It takes a community

Carers Week 2026 has been an opportunity to have some fun and come together, while also shining a spotlight on the challenges carers face and the invaluable role they play. But awareness alone is not enough – we need to take action.

Building carer-friendly communities requires individuals, employers, community organisations, businesses and government to all play a part.

We know many people will become carers at some point during their lifetime. Your day to day world can transform in an instant whether through a sudden illness, an accident or the natural progression of aging. So it’s really important we all pay attention.

Many carers say that one of the most challenging aspects of caring is feeling invisible or isolated.

Here are some easy steps you can take today to help carers:

• Check in regularly 
• Offer practical help like collecting shopping, giving a lift, or sitting with a loved one while someone takes a break.
• Take the time to listen without judgement.
• Learn more about the realities of caring and challenge assumptions about what carers need.

Sometimes, simply asking “How are you?” and genuinely listening to the answer can have a big impact.

Workplaces play a crucial role in supporting carers.

Many employees balance work alongside substantial caring responsibilities, often without disclosing their situation. Creating a culture where carers feel comfortable seeking support is essential.

Steps organisations can take are:

• Developing carer-friendly workplace policies.
• Offering flexible working arrangements.
• Training managers to recognise and respond to carers’ needs.
• Establishing employee networks or peer support groups for carers.
• Signposting staff to relevant information and support services.

Beyond the workplace, community organisations, charities, healthcare providers, and local groups can work together to improve awareness and make services more accessible to carers.

Government and local authorities also have a role.

Policy has the power to remove barriers and create the conditions for long-term change.

This includes:

• Ensuring carers are identified earlier and connected to support.
• Improving access to respite and replacement care.
• Strengthening financial support for carers facing economic hardship.
• Embedding carers’ voices in service design and decision-making.
• Supporting employers to adopt carer-friendly practices.
• Investing in local community infrastructure that reduces isolation and improves wellbeing.

Imagine a world where carers do not have to repeatedly explain their circumstances, where employers understand flexibility is not a perk but a necessity, where services are designed with carers in mind from the outset and where neighbours, friends, and local organisations know how to offer support.

This is achievable, but only if awareness is followed by action.

If you are a member of our community, a business owner, a policymaker or involved in a community organisation, take the time to think about what you can do to make a change.

To find out more about North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, visit our website.