Carers UK is delighted to be working alongside Carers Trust which is leading a dedicated programme to support hidden and under-represented groups of unpaid carers who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 has created new and difficult challenges for carers, with 81% providing more care since March and 78% seeing the needs of the person they care for increase. Simultaneously, day and support services they would normally rely on have significantly reduced their offer or have closed altogether.

After many months of living with limited contact and support, the pandemic is having a devastating impact on carers’ lives, causing them extreme loneliness, anxiety and exhaustion.

The Covid-19 Support Fund, established by the insurance and long-term savings industry, will support the charities to deliver a UK-wide initiative helping carers who have been struggling alone and without support. It is to donate almost £8m to support unpaid carers of all ages, including young carers.

Carers UK will be working to improve and diversify its online advice and support for unpaid carers, including its online peer support trialled in response to COVID-19. It will also be looking at how it can support the needs of groups that are often marginalised, such as BAME and LGBTQ+ carers, and older carers without access to the internet.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“This funding will make a real difference in helping us to reach out and support unpaid carers who have had to manage in extremely difficult circumstances this year, in most cases without any help at all.

“We are incredibly grateful to the COVID-19 Support Fund for funding this important initiative.

“We look forward to working with Carers Trust to support many more carers, particularly those in excluded groups, by giving them access to the support they need, when they need it, in a way that is right for them, whether it be online or offline.”

The initiative will take place over the three years, starting in 2021. Find out more.