpaid carers? Plus, an estimated 3,000 young carers! (data taken from Care for the Carers).  

According to the 2021 census, 60 per cent of carers are female, 40 per cent are male, and 70 per cent of carers are working age.   

Unpaid carers are at greater risk of poverty, social isolation, and poor mental and physical health. Often, due to their responsibilities, carers miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, simply because of their caring role.   

Who is a carer?   

The Carers Week website states that a carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older.  

It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.   

If you regularly look after someone who could not cope without your help, you are a carer, and there is support available.   

Advice and support   

There is information on the East Sussex County Council website, including: 

  • How to get a carer’s assessment  
  • How to apply for a carer’s card, and  
  • Registering an emergency plan so that you can be sure the person you care for will be looked after if something stops you from being there 

Visit the caring for someone webpage to find out more.   

There is also Carers’ Rights Day, held each year on November 23rd. Check out our previous article for information and resources.

Unpaid carers make a vital contribution to families and communities across East Sussex, but being a carer can be challenging. 

There are local monthly carers groups which offer a range of social and wellbeing activities, taking place on an ad hoc or regular basis.

To find an activity near you, visit the Care for Carers East Sussex website.