For the first time, information from the UK Census includes details of unpaid Carers by ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sex and sexual orientation, and shows 44,800 people in Cumbria aged over five years old (9.5%) provide unpaid Care – higher than the national average (8.9%).
The Office for National Statistics 2021 Census data shows more unpaid Carers are disabled than non-carers – with more than a third of unpaid Carers providing over 50 hours of care per week identifying as disabled in England.
Despite an overall reduction in the number of people saying they have a disability between the 2011 and 2021 Census, the percentage of unpaid Carers with a disability has increased since 2011 to 28 per cent in England.
Carer Support Cumbria supports unpaid Carers across Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness through the local unpaid Carer support charities.
Dani Leslie, CEO of Carer Support Carlisle and Eden said: “Having the census collecting more information about unpaid Carers provides us with robust data and highlights the specific, complex challenges people are facing.
“The recent Census also puts the estimated number of unpaid Carers at 5 million in England and Wales – this means around 9 per cent of people are providing unpaid Care for 20 or more hours per week.”
Angela Longrigg, CEO of Carer Support West Cumbria said: “This new Census data allows us to plan appropriate services and support for the people in our communities providing unpaid Carer.”
Debi Marsden, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes said: “Providing unpaid Carer when you have additional needs due to a disability yourself provides very specific challenges for people.
“We know that caring can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing, with 60 per cent of unpaid Carers having a long-term health condition compared to 50 per cent of non-carers, as shown in the Carers UK analysis of GP Patient Survey in 2021. Ensuring unpaid Carers are caring for themselves is vitally important.”
Craig Backhouse, CEO of Carer Support Furness added: “Every year 4.3 million people become unpaid Carers, according to a survey by Petrillo and Bennett last year. The fact the Census recognises unpaid Carers and now provides additional details is a good thing. However, we need to ensure these people receive the support they need.”
Carer Support Cumbria support unpaid Carers through Assessments, Support Plans, Health and Wellbeing Support, social activities and associated personal support services. Support is available by contacting your local Carer Organisation:
· Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
· Carer Support Carlisle & Eden Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
· Carer Support Furness Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
· Carer Support West Cumbria Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
