9 June 2025 News
Research has found that 43% of current or former carers – an estimated 10.7 million people – have seen a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on a caring responsibility.
Following a poll of over 2,000 members of the public, over half (58%) of current and former carers said they felt they were at a disadvantage as they are not able to look after their own physical or mental health in the same way as those without caring responsibilities.
The findings were released to mark Carers Week (9-15 June), which aims to raise awareness and highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families throughout the UK.
Organised by Carers UK, it is supported by the MND Association, Age UK, Carers Trust, Oxfam GB, Rethink Mental Illness, The ME Association and the Lewy Body Society.
The previous 2024 GP Patient survey in England asked people whether they had any long-term physical or mental health conditions, disabilities or illnesses. 70% of carers said they did, compared to 59% of non-carers.
Millions of the UK’s unpaid carers looking after disabled, older or ill relatives feel disadvantaged and are unable to prioritise their own health needs.
The situation is no different when it comes to supporting loved ones with MND, given the condition often progresses rapidly and creates new and increasing needs that carers strive to meet.
Alex Herd was diagnosed with MND in 2021 aged 30 and is supported by husband and carer Craig, who said the role has had an emotional and physical toll on him.
Craig said: “I’d say caring for Alex has been more of a marathon than a sprint. I’ve learned that neglecting myself to focus solely on Alex wasn’t sustainable.
“It led to health issues for me, and I’ve had to adjust. It felt isolating. Giving up social elements of life, like friends and work, added to that isolation.
“While I’ve been lucky enough to keep working, sometimes it’s a blessing because it gives me something to focus on outside of the situation. But other times, it’s the last thing I want to be thinking about.
“We’ve created a life that’s comfortable for us in this situation, and that’s what’s best for the both of us. I had to realise that taking care of myself was part of being a good carer.”
Craig also believes unpaid carers are “undervalued by the government” and there is a “disconnect between the support offered and what carers actually need”.
He added: “I’ve had my own health challenges. The physical and emotional toll of caregiving affects the carer’s health, and that’s something the government should account for.
“Being a carer for someone with MND is a long-term commitment. A lot of people go into it expecting short-term involvement, but the impact lasts a lifetime.
“It can be disheartening to engage with the system and feel like the political and social support is insufficient, especially when the government is relying on love and familial support to fill the gaps.”
Sally Hughes, Director of Services and Partnerships at the MND Association, said: “Whether it’s caring for a loved one, a friend or a neighbour, a carers dedication often goes unseen, but it should never go unappreciated.
“We’re taking part in Carers Week to raise awareness, to say thank you, and to stand in solidarity with the carers who give so much of themselves to support others.
“It is about listening to their stories, recognising their challenges, and pressing for better support and recognition.
“We will use this week to celebrate carers and to reconfirm our commitment to being a community that values and supports them, not just today but every day.”
From 9th June until the 16th, each day of Carers Week will have a different focus. These subjects are:
Our webpage on support for carers includes information and advice on self-care and wellbeing activities and the Association’s wide range of guidance and other support for unpaid or family carers of people with MND or Kennedy’s disease.
You can read the full Carers UK report here.
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