Carers Week 2025: Celebrating our everyday heroes

9-15 June 2025

Every day, millions of people across the UK quietly put someone else’s needs before their own. They’re partners caring for spouses, children looking after parents, friends supporting friends. They’re carers – and this week, we celebrate them.

You might be a carer without even knowing it

Do you help someone with their shopping because they struggle to get out? Support a family member with their medication? Help a friend manage their mental health? If you’re looking after someone who couldn’t manage independently without you, you’re a carer.

Caring happens at every age and stage of life. It might be for someone with a long-term condition, disability, illness, or mental health needs. What matters is that you’re there when they need you.

You’re not alone

We know caring can feel isolating. The emotional ups and downs, the practical challenges, the worry – it’s a lot to carry. But there’s help available, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

Get support from:

• Essex Wellbeing Service – practical advice and emotional support
• Action for Family Carers – specialist guidance tailored to your situation
• Carers First – connecting you with other carers who understand

Know your rights and what you’re entitled to

As an unpaid carer, you have important rights and may be entitled to financial support:

Financial support:

• Carer’s Allowance – £83.30 per week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week
• Universal Credit Carer Element – removes compulsory work activities whilst offering voluntary employment support
• Carer’s assessment – all unpaid carers are entitled to this from their local council, which could lead to additional help or support

Your rights at work:

• Carer’s Leave – up to five days of unpaid leave per year to manage caring responsibilities
• Flexible working – the right to request flexible arrangements to balance work and caring

Getting involved in decisions:

• You have the right to be involved by the NHS when decisions are made about services and the person you care for

Join us this week

Essex County Council webinars: Designed for professionals working with carers across Essex

NHS England events: National sessions with expert advice and resources

Alzheimer’s Society support groups: Free, local support for people with dementia and their carers

Thurrock Carers Service: Events taking places during Carers Week
The below documents have not been produced by Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System, and therefore may not be fully accessible.

Carers week event timetable (pdf, 231kb)

Carers week booklet (pdf, 22mb)

Carers Week Poster (pdf, 2mb)

Need more help?

Our dedicated carers’ support page has everything you need to know about local services, benefits, and practical advice.