Carers
In the 2021 Office for National Statistics Census, 19,412 people in the borough identified themselves as providing some amount of unpaid care.
What is a 'carer'?
A carer is someone who cares for another person that couldn't manage without such support because of issues such as mental or physical illness, disability, age or substance misuse problems. Caring for someone covers lots of different things like helping with washing, dressing, eating, taking them to regular appointments or offering emotional support.
The impact of being a carer on health and wellbeing
Caring can have a significant impact on health and the latest GP patient survey found that 3 in 5 carers have a long term health condition, compared to half of non-carers (Carers UK, 2017).
Carers also have specific additional needs including needing breaks from their caring roles, access to services for the cared-for person and themselves, help to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing, help to feel less isolated and additional financial support.
Statistics on carers
- Family Resources Survey - Caring needs and responsibilities - the Family Resources Survey provides facts and figures about the incomes and living circumstances of households and families in the UK, including statistics and commentary on caring needs and responsibilities.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) - Census 2021 Statistics - the 2021 Census remains the most up to date source of unpaid carer data that covers the whole borough population and it's best accessed using the ONS Nomis platform.
Guidance and information on carers
- Local Government Association - Meeting the health and wellbeing needs of young carers - this report from the Local Government Association uses a series of case studies to look at the challenges that face young carers and some solutions to supporting their health and wellbeing needs.
- Carers UK - Policy and research - Carers UK provides briefings on key policy developments, legislation and regulations in policy areas including benefits, health and social care services, employment and equality.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance - Carers - NICE has produced a number of documents that cover unpaid carers including guidance on delivering personal care and support to older people living in their homes and supporting people living with dementia. A further guideline for provision of support for adult carers is in development.