This year’s theme, “Building Carer Friendly Communities”, highlights the difference that supportive workplaces, organisations and local communities can make to the lives of carers across the UK.
Representing Wave Community Bank at a Carers Week event held at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust was Tracy Cox-Horton, Financial Wellbeing and Pension Support Officer, who attended alongside Dominic Duke, Head of the Staff Carers Network, as well as representatives from Carers Support West Sussex and the NHS Carers Health Team.
Carers Week is an annual campaign that shines a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers who provide essential support to family members, friends and loved ones. While caring can be rewarding, it can also have a significant impact on health, finances and employment.
Recent figures show:
- 70% of carers have a long-term health condition
- Carers are 50% more likely to live in poverty
- 44% delay their own healthcare because of caring responsibilities
- Around 600 people leave work every day to provide care
These statistics highlight the financial pressures many carers experience. Balancing caring responsibilities with work can affect income, savings and long-term financial security, making access to affordable financial services and support more important than ever.
Carers make an invaluable contribution to families, communities and the wider economy. During Carers Week and throughout the year, Wave Community Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that help people improve their financial wellbeing and create stronger, more inclusive communities.