This week is Carers Week. Carers Week is a national campaign held each year to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise the incredible contribution they make to families and communities across the UK. It also encourages those who may not yet identify as carers to recognise their role and access support.
This year’s theme, “Caring About Equality”, shines a light on the inequalities and disadvantages unpaid carers face. We know from our day to day work at Carers of East Lothian that far too often, unpaid carers see their financial security, health, and career negatively affected by their caring role. The campaign week highlights the need for a society that values carers and ensures they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
The labour that unpaid carers in Scotland provide in their role saves the economy £15.9 billion each year. It is estimated that 20,000 people in East Lothian have unpaid caring roles. Despite their vital role, many carers feel undervalued and unsupported. That’s why campaigns like Carers Week are so important — not just to celebrate carers, but to demand greater fairness and support.
What We’re Doing at Carers of East Lothian
At Carers of East Lothian (CoEL), we support unpaid carers with everything from practical advice on benefits and paperwork, to more intensive support for those struggling to cope with the demands of full-time caring. We provide 1:1 and group support, events, training and peer to peer opportunities, as well as supporting carers to take a break from caring.
During Carers Week, we are running a wide programme of events offering carers opportunities to relax, engage in physical activities, and enjoy social connections—activities carefully chosen because they support positive mental health and wellbeing. The events offer vital time out and an opportunity to connect with other carers in similar situations.
Our wide programme of events across the county also aims to increase the visibility of unpaid care and raise awareness of Carers of East Lothian as an organisation where carers can find support.
As well as our programme of events, we will be out in the community raising awareness about unpaid care as well as promoting the campaign and CoEL’s work on social media And you might even hear us on the radio!
Carers of East Lothian’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Claire Spiden said: “COELs aim is to strive for an equal society, where carers can fulfil their own aspirations and lead a healthy and financially secure life. I am delighted we can offer such a varied programme of events which hopefully helps bring carers together and raise awareness of the huge contribution carers make to their families and communities.”
Thank You to Our Local Supporters
Our programme of events has been made possible thanks to the generosity of local organisations who’ve donated their time, resources, and spaces. Special thanks to:
Amisfield Walled Garden, Archerfield Walled Garden, East Lothian Council Plant Nursery, Foxlake Adventures, Monktonhall Golf Club, Haddington Rugby Club, and JayBird’s Larder — whose contributions show a true commitment to building carer-friendly communities.