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Carers Week is an annual campaign which aims to increase the visibility of caring, by highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

This year the theme is 'Caring About Equality' to highlight the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, poor mental and physical health. Carers of all-ages can miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, just because of their caring role.

Who is a carer?

According to Carers UK, a carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.

Carers UK report that, whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, it can be challenging. Caring without the right information and support can be tough, which is why it is vitally important to recognise the contribution carers make and ensure they get the support they need.

Carers experience multiple challenges which can impact their physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. In a survey conducted by Carers UK, 82% of carers said that the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge in the coming year. Of those surveyed, almost 60% said that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing.

A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older, and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.

Carers Week 2025 resources and events

More information and resources can be found on the Carers Week website, including ways to get support or join the campaign.

Get involved in local events:

The Carers Centre Brighton and Hove will once again be hosting their free annual Carers Week Carers Festival in celebration of unpaid carers in Brighton & Hove. As well as information and advice, the event will recognise the incredible efforts of unpaid carers by providing wellbeing activities to try out including reflexology, QiGong, seated yoga, a puzzle table and more.

No need to book, just come along on the day.

Wednesday 11 June

The Open Market

10:00 – 16:00

For more information about this even and other local events please visit the Carers Festival 2025 website.

Support at Sussex

Students who are carers

If you are finding balancing the requirements of your course with caring responsibilities a challenge, you can get support from:

• your school advisor – you can discuss way to make your course manageable. Speak to your School’s team to find out how to access this support
• the Student Centre – you can get confidential, pre-booked appointments (in-person or via Zoom) on a range of issues. There are also drop-in sessions, events and other activities throughout the year.
• the Students' Union – which exists to support the experience of all students, with elected Student Officers and Reps, clubs and societies, events, flexible employment opportunities and more.

Find out more about support, including parking on campus and local services on the students who are carers webpage.

Staff who are carers - Information on our carers webpages

We offer guidance for people working at Sussex who have caring responsibilities our Carer support policies webpages. You can find information on flexible working, parental and dependents leave, our Sussex Parent and Carer Staff Network, Carer Fund, childcare on campus and more.

If you identify as a carer then don’t forget you can add this information to your MyView equality data here: Welcome - MyView (sussex.ac.uk)

Sussex Parent and Carer Staff Network

The network was established in 2020 as a response to the challenges of staff balancing their professional lives with their caring responsibilities during the pandemic. Since then, network members have worked to provide a collective voice to ensure the experiences of carers are represented and respected within the University. 

Find more on the Network page: Sussex Parent and Carer Staff Network: Carers : Equality, Diversity and Inclusion : University of Sussex.

Wellbeing Support at Sussex

Sussex is dedicated to supporting your wellbeing. The range of resources and services on offer is designed to meet your needs. Whether you're looking for guidance, tools, or someone to talk to. 

• Staff Wellbeing Hub webpage

Resources available include guidance for managers, Mental Health First Aid, and the Employee Assistance Programme.