In plain English
Carers UK is the national charity for unpaid carers. It provides expert information, advice and advocacy, runs a helpline, and campaigns for carer rights. A free national resource for anyone caring for a family member or friend with dementia or other illness.
What Carers UK does
Carers UK is the national charity supporting the around 7 million unpaid carers in the UK. Services include:
- The Carers UK Helpline;
- Detailed online information on caring, benefits, work rights, technology;
- Membership with magazine and newsletter;
- Local Carers Trust network (separate charity, complementary services);
- Advocacy and campaigning;
- Workplace support through Employers for Carers;
- Research on caring.
The Carers UK Helpline
- Phone: 0808 808 7777;
- Email: advice@carersuk.org;
- Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.
Free, confidential information and advice on caring, benefits, work rights, technology and emotional support.
Membership
Carers UK membership is free for unpaid carers. Benefits include:
- Caring magazine (online and print);
- Weekly e-newsletter;
- Online discussion forum;
- Discount on the Carers Card and Carers Discount;
- Updates on policy and legal changes affecting carers.
Information areas
The Carers UK website has comprehensive information on:
- Carer's Allowance and other benefits;
- Work and the Carer's Leave Act;
- Carer's Assessment under the Care Act;
- Health and wellbeing as a carer;
- Practical caring skills;
- End-of-life and bereavement;
- Technology for caring.
Employers for Carers
A membership scheme for UK employers committed to supporting working carers. Promotes good practice including flexible working, carer leave, and employee networks. Many UK employers are members.
Local Carers Trust network
Separate from Carers UK, Carers Trust is the UK federation of local carer support organisations. Around 130 local Carers Centres provide direct support including:
- One-to-one support;
- Carer support groups;
- Respite grants;
- Young carer support;
- Training.
Carers Trust Helpline: 0300 772 9600. Visit carers.org to find your local Carers Centre.
Caring and dementia
Dementia carers face specific challenges:
- Long duration of caring (often 5 to 10+ years);
- Behavioural symptoms that are exhausting;
- Decision-making for someone whose capacity changes over time;
- Anticipatory grief.
Carers UK and Carers Trust both provide dementia-aware support, often signposting to Dementia UK and Alzheimer's Society for dementia-specific clinical support.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carers UK membership free?
Yes for unpaid carers. The charity is funded by donations, membership giving, grants and partnerships.
What is the difference between Carers UK and Carers Trust?
Carers UK is the national charity providing information, advice and advocacy. Carers Trust is a separate federation supporting around 130 local Carers Centres delivering direct services on the ground.
Can Carers UK help with Carer's Allowance?
Yes. The Helpline and website provide detailed information; for face-to-face help with claims, your local Carers Centre or Citizens Advice may be more appropriate.
Are there specific resources for dementia carers?
Yes. Carers UK has dementia-aware information; Dementia UK and Alzheimer's Society provide more dementia-specific support.
Do they help young carers?
Carers UK supports adult carers. Young carers are supported by Carers Trust's Young Carers services and by The Children's Society Young Carers Initiative.
References
- Carers UK. https://www.carersuk.org
- Carers Trust. https://carers.org
- Carers UK. State of caring report 2024.
- Care Act 2014.