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National Carers Week 2025

Know someone who looks after a family member?

If you look after someone who needs regular help because they have a disability, health condition, mental health issue or addiction problem, you’re a carer.

The theme for this year’s National Carers Week (9 to 15 June) is 'Caring About Equality'. It highlights how those who look after others are at greater risk of poverty, social isolation and poor mental and physical health.

We want carers in Surrey to know that they’re not alone. Whether you’ve been caring for someone for years or have finally realised that you are recognised as one, there’s lots of help available.

Caring about carers

Our main carers webpage is a great place to find out about the support available. Amongst lots of other information, you’ll find details on:

  • Our new carer wellbeing break payments, which can provide a one-off £300 pre-paid card to support people’s wellbeing and mental health. It can be used for  things like an overnight break or respite care, or a course, fitness activity or help in the home.
  • The benefits of taking a carers assessment if longer-term help is needed. It’s unrelated to any carers allowance you might receive and can help us build a support plan to help you. This short video explains more.
  • Surrey Carers Cards, which provide proof of your role and offer a route to support for your loved one if you’re suddenly unavailable. Two types of card are available, one of which comes with up to 48 hours of emergency cover.
  • A comprehensive guide to looking after someone after they come out of hospital.
  • Links to gov.uk to see if you’re eligible for a government benefit as a carer

There’s also information about the invaluable services offered by Action for Carers in the ‘Looking after yourself’ section, including help for young carers under 18.

If you are looking for local support groups, visit the Connect to Support community directory.

Don’t go through it alone

Whether you are caring for an ageing partner with dementia or an adult with a disability who relies on you, don’t struggle until you reach crisis point. In addition to the support outlined above, Action for Carers Surrey run a helpline that can offer advice or answer your questions every weekday during office hours:

Action for Carers are also running an online conference and holding extended carer drop-ins with activities from 9 to 13 June in multiple locations across the county.

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