Carers Week 2026: Building Carer Friendly Communities

Carers Week returns this June with the theme "Building Carer Friendly Communities", shining a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers across the UK and the vital role they play in supporting family members, friends and neighbours.

Every day, carers provide practical, emotional and personal support to people who could not manage without them. Many balance caring responsibilities alongside work, education, family life and their own health needs. Yet too often carers remain unseen, unsupported or unaware of the help available to them.

Why Carers Week Matters

Carers Week is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of caring, recognise the contribution carers make to society and encourage communities, employers, organisations and public services to better support those with caring responsibilities.

This year's theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, focuses on creating places where carers are recognised, valued and able to access the support they need. Whether through local services, community groups, workplaces, schools or neighbourhood networks, everyone has a role to play in making communities more inclusive for carers.

The Importance of Supporting Carers

Being a carer can be rewarding, but it can also bring challenges including financial pressures, social isolation, impacts on physical and mental wellbeing, and difficulties accessing employment or education opportunities.

Many carers do not identify themselves as carers, particularly when supporting a spouse, parent, child or friend. As a result, they may miss out on valuable support, advice and benefits that could make a significant difference to their lives.

Creating carer friendly communities means:

• Helping carers to identify themselves and seek support.
• Ensuring carers can access information, advice and services.
• Reducing isolation and improving wellbeing.
• Supporting carers to balance caring with work, education and other commitments.
• Recognising the knowledge, experience and contribution carers bring to their communities.

The Role of the VCSE Sector

Voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations play a crucial role in supporting carers across our region. From carers' centres and support groups to community transport, wellbeing activities, respite opportunities and advice services, the VCSE sector often provides the practical and emotional support that carers rely upon.

Carers Week provides an opportunity for organisations to:

• Highlight services available to carers.
• Share carers' stories and experiences.
• Raise awareness of carers' rights and entitlements.
• Host events and activities that bring carers together.
• Encourage local communities to become more carer friendly.

What's Happening in Hull and East Yorkshire for Carers Week 2026?

East Riding of Yorkshire
East Riding of Yorkshire Council and partner organisations have announced a programme of activities throughout Carers Week (8–14 June) aimed at engaging and supporting unpaid carers of all ages. The events will provide information, advice, opportunities to connect with other carers and raise awareness of the support available locally.

The council is encouraging anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend or neighbour to get involved and learn more about the help available.

Beverley and East Riding

The local Carers Support Service is promoting Carers Week activities and opportunities for carers to access information, support and community connections throughout the week

Hull
While I haven't yet found a dedicated 2026 Carers Week programme for Hull published online, local support continues to be available through the Carers' Information and Support Service (CISS), delivered by City Health Care Partnership CIC. Historically, Carers Week in Hull has included marketplace events, information sessions and opportunities for carers to meet local support organisations.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you are a charity, community group, public sector organisation, business or local resident, there are many ways to support Carers Week:

• Promote Carers Week through your networks and social media channels.
• Encourage carers within your organisation or community to access support.
• Host an awareness event, coffee morning or wellbeing activity.
• Review how carer friendly your organisation is.
• Celebrate and thank carers for the invaluable contribution they make every day.

Find Out More

Carers Week is coordinated by a partnership of national charities working to improve support and recognition for carers across the UK.

For campaign resources, information and ways to get involved, visit the official Carers Week website: https://www.carersweek.org

Together, we can help build communities where carers are recognised, valued and supported – not just during Carers Week, but all year round.