wales

UNPAID CARERS

Carers provide a significant contribution to society, the economy and the health and social care sector. However, caring responsibilities can have an adverse impact on the physical and mental health, education and employment potential of those who care, which can result in significantly poorer health and quality of life outcomes. Continuing to struggle without adequate support can have a lasting impact on physical and mental health and the financial well-being of carers.

Based on the 2021 census data1, 310,751 individuals in Wales identified as unpaid carers. This accounts for approximately 10.5% of the total population. Out of these carers, 181,330 were female, while 129,420 were male. Notably, the level of caregiving intensity in Wales has significantly risen, with nearly 45% of carers dedicating more than the average work week to caregiving and 34% providing care for more than 50 hours per week.

In terms of socio-economic impact, unpaid carers face a higher risk of poverty compared to the average Welsh population. According to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation, around 20% of carers fall within the most deprived quintile. Women are particularly affected, as 58% of unpaid carers in the lowest poverty quintile are female, highlighting a gender disparity in the poverty rates among carers.

The data in the census also revealed that 8,230 children aged 5 to 17 identified as unpaid carers, an increase from 2011.  Additionally, another 14,325 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 were also highlighted as carers. Carers Wales1 suggests that considering the comparative population sizes of these two groups (462,525 individuals under 18 compared to 259,545 individuals between 18 and 24), it is probable that a portion of children who act as unpaid carers are not being recognised.

The Unpaid Carers funding programme is open to applications from organisations supporting unpaid carers, especially young carers and carers of people with the conditions prioritised in our Child Development research fund. We invite applications from organisations that:

• provide a range of carer-centred support services;
• demonstrate strong links with other projects, interventions, organisations and services to ensure a holistic family support approach;
• are outcomes-focused and can measure and evaluate changes to their beneficiaries’ circumstances using meaningful monitoring methods;
• ensure participation of service users in shaping their services;
• reach a substantial number of individuals;
• proactively identify and work with the most isolated and vulnerable carers, offering sufficient and meaningful support.