York Carers Centre celebrates Carers Week 2025 with the theme ‘Caring About Equality’. This annual campaign, led by Carers UK and supported by several other charities, aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognize their valuable contributions to families and communities throughout the UK. The campaign also aims to help individuals who may not identify as carers to access much-needed support.
The theme for this year’s Carers Week, ‘Caring About Equality’, sheds light on the inequalities faced by unpaid carers in the UK and the steps needed to create a fairer society for them. According to a study by the Association of Social Care Research Unit (ASCRU), carers report poorer mental and physical health compared to non-carers. This is especially true for younger carers, who may experience poorer mental health, and older carers, who may have poorer physical health. Caring responsibilities can also negatively impact employment, leading to lower earnings, reduced pension provision, and increased financial strain, according to Carers UK and ASCRU. Additionally, access to support services can be unequal, with some groups facing barriers in accessing help, as reported by the Carers Trust. The demanding nature of caring can also lead to social isolation and loneliness, as highlighted by ASCRU.
At York Carers Centre, we are dedicated to promoting equality for carers from the age of 5. We believe that every carer deserves the opportunity to feel supported, connected, and empowered to lead a fulfilling life, regardless of their personal circumstances. In line with the theme of ‘Caring About Equality’, we have organized a series of free activities aimed at bringing carers together, building meaningful and long-lasting friendships, and tackling the isolation and loneliness that many carers experience. These activities are a chance to recognize the vital role carers play in our communities and to offer them support.
Our lineup of activities includes a special celebration event on Wednesday 11 June in Museum Gardens from 10 am to 6 pm. Carers, along with their friends and families, are invited to bring a picnic, enjoy games, chat with our team, and connect with other carers who understand the realities of caring. It’s an opportunity to meet our Carer Support Workers, share experiences, and learn more about the support available to carers in York.
Other activities include a drop-in session at our city center office, a social group for unpaid carers called ‘Carers Connect’, volunteer and information stalls, mental health carer support groups, and secondary school drop-ins. We are also offering appointments with our Benefits Worker, Andrew, on Wednesday 11 June from 9:30 am to 3 pm to provide guidance for carers looking to understand how recent announcements on changes to health and disability benefits may impact them. Additionally, we are hosting a Legal Clinic with Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors on Friday 13 June, offering free 30-minute appointments for advice on wills, probate, and power of attorney.
To view the full calendar of activities and to book activities or appointments, please email events@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk or call 01904 715 490.
Whether you’re an unpaid carer or simply interested in learning more, we encourage you to come along to one or more of our activities and celebrate the vital role carers play in York.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.