Enabling, empowering and enriching the lives of carers
The Board of Trustees of Southwark Carers would like to send their heartfelt wishes and thanks to all carers in Southwark and beyond.
Once seen as a personal and private matter in family/community life, unpaid caring has become one of the most important social and economic policy issues in this country, and indeed globally. Without unpaid carers health and social care systems, around the world, would collapse. Three out of five people in the UK will become carers at some point in their lives and may not even recognise themselves as such.
Although caring can be rewarding, it can, as we all know, impact on many aspects of our lives as physical, mental, social, emotional, economic, consequently it is vital that carers receive external support and recognition for their valuable contribution to society.
We take every opportunity to highlight what we, as carers, do daily, and making visible our valuable contribution to our cared for person/s and to the NHS, social care and to the whole country.
Carers save the economy £162 billion every year. This equates to a saving to the national economy of £23,143 per carer approximately. There are an estimated between 26,000 to 44,000 carers in Southwark. These are individuals who have recognised their caring role. Carers save the local economy between £601,718,000 and just over £1 billion per annum.
Please know that the staff team and the Board at Southwark Carers invite and welcome any new carers, particularly those who may be struggling on their own, to get in touch and register with us. So those of you reading this message who might know of any hidden or invisible carers, please encourage them to make contact.
With all good wishes,
Mary Jacob
Chair
Are you a carer?
A carer is someone who is unpaid, and looks after the elderly, sick, disabled, mentally ill or otherwise infirm or vulnerable. Many people do not recognise themselves as carers. They are family, friends or neighbours doing what needs to be done to maintain the quality of life for those they are looking after.
They may not realise the support that is available to help them in their caring role.
Carol works full time.“My mother is elderly and is unable to manage on her own. I spend my evenings and weekends with her. Am I a carer?”
Yes
Ahmad’s wife is diabetic and has a heart condition. Ahmad has given up his job to look after his wife full time, is he a carer?
Yes
Esther: “I am a single mum. I work part time and look after my three children on my own. Am I a carer?”
No
Rachel’s son has schizophrenia. “I need to be around for my son and keep an eye on him, am I a carer?”
Yes
News & Events
- 27th March 2026
- 5-6pm
Please find attached information regarding our AGM which will be held on Friday 27th…
- 24th & 25th February
