The State of Unpaid Caring in Leeds.

Key Stats

• The top three concerns for unpaid carers in Leeds right now are: my own health and wellbeing; the changing needs of the person I care for and money and the cost of living. 
• 62% of unpaid carers reported that caring had a negative impact on their physical health, 73% reported it had a negative impact on their mental health.  
• 62% of unpaid carers reported always or frequently feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious. 
• 44% of unpaid carers were always or mostly missing out on time for themselves or a break. 
• 31% of unpaid carers reported feeling often or always lonely.  
• 52% were worried about monthly living costs and whether they can manage in the future.  
• Unpaid carers have gone without essentials such as keeping their home warm (24%) and skipping meals (21%). 
• 29% of unpaid carers who are not in work, would like to be.

Recommendations

There is more we can do as a city, to better support unpaid carers. Based on the findings of the survey, the report has five recommendations:   

• Ensure that any policies, partnerships, and initiatives focused on population health or reducing health inequalities in Leeds, recognise that unpaid caring can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.
• Better quality and availability of social care, which can adapt to people’s changing needs. Stronger recognition that good social care also has health and wellbeing benefits for unpaid carers, including supporting them to take a break or stay in work.
• Develop a campaign to reach more, and more diverse carers sooner with the right information, advice and support. Led by Carers Leeds and involving stakeholders from across health and social care, it should recognise that we all have a role to play in identifying and supporting unpaid carers.
• Greater availability of inclusive activities that an unpaid carer and cared for person can do together. Breaks are important for unpaid carers but we shouldn’t assume that social or wellbeing activities should be focused on spending time apart.
• Ensure that initiatives targeted at the cost of living or poverty reduction, include unpaid carers. We need tailored employment support services to help unpaid carers return to work and information, advice and support for employers to help keep unpaid carers in work.

Claire Turner, Chief Executive of Carers Leeds said:

‘We know that providing unpaid care can be incredibly rewarding but it can also be hugely challenging. A significant number of unpaid carers who responded to our survey struggled to see any positives. The daily struggles and pressures, combined with worries about the future, are dominating many people’s caring experience.    

We can and we must do more to value and recognise unpaid carers in Leeds. If someone in our city is providing unpaid care for family, friends or neighbours, they must never do so at a cost to their own health and wellbeing, finances, or relationships. We must ensure that unpaid carers in Leeds have the information, advice and support they need to undertake their caring role and are able to live fulfilling lives.’