Carers Rights Day 2026

Who is the day for?

You may regularly help a partner, relative, friend or neighbour because of illness, disability or additional support needs, while thinking of yourself simply as someone close to them. The campaign encourages people to recognise that unpaid caring role sooner. Its 2026 campaign page confirms the date and provides resources for starting those conversations.

Where can carers find useful information?

The right starting point depends on where you live and your circumstances. Carers UK’s website has separate country sections for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Select the appropriate one before relying on information about assessments, employment or financial support.

• Support with caring. Read the charity’s guide to carer’s assessments. It explains how an assessment can consider your own needs. In Scotland, the relevant process is usually an adult carer support plan; in Wales, the term carer’s needs assessment is often used.
• Work and caring. Use the employment rights guidance to explore the provisions that apply to you, including leave and flexible working. Check the country guidance rather than assuming every rule applies across the UK.
• Money and practical help. The help and advice hub links benefits information, tools and support routes. An unpaid caring role does not automatically establish entitlement to a particular payment.

A useful workplace activity

Give staff a clear, private route to find the organisation’s carers policy and speak to an appropriate contact. Check that managers know where the current guidance is, and allow people to read it without having to disclose their family circumstances at a group event.

A short information session could walk through a fictional example: someone combining work with regular appointments for a relative. Ask where they would find the policy, who they could contact and what information they would need. Identify any gaps and assign someone to fix them.

For libraries and community groups

Make a small information point with current Carers UK resources and local support contacts. Offer an accessible way to take information away, rather than expecting everyone to explain their situation in public. A quiet conversation and a clear next step may be more helpful than a large awareness display.