UK carers at breaking point says new report

Almost three-quarters (74%) of people providing unpaid care for a loved one who is ill, frail or disabled have reached breaking point due to the pressures of their caring role, according to new research issued to launch Carers Week 2009 (8-14 June)*.

The results show that the strain of caring is causing carers such extreme levels of stress and depression that they are suffering breakdowns and, in some cases, even attempting suicide.

Michelle, from Hampshire, cares for her 19-year-old son who has autism, epilepsy and learning difficulties. She has struggled for years to receive basic support from her local social services and housing department. She says: "The stress and difficulty of caring with no support has made me feel suicidal and only knowing no-one would care for my son made me not carry this through."

The most common cause of carers reaching breaking point, cited by well over a third (41%) of respondents, is 'frustration with bureaucracy'. This frustration is often caused by the complex and lengthy procedures for welfare benefits, healthcare and social services - systems which are actually intended to support carers and those they care for. Other factors causing carers to reach breaking point are a deterioration in the health of the person being cared for, lack of sleep and financial worries.

Nearly a third (31%) of carers say that more money would make a difference - the main benefit for carers, Carer's Allowance, is the lowest of its kind at just £53.10 per week. Independent research by YouGov, also issued today, has revealed that three-quarters (76%) of the public believe that this is an unreasonable amount to support carers who are unable to work because of their caring responsibilities.**

The YouGov research also revealed that carers rank alongside the emergency services in terms of their contribution to society. In the survey of over 2,000 people, six out of seven (86%) believe that carers make a valuable contribution to society, behind only nurses (91%) and firefighters (90%). Plumbers are valued by 46% of the public, the Royal Family receive the support of 27%, with politicians (14%), bankers (12%) and footballers (5%) bringing up the rear.

Carers Week is a partnership of 10 national charities that campaigns for greater recognition and support for the UK's six million carers, and celebrates the contribution they make to society, which saves the economy £87 billion a year.***

Carers Week 2009 has over 6,000 events and activities taking place across the country to ensure that all carers know that they are not alone, and that help and services are available.

Sir Geoff Hurst, England footballer and World Cup hero, has cared for his wife and is lending his support to Carers Week. Sir Geoff says:

"Those who care for family and friends mostly do so under the radar, without pay or acknowledgement, and deserve to be recognised for their dedication to the people they care for, not just during Carers Week but for all the weeks of the year.

"Carers face physical and mental challenges every day and should be more visibly supported and appreciated for the generous and loving hard work that they do."

For more information, visit Carersweek.org.

*1,941 carers took part in the survey, both online and by post, which was carried out by Carers Week between 22 January - 25 March 2009.

** Figure from survey of the public is from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2106 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th - 7th May 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

*** Leeds University/Carers UK, 2007