Millions of unpaid carers in every village, town and city are helping to get us through the coronavirus crisis.
Whether it is family members dropping off the weekly shop for elderly relatives who are isolating, mutual aid groups supporting vulnerable neighbours or volunteers organising food deliveries for families in need, this crisis has seen millions of people come together in a spirit of unity, compassion and solidarity.
With so many of us taking on caring responsibilities and supporting relatives, neighbours or friends, carers week feels especially pertinent this year.
But before the coronavirus pandemic struck, there were already at least six and a half million unpaid carers in the UK. At the last census in 2011, one in eight adults were looking after a family member, partner or loved one who had a disability, mental or physical illness or who simply needed extra support as they grew older.
Given our ageing population and the hollowing out of social care services after a decade of austerity this figure has surely grown, with estimates putting the true figure at nine million people providing unpaid care.
Many of these unpaid carers are young people, still technically children in the eyes of the law, who are balancing their education and the challenges of growing up alongside caring for a parent or family member.
When we think of a young person of school age we think of someone who should be cared for, not someone who is themself already responsible for caring for a parent with a disability or illness.
“It’s hard being a carer when you’re still only a child. You have to grow up quickly, worrying about problems that most children don’t have to worry about.”
I know how tough it can be for unpaid carers because of my own experience growing up. When I was still a child myself I was caring for my mother. From the age of 10, when I was still at primary school, I was caring for my mother as she suffered from severe depression. At times I had to bathe her, feed her and look after her as best as I could, but it was the emotional burden that was hardest to bear.
It’s hard being a carer when you’re still only a child. You have to grow up quickly, worrying about problems that most children don’t have to worry about. As well as caring for your parent you have to learn the hard way how to look after yourself and deal with all the challenges of growing up.
All carers make huge personal sacrifices to put the needs of their family member or loved one first, and this can have an impact on carers’ mental health and their own personal relationships.
Carers are seven times more likely to be lonely compared to the general population. Across the board carers are more anxious, less happy and less fulfilled than the general population. They are giving so much to support family members and loved ones that their own wellbeing and mental health is suffering.
Caring for a disabled or ill child, parent or loved one can become financially debilitating, particularly as many carers are unable to balance working alongside their care responsibilities. Carer’s Allowance is £7 per week less than Job Seeker’s Allowance and many carers are struggling to make ends meet, never mind living an active social life.
Millions of people would be left to manage without any support at all if it wasn’t for these millions of unsung heroes. They surely deserve better than this.
This year, Carers Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the fact that there are millions of unpaid carers in this country who will need our support after we get through this crisis. It is also an opportunity to say thank you and commit ourselves to supporting our unpaid carers.
For too long their vital role in our society has gone under-appreciated and undervalued. Their work is done behind closed doors in their own homes or the homes of their loved ones. Many can’t clock off from their caring responsibilities, go home after a long day or enjoy a weekend off after a tough week.
When we get through this crisis it will be because of the hard work and sacrifice of so many, putting the needs of others before their own. It must be in this spirit that we make sure we don’t leave our unpaid carers behind again.
Angela Rayner is Shadow First Secretary of State and Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne.