Carers Week 2026: Building Carer Friendly Communities Across the East Riding

8 – 14 June 2026

Carers Week returns from Monday 8 to Sunday 14 June 2026, shining a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers across the UK who support family members, friends and neighbours every day.

This year's theme, "Building Carer Friendly Communities", focuses on ensuring carers are recognised, valued and supported within their local communities.

Who is a Carer?

Many people do not see themselves as carers, despite providing regular support to someone who could not manage without their help.

A carer may be:

• Supporting a partner, parent, child, friend or neighbour
• Helping someone with a disability, long-term illness or mental health condition
• Providing support to an older relative
• A young person helping care for a family member

Caring can be rewarding, but it can also affect a person's health, wellbeing, employment, education and social life. That's why it is important that carers know they are not alone and that support is available.

Support Available for Adult Carers

The East Riding Carers Support Service offers free information, advice and guidance to unpaid carers, regardless of whether the person they care for receives council services.

The service can provide support with:

• Carers' rights
• Carers Assessments
• Local carers services
• Benefits advice
• Accessing local and national support
• Signposting to other organisations and services

Contact the Carers Support Service

• ERcarers@eastriding.gov.uk
• 0800 917 6844 or 01482 396500
• Carers Support Centre, County Hall, Beverley
• Open Monday to Thursday 9.30am–4.30pm and Friday 9.30am–4.00pm.

Support for Young Carers

Young carers under 18 can access support through schools, colleges, GPs, Early Help services or by contacting the Young Carers Service directly.

family.help.young.carers@eastriding.gov.uk

Young carers often balance education, friendships and caring responsibilities, making early support particularly important.

Health and Wellbeing Activities

Across East Riding Leisure centres, carers can access a range of free opportunities including:

• Free swimming sessions
• Gym access
• Walking for Health activities
• Yoga and fitness classes
• Walking Netball
• Pickleball and badminton tasters
• NHS Health Checks
• Boditrax health assessments

Activities are taking place in Beverley, Bridlington, Driffield, Goole, Haltemprice, Hornsea, Pocklington, Withernsea, South Cave and South Holderness throughout the week.

Library Activities

Libraries across the East Riding are also hosting free community activities including:

• Knit and Natter sessions
• Reminiscence groups
• Games groups
• Chats and Crafts
• Cuppa and Chorus
• Family History Groups
• Lego Clubs for children and families
• Code Clubs for young people

These sessions offer opportunities for carers to meet others, reduce isolation and enjoy some time within their community.

Community Activities

Additional activities include:

• Walk and Talk sessions
• Community coffee mornings
• Light activity sessions with refreshments
• Health MOTs and wellbeing checks
• Outdoor and nature-based activities

These events are designed to encourage connectition, improve wellbeing and help carers access information about local support.

Why This Matters to the VCSE Sector

The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector plays a crucial role in supporting carers across the East Riding. From providing practical help and respite opportunities to creating welcoming community spaces, local organisations are often the first place carers turn to for support.

Carers Week provides an opportunity to:

• Raise awareness of unpaid carers within your organisation
• Review how carer-friendly your services are
• Promote local support available to carers
• Celebrate the contribution carers make to our communities
• Connect carers with activities that support their wellbeing

Many carers remain hidden and may not identify themselves as carers. By helping people recognise their caring role and signposting them to support, VCSE organisations can make a significant difference.