Carers Week 2026 takes place from 8ā14 June with this yearās campaign highlighting the importance of creating more carer friendly communities and improving recognition and support for unpaid carers across the UK.
Across the country, around 5.8 million people provide unpaid care to loved ones, friends or neighbours who may be elderly, disabled or living with illness. For many, balancing caring responsibilities alongside work, family life and personal wellbeing can place significant pressure on their physical, emotional and financial health.
Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to society. Despite this, many carers continue to feel unsupported, isolated and overwhelmed by the demands placed upon them. Research from Carers UK found that more than half of carers regularly experience feelings of being overwhelmed.
A carer friendly community is one where carers are recognised, listened to and supported in practical ways so they are not left to manage alone. This support can come from employers, healthcare providers, schools, universities, local services, community groups and online networks, all working together to better understand the realities faced by unpaid carers.
Carers Week 2026 aims to raise awareness of the positive support already available while encouraging further action to ensure carers receive the recognition, understanding and assistance they deserve. It also provides an important opportunity for organisations and communities to consider how they can better support carersā wellbeing, relationships, employment and financial security.
The Defence Police Federation supports the campaign to recognise the invaluable contribution made by unpaid carers within our communities. We understand the challenges members can face when balancing policing duties with caring responsibilities, and the impact this can have on wellbeing both inside and outside of the workplace.
We remain committed to supporting members through difficult periods by promoting fairness, understanding and access to appropriate support. Through wellbeing services available via membership of the PFOA, alongside workplace representation and guidance, we aim to help colleagues manage their responsibilities while protecting their health, welfare and work-life balance.
For members with caring responsibilities, we encourage you to consider applying for a Civil Service Carer’s Passport. The passport enables carers and their managers to discuss and document workplace flexibilities that can help balance caring responsibilities with work commitments.
The passport is designed to be reviewed annually, and whenever caring circumstances change. The Carers’ Conversation Map has also been developed to help carers have constructive discussions with their manager about the support they may need. Further information about the Civil Service Carer’s Passport and how it can support carers in the workplace is available on the GOV.UK website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carers-passport
We believe that greater awareness, stronger support networks and more carer friendly workplaces can make a meaningful difference to the lives of carers and those they care for. By working together, we can help ensure carers feel valued, visible and supported throughout their journey.
The Carers UK website also offers a wide range of practical advice, guidance and support resources for carers via the links below:
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/helpline-and-other-support/
Information on wellbeing support can also be accessed by the MDP wellbeing page on Sharepoint.
For those balancing caring responsibilities alongside work and family life, remember that support is available and seeking help is an important step in looking after your own wellbeing.
