Last Updated: July 29, 2026
Under a new cross-government action plan millions of unpaid carers will be able to get recognition and support. The new action plan was published on July 14th 2026.
In England, nearly 1 in 10 people are unpaid carers. They provide invaluable help and support to their friends and family members. However, unpaid carers can experience a unique set of challenges, such as keeping up with their education or career, looking after their own health (including mental wellbeing) and difficulties taking breaks away from their caring role.
The action plan has three central pillars:
- Recognising our carers.
- Referring them to services.
- Helping them reach their potential.
Recognising carers includes making sure they are identified early, especially young carers. Once a carer is recognised as such, they can be referred to the support they need whether it’s financial support (like Carer’s Allowance), employment support (such as Carer’s leave and flexible working arrangements) or accessing health and social care services. The support offered to unpaid carers can include helping them to reach their potential or to remain in work/education. It is about helping carers to have fulfilling lives beyond their caring responsibilities.
The Government’s Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognise, refer, reach lays out 42 actions and sets out practical steps across health, social care, education, employment and social security to improve support for unpaid carers.
The action plan follows the steps the Government has already taken to support unpaid carers, such as raising the Carer’s Allowance earning limit by more than £2,750 in two years.
Commenting on the new action plan, Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, said, ‘Unpaid carers make an extraordinary contribution in our communities, caring for loved ones, often putting the needs of others before their own, and we owe them a doubt of gratitude for all they do.
‘But too many still go unseen, struggle to find support or feel caring has held back their own health, education, work or retirement.
‘Our action plan is addressing some of these challenges and is focused on helping carers reach their potential in education or work. To all unpaid and young carers across the country – this government values your contribution and is committed to building a system that recognises and supports you.’
Kirsty McHugh, CEO of Carers Trust, said, ‘This action plan has the right aims – to make it easier for carers to be identified, get support and ensure carers are properly considered across health, education and employment. All too often carers continue caring with support, despite the impact on their wellbeing, finances and future opportunities.
‘The plan is a positive step as we await the Casey Commission on Social care reform, and it must lead to tangible change for carers. That means ensuring help is available when they need it, sustained investments in the services that support them, and a long-term strategic approach that tackles the pressures carers face every day.’
Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director of Age UK, said, ‘We welcome the unpaid carers action plan as a significant step forward in the long march towards ensuring the many millions of people who care are treated fairly, and that they are offered the support they need. We think the plan’s commitment to improving the engagement of unpaid carers in hospital discharge will be especially important for many older carers.’
You can read the action plan on the .GOV website.
If you are a carer and would like to know more about the support available to you, visit www.carechoices.co.uk/services-for-carers
