There are an estimated 6.5 million carers in the UK, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill. With 65% of people likely to care in their lifetime, this is something that will affect almost all of us, often more than once.
Caring is such an important part of life. It’s simply part of being human. Carers are holding families together, enabling loved ones to get the most out of life, making an enormous contribution to society and saving the economy billions of pounds.
Now more than ever it is vital to raise awareness of caring and the work of Carers UK. At Carers UK, we support carers across the UK:
- Providing expert advice, information and support through our website, helpline, and publications
- Connecting people through our online forum and community volunteers, making sure no-one has to care alone
- Supporting employers to make sure carers are able to balance work and caring
- Campaigning for lasting societal change in areas that make a difference for carers
There are an estimated 6.5 million carers in the UK, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.
Our partnership will enable us to reach many more carers though Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland’s active membership and networks, increasing individuals understanding of what support is available to them and connecting carers across the UK, and to raise awareness of caring and Carers UK.
Rotary Carers UK Ambassadors will help spread the word at a time when many carers are providing more care than ever due to the current crisis. Connecting with carers and supporting them is key to our partnership.
We want to ensure that this relationship is reciprocal and raises awareness of the support Carers UK offer unpaid carers nationwide, as well as promoting the community-driven, volunteer-led impact Rotary delivers.
Our partnership will enable us to reach many more carers though Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland’s active membership and networks
Amanda Watkin, General Secretary of Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland:
“Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland is extremely excited to be embarking on a 12-month partnership with Carers UK. At Rotary we are focused on two principles: making a difference and making connections.
It is so important to recognise the contribution millions of unpaid carers make in society, and raise awareness of the sacrifices they make and challenges they face. Rotary is proud to be pledging our support so that carers have a voice, as well as access to the support and connections they need.”
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK:
“Rotary’s active membership and network of 1,700 clubs across the country will enable us to reach many more carers at this crucial time, and beyond. We are really excited to be developing and delivering a year of activity with Rotary, an organisation dedicated to tackling some of society’s biggest issues at a local and national level.”
We want to ensure that this relationship is reciprocal and raises awareness of the support Carers UK offer unpaid carers nationwide, as well as promoting the community-driven, volunteer-led impact Rotary delivers.
This Carers Week, we’re coming together to help Make Caring Visible and we are encouraging Rotary clubs across the UK to get involved:
- Pledge your support: As a Rotary club, share what you are going to do to support unpaid carers and pledge your support on the Carers Week website.
- Add Your Voice for Carers Week: As a Rotarian, you can Add Your Voice to the Carers Week website to help Make Caring Visible.
- Share on social media: Spread the word about Carers Week on your Rotary club social media using our hashtag #CarersWeek. You can also follow Carers Week on Twitter and Facebook.
We are excited to develop this partnership and will soon be sharing with you how we are working together over the next 12 months to make life better for carers.
