Gloucestershire County Council shined a spotlight on the vital role of unpaid carers as part of Carers Week this year.

Carers Week, which took place June 8 to June 14 encourages more people to recognise themselves as carers and access the support available.

This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlighted the importance of creating places where carers are recognised, valued and supported in everyday life.

Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery, said: “Unpaid carers play an invaluable role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, often without recognition.

“Carers Week is a chance to say thank you, but also to remind people that support is available. If you are helping someone day-to-day, even in small ways, you may well be a carer – and we would encourage you to come forward and get the help you deserve.

“Through our Carers Hub, we want carers to feel supported, connected and confident that they are not facing things alone.”

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without help. This could be due to illness, disability, mental health needs or addiction. Many people do not realise they are carers, often seeing themselves simply as a partner, parent, relative or friend.

According to the 2021 Census, there are around 52,000 unpaid carers in the county – around one in twelve residents – making a huge contribution to families, communities and local services.

A key part of the offer is supporting the carers to think about contingency planning. This can include the Carers Emergency Scheme, which can provide reassurances if something happens and a carer cannot provide care, arrangements will be put in place.

More information about the support available is on the Gloucestershire Carers Hub website.