A recent State of Caring Survey conducted by Carers UK has exposed significant challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK, revealing a distressing trend of overwhelm and inadequate support. The survey provides a crucial insight into the lives of those caring for disabled, older, or ill relatives.

Findings from the survey indicate a severe impact on the mental health of carers, with more than half (57%) of respondents feeling overwhelmed "often" or "always." Additionally, over a third (35%) reported their mental health as "bad" or "very bad," marking an increase from 27% the previous year.

A major contributing factor to these feelings of overwhelm is the lack of opportunities for carers to take breaks from their responsibilities. Two-thirds (66%) of carers stated a need for more support with their health and wellbeing, with 65% attributing their stress to an inability to take time away from their caring roles.

Despite legal entitlements under the Care Act 2014, which mandates local councils to conduct a Carer’s Assessment to determine support needs, the uptake and subsequent support are lacking. Only 23% of substantial care providers have received an assessment in the past year, and 42% of these individuals report no follow-up support from their local authority.

The survey also highlighted issues with social care services, including long wait times for support, reported by 57% of carers, and a lack of available services when needed, as indicated by 51% of respondents. Among those experiencing these service shortfalls, 79% reported a negative impact on their mental health.

The invaluable contributions of unpaid carers, who provide care worth an estimated £184 billion to the UK economy annually, are often overlooked. The survey notes that 50% of overwhelmed carers are also struggling with their own health issues, and over a quarter (27%) report poor physical health.

These findings emphasise the urgent need for improved support and resources for unpaid carers, to better safeguard their mental and physical health and to ensure the continued provision of care for the UK's most vulnerable individuals.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK:  

"Unpaid carers are under immense pressure. Many tell us that their world has shrunk, that they feel isolated and alone in their caring role. Breaks are essential for carers, enabling them to focus on their own health, needs and interests. An increasing demand for social care services, together with a lack of funding for social care means that, all too often, replacement care and respite services are not available when carers need them. 

Far too many carers are not receiving adequate support, resulting in poor mental health and burnout. We need to see a clear plan for long-term, sustainable funding ensuring that all local authorities can fulfil their duties to carers under the Care Act 2014 and all carers can access high-quality social care when they need it".

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network: "While the recent State of Caring Survey by Carers UK doesn't specifically focus on rural communities, the challenges it highlights are critically relevant to rural areas. In rural settings, where distances are greater and access to services is often more constrained, the issues faced by unpaid carers can be even more pronounced. It is imperative that we recognise and address these unique challenges to ensure that all carers, regardless of their geographic location, receive the support they need. This survey underscores the need for targeted interventions that consider the specific circumstances of rural carers, to improve their access to necessary respite and support services".

Read the full State of Caring Report HERE