Across the United Kingdom, a silent army of millions provides essential, often unpaid, care for ageing parents, relatives, and siblings. The profound impact of this work—on finances, careers, and mental health—frequently remains hidden from public view.
Now, a major call is going out to these informal caregivers. We want to hear your stories. Whether you manage complex medical needs, coordinate care from a distance, or juggle work and family commitments, your experience is vital to understanding the true state of care in the UK today.
Why Your Voice Matters
The landscape of care is shifting dramatically. An ageing population and pressures on formal social services mean families are increasingly stepping into the breach. By sharing your personal journey, you can help illuminate the realities of this crucial role, from the emotional toll to the logistical nightmares and unexpected moments of grace.
What We're Looking For
We are interested in a wide range of experiences, including but not limited to:
- The financial sacrifices made to provide care.
- The impact on your professional life and career progression.
- The emotional and psychological weight of long-term caregiving.
- The challenges of navigating the UK's health and social care systems.
- Stories of caring for a sibling with disabilities or age-related needs.
- The unique experiences of those who are 'sandwiched' between caring for children and parents simultaneously.
Your anonymity will be respected if you so wish. The goal is not to identify individuals, but to gather powerful, collective testimony that can paint a clearer picture of caregiving in modern Britain.
This is more than just a collection of stories; it is an effort to bring a critical national conversation into the open, giving a voice to those who provide care out of love and duty, often at great personal cost.
