The impact our work makes to the lives of carers

Adult Carer Unpaid

"I am completely shattered trying to juggle caring for my father. I have no other help and I am exhausted. We have been unable to find a private carer."

Adult carer Unpaid

“I am at home very worried about the lack of money in the future if he has to go into care.”

Parent carer Unpaid

“My daughter, who I care for, has Covid, she's being treated at home as she's high risk, she's been given anti-viral drugs and an oxygen monitor, I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel at the moment.”

Jacqui Orchard CEO of The Carers’ Centre

“These latest figures demonstrate a huge under-representation of the growing number of young carers that we are seeing at The Carers’ Centre. Over the last few years, the demand for our young carer service alone has increased by over 30%.”

Why we're here

We are here for the friends and families helping their loved ones get the best out of life.

Looking after a partner, friend or family member due to old age, illness, disability, mental health problem or an addiction can be a very rewarding experience. However without the right support in place it can take a toll on our physical and mental wellbeing.

Group of young carers smiling at the camera
Man and woman with life jackets on smiling at the camera

What we do

We work to improve the lives of unpaid carers across Bath and North East Somerset. We do this by supporting carers to have what they need to stay well, in control and feel connected.

This means listening to carers, amplifying their voices and putting them at the heart of our work. It’s providing free wellbeing activities so they can take some time away from their caring role. It’s helping them navigate a complex health and social care system, offering financial guidance and employment advice. It’s giving them a safe and supportive space to come together.

What we want to achieve

The Carers’ Centre supports carers at every stage of their journey, but to remain sustainable, accessible and relevant for future generations, we must work together. This means embracing new digital opportunities, reaching a greater number of communities, and creating diverse streams of income.

According to the 2021 census, over 19,600 people or 10% of our Bath and North East Somerset community — identified themselves as carers. Many more are providing support to family members, friends, or neighbours, often viewing it as simply "helping out." In fact, three in five of us will care for someone at some point in our lives, and it’s likely we all know someone who is caring right now. Caring is truly everyone’s responsibility.

Carers, both present and future, deserve to be recognised, valued, and supported by decision-makers, professionals, and those around them. We can't achieve this without the commitment of our dedicated supporters and volunteers.

Woman laughing looking at someone off camera while doing crafts