Carers First are building carer friendly communities this Carers Week

This Carers Week (8–14 June), Carers First are celebrating this year’s theme “Building Carer Friendly Communities” by sharing how they bring carers together for wellbeing and support.

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and help people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

The theme for 2026 will highlight the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere.

Nicky cares for her 14-year-old daughter, Carly, who was diagnosed with WARS2 just last year. Her immense strength comes from years of advocating for her daughter, and for herself as a parent carer. Nicky is a member of the Carers First team and has received support from the charity.

On her role with Carers First, Nicky said: “It’s giving back – when you speak to carers (especially parent carers), I feel like I understand. A lot of the ones I speak to, I relate to them. With that the whole demeanour of that carer changes and they open up.”

She feels as though caring has only made her stronger as a person. Her determination to advocate for her daughter and herself shines through her work and in her personal life.

She added: “It made me stronger – I feel that I will fight for everything I want now. The knowledge I’ve gained is amazing. I won’t just settle for any kind of care for my daughter.”

Across the week, Carers First will be running local events, drop-ins, support groups and online sessions to help carers connect, learn and thrive.

If you're caring for someone and want to explore the support available to you, visit www.carersfirst.org.uk or call our helpline on 0300 303 1555. We’re here for carers across Medway, Lincolnshire, Essex, Southend-on-Sea, and the London Boroughs of Haringey, Waltham Forest, Croydon and Merton — both in person and online.