"More carers are coming forward for support, underlining the strain of balancing caring with other responsibilities."
- Christine Husbands - RedArc
Nurse-led organisation RedArc has reported a 37% rise in referrals year-on-year from unpaid carers seeking support for themselves, with demand having now doubled since five years ago. These findings come as the UK marks Carer’s Week from 8th to 14th June 2026.
RedArc says that this sharp increase reflects mounting pressure on unpaid carers, driven by an ageing population, persistent gaps in social care, and rising living costs that reduce access to paid support. As more people take on complex caring responsibilities, the need for dedicated, specialist support has never been greater.
In RedArc’s experience, caregivers often neglect their own needs, meaning they can face chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and emotional fatigue, all affecting their mental health. Physically, the demands of caregiving can lead to persistent fatigue and chronic pain from physical tasks. Over time, these pressures can compound, worsening both mental wellbeing and overall physical health.
Caregiving can also significantly affect social wellbeing, often leading to isolation and reduced contact with friends and the wider community. Many caregivers have little time or energy for leisure activities, and the strain of their responsibilities can place pressure on other relationships.
According to Carers UK, of the 5.8 million people providing unpaid care to family members and friends, 35% of carers who juggle caring with paid employment have reduced their working hours, and 20% have moved from full-time to part-time work.
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"More carers are coming forward for support, underlining the strain of balancing caring with other responsibilities," Christine Husbands, commercial consultant at RedArc, said. "Society relies on them, and employers benefit from their skills and experience, so supporting carers is vital. Carers Week is an opportunity for everyone to consider whether they are doing enough for this important group.
"The UK’s unpaid carers need accessible support, whether that be through the workplace or health and protection insurance, particularly as state provision dwindles. With limited time to themselves, support must be easy to access, as any barriers can reduce uptake and prevent carers from getting the help they need.
"Caring rarely replaces existing commitments; it is typically added on top of them. Often it is also unplanned, with many unpaid carers stepping into the role unexpectedly after a loved one’s illness or injury, while continuing to manage daily life, work, family, and other demands. We must facilitate easy access to and encourage all carers to access support, particularly before their ability to do paid work is compromised."
