Our Trustees
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
We are a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to supporting unpaid carers in times of need and crisis. Our team brings together a wealth of experience and expertise from various careers and disciplines within the social care sector, and a shared objective of raising the profile for unpaid carers and providing much-needed support to those who need it most.
State of unpaid care in the UK
There are estimated to be close to 10.6 million people in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who are providing unpaid care to a loved one, family member or friend. This is 1 in 7 people in the workforce ('Juggling work and care',2019 - Carers UK)
Demographics
Unpaid carers come from all backgrounds and walks of life, they are people like you and me, finding themselves in situations where they are supporting a loved one who is ill or is financially and physically dependent on them for aspects of daily living. During the years 2010 - 2020, each year 4.3 million people became an unpaid carer. This is equivalent to 12,000 people per day.
59% of unpaid carers are women, 49% are aged 46 - 65 which is during the years when they would have been accessing employment.
Without this army of unpaid carers, which is made up of many of the most under-represented groups in society, the UK Government would not sustain the impact on our present Health & Social Care systems.
Financial impact
With the cost of living crisis also taking a toll, unpaid carers face unprecedented pressure to make ends meet. In recent studies it was highlighted 25% are cutting back on essentials such as food and heating (State of Care,2022)
44% of working age adults who are delivering 35+ hours per week of care and support to a loved one are in poverty (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK Poverty 2022)
At any time, carers can face additional unforeseen costs, such as a car repair or a washing machine break-down.
The impact of being an unpaid carer has a direct bearing on an individuals ability to access work, maintain a suitable living standard and manage personal finances or home running costs
Health impact
Being an unpaid carer can significantly impact on an individuals health and wellbeing.
60% of carers report a long term health condition of their own, compared to only 50% of non-carers. (GP Patient Survey, 2021)
29% of unpaid carers experience loneliness and social isolation (State of Caring, 2022)
There is an expanding base of evidence that the vocation of caring should be considered detrimental to social and health wellbeing (Public Health England, 2021)
You can complete the State of Care Survey 2024 at State of Caring survey | Carers UK
What can The Key 2 Care Foundation can do to help?
1
Funding and Grants
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2
Practical Support
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Signposting
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Upcoming Events
Fri, 02 AugHarmony Hall
Fri, 02 AugCity Hall Conference Center
Fri, 02 AugOnline Event
Make a donation
If you would like to make a donation to the Key 2 Care Foundation to assist us in our charitable work to provide extra support or help in a crisis for an unpaid family caregiver, please complete the form below and hit the "Donate" button! Contributions of any size are gratefully received
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