Carers Week 2026: Building Carer Friendly Communities

 

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Carers Week is an annual campaign that raises awareness of the vital role unpaid carers play in supporting family members, friends and loved ones. This year's theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlights the importance of creating places, services and communities where carers are recognised, understood and valued. It also encourages people who may not identify themselves as carers to seek the support and advice available to them.

Across the UK, 5.8 million unpaid carers provide essential care every day, often while balancing work, education and other responsibilities. They can face challenges in every part of their lives – affecting their health and wellbeing, education, careers and livelihoods, relationships, daily life, hopes and aspirations.

Carer friendly communities help make support part of everyday life by recognising carers' needs and connecting them with practical help. As a GP practice, we are committed to identifying and supporting carers, helping them access information, local services and wellbeing support so they can maintain their own health while continuing in their caring role. Together, we can make a real difference to the lives of carers in our community.

We have produced a quick fact sheet with some ideas and signposting you can use right away, or for further information…

Visit the Carers Week website to learn more

 

Local carer events and resource stands

Thursday 11th June 2026 - Bridport

Bridport Carer’s Group – Help & Care from 10:30am to 12pm

The Bull Hotel, East Street, Bridport.

Monthly carer’s support group with lived experience facilitators and advisors from the Dorset Carer Service. No need to book, just drop in.

Drop in Carer Session from 10am to 1:30pm

Langdon Ward, Bridport Hospital, Hospital Lane, Bridport

Come along to meet the social prescribing team and the carers lead from the Ammonite Health Partnership to find out how we may be able to support you in your caring role.

Thursday 11th June 2026 from 2pm to 4pm – Lyme Regis

Carer support information at Lyme Regis Carer Support Group

The Waffle House, 37 Broad Street, Lyme Regis

Come along have a cuppa and meet: 

  • The Social Prescribing Team
  • Dorset Carer Service
  • Dorset Council Carers Team

Relax with a hot drink and take the opportunity to hear about the umbrella of support available to carers in Dorset. Come with a story to share, a question to ask, or just take the chance to relax.

Find more information about our social prescribing team

 

Information stands

There will be information stands for the whole of Carer’s Week at: 

  • Bridport Library
  • Lyme Regis Library
  • Beaminster Library 

These will include resource sheets produced by the Jurassic Coast PCN especially for carers. You can also call or email the team for more tailored advice.

 

A guide for buisnesses, organisations and communities

Carers Week 2026 focuses on Building Carer Friendly Communities, emphasising that carers should not be left to cope alone and need support for their health, emotional wellbeing, relationships and financial security.

Understanding carers' social and emotional needs

Over half (57%) of carers feel overwhelmed often or always. Many experience isolation, stress, and little time for self-care or relationships. Carers can benefit from;

  • Support for emotional wellbeing and mental health
  • Meaningful relationships and social connection
  • Time to protect their own health and wellbeing
  • Communities that listen and respond

What businesses and organisations can do

Businesses and organisations can support carers' social and emotional needs. A carer-friendly business or service can:

  • Identify carers early and signpost to support
  • Listen and respond to lived experience
  • Create flexible services that reduce barriers
  • Provide welcoming, inclusive spaces
  • Work with local carers' organisations

Practical steps for your organisation

  • Raise staff awareness of carers and challenges
  • Implement a process to identify carers
  • Offer flexible appointments and communication
  • Create opportunities for social connection
  • Support working carers with flexible policies
  • Signpost to local wellbeing and respite support

Useful resources for signposting carers to

Information based on official Carers Week 2026 materials:

Published: Jun 5, 2026