Carers Week 2026: Building Carer Friendly Communities in Sutton

Carers Week 2026 takes place from 8–14 June, bringing communities across the UK together under the theme Building Carer Friendly Communities.   This national awareness campaign shines a spotlight on the crucial role unpaid Carers play and the need for greater recognition, support and understanding - locally and nationally.

Across the UK, an estimated 5.8 million people (Carers UK) are providing unpaid care to family members, friends or neighbours who are living with illness, disability, mental health challenges or age‑related needs. Here in Sutton, Carers are the backbone of families and communities - often juggling caring with work, study and their own health.

What does 'Building Carer Friendly Communities' mean?

A Carer‑friendly community is one where Carers are recognised, respected and supported - not only by health and social care services, but by employers, schools, local organisations, neighbours and businesses.

This year’s Carers Week theme focuses on:

• Making Carers visible and valued

• Reducing isolation and loneliness

• Improving access to timely information and support

• Encouraging inclusive, flexible workplaces and services

• Ensuring Carers’ voices are heard in decision‑making

  
  

When communities work together, Carers are better able to maintain their wellbeing and continue caring without reaching breaking point.

The Real Impact of Caring

While caring can be deeply meaningful, it often comes with significant challenges. Studies consistently show that Carers are more likely to experience:

• Poor mental and physical health

• Financial pressure and reduced income

• Barriers to education, training and employment

• Social isolation and exhaustion

  
  

Many Carers do not identify themselves as Carers at all — which means they may miss out on vital support. Raising awareness during Carers Week helps ensure Carers know they are not alone and that help is available.

How Sutton Carers Centre Supports Carers

At Sutton Carers Centre, we are committed to building a Carer‑friendly borough where Carers feel supported all year round.

We offer a wide range of services, including:

• Information, advice and signposting

• Emotional wellbeing and support

• Peer support groups for Adult Carers, Young Carers

• Practical advice, informal advocacy and benefits support

• Respite activities, workshops and training focused on wellbeing and self-development

  
  

Carers Week is an opportunity to highlight these services and encourage Carers to reach out — whether they are new to caring or have been caring for many years.

What’s Happening During Carers Week 2026?

During Carers Week 2026, Sutton Carers Centre will be hosting and supporting a range of activities and awareness‑raising events designed to:

• Celebrate and recognise Carers

• Share information about Carers’ rights and support

• Offer opportunities to connect with other Carers

• Promote wellbeing and self‑care

  
  

📌 Please keep an eye on our website, newsletters and social media channels for full details of activities happening throughout the week.

A message to Carers in Sutton

To every Carer in Sutton: your contribution matters. You are making a difference every day, often quietly and without recognition.

Carers Week 2026 is a chance for everyone - Carers, professionals, employers, families and communities - to work together to build truly Carer‑friendly communities where Carers feel seen, supported and valued.

If you are a Carer and haven’t yet connected with Sutton Carers Centre, we encourage you to get in touch. Support is available, and you don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to ask for help.

If you are a Carer and want to register just give us a call or register online here, and if you are a professional or just want to know more about our work, contact us!

This Carers Week, let’s come together to recognise Carers and continue building a more supportive, inclusive Sutton - for Carers today and in the future.