Carers Week aims to raise awareness of voluntary caring in the UK, while highlighting the contribution carers make and the challenges they face.

Taking place from 08 to 14 June, Carers Week seeks to highlight the work of the estimated 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK. The theme of this year’s awareness week focuses on building carer friendly communities and encouraging people to support the carers as well as those they care for.

Carers provide essential support, be it providing intensive short-term care post injury or caring long-term for a disabled child or seriously injured relative.

Caring full time can have a serious impact on a person’s life, especially if proper support isn’t available to carers themselves. According to the report ‘Prepared to Care’ commissioned as part of Carers Week, 61% of carers have suffered from depression because of their caring role, and 60% have had a reduction in their income as a result of caring. Statistics suggest that three out of five of us will become carers at some point in our lives.

Lisa Gunner, a serious injury solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Bristol office, said: “The effects of a serious injury can be life-changing, not just for the person affected but also their friends and family as, in many cases, a family member or friend will become an essential source of support and care post injury.

“Carers in the UK are invaluable, yet research shows that many carers’ wellbeing, finances and health suffer as a result of their commitment.

“At Thompsons, we strive to secure care and rehabilitation costs for our clients to ensure that their long-term needs are met and they don’t have to be reliant on the goodwill of friends and family unless they want to. Carers take huge pressure off health and social care services and it is essential they are properly supported and recognised.”